Seaside resort on the far edge of the Peloponnese, where relaxation is the preferred option

Kyrimai / Mani / Peloponnese / Greece

It seems the islands are getting all the attention. And it is easy to see why. The Greek islands are amazing. And there are so many different ones with their own twist, luring people in with sun drenched beaches, cute villages and tavernas. Don’t get me wrong, the islands are great, but the mainland has so much to offer, and especially the Peloponnese peninsula with its extensive, rugged coastline, rural feel and small villages. It is here, at the tip of one of the ”fingers” (the peninsula almost looks like a hand. If so, this would be the middle finger), where you’ll find the rustic-looking Kyrimai Hotel.

The Kyrimai, which is run by the Kyrimis family, is located right by the sea and is a complex of building dating back to the 19th century. This used to be a store, a private residence and a warehouse, that have been gently merged into one cohesive structure. Cohesive in the sense that it has the same look, but since they all had their own previous life, connecting them has led to a maze-like structure of staircases, landings and terraces. It almost feels like a child was asked to build something with LEGOs and I love the whimsicalness of it all.

One of the stand out features among the different buildings is the tower. These kind of towers are seen across villages in this region and when I found out there was a room located in the actual tower at Kyrimai, of course I had to book it. The room was spread over three floors where the bathroom was on the first, bedroom on the second and the lounge on the top floor. The look is all about stone and wood. And the best part of staying in the tower, when you look outside you have stunning views of Gerolimenas Bay and the surrounding mountains.

This is a hotel where you come to relax. Even though it isn’t a huge place (luckily, for all of us who love boutique hotels), this 23-key hotel still has everything you need to fulfill your lazy, Greek holiday fantasy. There are several different corners where you can find privacy and a place to lounge in the shade. The food is amazing where there are different options for lunch and dinner (and if you want to experience something else, there are several option in the village). There is a bar (yes, please!), a pool (never something I fancy when the sea is right there, but still) and you can almost jump directly from your room into the Mediterranean. What more could you possibly wish for!?

When you have parked your car, this is the view of one of the many seating areas on the outdoor terrace and the bay in the background.

When you check in you are served a welcome drink based on Greek Mountain Tea. A local treat.

Our room was situated in the imposing tower.

The first thing that I spotted when entering our room. A welcoming shot of Ouzo.

On the first floor there is the bathroom. Softly polished walls and a gentle color scheme.

It makes sense to be in your olive era when staying here… ;-)

Climbing the narrow stairs. On the next level is the bedroom with light coming in from two directions.

Squeezed between the old stone buildings there is a pool, right next to the restaurant.

So, how could a perfect day look when staying at the Kyrimai? Like this! Start the day with a cool dip in the sea.

This is my playing daredevil bringing the camera with me into the water. But it was worth it when getting photos like this one.

After morning dip, time for breakfast “al fresco”. So many tasty local delicacies.

After breakfast, before it becomes too hot, take the path up the mountain on the other side of the bay. Here is M heading to the top.

The view from the top is well worth the trek. The buildings to the far right of the row of buildings is the Kyrimai.

Take it gently down the mountain and back to the hotel. Find a shady place on the outdoor terrace…

…and reward yourself with some lunch. This is their version of pizza which was almost too delicious. And a side dish of Greek salad, of course.

After lunch, it is hang time by the sea with a book in hand. The occasional dip. And maybe a little snooze.

As the sun is starting to set, nice to go for.a little walk along the sea.

Go into town to check out the local beach.

Then head back to the hotel for an aperitivo, with sea front views. Here is M enjoying something citrusy in the sunset.

Drinks followed by dinner as the darkness sets.

After dinner, a short stroll through the small village…

…before returning to the hotel to call it a day. And to do it all again the next day.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…are looking to experience rural Greece, far from the hords. If you are looking to stay right by the sea in a historic building you are going to cherish every minute of your stay at Kyrimai.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is the location. It is hard to beat this kind of location, literally right by the water, where you can fall asleep to the sound of the gentle waves crashing against the rocks.

What not to miss when staying here…

…is to do an early morning or evening hike up the mountain on the opposite side of the bay. It is not too strenuous but very rewarding. When you reach the top you will have a wonderful view of the Gerolimenas bay and beyond. Then hike back down and reward yourself, either with some delicious hotel breakfast or a cool, fresh drink before dinner.

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Dexamenes / Kourouta, Greece

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Tuba Club / Marseille, France

Location