Limeni Archives - Insights Greece

Historical Hotel at the Tip of Mani Peninsula

Housed in a fully restored 19th-century building complex, just off the southernmost tip of Mani’s charming countryside, Kyrimai Hotel combines traditional architecture with contemporary comforts.

With views of Mani’s crystal-blue sea as well as its breathtaking landscape, staying here allows guests to appreciate the pleasures of living a slow and simple life.

Location

Kyrimai Hotel in Gerolimenas is about a two-hour drive from Kalamata, the second-largest city of the Peloponnese. This picturesque fishing village is filled with οld stоnе buildings set by the blue sea. While staying at Kyrimai, you can also visit some of the beautiful nearby destinations including Sparta, Mystras, Monemvasia, Kardamyli, and Limeni.

Insights Greece - Historical Hotel at the Tip of Mani Peninsula

Style & Feel

Dating back to 1870, this beautifully restored property offers a historic feel, with its elegant country chic decor that’s showcased throughout the rooms. The interiors boast traditional Maniot stone-and-wood period architecture, with majestic stairways, arches and pretty gardens situated in an enviable position, on the edge of the sea- offering a breathtaking view of Gerolimena’s Bay. Throughout the property guests will come across antique furniture, numerous exhibits, hundreds of old books and other antique pieces that highlight Greece of the late 19th century.

Rooms

As the charming rooms and suites have been built so close to the sea, Kyrimai offers its guests a unique experience- as they wake up to the sounds of gentle waves crashing onto the property. The quaint rooms combine traditional materials such as wood and stone, with modern, elegant furnishing; and also wonderful vistas of the surroundings.

Food & Drinks

Combining traditional tastes with a sense of creativity, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant serves delightful dishes that have become loved by locals and visitors who can’t get enough of this Maniot eatery. There is no set menu as the talented team prefers using recipes depending on the fisherman’s catch of the day and other fresh ingredients they can get their hands on. There is also a great wine list and in the winter months, guests gather around the bar in the lobby for cocktails and Greek wines.

Amenities

The outdoor pool is unheated and family-friendly. It’s nestled on the water’s edge, with comfortable sun loungers and plenty of umbrellas, which also run down the stone jetty that leads out to a private beach. Kyrimai also offers on-site parking, free WiFi throughout, plug adaptors, and beach bags for its guests.

Ideal for…

Couples, families, foodies, and anyone who wants to explore the beautiful Mani area. The hotel can also help organise water sports activities such as diving guided tours, hiking trails, boat trips, sea kayak trips, and electric bike trips- making it a great getaway for those looking for some adventure along the way.

Facilities & Services

Private beach
Pool
Restaurant and bar
Wifi
Free toiletries
Free Parking
Room Service
Breakfast included

A: Gerolimenas, Mani, Peloponnese

Mani, Home to One of Greece’s Top Boutique Hotels

Having only recently opened its doors, Bassa Maina Villas & Suites in Mani has already managed to become one of the top boutique hotels in Greece, combining elements of traditional architecture, modern design and local culture.

Location

Bassa Maina is located in the middle of the three peninsulas of southern Peloponnese -the Mani peninsula. This mountainous region is incredibly beautiful, with its dreamy fishing coves, fortified villages, emerald waters, and captivating sunsets. The area where the hotel is built is located in a non-populated part of the region, approximately 2000 meters above sea level. There are many natural attractions, monuments, and villages close by, including scenic Areopoli, with the stone houses and cobblestone alleys, Limeni, with its beautiful fish taverns right by the water, and the stunning Diros Caves.

Style & Character

Unspoiled and brimming with rural charm, these seaside villas are where to escape if you’re looking for some downtime. The sheer beauty of the landscape that surrounds Bassa Maina gives it a serene feeling, drawing a unique setting of peace, relaxation, and much-desired calmness. Its fine architecture and chic interior design are truly impressive, while its location in a secluded area of inner Mani ensures privacy, and makes it an ideal destination all year round.

From linen to decor, and from light fixtures to fabrics and colour schemes, everything has been carefully selected and meticulously designed to create a warm, cozy environment that inspires a deep sense of relaxation and an ability to switch off from the stresses of everyday life.

Room Types

The range of nine amphitheatrically built luxurious villas and suites, with private terraces, and a home-like ambiance allows guests to enjoy serenity and privacy without feeling disconnected. All villas and suites are built according to the local traditional architecture and have been decorated and furnished with hand-picked items, rich fabrics, and high-quality materials. The spacious rooms are cozy and make you feel as though you are in a house, not a hotel. All rooms come with unobstructed views to the Mediterranean, each one has its own layout, private terraces, exposed stone walls, beamed ceilings, comfortable beds, and designer furniture and decor, while some also include a fireplace and outdoor heated Jacuzzis. All villas have private entrances and are bathed in natural light and also feature fully equipped kitchenettes.

Food & Drinks

CROCUS, the main restaurant boasts views from its outdoor space, which is nothing short of breathtaking, while its cozy indoor lounge is incredibly inviting and warm; ideal for the colder months. Simple and authentic recipes from the Peloponnesian region are prepared here based on carefully selected local, fresh and organic ingredients. There is also a great selection of Greek wines to choose from that can accompany each dish.

