Beaces:
The house is less than 1 mile from 3 sandy beaches, and a short drive from many more.
Stoupa beach stretches around a wide bay. There are beds and umbrellas for hire, but otherwise the only shade is in the tavernas and bars all along the sea front. The sea is warm enough to swim comfortably from March to November. In August, it can be quite busy.
Kalogria beach is featured in all the tour operator brochures and gets very busy. It has gently shelving fine sand ideal for young families, and is fringed with tamarisk trees, tavernas and trendy bars for those who want some shade. The bars are ideal for the young at heart who wish to show off their tan, their taste in upbeat music or their backgammon skill. The sea is cooled by natural springs of mountain water, but therefore can be bracing in April and October. There are pedaloes and kayaks for hire, as well as beds and umbrellas. There is quite often a game of volley ball on the beach and versions of bat’n’ball.
Walks from the house:
A short walk from the house takes you up Lefktra the acropolis overlooking Stoupa and Lefktro - there was a ruined temple up here in 2nd century AD when Pausanias visited. There are still a few ruins - but probably from a more recent castle as this was the fortified acropolis for the villages.
There are lots of flowers, and lovely views in all directions.
3 kilometres South of Stoupa is the bustling fishing village of Agios Nikalaios. There is a good coastal path that goes along the cliff tops and then through clumps of sage and sweet smelling gorse.In Agios Nikalaios you will be rewarded with a pleasant meal at one of the tavernas overlooking the harbour.
Kardamili:
15 minutes drive or the regular bus up the coast takes you to the dignified town of Kardamili. There are good walks from here up to little villages such as Proastio, Petrovouni and Agia Sofia. Again the walks follow the donkey paths and are very well signposted and trail marked. Even so it is worth buying the excellent hiking maps.
'Old Kardamili' is slightly above the town and is well worth a visit in itself with ruined tower and grand church set above the dried up river bed. The tower has been restored and now houses a charming museum.
From Old Kardamili you can take the path to Agia Sofia or you can follow the river bed up to the Viros gorge (15 km long and its not easy walking). From Agia Sofia, you can follow a good path round to Petrovouni and back down to Kardamili - a 2 hour round circuit.
marks the location of the property in Messinia
