The Stoupa Bay apartments are situated in the village of Stoupa, on the central of the three peninsulas in the south of the Peloponnese.  This peninsula has been known as “The Mani” for the last 1100 years. This rugged and rocky peninsula is formed by the mountain chain of Taygetos (2020m). At the southern end, the Cape of Tenaron controls the passage between the Ionian and Aegean seas. The Tenaron rock with its historic lighthouse is the southernmost tip of mainland Europe.

The small resort of Stoupa is approximately 40km south of the town of Kalamata (population 40,000), the capital of the prefecture of Messinia. Stoupa is fortunate to be situated between two picturesque bays (Stoupa and Kalogria) with sandy beaches and the majestic Taygetos Mountains in the background. The local area is surrounded by beautiful olive groves and traditional stone houses. 

Local amenities include supermarkets, butchers, bakeries, laundromat, doctors, pharmacists etc. as well as a local medical centre in the neighbouring village of Aghios Nikolaos. There is a wide range of tavernas and restaurants to choose from. You will find most of the shops, tavernas, supermarket etc. on the seafront. Cars, mopeds and bicycles can be rented locally. There is an ATM cash machine in Stoupa which services all major credit cards, Maestro and Cirrus.

Stoupa has a population of around 600 people but its natural beauty attracts a large number of visitors, almost exclusively from the EU and mostly during the summer period. Increasingly so in the last few years, families from various European countries have purchased houses in Stoupa and many of them have now settled in the area permanently. The local economy depends almost solely on tourism and olive picking. The world famous Mani extra virgin olive oil has won many international awards and is considered to be the purest and tastiest in the world by many experts.

THINGS TO DO

If you love clubbing and partying till the early hours of the morning, then Stoupa is definitely not the place for you. Stoupa is a reasonably quiet place, ideal for families, children and people who enjoy swimming, fishing, snorkelling, beach volleyball, walking, exploring, sunbathing, bird watching or just simply relaxing.

BEACHES

Both Stoupa and Kalogria beaches with their fine sand and crystal clear waters are perfect for children of all ages. Kalogria beach with its turquoise waters and fine white (almost tropical) sand is considered to be amongst the top 5 beaches in Greece. As well as Stoupa and Kalogria, there are many beaches in very close proximity to Stoupa so you will be spoilt for choice!

EXCURSIONS

Daytrips to Ancient Olympia (original home of the Olympic Games), Ancient Mycenae, Epidavros, Athens, Monemvasia, Diros Caves (the longest and most beautiful cave complex in the world), the villages of the Mani, Sparta and Mystras are available through the many local travel agents and tour operators. This could be the chance of a lifetime to visit some of these world famous historical sites.

WALKING

It is not an exaggeration to say that the Mani with its breathtaking scenery offers some of the most stunning walking routes in the world. The area is well known to international walking enthusiasts for both its coastal walks and mountain hikes. The 2km coastal walk from Stoupa to the beautiful fishing village of Aghios Nikolaos is a good start. Some guided walks up the mountains are also available – please enquire at the local travel agents.

EATING

Food lovers will have the opportunity to taste the traditional Greek and local Maniot cuisine and sample local wines in the various tavernas and restaurants in Stoupa and the surrounding villages. All tastes are catered for including a large selection of vegetarian dishes and local fresh fish.

VISITING LOCAL VILLAGES

It is our recommendation that you do not confine yourself exclusively to the charms of Stoupa (however hard you might find it to tear yourself away!),  but to explore as much of The Mani as possible by car or, for the more energetic, on foot!. In the immediate area (along the coastline and on the hilltops), there are a number of small villages each one unique and different in style, that are well worth visiting.

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