Kiparissia: My Big Greek Love Affair

Discovering Kiparissia: Greece’s Hidden Gem

Finding a place on Earth where mountains, sea, gentle sun, and few tourists coexist is a rare delight. Fortunately, such places still exist. Meet Kiparissia, a charming Greek province steeped in ancient history, boasting beautiful nature, delicious food, and uncrowded, pristine beaches. Here, summers are warm without being scorching, and winters are mild. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?

Journey to Kiparissia

Kiparissia is nestled at the foot of mountains along the Ionian Sea coast. It’s a small city with a long history rooted in ancient mythology. One legend tells of giants who once inhabited the city and built a castle, the ruins of which still stand today. In Homer’s “Iliad,” the place is called Kiparissenta, one of the nine cities of King Nestor. The city’s army is said to have participated in the Trojan War. Archaeological excavations confirm the city’s ancient origins, dating back to before 1500 BC.

Getting There

From Minsk, the easiest way to reach Kiparissia is by flying to Athens and then taking a direct bus, which will get you there in about two and a half hours. Driving independently is not recommended during rainy and windy weather due to poor road conditions along the coast. If you need a visa, you can apply at the Greek Visa Application Center in Minsk. Greeks are currently quite generous, and you might get a one-year Schengen visa on your first try.

Experience Kiparissia

Kiparissia is not a hotspot for mass tourism. There are no large hotels with round-the-clock entertainment. On the beaches, you won’t find banana boats, jet skis, or persistent vendors. A sunbed and a palm umbrella will cost you 3 euros, or you can order something at a café for the same amount and enjoy the amenities for free. You can also settle on a fluffy towel right on the sandy-pebble beach. Many locals vacation here, and every tourist is welcomed warmly, as if you’ve come to visit a large, friendly family.

Accommodation Options

Kiparissia offers a variety of accommodations, including hotels, apartments, and houses. The choice depends on your budget. On average, renting a place will cost around 40 euros per day. If you seek solitude, consider staying in a nearby village like Kalo Nero. Even at the peak of the summer season, it’s not crowded. However, be aware that some beaches have large pebbles, making it challenging to enter the sea. Some people wear sandals, while others prefer a natural foot massage. If you’re traveling with children, it’s best to choose a beach in advance.

Exploring Kiparissia

If you’ve had enough of swimming, eating, and sunbathing, there’s plenty more to do in Kiparissia. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Arcadia Fortress in the old part of the city. Built on the site of an ancient acropolis during the Byzantine period, the fortress was later rebuilt and strengthened, enduring various political upheavals. Today, it stands in ruins, but you can freely explore it during the day. It’s worth visiting for the stunning views of the city, with its red roofs climbing up the mountain, endless olive groves, and the azure sea.

Local Attractions

Another local attraction is the “Dionysiada” spring. According to legend, it was created by the god of winemaking, Dionysus, striking the ground with his staff. Nearby, you’ll find a mill and a charming tavern where you can rest and cool off.

Sea Turtles

The sandy-pebble beaches of Kiparissia are loved by Caretta Caretta sea turtles. From June to August, they lay their eggs in the sand, from which hatchlings later emerge. This turtle species is endangered, so volunteers always monitor the process of new offspring appearing. Sometimes, they gather small groups of people, organize mini-excursions, and show the baby turtles.

Day Trips and Excursions

Greece is rich in interesting places, so it would be a shame not to explore beyond Kiparissia. You can contact local tour operators who offer both group and individual excursions. Buses from the station go to various cities, even as far as Athens. Car rentals in July-September cost 55-60 euros per day, and 30-40 euros per day at other times.

The Palace of Nestor

King Nestor is a well-known figure from the mysterious Mycenaean era. Historians long suspected that the land might hide the remains of the ruler’s castle. Excavations in 1939 on the top of the picturesque mountain Ano Engliano yielded fantastic results. Remains of an entire complex of buildings, fragments of wall paintings, clay tablets with Linear B script, and Mycenaean pottery were discovered. The palace burned around 1200 BC, but in the remains of the structure, you can see a bathroom and a circular hearth with paintings. The castle is comfortable to visit even in the midday heat, as it is covered by a roof. The museum is located 40 kilometers from Kiparissia. The entrance ticket costs 6 euros. Some exhibits found during the excavations can be seen in the archaeological museum “Antonopoulio” in the neighboring city of Pylos.

Voidokilia Bay

Voidokilia Beach is ranked among the best beaches in the world. It’s no wonder! The place is of unforgettable beauty, with a semicircle of golden sand and the sea exit framed by two rocks. There are no amenities, umbrellas, or bars on the beach, as the area is considered a reserve. However, in summer, nothing prevents tourists from splashing in the warm azure waters of Voidokilia. On the northern side of the bay, on a hill, there is a tomb belonging to Thrasimedes, the son of the aforementioned Nestor. It is fenced off, but you can see it from a distance.

Olive Oil Tasting

It’s hard to imagine Greece without olive trees. Recently, small farms producing olives and olive oil have opened their doors to tourists. About 70 kilometers from Kiparissia is the Ellio farm. The owner is a very hospitable Greek who will show you a small olive grove and enthusiastically answer all your questions about his green pets. Then, he will arrange a tasting of oil, olives, and homemade wine, hoping you might purchase some of his treats. The farm’s products are one or two euros more expensive than in stores. But when you taste the fragrant olive oil with fresh homemade bread, it’s hard to resist taking a bottle with you. This gesture is purely a matter of goodwill.

Greek Cuisine

Greek dishes are impossible to ignore. First, they are all made from local, fresh, and high-quality products. Second, the food is simple but delicious and hearty. Portions are large, and some dishes can be easily shared between two people.

Traditional Dishes

Among the traditional treats, you should try moussaka, a casserole made of minced meat, potatoes, eggplants, béchamel sauce, and cheese. From street food, the ancient Greek dish souvlaki is popular among locals and tourists. Chicken or pork meat is served in pita bread with French fries, tomatoes, onions, and sauces.

Seafood

Kiparissia is a seaside city, so fish, shrimp, mussels, squid, and octopus are inexpensive, tender, and smell of the sea. Many taverns (local cafes) serve sets of different seafood. It’s a very convenient treat for a large company or when you want to try everything at once. And for dessert, Greek sweets with nuts, custard, and chocolate.

Souvenirs to Bring Home

From Kiparissia, you should definitely bring olive oil. You won’t find such a delicious and aromatic product anywhere else! Local olives differ from the Spanish ones that dominate our store shelves. Many people, after trying Greek olives, fall in love with them forever. But it’s a matter of taste. Learn more about Greece.