Advise on Magical Trips from Kyparissi-Peloponnese

Hi all!

I am going in July 1-11 for a climbing trip with my husband in Kyparissi/Leonides in the Peloponnese in Greece.

From the 11-14 (3 nights) my husband and I would love to visit some islands and magical places (could be in the mountains or beaches). We are down to put some extra money on it and indulge as well (maybe a boat?).

I understand this time of year is a madhouse no matter where we go. We are planning on driving back to Athens on the 14th and were hoping for some recommendations for those 3 days in between. We are more about relaxing, eating good food, and enjoying the culture than partying or going out.

Any special places or islands to recommend that we can go from Kyparissi?

Thank you in advance :)

You can't go to any island from Kyparissi, which is lovely but quite isolated (was there last year). You could go to the island of Kythira out of Neapoli, or to some of the Saronical islands from ports in Argolis.
Don't overlook the mainland with Monemvassia on the coast and Mystras in the interior, Mani peninsula too.
Will you have your own wheels?

Artemis2,
Thank you for the suggestions!
I was just looking at Mani and Monemvassia! Do you suggest one day in Monemvassia is enough? Then one night in Mani, following by Mystras on the way to Athens for anotehr night?
We've got our own wheels :)

Monemvassia isn't exactly huge, one day would be 'enough'. Mani, on the other hand, is a large peninsula. 'One night in Mani' is perhaps a bit over-optimistic (the -accesible- scenic part of Mani is the NW, some hours driving distance from Monemvassia), you would spend a lot of your time driving.

Thanks Billy!

Any particular spot that would be good as a home base in Mani for two-3 nights?

My apologies for the delayed answer.
Kardamyli is a good choice, low-profile and very scenic with a nice beach and excellent food (ask for Lela's!). Day-trip destinations are the Diros cave (it is regarded as the most beautiful in Greece) over Oitylo and Limeni, the forest of Vassiliki (if you're not fed up with mountains), or the route Altomira - Rizana - Pigadia (now uninhabited, but one of the top 4 mountain routes in Greece, according to Road Editions). For something more serious, there is the Rindomo gorge - but then, you wanted to relax, so maybe next time...

Oops, I forgot this thread too.

I agree with Billy that Kardamyli would be a good base though the beach is pebbly and a walk out of the centre.
We very much enjoyed staying in Hotel Varda there last year. It's a bit up on the slope but very quiet. Our large and comfy studio there had 2 balconies, one in the front with wonderful views on the sea and on the 'old village' below and another one on the backside for when it is too hot on the front side.
They are on booking.com (where you can have a look) but better book directly (if interested), you will get a better rate that way and they never put more than 1 room available on booking.

We also enjoyed staying in Selena Studios in Oitylo. It is a bit more remote but what a private terrace we had and what views! For getting to the a beach you'd need to drive a bit from there, but they also have a pool.

Don't miss Areopoli with a very fine historical centre. Best in the early morning or in the evening for dining since it becomes terribly hot there during the day.

When visiting Mystra (highly recommended) go very early as well. The site is huge and involves some climbing up and down, and will become very hot during the day in July.

@billytheliar
Regarding Lela's in Kardamyli, when have you been? Since Lela is not cooking there anymore! I've been there years ago before it became a local hype and when the food was truly exceptionally delicious there. Last year and without Lela the food was acceptable, but not what it used to be and not to really write home about anymore. But for the setting alone I would still recommend a meal in the place, preferably dinner when the sun goes down :)

If you want to see one of the nicest beaches in Greece, you could take the ferry across from Neapoli or Pounta to Elafonisos. Simos beach is probably the nicest beach I have been too. It has become much more popular over the years but it is big enough that you can find your own little spot somewhere. The Ferry runs every 30 min so you don't have to wait long to get across. The village is pretty laid back with tables right beside the water. You can get really good fish and seafood here.

On the way back to Athens you can try Nafplion, Mystras, or even Olympia. If you don't mind taking a longer route back, you can cross the Rio bridge close to Patra and stay in Delphi. Very nice drive and Delphi is not super busy in the summer. There is a large archaeological site here with a museum and hiking trails.

Thank you, this is a great tip ;)

Thank you Artemis2 and @billytheliar , super helpful!
Kardamyli is pretty much overbooked for the the 2-3 nights I was hoping to stay there.
Instead, I was able to find something very nice in Limeni. It is a little too small village then what I was hoping for but we can drive to Areopoli in the evening.

@artemis
Guilty as charged!
One of the painful moments you realise you're getting old: what seems to be just yesterday is actually a couple of years old...

I see what you mean Billy ;)

Cluana, Limeni indeed is tiny.. It also gets quite busy in the evenings since it is a popular place for dining with several tavernas and a nice sunset from there. Parking could be an issue because of that if your accommodation has no private parking space.
Agios Nikolaos is also a nice village, bigger than Limeni..

I now see that i misspelled the 2 places i mentioned above. It is Hotel Vardia and Selana Studios

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