Enchanting and historic, Kardamyli is one of the most beautiful destinations in Messenia for spring and beyond.
On the western side of Mount Taygetos lies the little paradise of Messenian Mani, Kardamyli, rich in history. One of the most beautiful places in the Peloponnese, this small seaside village is famed for its authentic Maniot atmosphere and offers a blend of tradition, culture, and relaxation.
Kardamylis history stretches back through the ages, as it is mentioned by Homer in the Iliad. During the Byzantine period, the area was an important commercial and strategic center, while later, during Venetian rule and the Ottoman period, it maintained its autonomy thanks to the strong presence of the Maniot warriors, and it played a significant role in the Revolution of 1821.
Just 35 km from Kalamata, Kardamyli is a destination for all seasons. From the Old Town to the traditional Venetian harbor, its landscapes impress every visitor. In front of its little harbor lies the picturesque islet of Meropi (or Amygdalonisos), upon which lie ruins of Venetian walls and the single-aisled barrel-vaulted basilica of the Dormition of the Theotokos.
Old Kardamyli
The old town of Kardamyli, the most popular attraction in the area, is also known as the castle-town of Mani. The historic settlement was the administrative and military center of the region during Venetian and Ottoman times and was an important fortification center with walls that protected the town from enemy raids.
At the heart of the settlement stands the Mourtzinos complex, a set of fortified buildings that served as the areas center during Manis struggles. There, visitors can tour the preserved buildings and get to know the history and traditions of the region.
The complex consists of the tower, built about 400 years ago, the three-storey fortified residence that today houses the museum, the smithy, the vegetable garden,the olive press and three defensive enclosures. At the entrance to the Tower you will also encounter the church of Saint Spyridon, while you will stroll among the tower houses, the stone mansions, the Byzantine churches and the picturesque alleys, as the old town of Kardamyli is one of the best-preserved traditional settlements of Mani. The Museum of the fortified Troupakis - Mourtzinos complex in Kardamyli today hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions.
The House of Patrick Leigh Fermor
One of the most significant and most impressive sights in the area is the Patrick & Joan Leigh Fermor House- Benaki Museum. The story of the British author and philhellene Patrick Leigh Fermor is inextricably linked with Kardamyli, as he decided to build his house there, lived there for many years and drew inspiration from Greek nature and culture. There he wrote some of his most important works.
The house, which has been donated since 1996 to the Benaki Museum, is built on a 9-stremma estate in Kalamitsi of Kardamyli. It includes four stone-built structures, the Main House, the office-studio and two other auxiliary buildings. The Main House was designed by the architect Nikos Hatzimichalis, in close collaboration with the Leigh Fermors, and its construction was completed in the mid-1960s. The structures are surrounded by a Mediterranean garden with olive trees, cypresses, mastic trees and wildflowers. Just below the estate, a narrow stone staircase leads to a small pebbled beach. Today the House operates as a cultural center and is open to the public for scheduled visits and educational activities, aiming to preserve the writers cultural heritage (more information here).
Nearby excursions
Beyond Kardamyli, you can also discover the surrounding area with its impressive routes and beaches. It is worth visiting the Viros Gorge, which starts from the slopes of Taygetos and ends in Kardamyli. It is about 19 km long and offers unique hiking routes in nature.
Explore the villages near Kardamyli such as Agios Nikolaos, the picturesque fishing village with tavernas and restaurants. Then head towards Trachila, a small village at the end of the route, with a single entrance and exit.
Stoupa is not only famous because Nikos Kazantzakis and Alexis Zorbas lived there, but also for its enchanting beaches. The main beach is in the village, the famed Kalogria to the north (here Nikos Kazantzakis was inspired to write the work «Life and Deeds of Alexis Zorbas») and Chalikoura is to the south. The beaches that will captivate you with their turquoise waters are Foneas, a short distance from Kardamyli, Ritsa, west of the settlement, and Delfinia with its coarse sand.
