KALAMATA

Kalamata, a seaside resort in its own right has its own attractions with a long promenade, a modern marina and a popular old quarter.  Its majestic mountain back drop is often snow covered for several months of the year.

Drive along the seafront, turn right at the lights and you are in the Mani pensinsula.

THE MANI PENINSULA

The road soon rises to provide stunning coastal scenery.  Mani is mainly mountains with only a narrow coastal plain. Here the mountains can be heavily wooded.  In many places the woods go straight down to the  sea. Alternatively take the low road through small seaside villages which saw the start of the Greek struggle for indpendence against its Turkish rulers.

Villages in Mani are small  quaint and traditional. One of the first you come to is Doli with its narrow alleys and cobbled streets. From Doli go down to the beach road and head for the tiny and historic, picturesque hamlet of Kitries.

DOLI AND KITRIES

It is difficult to believe that the leadership of the Greek revolt against Turkish rule, first assembled in Kitries.  Maniots were fierce fighters. In 1821 the Turks were ejected from the Mani, Kalamata itself was freed and Nafplion was declared the first capital of the new Greek state.

Now, Kitries is a pretty fishing village . It has a small harbour, two or three tavernas on the waterfront, two beautiful sandy beaches and a few houses. It is the epitome of picturesque and peaceful natural beauty.

KARDAMILI

Kardamili is a sleepy fishing village for most of the year. The exception is in August, when it is host to the International Jazz Festival. The main street has a selection of cafes and tavernas mostly built of 300 year old stone. The traditional bakery and mini market still flourish.

The magnificent  Taygetos mountains rise 2,400 m. above sea level. The area is a paradise for walkers and hikers, with a network of footpaths leading  out of the village.

THE MANI PENINSULA VILLAGES

The two main resorts in Mani are Stoupa and Agios Nikolaos. Stoupa has has a large bay with an excellent sandy beach lined with beachfront cafes, bars and tavernas. This is family holiday Mani, albeit with a second smaller and quieter bay next to it. Slightly inland is the village of Neohori where much of the residential holiday development has taken place.

Agios Nikolaos is a traditional fishing village with a harbour, lined with cafes and tavernas. A range of shopping facilities, include  mini markets and just past the harbour is the sandy beach of Pantazi.   For the energetic, a coastal footpath leads from Agios Nikolaos back to Stoupa.

DEEP MANI – ONCE ABANDONED VILLAGES

From Agios Nikolaos one can  venture south  into Deep Mani A more rugged and barren landscape with steep cliffs, allowed once abandoned villages such as Vathei to be built inland  for protection from marauding Pirates. Now these once abandoned houses are sought after for renovation and modernisation.

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The island of Evia is the second largest of the Greek islands, yet one of the most unknown.  with 370 kms of coast and some 110 beaches. Stunning mountain and coastal scenery with numerous small bays and coves, make it one of the most beautiful of Greek islands.

Almiropotama Bay

Evia has retained its traditional Greek character and atmosphere. The coastline is dotted with small fishing villages. Rural villages in the hills and mountains are still open and working all year round.

ACCESS TO EVIA

Evia does not have an airport. Therein lies the secret of its success. Evia has not been spoilt by mass package tourism  It is a haven for the artist and writer and for bird watchers.  For those who enjoy more active pursuits there is hiking and mountain biking.

Access to the island is easy. Regular ferry services operate between the mainland and a number of ports on the island. Most of these are with a 30 to 45 minute drive from Athens airport.  Eretria covers the north of the island, Styra the centre and Marmari the south. The crossing to Eretria and Styra take 30 and 45 minutes respectively.

There is also a road bridge at Chalkida, in central Evia linking the island to the mainland. Evia is the only Greek island where bad weather never cuts you off.

ATTRACTIONS OF THE ISLAND OF EVIA

Whether looking for a permanent home or a holiday villa, the attractions of Evia present an entire world of contrasting scenery. Forest trails and long beaches,  fertile valleys, rivers and beautiful waterfalls invite discovery whatever the season. Few of Evias beaches are crowded or packed. The island has the longest sandy beach in Europe, seven miles of it.

The heavily wooded mountains , snow capped in winter and the stunning coastline have a magic all of their own.

At Edipsos the curative waters of the spa and the hot thermal springs house the oldest tourist destination in Europe.

The 3,000 year old dragon houses of Evia are found in beautiful mountain locations with magnificent views. The most famous is on top of Mount Ochi which dominates the south of the island. Here the hiker, the mountain biker and the mountaineer can feel at home.

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The island of Angistri is a member of the Saronic group of islands which lie close to the mainland. It is a small island, boasting secluded beaches and crystal clear waters. Fishing and water sports are popular, as well as the traditional beachside activities. The island has numerous pine woods which in many places run from the mountains down to the sandy beaches. The mountains also provide ample opportunity for hiking, mountain biking and camping.

Angistri is easily accessible from the mainland.  The Flying Dolphin  takes only 50 minutes for the crossing from Piraeus. The island has two ports and a local bus service takes all of 5 minutes for the journey from Skala to Milos. The crossing by  water taxi to the neighbouring island of Aegina, takes 15 minutes.

The selection  of waterfront,  bars cafes, meze shops and grill shops in Skala provide a varied choice throughout the day. Small night time cafes, bars and clubs  provide peaceful relaxation in the evening. A range of shopping facilities gently wind their way up the hill from the sandy beaches.

REAL ESTATE IN ANGISTRI

In recent years the popularity of the island as a location for holiday homes and permanent residences has increased. Property prices have also increased but remain very  competitive when compared to those on the larger islands such as Poros, Spetses and Hydra.

ANGISTRI PROPERTY PRICES

Beachfront studios are available  at prices starting from about 40,000 Euros. One bedroom apartments with sea view start at about 65,000, whilst a 2-3 bedroom house can be bought at prices from about 200,000 Euro.

ANGISTRI ISLAND

For many, the island of Angistri, is at its best during the Autumn and the Spring. Accommodation is still open, along with small tavernas and restaurants. Prices are also better than in the peak season. For those who wish to let their property on the holiday rental market, the letting season can be easily  extended through to September and into October. Angistri is popular outside the peak months of July and August. Activities such as hiking and walking the network of woodland paths become particularly enjoyable without the heat of summer.

Pine forests cover the centre of the island and provide ample opportunity for cycling, horse riding and walking the forest trails. It also lists ten well known beaches  ranging from rocky and secluded to long and sandy.

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The Athenian Riviera comprises a 5o km coastline dotted with small resorts. such as Lagonissi, Anavyssos, Saronida and Agia Marina. Each resort  has its own collection of small bays, sheltered coves and sandy beaches

                                                             Riviera Beaches

THE RIVIERA RESORTS 

The Riviera starts even before the southern suburb of Glyfada and includes Marina Alimou at Kalamaki, the largest marina in Greece with over 900 berths.

                                                                Marina Alimou

The Riviera extends from there as far as the cliffs at Cape Sounion.  As they rounded the Cape  mariners from ancient Greece were greeted by the sun’s reflection from the golden statue of Venus on the Acropolis.  The first sign that  they would reach home safely after the perils of their journey.  In homage to Poseidon  the God of the sea,  sailors built the temple which still stands on Sounion, a major monument from a Golden Age

REAL ESTATE ON THE RIVIERA 

The real estate market on The Athenian Riviera benefits from substantial demand  both for permanent homes and for holiday homes. The resorts are well served by public transport facilities and are only some 20 minutes from the airport. The metro goes from the airport directly into the hearts of both Piraeus and Athens.  There are express bus services along the main coast road to Glyfada.  Tram services operate along the coast from Voula into both Athens and Piraeus.

                                                        Christmas Day in Voula

Villas and apartments along The Riviera command excellent views of the scenic coastline. and The Imetos mountains also  provide stunning views along the whole of the coastline. The mountains  provide an escape from the heat of the day. Not least they create a much needed opportunity for popular activities such as hiking and mountain biking.

Not surprisingly the real estate market is enjoying a period of strength. In particular over the past two years prices have far exceeded the expectations of many.

                                                            Coves & Bays in Saronida

WATERFRONT & MOUNTAINSIDE

Those who live there can enjoy life to the full. Waterfront and beachside tavernas specialise in traditional Greek dishes and international cuisine. Shopping facilities include supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies and butchers.

Water sports and sailing are readily available. Other popular activities include hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. Many residents still walk to and from their local beaches for their daily swim.                                                                                   

                                                      A Stunning Riviera Sunset

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