You won't get on a ferry and yet you'll feel like you're on an island. These picturesque fishing villages in the Peloponnese are ideal for peaceful getaways by the sea.
The Peloponnese boasts many beautiful seaside villages ideal for peaceful holidays. You won't board a boat yet you'll feel as if you're on an island... Fishing boats moor in quiet little harbors, tavernas that serve fresh fish straight from the caiques, and beaches with crystal-clear waters set the scene in the picturesque fishing villages of Laconia, Messinia and Arcadia, which we suggest you visit to enjoy what's left of summer.
Poulithra, Arcadia
The greenery on Mount Parnon's slopes and the azure waters blend harmoniously in the seaside village of Poulithra, 8 km from Leonidio, the capital of Tsakonia. Houses with traditional architecture, the pretty little harbor, seafood tavernas, and the village's pebbled beach with crystal-clear waters create the perfect setting for peaceful summer getaways that include good food and nature walks. Within easy reach you'll find Plaka beach, while it's also worth visiting the impressive beach of Fokianos. And if you're in the mood for a mountain excursion, you can drive up to the village of Kosmas - the 'balcony of Kynouria'.
Agios Nikolaos, Messinia
Agios Nikolaos is a picturesque fishing village of Messinia located about 49 km south of Kalamata, on the eastern shore of the Messinian Gulf and 4 km south of lively Stoupa. The village retains its traditional character, with picturesque lanes and a pretty little harbor filled with colorful boats and caiques. Its old name is Selinitsa, meaning little Moon or little Helen, since according to tradition, it was on this shore that Paris anchored his ship and abducted beautiful Helen. For your swims there are two beaches, a small one with golden sand beside the mouth of the Pamisos River, and one with pebbles and tamarisks. It's worth visiting the area's other wonderful beaches too, such as Stoupa's famous Kalogria, Ritsa, Delfinia, Kalamitsi, and Foneas near Kardamyli. Using Agios Nikolaos as your base, you can explore Mount Taygetos, as well as the gorges of Vyros and Ridomo.
Kitries, Messinia
Just 12 km from Kalamata, on the eastern side of the Messinian Gulf, lies the fishing village of Kitries, nestled in a small cove. The little beach at Kitries is pebbly with emerald-green waters, where the lush slopes almost touch the sea. Besides swimming, you'll also enjoy fresh fish at seaside tavernas right by the waves. The village's history is fascinating too. During Ottoman rule, Kitries was the seat of Mani's Beys and the most important port of the Messinian Gulf. In fact, it was here in 1819 that the historic Pact of Kitries was drawn up, by which the Mavromichalis, Grigorakis, and Troupakis families pledged peace, concord, and the union of their forces in the forthcoming Revolution of 1821.
Kyparissi, Laconia
One of the best-kept 'secrets' of Laconia is Kyparissi, a beautiful and solitary seaside village where the spurs of Mount Parnon meet the blue waters of the Myrtoan. The picturesque village, set between Leonidio and Monemvasia, 88 km from Sparta, was accessible only by sea or on foot via a steep mountain path until the 1970s. Whitewashed houses with tiled roofs and colorful doors and windows literally touch the sea, evoking the atmosphere of an Aegean island. The area has beautiful beaches such as the broad shoreline of Megali Ammos and the quiet beach of Agia Kyriaki.
Archangelos, Laconia
At the southeastern tip of the Peloponnese, 28 km from Monemvasia, Archangelos is one of the most picturesque seaside villages of Laconia. A small village with gentle rhythms, houses with red-tiled roofs, a few coffee houses, tavernas with sea views, and a wonderful sandy beach where you can dive into deep-blue waters. The scenery, the peace, and the serenity will win you over. Archangelos' beach is ideal for families with small children and has also been awarded a Blue Flag. For those who prefer solitude, there are many coves at very close distances. A few kilometers from Archangelos you'll come across the coastal settlement of Plytra with its lovely sandy beach, as well as Charagia beach, about 3.5 kilometers long, with deep azure waters and tamarisks.
