Levidi – Ostrakina Summit | Wanderlust Peaks Project

On Sunday, October 11, 2026, we will hike from Levidi to the summit of Ostrakina at 1,981 metres, taking on one of the most demanding ascents of the Wanderlust Peaks Project!

In the heart of mountainous Arcadia, Mount Mainalo stands out for its extensive fir forests, open mountain slopes and strong mythological identity. Our route begins in Levidi and follows a continuous uphill course towards Ostrakina, the highest summit of Mount Mainalo.

This is a demanding mountain route of approximately 10 kilometres, with about 1,100 metres of elevation gain, combining dense fir forest, a sustained ascent and open mountain terrain. Starting from Levidi, we will climb towards the Mount Mainalo Refuge before continuing to the summit of Ostrakina. After reaching our goal, we will return to the refuge, where the hike will be completed.

🔶 What You Will Experience

Starting from Levidi, you will gradually make your way from the lower forested sections towards the higher mountain zone of Mainalo. The continuous ascent through the fir forest will eventually give way to open mountain slopes and increasingly rugged terrain as we approach the summit.

At 1,981 metres, we will reach Ostrakina and, weather permitting, enjoy panoramic views across mountainous Arcadia and the surrounding peaks of the Peloponnese. After reaching the summit, we will return to the Mount Mainalo Refuge, completing a rewarding day filled with memorable scenery, physical challenge and an authentic connection with the mountain.

🔶 Route Highlights

• Ascent to the summit of Ostrakina at 1,981 metres
• Approximately 1,100 metres of elevation gain
• Hiking through the characteristic fir forest of Mount Mainalo
• Transition from dense woodland to open mountain terrain
• Panoramic views across mountainous Arcadia and the peaks of the Peloponnese
• Passage through and completion of the route at the Mount Mainalo Refuge

🔶 Why Choose This Experience

• It is one of the most rewarding ascents of the Wanderlust Peaks Project
• It leads to the highest summit of Mount Mainalo
• It offers a complete mountain hiking experience with significant elevation gain
• It combines dense fir forest, open slopes and authentic mountain scenery
• It is organised for a limited number of participants, ensuring better group cohesion and safer movement on the mountain
• It marks the beginning of our exploration of the summits of mountainous Arcadia
• It concludes with a stop for a meal at a local taverna

🔶 Wanderlust Peaks Project

The ascent to Ostrakina is part of the second year of the Wanderlust Peaks Project — a series of carefully selected mountain ascents to summits across Greece, focusing on immersive experiences, proper preparation, teamwork and a safe approach to the mountain environment.

Ostrakina marks the beginning of a new chapter of the Wanderlust Peaks Project dedicated to the summits of mountainous Arcadia. It will be the first in a series of ascents through which we will gradually explore other selected peaks in the region, discovering the distinctive character and natural beauty of the Arcadian mountains.

Participants who complete the first section from Levidi to the Mount Mainalo Refuge but do not wish or are unable to continue with the final ascent to the summit of Ostrakina will have the option to remain at the refuge and wait for the rest of the group to return.

The distance from Levidi to the refuge is approximately 6.2 km, with about 750 metres of elevation gain. Therefore, even participants who choose not to continue to the summit must have good physical fitness and sufficient stamina to complete this demanding uphill section.

The maximum number of participants for this activity is limited to 35, helping ensure smooth group movement, a high-quality experience and the safety of everyone involved.

🔶 Mythology & History of Mount Mainalo

Mount Mainalo holds a special place in the mythology of Arcadia. Its dense forests, springs and mountain landscapes were associated with Pan, the god and protector of the wilderness and pastoral life, as well as with Artemis, the Nymphs and the Dryads.

Since antiquity, the natural landscape of Mainalo has been an integral part of Arcadian tradition and has helped shape the enduring image of Arcadia as a place of freedom, authenticity and close connection with nature. This mythical identity remains alive today throughout the mountain’s fir forests and summits.

🔶 Participation Requirements

This activity is graded B+ towards C and is intended for participants with very good physical fitness and previous experience on demanding mountain hiking routes.

• Very good physical fitness and stamina
• Previous experience on mountain ascents of a similar difficulty
• Ability to maintain a steady pace on a continuous and sustained uphill route
• Confidence moving across uneven, rocky and open mountain terrain
• Hiking or mountaineering boots with good grip
• Trekking poles
• A waterproof jacket and clothing suitable for autumn and changing mountain conditions
• Sufficient water and food for the duration of the route

The option to remain at the refuge applies only to the final section of the ascent towards the summit of Ostrakina. All participants must have the required level of fitness to complete the uphill route from Levidi to the Mount Mainalo Refuge.

The decision to continue towards the summit will be made at the refuge in consultation with the guides, taking into account the participant’s physical condition, the progress of the group and the prevailing weather conditions.

Participation is not recommended for anyone without the necessary physical fitness or previous mountain hiking experience.

🔶 Practical Information

• Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
• Area: Mount Mainalo – Mountainous Arcadia
• Route: Levidi – Mount Mainalo Refuge – Ostrakina Summit – Mount Mainalo Refuge
• Total distance: approximately 10 km
• Elevation gain: approximately 1,100 m
• Estimated hiking duration: approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, including the necessary breaks
• Difficulty level: B+ towards C
• Meeting point: Agios Antonios Metro Station
• Meeting time: 06:40
• Departure time: 07:00
• Maximum number of participants: 35
• Booking: advance payment is required – payment instructions will be sent by email

🔶 After the Hike

After the hike, and provided that the progress of the activity and the available time allow it, we may stop for a meal at a local taverna before returning to Athens.

🔶 Included

• Coach transportation
• 80gr cereal bar and 500ml aloe vera juice by Naturals
• Guide fees
• Group first-aid kit
• Professional public liability insurance
• Satellite communication system (Iridium)
• VHF radio communication

🔶 Not Included

• Food and drinks at the taverna
• Personal expenses
• Anything not expressly mentioned in the “Included” section

🔶 Useful Links

• What to Bring on a Day Hike – The Ultimate Hiking Equipment Guide
• Understanding Hiking Difficulty Levels – Beginner to Advanced Trail Guide
• How to Clean and Re-Waterproof Your Hiking Rain Jacket