Kardamyli Pool Suites
Kardamyli, Peloponnese, Greece
Reviewed by
Michael Cullen
This, to bend a phrase, is the view that launched a thousand ships. In Greek legend, Helen of Troy – the most beautiful woman in the world, over whom the Trojan Wars were fought – was born on a rocky islet just near here.
Quite honestly, I don't know why she left. This is one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in Greece, with clear blue seas, silvery olive groves, secluded pebbly coves tucked into deep inlets, and the huge peaks of Mt. Taygetos soaring up behind. To your left are the sandy beaches of Stoupa, to your right the picturesque fishing village of Kardamyli where Patrick Leigh Fermor – a famously well-travelled Grecophile – chose to live.
What a spot, then, for this trio of chic one- and two-bedroom suites, newly built in 2020. All face out past the eye-catching pool – which is shared between them – to the sea. Interiors are tasteful in a muted, minimal way, with wicker and wood furnishings, deeply comfortable queensize beds, open-plan living areas, and handy little kitchen corners for simple meals at home. You're perched above the bay of Delfinia, whose secluded beach and charming little kantina is 5 mins' walk away. Nearby are low-key beach bars, kayaks and SUPs to hire, ancient mulepaths to explore, fish tavernas to sample.
Quite honestly, I don't know why she left. This is one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in Greece, with clear blue seas, silvery olive groves, secluded pebbly coves tucked into deep inlets, and the huge peaks of Mt. Taygetos soaring up behind. To your left are the sandy beaches of Stoupa, to your right the picturesque fishing village of Kardamyli where Patrick Leigh Fermor – a famously well-travelled Grecophile – chose to live.
What a spot, then, for this trio of chic one- and two-bedroom suites, newly built in 2020. All face out past the eye-catching pool – which is shared between them – to the sea. Interiors are tasteful in a muted, minimal way, with wicker and wood furnishings, deeply comfortable queensize beds, open-plan living areas, and handy little kitchen corners for simple meals at home. You're perched above the bay of Delfinia, whose secluded beach and charming little kantina is 5 mins' walk away. Nearby are low-key beach bars, kayaks and SUPs to hire, ancient mulepaths to explore, fish tavernas to sample.
Highs
- Perfect for a family – or, better still, 2-3 families travelling together and taking the whole place
- Having a pool is a rare and welcome bonus here: not many licences are granted
- Being west-facing, there are sunsets to die for
- All 3 suites have a double sofabed if needed
- Outside school holidays, the 1-bedroom suites would make a gorgeous couple's hideaway (just don't let her sail off to Troy)
Lows
- The pool is shared, and poolside terraces separated only by fencing; so if you are a quiet couple with noisy families either side, it can be frustrating (we suggest couples stay outside school hols)
- Kitchen equipment is limited, and there are no ovens (only a 2-ring hob)
- Stoupa and Kardamyli are 3-4km away: you'll want a car
- For a family holiday, the 1-bed suites will feel snug – especially if using the living room as a kids' bedroom
- All the beds are doubles (no twins)
Best time to go
Late April - May and September - mid October are ideal: warm but rarely hot, with empty beaches and cheaper deals. In spring there are wonderful wild flowers, in autumn the sea is much warmer - take your pick. Flights to Kalamata can be harder to find in April and October, but Athens is always an option. In July - August things gets hotter (often mid 30s C) and busier, but never cheek-by-towel busy. Kardamyli sometimes hosts a low-key jazz festival in May and a literary festival in October.
Our top tips
We think this place would be ideal for 3 couples (possibly with a child or children) travelling together - sharing the pool and terrace, but each with their own living-dining areas for when you want a bit more privacy. A table can be set up outside for everyone to dine together, if required.