Notos Hotel

A cluster of beautifully decorated stone cottages, each sleeping 2-4, with stunning views over Kardamyli village and the rugged Mani coastline

‘Notos’ is Greek for south, and you can’t get much further south than this in Europe: you are more or less on a line with Tunis, Algiers and Gibraltar. And yet, for six months of the year, the mountain peaks looming above Kardamyli are covered in gleaming snow, and their foothills swathed in the greens, pinks and yellows of grassy terraces, olive groves and springs flowers.

The ‘Outer Mani’ is a spectacular region, no doubt about it, and these apartments have one of the best views in the area. Stretching southwards to land’s end at Cape Tainaron, the jagged, blue coastline unfolds before you, while up to your left are the limestone peaks and forested slopes of Mt. Taygetus. Dotted all around are stone villages and Byzantine chapels, which make for fascinating walks and car tours. Throw in a couple of days at the beach, some fish dinners at a seaside taverna, plus a bit of R&R in your cool and spacious apartment, and you have a perfect week’s holiday for couples and families alike. The beautiful south, indeed, and a perfect 10 from me.

Highs

• The calm, contemporary studios and apartments, with well-appointed kitchens, sofas, balcony and that Greek rarity, the kettlus electricus.
• A lively welcome and advice from owner Giorgos and his wife Maria, both fluent English speakers
• The breathtaking scenery - from the pristine sea up to snow-capped Mt. Taygetus, with ancient villages and frescoed churches galore
• A personal favourite - after 20 years of exploring and travel writing, Kardamyli still tops my list

Lows

• There is no pool, but it's just a short walk to the sea
• The local beach is pebbly, though there are 2 sandy beaches 10km away
• It's hard to get to - 4 hours' drive from Athens, 1 hour from Kalamata (occasional charters) - but that's part of the appeal?
• You will need a hire car: the village of Kardamyli is 2km away (a nice 1/2-hour walk - unless you are carrying shopping!)