Southern Peloponnese accommodation in Greece
| country: | Greece |
| location: | Mani, Southern PeloponneseSee map here |
| price: | From €40 per room per night (sleeps 2 - 3). Price includes breakfast |
 | View availability here |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
description
Exochori is on the edge of the Taygetos mountain range which is a protected area and rare ecosystem. The unique nature of its plant life comprises 700 species, 28 of which are endemic solely to here. The diverse terrain means that many plants and wild animals flourish within a relatively small area. From mediterranean thickets, through conifer forests in the mountains, to the alpine zone in the highest peaks (above 2000m), the scenery is constantly changing.
The base is a restored, stone village house dating back to 1856. Within the refurbishment we have incorporated traditional styling as well as modern eco features: solar water heating, rainwater harvesting, re-use of grey water, high insulation values and energy saving devices. As water is a precious resource guests are invited to participate in its saving and re-use. For this reason only fully biodegradable shower and washing products are used, these are provided free to guests.
Exochori is a peaceful mountain village. Here you can explore the picturesque cobbled lanes and alleyways, numerous churches and spectacular scenery. Footpaths radiate out from the village and you can enjoy a whole week of walks from the door. The gardens around the house are perfect for relaxing, with wonderful views of the mountains and sea.
Evenings can be spent relaxing on the terrace with a bottle of wine whilst stargazing, or sampling the food and drink in the traditional cafes and restaurants in the village. There are also numerous cafes, restaurants and tavernas down on the coast in Kardamili.Walking Stargazing Visit Viros Gorge Experience Greek village life Nature spotting
The base is a restored, stone village house dating back to 1856. Within the refurbishment we have incorporated traditional styling as well as modern eco features: solar water heating, rainwater harvesting, re-use of grey water, high insulation values and energy saving devices. As water is a precious resource guests are invited to participate in its saving and re-use. For this reason only fully biodegradable shower and washing products are used, these are provided free to guests.
Exochori is a peaceful mountain village. Here you can explore the picturesque cobbled lanes and alleyways, numerous churches and spectacular scenery. Footpaths radiate out from the village and you can enjoy a whole week of walks from the door. The gardens around the house are perfect for relaxing, with wonderful views of the mountains and sea.
Evenings can be spent relaxing on the terrace with a bottle of wine whilst stargazing, or sampling the food and drink in the traditional cafes and restaurants in the village. There are also numerous cafes, restaurants and tavernas down on the coast in Kardamili.
special things to do and see here
rooms, food and facilities
Double, twin or three bed rooms are available with a shared bathroom. Breakfast is included in the price and we can provide vegetarian evening meals if you let us know in advance. Most food is from our organic garden. We are happy to cater for gluten free diets if you give us notice.
Walking: The house is set in an organic garden with fabulous views up to the highest peaks in the area as well as down to the sea (7 kms). Near to the Viros Gorge, this area is ideal for those wanting to enjoy the natural beauty of this area with plenty of places to walk.
Overland and sea routes: If you have more time you can travel overland to Italy and then get a ferry to Patras, in the north of the Peloponnese. There are buses from there to Kalamata.(about 4 hours). Ferries leave from Venice, Ancona and Bari.
Walking: The house is set in an organic garden with fabulous views up to the highest peaks in the area as well as down to the sea (7 kms). Near to the Viros Gorge, this area is ideal for those wanting to enjoy the natural beauty of this area with plenty of places to walk.
How to find us
By plane: Exochori is in the southern Peloponnese, near the tip of mainland Greece. The nearest airport is Kalamata. (34kms) There are flights available from a number of UK and N. European airports. These are charter flights. If you are staying for a week or more we will pick you up from the airport. There are buses and taxis from Kalamata to Kardamili or Exochori.(approx 1 hour). There are also flights to Athens available and there are cheap and frequent buses connecting to Kalamata. If you are flying to Greece please consider using carbon offset to lessen your impact on the planet. e.g. Climate Care. Overland and sea routes: If you have more time you can travel overland to Italy and then get a ferry to Patras, in the north of the Peloponnese. There are buses from there to Kalamata.(about 4 hours). Ferries leave from Venice, Ancona and Bari.
how this holiday makes a difference
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Environment:
We help promote green tourism in this part of Greece. Along with other accommodation providers, we want to encourage guests to enjoy the tranquility of mountain living and to bring vital income into the village. The base is a restored, stone village house dating back to 1856. Within the refurbishment we have incorporated traditional styling as well as modern eco features. The house has been renovated with sustainability in mind. Water conservation being the main priority: Exochori is on the edge of the Taygetos mountain range which is a protected area and rare ecosystem. The unique nature of its plant life comprises 700 species, 28 of which are endemic solely to here. The diverse terrain means that many plants and wild animals flourish within a relatively small area. From mediterranean thickets, through conifer forests in the mountains, to the alpine zone in the highest peaks (above 2000m), the scenery is constantly changing. A stay in Exochori provides a gateway to exploring the history, ecology and traditions of Mani. Community: We are part of WWOOF (worldwide opportunities on organic farms), this is a volunteer network and we have volunteers come to work in the garden in exchange for accommodation and food. Guests are encouraged to appreciate life in this village, the rituals and traditions of Greek life. We have an extensive range of books, guides and magazines that give good information on the area and its history. Guests are encouraged to use the two restaurants in the village and the local shop, and so maximising the impact they have on the village economy. Where possible food is sourced locally, either from “home-made” producers in the village (olive oil, herb tea, vegetables, honey) or from nearby organic shop. Guests are encouraged to visit the local organic olive oil producing co-op. The renovation of the house over a two year period utilised only local labour. If we need additional labour at the guesthouse we employ people in the village. The network of paths from the village links to many other mountain villages. Guests are given maps and itineraries in order to explore these fully. These routes include suggested lunch stops in other villages. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |