The Peloponnese is the southern landmass of Mainland Greece and linked to the rest of the mainland by the Isthmus of Corinth and its famous canal. The main city is Patras where ferries run all year to Bari, Ancona, Venice and Trieste or you can fly into Athens and then drive or take the regular coach and train services to Kalamata on the Gulf of Messinia. You can also fly to Kalamata from Athens on the  "shuttle" service The airport is open during the summer for Charter Flights booked by various holiday companies from all over Europe. The peninsula which lies east and south of Kalamata is the famous Mani and on its shores is STOUPA where I live and work.

     STOUPA is a small town on the coast overlooking the Gulf of Messinia, between the historic town of Kardamyli and the fishing village of Agios Nikolaos. It lies among the Olive groves and Cypress trees on a small coastal plain between the majestic Taygetos Mountains and the sea and is dominated by a solitary hill where there once stood a sanctuary to Athena and, later on, a Frankish Castle. The Mani coastline is rugged and rocky but at Stoupa there are two wonderful, sandy beaches which slope gently into the clear water. On the edges of the beaches there are shady tavernas where you can shelter from the sun and enjoy traditional Greek food or more cosmopolitan fare and, in the evenings, watch the magnificent sunsets as you sip a cool, refreshing drink. If you want an exciting night-life - don't come to Stoupa!  Evening is a social event - a time to meet old friends and make new ones - and the pleasure is in sharing good food, a drink and good company in pleasant and relaxed surroundings.