Old Town Kardamyli


Old Town Kardamyli consists of a fortified settlement with a handsome 18th-century church, plus restored tower, oil press and three-storey building. There are good information panels with explanations in English on traditional Maniot life. Follow the signs on the western edge of Kardamyli opposite the two supermarkets.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Patrick Leigh Fermor House

0.87 MILES

Larger-than-life Patrick Leigh Fermor (1915–2011), a Hellenophile and marvellously engaging writer, lived just outside Kardamyli for much of his later…

2. Delfinia

2.17 MILES

This stretch of beach 3km north of Stoupa is rougher underfoot than the town beach or Kalogria, but sees smaller crowds in summer.

3. Kalogria

3.09 MILES

Pretty sandy beach north of the main beach in Stoupa. The water is beautiful and clear; sunbeds clog up the shore in summer.

4. Museum of Traditional Greek Costumes

12.34 MILES

Opened in 2017, this stunning museum features a remarkable collection of Greek costumes that was donated by Victoria Karelia. Far from moth-eaten old hand…

5. Military Museum

12.4 MILES

One for war buffs, this museum's displays depict Greek military history from the Turkish occupation to the Greek Resistance to Nazi occupation and 21st…

6. Church of Ypapantis

12.46 MILES

Kalamata's massive 19th-century cathedral is home to the icon after which the town takes its modern name. Pilgrims visit for its miracle-working icon of…

7. Archaeological Museum of Messenia

12.49 MILES

This partially interactive, child-friendly museum focuses on treasures found in four regions – Kalamata, Pylia, Messini and Trifylia. Exhibits include…

8. Kastro

12.52 MILES

Looming over the town is the 13th-century kastro (fort). Remarkably, it survived the powerful 1986 earthquake that levelled the city. The entry gate is…