KARDAMILI. One of the south Mediterranean's best-kept secrets

 KARDAMILI - MANI

One of the south Mediterranean's best-kept secrets

 KARDAMILI is a spectacularly beautiful seaside village located in the Mani, a stunning region in the southern Peloponnese, the coast of Greece defined by travel connoisseurs as the New Côte d'Azur. Set dramatically against a backdrop of crystalline aqua-blue waters, majestic cypress trees, wild olive groves, verdant rolling hills and distant snowcapped mountains, it is one of the prettiest of villages that overlook the calm seas and splendid sunsets of the Messinian Gulf. 3 hours and 30 minutes' drive from either the capital of Athens or the port of Patras, and just 35 km from the nearby city of Kalamata, it remains one of the south Mediterranean's best-kept secrets: an exclusive, small, unspoilt resort that boasts stately villas, enchanting stone maisonettes, lush gardens, a picturesque harbour and fantastic beaches.
      

 Something for everyone

The village caters to many tastes. It is a favourite summer haunt of families and companions, but also of yachters and trend-setters who are into new and undiscovered European holiday destinations, as well as a cultural and social hub for foreigners from all corners of the globe who enjoy holiday homes in the Municipality of Lefktro. This extended international community also includes renowned actors, artists, musicians, philosophers, scientists and writers. Visitors come for romantic week-end breaks, friendly get-togethers and memorable family/group vacations. Inspiring, unique and welcoming, Kardamili is both an ideal place for holidays and a special retreat for long relaxing spells.

Kardamyli was, in his later years, the principal home of the British writer Patrick Leigh Fermor, who was made an honorary citizen of the village for his participation in the Greek Resistance during World War II. He died in hospital in 2011 the day after returning to his other home in Dumbleton in England.