350 Year Old Casa Sophia (The Peloponnese, Greece)
Welcome to southern Peloponnese. Almost as south as you can get in mainland Europe. Where the tallest mountains of the Peloponnese meet the turquoise blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Few places in Europe can offer such a beauty and variety withing such a compact area. Here you can walk in the mountains in the morning and spend the afternoon on the beach. This area are called the Messinian Mani (or the outer Mani) and is the pièce de résistance of the Mani peninsula.
The coastline here is one of the most beautiful in Greece. A very lush and rugged coast dotted with picturesque villages, small bays and many beaches to choose from. And the mighty Taygetos mountain range as a natures stunning backdrop. Highest of them all the magic peak of Profitis Ilias, summiting at 2407 seven meters above the beach. Looking like a proud Cheops Pyramid towering higih above his beautiful small kingdom.
Nature here is riven by a number of gorges and ravines running down from the mountains. Like the famous Viros gorge. A deep and dramatic 20 kilometers long gorge from the summit to the sea at Kardamili. If you would like to enjoy it without trekking, we can tell you where to find a roof taverna in the mountain with a panoramic view over the gorge. Deep below you, the dried out river bed. On the other side of the gorge, small villages that looks like they are hanging down the cliff sides.
Within a radius of 10 kilometers, you will find 22 villages and 11 hamlets. Some more busy than others, but all of the with their own character. Fishing villages, traditional mountain villages with a main square and a taverna or two. Byzantine churches and chapels with beautiful old frescoes, narrow alleyways and hidden gems to explore.
The area offers more than 100 restaurants and tavernas, most of them by the sea. Some prefer picturesque fishing harbour of Agios Nikolaos. The more busy Stoupa and Kardamili offers dozens of different restaurants and tavernas. But also the smaller mountain villages offer their local tavernas, often with authentic Greek food. Hidden in the mountains you can find places where the Greeks go, where they do open fire cooking every evening in the season.
If you like beach life, the coast offers the full range of options. Sandy beaches, pebbled beaches, sheltered bays, cliffs etc. Paddling, snorkeling, swimming - there is something for every ones taste. Even kayaking or a PADI-approved Dive Code Center. And so many places you can watch the magic sunset over the Messinian bay.
Our village Pyrgos the perfect location for a quite holiday. Located between the coast and the mountains, it is easy to go any direction. Pyrgos is one of the oldest villages in Mani, Our cottage is only 350 years old, in contrast to the elder houses which are 370 years old. A Walt Disney-like village with no cars, just peaceful narrow alleyways. If you like walking, you can start your walks in the outskirts of the village. Lovely walks through the olive groves and amazing views over the sea and the mountains.
For more info - look up:
350 Year Old Casa Sophia on Owners Direct or Home Away
(FeWo Direkt in Germany)