An impressive coastline awaits you in the Peloponnese, a mainland region beloved to Greeks and foreign visitors alike. For decades, the region has easily lured visitors to varied, naturally colorful, scenic and culturally vibrant destinations such as Mani, Monemvasia, and Nafplio. But beyond these well-known places, it’s worth venturing further and deeper to explore the Peloponnese’s lesser-known coastal beauty. The destinations we recommend here offer everything you need for a memorable long weekend or a longer vacation: beautiful, clean beaches, quaint accommodations, and quality local cuisine that artfully presents traditional flavors.
What you won’t find here are large hotel complexes, an intense nightlife and other classic tourist infrastructure. If you’re looking to simply relax and unwind, enjoying a place where you can easily walk from your room to the beach and eat and drink without needing to drive far, these laid-back destinations are well worth considering. And as an added bonus, they are all relatively budget friendly.
01
Kyparissi, Laconia
Laconia is famous for its coastal villages with an authentic atmosphere. Until the 1970s, there was no road leading there; the village was supplied by and reachable only by sea. Nowadays, you can arrive within two hours from Sparta, with the last part of the journey on a winding road down the scenic slopes of Mt Parnon. Your efforts will be rewarded as soon as the first houses come into view.
Kyparissi is divided into three districts: Vrysi, which is not coastal, and Paralia and Mitropoli, the next two you’ll come across, which are. At Paralia, you will delight in the sight of traditional whitewashed houses standing right on the water’s edge.
Everything here evokes the feeling of being on an island. This is the way the Cyclades used to be 40 or 50 years ago, before the development of tourism. There are accommodations, tavernas, and cafes, but even during the high season, when everything is full, life there is low-key and relaxed.
Paralia has two pebble beaches, Mikri Ammos and Megali Ammos. Their shallow waters are pristine and even on windy days the sea remains calm. Around two kilometers away is the beach of Agia Kyriaki, famous for its beautiful seabed. Surrounding the town are numerous small coves accessible by boat, and private yachts are a common sight in this part of the Myrtoan Sea. It is also less than 20 kilometers from Fokianos, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Peloponnese.
The food and coffee options in Kyparissi are excellent and are complemented by the incredible views of the sea. At Cavo Cortia (Phone: 2732300414) you can enjoy exquisite seafood dishes, Takoura (Phone: 2732055217) focuses on meat dishes, while Molo (Phone: 2732055250) offers coffee and drinks with stunning sea views. Traditional local flavors such as kalitsounia can be enjoyed at the To Omorfo Kyparissi cafe.
02
Poulithra, Arcadia
In southern Kynouria, Poulithra is a coastal village ideal for relaxation and tranquility. It’s a small village that has it all. On one side you’ll see grand houses with manicured, green, flower-filled courtyards. On the other side is a quiet little harbor. There are accommodations in the village, and we recommend that you stay in one and get up early to see the stunning sunrise.
The beach of Poulithra is a pebble beach with clear, crystal clear water, set against the backdrop of a green hill that the village is built on. On the outskirts of the village there’s a small church that can be reached by boat. The acropolis of the ancient city is located on the hill near the port of the village, while traces of the ancient port can be found in the wetlands of the area.
Poulithra offers all you could wish for on a short and sweet vacation. However, if you wish to explore its surroundings, head to Leonidio just eight kilometers away. This charming town presents excellent examples of Tsakonian architecture and, like Poulithra, offers delicious dishes based around the area’s signature product, the Tsakonian eggplant.
For a refreshing alpine summer experience, it is worth driving about 40 kilometers to visit Kosmas. Located at an altitude of over 1,100 meters on the forested southeastern slopes of Mount Parnon, this is a beautiful, green village that has been designated as a traditional settlement due to its many stone houses built from the gray stone of Mt Parnon.
03
Kitries, Messenia
Kitries is one of the Peloponnese’s most historic villages, located 12 kilometers from the capital of Kalamata. The Treaty of Kitries of 1819, where the powerful families of the Mani agreed to peace between each other, had a decisive influence on the commencement of the Greek War of Independence in 1821. At that time, Kitries was the seat of the Beys of Mani and the most important port of the Messenian Gulf.
Beyond history, the true charm of this idyllic fishing village lies in its deeply tranquil atmosphere. Anyone seeking peace and relaxation will enjoy the ambiance and quality accommodations, a small pebble beach, and tavernas serving fresh fish right on the water’s edge. The natural surroundings, with the lush slopes of the bay reaching almost to the sea, are particularly captivating.
Kitries is an idyllically quiet base for exploring the Messenian coastline. Travel from enchanting Kardamili in Mani, with its famous Stoupa beach to the east, to Gialova and Pylos with the breathtaking Voidokilia beach to the west. There is even more to explore nearby in the vibrant and modern city of Kalamata.
04
Korfos, Corinthia
With a coastline that stretches along both the Corinthian and Saronic Gulfs, the former region of Corinthia is a splendidly chilled place. While the Corinthian coastline is well known to many, with destinations like Xylokastro being popular for decades, the Saronic coastline – facing Aegina – is less explored. This doesn’t mean that it lacks beautiful seaside spots. You’ll find top quality options without the mass tourism, which make it a great place to relax.
A 90-minute drive will take you to this island-like village of about 300 permanent residents. Korfos originated in the late 19th century as a port for the commercial development of Sofiko (a renowned resin export center). In 1912, it became an independent settlement and a part of Argolida, before it was finally incorporated into Corinthia in 1949.
This tranquil destination is perfect for those who want a relaxed escape with family or friends, in a verdant, hilly environment dominated by pine and olive trees. Ideal for kids, the bay of Korfos with its shallow waters and a lovely seabed, is well protected from the winds and waves are a rarity. The harbor front is lined by fishing boats and as you may have guessed, there is an abundance of fish here, which can be enjoyed at the restaurants by the sea. For traditional sights, visit the old Catholic church of Panagia tou Steiri, a Byzantine monument built in the 11th century. Or just relax on the waterfront with a good book and an iced coffee, relishing the simplicity of life in this endearingly calm place.
