Easy access to the Ionian Islands and the laid-back coastal villages make holidays in Kyllini all about relaxation. The wider area around the port, with its history of changing conquerors and frequent ferry connections to Zakynthos and Kefalonia, offers interesting surprises for those who venture beyond the beautiful beaches. You’ll find thermal springs, historic monasteries, villages hidden among olive groves, and a well-preserved medieval fortress that was once a princely residence.
Why go in July
This July, as the world anticipates the 33rd Olympics starting in Paris on July 26th, marking 100 years of the Summer Olympic Games, there’s no more symbolic place to visit than the region where the concept of noble competition was born. You can combine summer vacation or a weekend getaway with swimming and visiting one of the world’s most important archaeological sites.
Throughout the month, the “Cultural Routes in Olympic Land” program will present a wide range of artistic events – theater for children and adults, cinema, music, and visual arts – covering the entire Ilia region. It’s also an ideal time to visit the famous Kyllini Thermal Baths (open June 15 – September 15), beneficial not only for treating ailments but also for overall well-being, even with simple baths in their sulfurous water.
What to do
The beaches of Kyllini will make you wonder why you haven’t discovered them sooner. They’re clean, spacious, sometimes with seemingly endless sandy stretches, sometimes with greenery touching the light-colored waters. They’re family-friendly and perfect for sandcastle building or romantic sunset walks. The beaches change names depending on the settlements or large resorts behind them, but their total length reaches 10 km down to Glyfa in the south, less crowded but certainly idyllic due to the forest that serves as a green backdrop and the small harbor of the local nautical club.
As you enjoy the cool waters, a picturesque seaside setting emerges among them, looking like a vintage postcard photo. It’s Arkoudi, with houses “clinging” to the shoreline reminiscent of an island, a beautiful bay offering a wonderful view of the Ionian Sea, plenty of cafes and tavernas, and the bonus of a magical sunset.
Since you’ll be only 2 km away from Kyllini Baths, why not treat yourself to a wellness experience in an area of natural beauty? The spa town is built in a valley between two hills with dense vegetation and centuries-old eucalyptus trees, just 300 m from the sea. The water from the medicinal, hydro-sulphuric-chlorine-sodium springs is indicated for a wide range of conditions, as well as for drinking therapy or mud therapy.
A completely different scene, straight out of a medieval fairy tale, awaits you in Kastro, a semi-mountainous village hidden among olive-covered hills and crowned by one of the area’s most important attractions: the spectacular Chlemoutsi Castle, standing proud since the 13th century and the era of the Principality of Achaea. The Franks, who built their most important fortification in the Balkans, named it Clermont. In Greek, the castle’s name became Chlemoutsi. After Constantine Palaeologus used it as a military and administrative center, it passed into the hands of the Ottomans and Venetians. A visit inside its impressive and almost intact hexagonal structure takes us back more than 800 years, to the times of Frankish rule, and to the setting that director Uberto Pasolini chose for filming his movie “The Return,” starring the famous actor Ralph Fiennes, just two years ago.
This year, in addition to the museum already operating inside the castle, a second museum space was inaugurated. The two museums now present a rich collection of Frankish-era objects found in the area. The view from the castle towards the Ionian Islands is extremely impressive and will surely tempt you to take the ferry across to Zakynthos or Kefalonia. If not that far, at least reach the beautiful stone lighthouse of Kavkalida, a rocky islet located opposite the port of Kyllini at the Glarentza site.
Where to stay
Nestled on Kyllini’s golden shoreline, Grecotel’s Mandola Rosa is a standout retreat that marries inspired architecture with Riviera-style elegance. Its design evokes the grandeur of the Côte d’Azur, transposed onto Ilia’s dramatic coastline. Meticulously landscaped gardens, punctuated by soaring palms, cascade towards a pristine Blue Flag beach, mere steps from the resort’s collection of luxurious accommodations.
The resort’s centerpiece, a neoclassical edifice reminiscent of a summer palace, captivates with its soft pink hues – a homage to the almond blossoms of nearby Ancient Olympia. Tiered levels and ornate verandas create an ambiance redolent of Lake Como, leading guests to a communal pool that seems to merge with the Ionian Sea on the horizon.
For those seeking enhanced privacy, select villas and residences boast their own pools. These exclusive accommodations, hosting up to 12 guests, artfully blend eclectic style with modern luxury. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame seascapes, while curated artworks, gleaming marble surfaces, and elegant furnishings create interiors worthy of design magazines.
The two-story Apollonia spans 210 sq m, featuring four bedrooms, three spacious marble bathrooms that rival private spas, living and dining areas, a private pool, and coveted direct beach access. The more intimate Villa Iolas, named after renowned art collector Alexander Iolas, offers a romantic hideaway ideal for families of four. Its stylish dining area and outdoor space, complete with fireplace and private pool, promise comfort and seclusion in equal measure.
For the pinnacle of luxury, additional villas, two Pavilions, and three independent residences ranging from 250 to 440 sq m await. With up to three pools set in private gardens, these accommodations redefine Mediterranean opulence.
The main building houses generously proportioned family rooms, each with its own balcony. Days begin with a lavish breakfast at Le Salon, setting the stage for a wealth of activities. The adjacent Riviera Olympia & Aqua Park offers aquatic thrills, while the Elixir Spa Center promises rejuvenation. Active guests can indulge in watersports, horseback riding along the shore, or explore the surroundings through trekking and mountain biking.
As dusk falls, Mandola Rosa transforms into a culinary destination. The idyllic terrace of Cap Voyage overlooks the shimmering coastline, offering a gastronomic journey that reimagines Greek flavors. Fresh Peloponnese ingredients star in creative dishes, complemented by an impressive wine list featuring both local and international labels. For a change of pace, L’Orient takes diners on an Asian-inspired adventure with its fusion dishes. Don’t miss the traditional tea ceremony – a serene interlude to a sun-soaked afternoon.
Each facet of Mandola Rosa adds a layer of cosmopolitan sophistication to your Greek getaway, seamlessly blending international flair with the authentic charm of this exceptional Peloponnese enclave. Here, both adults and children discover the true meaning of “la vie en rose” – a life viewed through rose-tinted glasses -, where every moment is touched by beauty and indulgence.
