Kardamyli

 5. Kardamyli

I first knew of Kardamyli when it was a setting for the 2013 film, Before Midnight.  What first made my eyes widen was the beautiful stone house and shady terrace in some of film's best scenes. I discovered that the set was the actual home of the British travel writer, and war veteran, Patrick Leigh Fermor, and photographer Joan Leigh Fermor, who built the house in the 1950s and lived there for the next 50 years.

It was a easy choice to include Kardamyli in our Peloponnese itinerary.  The drive from the Mani peninsula to Kardamyli in west Mani, took us through dozens of mountain villages - every one looked like they would be worthy of a stay and an explore - and more spectacular views as we descended from the mountain to the sea.

Kardamyli is smaller than we anticipated, just one main street really - port at one end, shady village square at the other, and lovely boutiques, cafes and shops in between, and not a tourist shop in sight.

We stayed in a small family run hotel above Kalamatsi beach, just 3 days to enjoy a few of the local tavernas (Diskouri on the hill, and OPsaras on the sea were both delightful), the relaxed village atmosphere, swim and explore this "indescribably picturesque" village that we'd love to return to one day.

Descending from the mountain drive
and looking down on to Kardamyli.

We stayed at beautiful Kalamitsi Beach,
fringed with fabulous cypress pencil pines. 

Kardamyli - so pretty at every turn.

Kardamyli's charming main street.

A coffee stop for my Huckleberry friend,
and some (masked) Kardamyli locals
playing tavli in a shady spot in the park
 - we saw them there each day.

Patrick & Joan Leigh Fermor's home 
above Kalamitsi beach in Kardamyli 
was bequeathed to the Benaki Museum.
Here is a glimpse of the beautiful local
stone work and the exquisite pebble
paving at the entrance way.

Just a short walk through the olive groves
past the Leigh Fermor home to the
beautiful beach of Kalamitsi.

From the terrace of Dioskouri Taverna,
Kardamyli, overlooking the little port.
Dinner was delicious.

Kalamitsi beach - more perfect water
to swim in and cool off.

The Olive Shop, Kardamyli.
Our favourite!

Kardamyli pavement art.

Kalamitsi beach - no crowds, just a 
crescent of crystal clear aquamarine.