Unmissable Achilles Estate
Our guide to the local secret gems...
Towns & Villages
KARDAMILI
Kardamili is one of the most charming villages in the Peloponnese. In Greek legend it was one of 7 cities offered to Achilles by Agamemnon to tempt him from his tent. The village has a long beach, delicious tavernas and an international jazz festival every May.
KITRIES
A small fishing village with 2 seafront tavernas.
PIGI
An enchanting village with tiny roads- you may wish to park up and explore on foot! The only taverna has wonderful views and special Greek dancing nights.
Dining & Drinks
Gaitanaros
Waterfront taverna serving delicious seafood.
Kitries | facebook.com/gaitanaros | +30 2721 058370
Mimis
Go at sunset, serves delicious simple Greek fare. No formal menu, the waiter can tell you what’s best on the day.
Kitries | facebook.com/Mimis.Kitries
Tikla Cuzina
Stylish restaurant on the waterfront.
Kardimili | +30 2721 073223
Lela’s Taverna
For several years Lela was the cook at Joan & Patrick Leigh Fermor’s house, till she opened this wonderful restaurant with her two sons Georgio and Stavros. Best known for it’s traditional dishes created with the familys’ own olive oil, free-range meat and herbs picked from the slopes of Mt. Taygetos.
lelastaverna.com | +30 697 7716017
Lola’s Frozen Yogurt
Lovely little coffee shop with great choice of home made cakes and ice creams. Children will love it.
Kardmili | facebook.com/LolaFrozenYogurt
Gialos Kardimili
Simple, delicious and generous food served on the waterfront with the beach below- perfect for children who don’t want to sit still for long lunches.
Kardimili | +30 2721 073278 | gialoskardamili.business.site
Harilaos Restaurant
More fine dining than the traditional tavenas. Deliciously fresh fish esecially the ceviche sea bream.
Kardimili | +30 2721 073373
Hobo’s on Santova Beach
The coolest bar playing great music all day and into the early hours.
Santova Beach | facebook.com/hobobeachbarkalamata
See & Do
Beaches
The Mani has a coastline of hidden coves and beaches, some rocky, some pebbly, some with sand. The long beach at Santova has beach bars and full-moon parties in the summer months- ideal for those needing a break from the tranquility or parents. Alternatively, the beach at Kardamili, with its dramatic backdrop of mountains, is great for swimming, reading and siesta after a long lunch at one of the many tavernas that look onto the beach. If you want to discover hidden beaches across the Messinian Gulf, a boat trip with a picnic is a perfect day out.
A full range of water sports is available at the beaches of Kalamata and Santova. There’s hang-gliding from Ano Verga, scuba diving and snorkelling from Kardamili and Stoupa.
AREOPOLIS
Areopolis is a pretty hour and a half’s drive to the south and makes a charming place for lunch. It then takes no more than an hour to drive right round the peninsular, taking in the tower villages that dot the landscape and perhaps stopping to explore the extraordinary caves at Dirou, or the abandoned village of Vatheia in the south.
Walking
The best time to walk is in the Spring from April to June when the country is a riot of wild flowers that grow to waist-height and line every path and road, or in the Autumn from mid-September to mid-November, when the sea is at its warmest.
PATRICK AND JOAN LEIGH FERMOR HOUSE
Originally the retreat of charismatic travel writer Patrick Leigh Fermor and his wife Joan. The Leigh Fermors spent long summers hosting the likes of Nancy Mitford and Evelyn Waugh in a haven of creativity and cultural celebration. The house is featured in the well-known film trilogy ‘Before Midnight’. During the summer months the house is open for visitors every Monday at 12:00. Visit the website to book tickets.
benaki.org
Please call first to check restaurants and museums are open, and check the relevant government guidance before travelling.
No responsibilty can be accepted by Scott Williams for any issues that may arise as a result of the enclosed recommendations and information.