Stoupa holidays

If you prefer four wheels to two, Stoupa is also a great coastal base for road trips. Hire a car to explore further afield, taking in the fascinating Peloponnese history at sites like Mystras, where the hillside has fresco-decorated Byzantine churches leading up to a majestic castle. Or, discover the Mani’s traditional villages and tower houses (quaint stone structures that look like mini-castles). You’ll learn tales of mythical Greek gods and divided Maniat clans as you wander quiet, olive-tree flanked avenues in Kastania or Vathia – stopping, of course, for coffee or lunch in the local village square. If you’re driving down from Athens, marvel at the ancient archaeological wonders of Mycenae as you pass by.

Kids in tow? Stoupa has everything you could possibly wish for in a family-friendly holiday resort: a golden sandy shore, shallow seawater, and restaurants that cater to all ages and tastes. Go snorkelling, rent kayaks, or spend relaxing days together soaking up the sun.

If you can, travel on either side of these months, in June or September. You’ll still get to experience summer weather – usually in the high-20s – and benefit from a more peaceful atmosphere.

For a cheap holiday to Stoupa, try October, when the resort is winds down for winter. While daytime temperatures can get up to 23C, you may need a jacket for the evenings.

Keen to flop on a beach? You’ll get two golden-sand stretches to choose from in Stoupa. There’s the main beach – Stoupa Beach – in the resort centre and Kalogria, a 10-minute walk north.

This pristine sheltered bay with shallow water is ideal for children and there is a selection of tavernas close by. You can also go diving here or hire a pedalo to explore the coastline.

Lefktron Castle

Located just outside Stoupa, the 13th-century Lefktron Castle is a lookout that originally protected the town against invaders.

There aren’t a lot of ruins left (just a few stones remain) but the ten-minute walk up the rocky, olive-tree lined path is worth it for the wonderful views across the bay. Be sure to bring your camera.

Taygetos Mountains

The rocky Taygetos Mountains are a dramatic backdrop to any holiday in Stoupa. Those with a hire car can enjoy scenic drives through the Mani peninsula’s winding roads, with stopping points on almost every corner offering amazing views.

If you’re into hiking, there are several trails with varying lengths and difficulty. Start at Kardamyli, about a ten-minute drive north of Stoupa, for a good selection of hikes. One route, which takes you through the villages above Kardamyli, passes what claims to be the burial site of Castor and Pollux, the patrons of travellers and sailors in Greek mythology.

Diros Caves

One of the Mani’s most stunning natural attractions can be found about hour south of Stoupa, in the village of Pyrgos Dirou. On a boat tour of the caves, you’ll float through a series of eerie underground tunnels and caverns, passing spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and clear pools of water.

While there, it may be worth stopping in on the Museum of Neolithic Civilization of Diros. Here, exhibits introduce the history of the area with pottery, jewellery and an intriguing skeleton.

Kastania

To see the Mani’s well-known tower houses, head inland to the olive tree-lined village of Kastania. Close to the square, Dourakis Tower is a classic example of an 18th-century tower, which would have been both a home and lookout for one of the local clans.

There is a clutch of historic churches to visit here too – all between 400 and 900-years-old – with intricately painted frescoes and carvings.