Poulithra combines pebble beaches and coastal paths with a history stretching back to antiquity. This rural coastal settlement and tourist destination lies in eastern Arcadia on the Myrtoan Sea. When planning your visit, you can focus on two different aspects: the coast, with its named paths and beaches, or the historical sites around Vigla and Polichni.

A Coastal Settlement with a Preserved Townscape

Poulithra was designated a traditional settlement in 1998 and has preserved its traditional colours and architecture. This aspect adds a cultural perspective to its coastal character: the townscape is as much a part of Poulithra’s identity as the sea and the beaches. Those interested in the settlement can therefore pay attention both to its coastal location and to its traditional building style.

Pebble Beaches and Paths by the Sea

The beaches in Poulithra are pebble beaches. A coastal path starts at the harbour and runs through the bay of Agios Georgios. The path from Poulithra to St George passes through olive and carob trees and by the beaches of Avdella, Schoinos and Apothikes. The coast is therefore defined both by the nature of its beaches and by specific landscape features along the route.

The named beaches provide distinct landmarks along the route, while olive and carob trees feature in other sections of its description. If you plan to walk the route, check local trail conditions before setting out. The information gives the starting point and route but does not specify a walking time or difficulty level.

Vigla and Sites from Different Periods

Vigla is a hill 159 metres high, overlooking the bay of Poulithra. A square watchtower, five metres on each side, was built at its summit in the Middle Ages. An ancient castle also stands on Vigla. The remains of the ancient settlement there are enclosed by a substantial wall built using pseudo-isodomic and pseudo-polygonal masonry.

The western wall of the ancient settlement is dated to the last quarter of the 4th century BC. Vigla thus features architectural remains from different periods: the medieval watchtower on the one hand, and the ancient castle and settlement remains on the other. The masonry technique and cautious dating provide specific architectural and chronological points of reference for the history of the hill.

Another site associated with ancient history is the Acropolis of Polichni. It is located on the hill beside the harbour of Poulithra. For orientation, it helps to distinguish this named site by the harbour from the remains on Vigla: the descriptions refer to different places, each with its own historical details.

An Annual Festival in Honour of Saint George

The church festival in honour of Saint George is an important event for the people of Poulithra. Every year, they travel there by land and by boat across the sea. The festival is therefore a recurring occasion associated both with land routes and with crossing the sea. If you wish to plan your trip around it, confirm the date in advance.

Choosing Between the Coast and Local History

The coast and the historical sites may appeal to different interests during your stay: the coastal paths pass through named landscape areas and by pebble beaches, while the information about Vigla and Polichni offers an architectural and historical perspective on the area. If you choose a focus, you do not need to fit every topic into a single itinerary. You can explore Poulithra through its coast or its history, depending on what interests you most during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Paralio Astros, Koutroufa, Isaris, Nestani, Spatharis, Arcadia, Manthirea, Kamara.

Return to the main travel overview: Arcadia.