This post is about a beautiful hike to Lepida Waterfall and Oria Castle in Parnon. Parnon is one of the most important mountains in the western Peloponnese (Arcadia) with a peak of 1,934 meters. It constitutes the backbone of the second (easternmost) peninsula, the one leading to the cape Maleas. At the northern part of Parnon, in the area named Kynouria, and at the top of a 1000 m peak, is located the Oria castle.
The castle was built during the Frankish rule, (following the crusaders’ conquest of the Byzantine empire in 1204) by William II de Villehardouin, in 1256, to control the disobedient Tsakonians living in the region’s mountains. Its Frankish name was “Estella”. Shortly after its construction it passed into the hands of the Byzantines. It was taken by the Venetians in 1407 and finally by the Ottomans in 1467.
“Oria” is derived from the Greek word “Oraia” meaning Fair Lady. Gradually, the castle was linked to a legend, known in many parts of Greece, according to which the castle, owned by a beautiful noblewoman, was conquered by the Ottomans after a 12-year-long siege, leading the noblewoman to kill herself falling over the cliff.
Exploring the castle, despite its current state of disrepair, offers a charming hiking experience, especially during the springtime when the blossoming fruit trees add to the beauty of the surroundings.
Additionally, be sure to include a visit to the nearby Lepida waterfall in the Lepida Gorge, where you can enjoy a revitalizing swim in the refreshing cold-water pond. Despite the rather short length (500 meters) of the Lepida Gorge, two waterfalls, one 70 meters and one 45 meters high, run through its course.
Name Tip: Lepida translates to blade, which describes the waterfall’s cascading force!
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Lepida Waterfall and Oria Castle Hike Information
In this post, you will find information on an 8,5 km long hike starting at the asphalt road linking the villages of Agios Petros (St. Peter) and Agios Ioannis (St. John) passing from the Oria castle and the Lepida waterfall and ending close to Platanos village. As this is not a circular trek you will need to arrange transportation from Platanos back to the trailhead. I have also added a short video of the Oria Castle and the Lepida Waterfall.
Technical information for the Oria Castle-Lepida Waterfall Hike
- Trail: 8,5 km.
- Elevation: From 475 m to 1.000 m
- Elevation gain: 345 m, Elevation loss: 670 m.
- Total Time: About 5.00’ hours including pauses and swimming time at the waterfall.
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate, mainly due to the steep descent from the castle.
- Terrain: The first 2,2 km are on a flat earth road. Then you will enter an easy path also crossing 2 small water streams. Gradually the path becomes steeper, especially the last 300 m to the top. The most difficult part is the first 700 m of the descent. The last 1,5 km is also a descending path although less steep than the one close to the top.
- Best time to hike: All year round. Spring is probably the best season as the trees are blooming, the grass is green and the temperature is moderate. During summer the waterfall dries up. However, during wet weather, particularly near the peak, it’s important to exercise caution as the trails may become muddy and slippery. We hiked in early April 2024.
- Participation Requirements: Not demanding under good weather conditions. However, good physical condition is required due to the steep parts of the trail.
- Gear: Good hiking boots. Ηiking poles will be useful near the top, especially for the descent. Avoid shorts as you will often have to walk off-path, among trees and bushes. Do not forget your hat and sunscreen, if you hike in sunny weather, as the vegetation is rather low and does not offer much shade.
- Water: You will not find a water source on the trail, so take enough water with you (1.5 lt).
Hiking to Lepida Waterfall Break Down
The starting point is an earth road starting from the asphalt road linking the villages of Agios Petros and Agios Ioannis, less than 3 km from the latter. (Google Earth coordinates: 37⁰ 21’ 31,55” N, 22⁰ 36’ 34” E). It takes almost 3 hours (205 km) to reach the trailhead from the centre of Athens. During the last 30’ the road will be quite winding but very scenic.
You will cross the villages of Kastri and Agios Petros. Fifteen minutes before reaching the trailhead you will pass by the important (and rich) monastery of Malevi. It is built around a small church dating from the late 12th century. This church is the only part worth visiting.
From the trailhead you may already see, in the SE direction, the peak where the castle was built (indicated with a blue arrow).
After approximately 600 m on the trail, you will reach a crossroad. You will disregard the red arrow pointing left, painted on a rock, and will choose the right-hand side road.
You will turn right again, some 800 meters down the road, after crossing a small stream. Some 700 m later turn left.
and in about 100 m you will leave the earth road turning right in the direction of the water stream.
From the third kilometre, the slope increases and the path becomes less visible.
Approaching the top, the slope increases even more and in the last meters, you may need to slightly scramble.
Going through a small gate you will reach the inner part of the castle and its highest point at almost 1.000 m of altitude.
From that point you will enjoy a beautiful view down to the bay of Argolida.
The descent starts heading to the north. It is rather steep about 700 m with some loose stones. On a couple of occasions, you will need to also use your hands. Be extra careful if the soil is muddy as it can be extremely slippery.
Finishing this descent leg, you will turn right to the east. There will be one more descending part before seeing the waterfall on your left.
If the temperature is inviting, don’t miss the opportunity to swim in the pond and to feel the revitalizing properties of a waterfall shower.
From that point, the asphalt road is 2,3 km away including 300 m of steep descent. The asphalt road intersection is some 2 km away from Platanos village.
Wikiloc Record for Lepida Waterfall
Here you can find the Wikiloc record named “Aghios Ioannis – Oria castle – Lepida waterfalls – Platanos.
Where to Stay for Lepida Waterfall Hike
The area is very beautiful and it is really worth spending a night in Agios Petros village. There are a few accommodation options and due to its 950 m of altitude, the village can offer a cool break from the heat in the summer.
I suggest you stay either at Malevos Traditional Houses (mid-range, family-friendly) a beautiful stone-built property in Agios Petros, or at Anastasia’s Home (mid-range, family-friendly) a quaint traditional house with a lovely garden in Oria village.
How to Get to Parnon from Athens
Agios Petros village in the Parnon mountain range of the Peloponnese is 205 km from Athens by car. You can head south towards Corinth and then turn left towards Tripoli. Stay on this road until you reach the exit towards Agios Petros village in the Parnon mountain range.
Another option is to drive to Nafplion and then follow the scenic route along the Argolic Gulf towards Astros village. Along the way, you can explore the charming seafront villages, adding a beautiful coastal experience to your trip.
Popular Trails in Greece
Hiking in Greece is a blast! You’ve got everything from the wild northern Pindus mountains, Olympus, Vikos Gorge, and Meteora to the Menalon Trail, Taygetus, and Vouraikos Gorge in the Peloponnese. And don’t forget the killer island trails with views of the Aegean and Ionian Seas. It’s a hiker’s dream come true!
What are you waiting for? Pack up and discover Greece through hiking!
Did you hike to Oria Castle and Lepida Waterfall? Let me know what you think about the trail in the comments, I’d love to hear whether I managed to get it onto your bucket list!
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