Olives, Sea Turtle Beaches & Ancient Sites - Avlona

Perfect for Families & Friends. Large peaceful Stone Villa in olive groves 7 mins drive from Kalo Nero on the sandy coast of Kyparissia Bay, sea turtle nesting site. Ancient Olympia 40 mins. Voidokillia 40 mins. AC. Sunny liner pool 1.35m x 7m, games room, table tennis. Unlimited WI-FI. BBQ & stone oven. Large garden, sunset sea views, olives & mountains. Explore the real Greece, unspoilt nature & historical sites of the Peloponnese. 45 mins Kalamata / 2.5 hours Athens.

The space
Large stone villa, 7 mins drive to the authentic seaside village of Kalo Nero ("Good Water" in Greek) and 60km of wide sandy beaches of Kyparissia Bay, a protected NATURA area and main nesting ground of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle Caretta Caretta. Tranquil, spacious and fully equipped. In a natural setting in olive groves. Sleeps 16: 4 double bedrooms (1 en suite), 2 double sofa beds in living room plus sofas, 5 beds in basement games room, 2 wooden baby cots available on request. Unlimited WiFi. Air Con in bedrooms and living room.

UK host speaks Greek and can assist with information, sightseeing and interpreting.

The village of Kalo Nero on the Ionion Sea: sea-front tavernas serving authentic Greek food and fresh fish, sunset bars, mini markets, bakery, family run grocers and butchers with fresh local produce, children's playground, a large swimming pool bar with separate children's pool. In Kyparissia town 15 mins drive away: the Historic Old Town with award winning tavernas, castle ruins, supermarkets and all modern facilities.

Kalo Nero beach extends north for 60 km into Kyparissia Bay, with wide sandy beaches lined by dunes, coastal pine forest and watermelon fields. The Greek Government plans to declare Kyparissia Bay a national park to conserve its natural beauty and protect the 11 endangered species of reptiles and flora found there. The Loggerhead Sea Turtle nests all along the Bay from May - September, one of the main nesting sites in the Mediterranean. Elea Horse Riding offers trips for all ages nearby in the forest and there are relaxing beach cantinas at Elea and Aggianaki.

The villa is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty and historical significance and well situated for: Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic games and Ancient Messini the sanctuary of Demeter. Pilos town where boats tour the islets and shipwrecks of Navarino Bay. The idyllic horseshoe bay of Voidokilia Beach and adjacent Gialova Lagoon with its renowned birdlife, Romanos Beach, Paleokastro old castle ruins and Nestors Cave. Methoni castle a unique castle complex spanning ages. A boat tour to Proti Island ideal for snorkeling. Exploring the cliff hanging monastries of Stemnitsa and villages of Dimitsaina and Andritsaina. Numerous ancient sites, such as Peristeria, Nestor's Palace and Figalia. In the surrounding mountains lie rustic stone villages such as Sidirokastro, Platania, Kefalovrysi with wonderful tavernas, historic towers, the Neda River Gorge and icy waterfalls with panoramic views. Near Karagi are the beautiful lush waterfalls and lagoons of Polylimnio ( "Many lakes") and Shinolaika. The intact marble Temple of Apollo at Vassae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in the mountains 1 hours drive behind the villa.

The Greek Sea Turtle Society (Archelon) have an Information Kiosk in Kalo Nero and an Exhibition Centre 10 mins drive away at Aggianakis. All are welcome to join the volunteers on morning beach surveys, turtle releases, hatchling releases and nest excavations during May - September.

The Kyparissia area has all year interest and mild weather. In July and August village fiestas are held with much feasting and Greek dancing. September's golden light, fruit harvests and warm seas are perfect. Late autumn sees the start of the olive harvest and the annual bird migrations South. January is perfect for skiing and snowboarding at the Mainalo Ski Resort (1.30 hours drive) as well as walks along deserted beaches. Spring brings meadows of wild flowers, Easter celebrations and the return of the nesting sea turtles.

Guest access
There are country paths around the villa rambling across olive groves, to villages, the local chapel and farms.

Available nearby :Boat trips / kayaks / snorkelling from Gialova/Pilos/Marathopoli to Proti Island /around Navarino Bay / Methoni . Horse riding 15 mins away in the Elaia pine forest and beaches. Water sports at Xrisi Akti beach 50 mins. Kayaks at Divari 50 mins. Rafting on the Loutsios River 1hr. Also Kyparissia Outdoors , Trekking Hellas, Terra Treks and Explore Messinia have various day trips to suit everyone. E bike trips with Trail Tribe.

Why not book a beach walk with the volunteers of The Sea Turtle Protection Society Archelon!