LOCAL AREA
STOUPA
The modern village of Stoupa has been built on the site of the ancient city of Lefktron. The acropolis of the ancient settlement is still visible and dominates the local landscape. The temple of Apollo was the main feature of the acropolis. In 1250AD, the Frankish ruler of the Peloponnese William Villeardouine, built Beaufort Castle on the ruins of the ancient temple. Unfortunately there are no visible ancient ruins from either period as the site has not yet been fully excavated. (The 'Olive Grove House' accommodation has a splendid view of this dominant landmark from the upstairs terrace).
"Beaufort"
In modern times (1917), the controversial novelist Nikos Kazantzakis, author of Zorba The Greek, came to Prastova, a green hillside on the outskirts of Stoupa, to establish, rather unsuccessfully, a lignite mining business. He recruited Georgios Zorbas to be the chief engineer and supervisor of his operations. Kazantzakis chose to make a home in a small hut, at the edge of Kalogria beach. The pure crystal turquoise waters, combined with the white sand surrounded with pink oleander bushes was the best source of inspiration for the author and the place where Zorba danced to immortality.
Georgios Zorbas
In 1946 Kazantzakis published his best known novel "Zorba The Greek" which became a modern classic of international literature. Nowadays, almost 70 years later, Kalogria beach despite the growth of the tourist industry, still possesses some of its past magic. The shallow crystal clear waters and the sandy coast offer memorable holidays for everyone. A bust of Kazantzakis stands above Kalogria Beach. 'For reasons of his own, Kazantzakis chose to set his novel in his homeland of Crete, rather than in Stoupa, where events actually took place.'
Kazantzakis above Kalogria Beach
KARDAMYLI
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Kardamyli Harbour |
About 8 kilomtres north of Stoupa is Kardamyli - another
charming village.
The beach here is pebble and stones but still great for a swim and there are
some lovely shops, coffee bars and tavernas.
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AGIOS NIKOLAOS
Agios Nikolaos is a small fishing village south of Stoupa - only an hour's
stroll or 5 minutes by car.
It has several tavernas, kafeneons and bars and three well-stocked
supermarkets.
There is also a Health Clinic, pharmacy and post office.
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Having a meal, snack or just a drink
by the harbour while watching the fishing boats come and go is a
pleasant way to spend some time. |
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A 15 minute walk south from here takes you to Pantazi Beach
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