Visiting Kyparissia In The Peloponnese: The Ultimate Guide
Are you looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination in Greece? If so, consider visiting Kyparissia in the Peloponnese.
This charming town is located on the west coast of the peninsula and boasts stunningly beautiful scenery and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
Kyparissia is also home to a number of historical attractions, including incredible castle ruins with views to die for.
So if you’re looking for a unique Greek experience, be sure to add Kyparissia to your itinerary!
Table of Contents
- Things To Do In Kyparissia
- Amenities in Kyparissia
- Where To Stay In Kyparissia
- Where To Eat
- Sailing In Kyparissia
Things To Do In Kyparissia
Kyparissia can be found in the Peloponnese region of southern Greece. It’s located on a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea and offers magnificent views of the coastline.
Although it’s not as well known as some of the other towns in the Peloponnese, Kyparissia is definitely worth a visit. Let’s dive in and explore the best things to do in Kyparissia.
#1 Explore Kyparissia Town
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Kyparissia is an ancient coastal town with a conflicting feel. The walk from the harbour into the town is unimpressive, almost a little sad, and if you were to venture no further then you will wonder why you stopped here.
However, walk about 20 minutes through the town and uphill and you will be treated to a lovely walk past some pretty houses, leading to a street with an old town feel and some inviting-looking restaurants and bars. At the end of this street, you will find an impressive church with incredible views.
#2 Enjoy The Views From Kyparissia Castle
Perhaps the main attraction in Kyparissia town is the castle just up from the church in the old town. The ancient castle ruins are free to visit and come complete with a small amphitheater!
The views from the castle ruins are impressive and worth the walk. We went up there for sunset and it really was beautiful.
The town is surrounded by olive groves, so if you explore a little beyond the worn-down town you will find big areas of green. You’ll find forests including cypresses and pines to the east side of town.
#3 Relax On One Of Kyparissia’s Beaches
Behind the harbour you will find a (rather crowded) strip of beach. Settle here for a dip in the sea or follow the coastline further and you will have the sea all to yourself.
If you’re prepared to do a bit of a walk then Kyparissia has some beautiful, secluded beaches on offer. The rocky terrain requires a bit of a scramble in places but the sunset from all along the coastline is incredible, with some interesting rock formations jutting out into the sea.
Loggerhead sea turtles, also known as Caretta Caretta, make this coastline their home and you may be lucky enough to spot one in the harbour.
Further Afield
If you’re lucky enough to have your own transport then there are several interesting things to see a short drive away from Kyparissia town.
#4 Neda waterfalls
These stunning waterfalls are well worth a day trip if you have some time on your hands. The road to get there is a little ‘interesting’, so keep that in mind. You’ll want to cool off in the crystal clear waters so make sure you pack your swim stuff!
#5 The Watermill
You can walk here, though you may want to turn back as soon as you set off! It is a sweaty 2km hike uphill, so be prepared! The authentically restored flour mill grinds using water and there is a small display about it’s past. There is a little cafe that serves lovely Greek food and refreshing drinks and a pretty garden with citrus trees and herbs.
Amenities in Kyparissia
There is a large AB supermarket and several smaller supermarkets and separate fruit and veg, bakeries, and butcheries in town.
Just before you reach AB you will find several shops that will refill camping gaz, we even managed to buy a spare gas canister as we only have a small one and have been struggling to find gas refills around Greece. We paid 9 euros for a refill and 35 euros for an extra canister.
There is a large hardware store that is well stocked and that sells a very limited range of boaty things. It obviously just stocks a few bits and bobs for the local fishermen.
There is a large post office in the centre of town and the staff were very helpful when we needed to send a package.
Where To Stay In Kyparissia
If you haven’t arrived by sailboat then not to worry, there are plenty of places to stay here. Here are our top picks.
Kiparissia Castle & Sea
This cute vacation home has a garden and a balcony with sea views for you to enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your day of exploring. It’s in a quiet part of the town, but still within a reasonable distance of all the sights.
Kyparissia Old Town Lodge
If you’re looking for beautiful accommodation in Kyparissia then look no further. This stone building makes for a charming holiday rental, complete with an outdoor courtyard, garden, and balcony. You won’t find somewhere nicer to stay in Kyparissia.
✅ You can book your stay here
Where To Eat In Kyparissia
The prettiest place to head for a bite to eat would definitely be the old town area in Kyparissia, though there is a limited choice.
There is one big restaurant there that seems very popular with the locals, with chairs and tables spilling out onto the street. In the summer months the restaurant opposite the marina is open and although the marina itself isn’t that pretty, the views of the sunset from here are superb.
There is a busy town square that is vibrant and bustling some the evening time. Although we didn’t stop for a drink here it seemed like a great place to immerse yourself in the Greek culture, where big families meet in the evening for a drink and the kids play outside.
Sailing In Kyparissia
Kyparissia is a logical stop for any cruiser on the sail down the West coast of mainland Greece. Although navily and navionic reviews don’t rave about this coastal town we found it had more to offer than first appearances suggested.
The ‘town quay’ in Kyparissia, or perhaps more fittingly what looks like a half-finished marina, is well sheltered from the North Westerlies and free. In mid-August, there was plenty of space to Med moor on the quay to the East (with some chance of getting space to come alongside).
The West side of the marina reports shallower depths and was empty bar one catamaran when we arrived. With our shallow draft, we decided to come alongside here and had depths of 2.9m (though after a little scout around we could see some rocks and debris that may affect boats with a bigger draft).
The north-westerly wind blows right through the gap in the harbour wall here so we had a few less comfortable nights with heavier wind. You can tie off to metal rings fitted on the harbour walls. The walls are high to fender appropriately. We estimated room for about three boats to anchor inside the harbour walls.
You can anchor off on the beach next to Kyparissia’s harbour, though it looked as though it would be very exposed from a lot of angles.
There is water here (on the main quay) and plenty of bins, including glass and plastic recycling. There are showers on the beach opposite the harbour which we enjoyed using as the sun was setting (what a view while you wash!)
The harbour is a little sad looking, as though someone tried to make something of it once and then gave up. There is work being done on a damaged harbour wall that looks to be almost finished.
Cruising North from here? Check out all you need to know about Argostoli in Kephalonia here and don’t miss the lovely town of Lixouri just opposite.
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