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Common description
Only 3 hours by car from Athens, you reach this village nestled between the sea and the mount Parnon.
Just behind the town stands the 250-metre reddish limestone wall, which is making Leonidio a paradise for climbing lovers.
The town of Leonidio is situated at the end of the Dafnon Gorge, a long narrow fissure that follows the Dafnon River through the mountains. Leonidio stretches along the wide river bed in a labyrinth of narrow streets and houses.
The wider area of Leonidio is historically called Tsakonia and the inhabitants Tsakones. The Tsakones are considered the direct descendants of the Dorians. These people isolated in their remote area have managed to preserve their authentic traditions and customs. The singular language of this area is called "tsakoniki" and is a special dialect that derives from the Doric dialect in continuity with the ancient Greek language. Even Greeks who come from other places find it difficult to understand this special language, which is believed to be today the oldest language in the world! It is spoken and written by about 2,000 people in this area.
In the fertile plain around Leonidio, the sweet eggplant - to be precise - tsakóniki, DOP product grows.
There are many aubergine plantations here, the ideal soil and weather conditions are responsible for the sweet taste of this purple aubergine. Locals make a wide range of delicacies from these eggplants, such as sweet eggplant jam or pickled eggplant. Every August the famous “Tsakoniki Eggplant Festival” takes place in Plaka, the port of Leonidio. In this festival you can enjoy the traditional dances of the area and of course the aubergine competition, where famous chefs from Greece and abroad award the best dish with aubergines.
Just behind the town stands the 250-metre reddish limestone wall, which is making Leonidio a paradise for climbing lovers.
The town of Leonidio is situated at the end of the Dafnon Gorge, a long narrow fissure that follows the Dafnon River through the mountains. Leonidio stretches along the wide river bed in a labyrinth of narrow streets and houses.
The wider area of Leonidio is historically called Tsakonia and the inhabitants Tsakones. The Tsakones are considered the direct descendants of the Dorians. These people isolated in their remote area have managed to preserve their authentic traditions and customs. The singular language of this area is called "tsakoniki" and is a special dialect that derives from the Doric dialect in continuity with the ancient Greek language. Even Greeks who come from other places find it difficult to understand this special language, which is believed to be today the oldest language in the world! It is spoken and written by about 2,000 people in this area.
In the fertile plain around Leonidio, the sweet eggplant - to be precise - tsakóniki, DOP product grows.
There are many aubergine plantations here, the ideal soil and weather conditions are responsible for the sweet taste of this purple aubergine. Locals make a wide range of delicacies from these eggplants, such as sweet eggplant jam or pickled eggplant. Every August the famous “Tsakoniki Eggplant Festival” takes place in Plaka, the port of Leonidio. In this festival you can enjoy the traditional dances of the area and of course the aubergine competition, where famous chefs from Greece and abroad award the best dish with aubergines.
What to do?
Leonidio offers some fantastic experiences that you can enjoy in every season:
Explore the nearby monasteries perched in incredible positions;
visit the farms where aubergines and tomatoes are grown which, thanks to the mild and sheltered climate, grow here all year round; the local craftsmanship with the colorful embroideries of the women of the Leonidio association;
we observe how olive oil is produced or we participate in a cooking class of traditional desserts which we will then eat;
try the experience of climbing in complete safety with qualified instructors; hear the stories of people that have been passed down for centuries; visit the traditional houses of the villages in the area; Really fascinating Trekking and Hiking routes not to mention the bike pedaling on an authentic Greek landscape where the traffic disappears and the buzz of the city remains a distant memory.
Finally, don't forget that we overlook the Aegean sea, fantastic beaches and crystal clear water, how can you resist a dip in the sea?
Explore the nearby monasteries perched in incredible positions;
visit the farms where aubergines and tomatoes are grown which, thanks to the mild and sheltered climate, grow here all year round; the local craftsmanship with the colorful embroideries of the women of the Leonidio association;
we observe how olive oil is produced or we participate in a cooking class of traditional desserts which we will then eat;
try the experience of climbing in complete safety with qualified instructors; hear the stories of people that have been passed down for centuries; visit the traditional houses of the villages in the area; Really fascinating Trekking and Hiking routes not to mention the bike pedaling on an authentic Greek landscape where the traffic disappears and the buzz of the city remains a distant memory.
Finally, don't forget that we overlook the Aegean sea, fantastic beaches and crystal clear water, how can you resist a dip in the sea?