Facilities

The complex includes a restaurant, bar, guest lounge with incredible sea views, a boutique conference venue for up to 50 people, a small business centre, and outdoor space in front of the restaurant that can be used for weddings and other events.

Ideal For…

A romantic weekend, a business conference, solo travellers, and anyone looking to explore the Mani region; with a desire to return to a relaxing spot each day as you feel close to nature and just a footstep away from beautiful surroundings.

Services

Free parking
Free WiFi
Concierge service
Fitness Centre
Luggage storage
Pool/beach towels
Business Centre
Library
Conference Venue
Express check-in/check-out service

Bassa Maina Villas Greece Greece travel Greek holiday Greek hotels Greek travel hotels in Greece Limeni Mani Peloponnese

Limeni: Discovering One of Mani’s Best Kept Secrets

The Greek Islands may be a vibrant oasis offering a cornucopia of pleasures, but we strongly suggest getting off the beaten path and heading to Mani — the central peninsula of the Peloponnese. Behold the marvel that is Limeni: Stone-built houses, turquoise waters, and colourful caiques (quintessential Greek postcard, anyone?) that are well worth the trip.

Preserved by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, Limeni is a place where natural beauty, coastal vistas, and history combine. Located just minutes away from Areopolis and Gythio and in close driving proximity to Kalamata, this tiny traditional fisherman’s village is one of Mani’s best-kept secrets waiting to be explored.

What to See

Monastery Evretrias (Panagi H Vreti)

Insights Greece - Limeni: Discovering One of Mani’s Best Kept Secrets — Must visit destination

This catholic church built in the 18th century, dating back to 1731, belonged to the Mavromichali family. Overlooking the seaside with its iconic bell tower, it’s definitely worth a visit (and an Insta-post).

Paralia Dexameni — Mani Water Sports

Adventure with a side of crystal clear waters? Whether it’s scuba diving into the big blue, paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, or simply an intimate sunset cruise you crave, Mani Water Sports is a recreation centre right on the “beach” that will fulfill your adrenaline needs. Paralia Dexameni is more like a natural rock formation (like a natural swimming pool), so if you’re looking for a “proper” beach – you may have to drive further to Foneas, Alypa, or Gerolymenas.

Just a 5km drive away is the village of Areopolis (in fact, Limeni is the seaport of Areopolis). This traditional village pervaded with stone-built houses has grown into a flourishing town filled with buzzing cafes, bars, and restaurants and if you’re lucky enough to be there on the weekend — a lively open-air market takes place in the main square every Saturday- you don’t want to miss it!

Where to Stay

Mavromichalai Hotel

One of the most iconic places to visit and stay is at the Mavromichalai Hotel, built directly on the water’s edge. Now converted and restored into a luxury hotel, the Tower was the first residence of Limeni-raised Petrobey Mavromichalis, the last Bey (or ‘Prince’) of Mani and chief leader of the Maniots during the 1821 Greek War of Independence. Offering six exclusive rooms, all with unobstructed views of the picturesque bay and village of Limeni, visitors also have the opportunity to visit the tower and the tomb where the famous maniacal military leader is buried.

Pirgos Mavromichali

Luxury, history, and a private beach area with a sun terrace. Ah, where do we sign? Pirgos Mavromichali (or Tower Mavromichali) is a historically restored 18th-century stone tower, turned family-owned boutique hotel overlooking the Gulf of Messiniakos. The hotel provides practically everything you need for an enjoyable stay in Limeni, including an exclusive restaurant and bar overlooking the turquoise waters.

Where to Dine & Drink

O Takis

Prefer to live on the edge? Watch the fishing boats chug up and down the bay from your perch at taverna “O Takis”. Famed for its exquisite fresh seafood and its Insta-worthy sunset, “O Takis” is one of the best seafood restaurants in the Peloponnese. P.S. Ask for the Lobster Pasta, cooked with Takis’ “secret” recipe for two!

To Mavromichaleiko

If you’re craving Traditional Mani cuisine then “To Mavromichaleiko“ in Areopoli is your stop. Charming wooden tables and stone-built walls fill this family-owned taverna in Areopoli. We recommend their specialty: Hand-made pasta served with Maniatiko cheese, fresh farm eggs, and “siglino” (Mani salted pork). Trust us, you won’t leave unsatisfied.

Teloneio

This two-story stone building, located just above the water, houses one of Limeni’s fave cafes and restaurants – Teloneio. Whether you’re looking to enjoy your coffee where the water breaks, or a quality feed to see the sunset, you won’t be disappointed. We recommend the smoked sausage from Mani wrapped in grilled capsicums — delicious!

Bukka Bar

After the sun sets in Limeni, make your way to Bukka Bar in Areopolis. Adorned with a giant fuchsia bougainvillea wrapping the entrance of the stone building, Bukka Bar serves some of the best (and most original) cocktails you’ll sip. You can’t go wrong with ‘Grandma’s Choice’.

Greece Greece travel Greek holiday Greek vacation hotels Mani Limeni Mani Mani travel Peloponnese

Housed in a fully restored 19th-century building complex, just off the southernmost tip of Mani’s charming countryside, Kyrimai Hotel combines traditional architecture with contemporary comforts.

Having only recently opened its doors, Bassa Maina Villas & Suites in Mani has already managed to become one of the top boutique hotels in Greece, combining elements of traditional architecture, modern design and local culture.

The Athens Guide