Stone Villa Zoe - Sea Turtles and Ancient Sites

villazoekalonero@gmail.com 

UK host speaks Greek available 24/7 * Ideal for Families & friends * Large Stone Villa in 4 acre garden amongst olive groves,10 mins drive from Kalo Nero village & sandy beaches of Kyparissia Bay. 45 mins Ancient Olympia. 40 mins Methoni, Voidokillia, Nestor's Cave.

Open plan interior. Sunny liner pool 1.35m x 7m, games room, table tennis. Unlimited Wifi. BBQ & stone oven. Large garden, sunset sea views, olives & mountains.

Explore the real Greece, unspoilt nature & archaeological sites of the Peloponnese. 45 mins drive Kalamata / 2.5 hours Athens.

* Self Check In * Large peaceful stone villa, 10 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, major nesting site of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle Caretta Caretta. Tranquil, spacious and fully equipped. Greek Tourist Authority Licenced. Sleeps 16: 4 double bedrooms (1 en suite), 2 double sofa beds in living room plus sofas, 5 single beds in basement games room, 2 wooden baby cots available on request. Fast unlimited Internet WiFi. Air Con in bedrooms & living room/dining/kitchen. Ceiling fans plus floor fans.

Kalo Nero village 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, large swimming pool bar.

Kyparissia town 15 mins drive away: Historic Old Town with award winning tavernas, castle ruins, hospital, 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 field. Kyparissia Bay is a national park to 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 Elaia, Aggianaki, Giannitsohori.

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. Rafting and hiking along the Mainalo Trail can be enjoyed at Loutsios Gorge and Alfieos River, 1 hr north.

Local activities : rafting, kayyaking, trekking, horse riding and e bike trails with Elaia Horse Riding, Trekking Hellas.gr, Explore Messinia.gr, Terratreks.gr, Kyparissia Outdoors.gr, Trailtribe.gr. The Greek Sea Turtle Society (Archelon) have an Information Kiosk in Kalo Nero and an Exhibition Centre 10 mins drive away at Aggianakis. Book online at Archeon.gr 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.There are country paths around the villa rambling across olive groves, to villages, the local chapel and sheep and pig farms.

I am available to meet and greet guests or can provide self check in inc a video of the route. Shopping is possible for guests who arrive at very early/late hours. I live in the local area and am here to help at all times if guests require assistance, information or translating.

This is real rural Greece, unspoilt and undeveloped so a car is essential. Possible excursions from the villa:Nearby are rustic mountain villages, waterfalls and the Neda Gorge (40 mins). Numerous ancient archeological sites are within easy access; e.g. Peristeria (15 mins), Olympia ( 45 mins), Messini (1 hour), Methoni castle and Nestors Palace (1 hour). The famous town of Pylos, Navarino Bay, the Gialova Lagoon and the internationally renowned golf courses at Costa Navarino are only 45 mins drive. The intact Temple of Apollo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is 1 hours drive in the mountains behind the villa. Mainalo Ski Centre is 1.5 hour drive.