Friday, April 7, 2017

Ideas for Travels in Greece (Peloponnese Edition)

I love the Peloponnese, and would go back there again and again. It's so easy to get there, since you don't need to schedule any flights or ferries...you just drive there from Athens. It's also a drive that is super easy to do, since there is a super highway between Athens and Kalamata. I'm just focusing on the Mani area in this post--that's the middle leg of the three legs that make up the base of the Peloponnese. It's super raw, has gorgeous beaches, and feels untouched...but has some nice, Greek owned, luxury properties.




Kyrimai...We loved this place...amazing location right on the water, lovely pool, decor, food...and in proximity to many beaches.




 Tainaron Blue (This opened since I was last there...and it looks insanely gorgeous. You're not on the beach, but you have the best views.)








Città dei Nicliani (I didn't stay here--and it's inland 4 km from Gerolimenas, but it seems like a lovely option...)



Sunday, May 1, 2016

Paradise for CHEAP!!!

Several years ago I went to Greece with the family for UK Traveller. We were on their dime, and staying at some really gorgeous properties. One day, we found ourselves in the smallest little town called Porto Kagio, on the water, in the Peloponnese, specifically, in the Mani area. We had one of the most perfect simple lunches of the whole trip, and afterwards, took a swim, just in front of the taverna. The taverna, called Akrotiri, advertised itself as having rooms above the restaurant, but we weren't looking at the time, so I kind of forgot about it. It always stayed with me as a place I'd go back to, on my own budget, but until just now, I never looked it up. We all know that websites don't do places justice, either for the good or the bad...so, take this all with a chunk of salt. But for the price (a room for four in the highest season is 80 euros and includes breakfast), and the location (you're 15 feet from the most idyllic water--so clean, so warm). It's a tiny little town--it's the only place to stay--so you have to want to be in the middle of nowhere! But you can book boat rides to take you to other magical beaches, and of course you should have a rental car, so you can do nice day trips. It's a perfect spot for at least a couple of days, and it's definitely the right price.


That's the little town of Porto Kagio shot from the road above...and the shots below are from around the area...









Saturday, June 6, 2015

How They Do Rest Stops in France

On the highway between Bordeaux and Biarritz, we found ourselves starving, and in need of a bathroom break, so we pulled off at a slick looking rest stop. It had so much going for it, we could have spent hours there...what with the ping-pong, playground...the amazing food options. We did not partake in the help-yourself wine option, but we appreciated that the French are not afraid to have that as an option at a rest stop.












Sunday, May 3, 2015

A Plan B I Want to Copy

We found this shop, Mam Jeanne, in Biarritz, and absolutely love it. It's owned by a former journalist who decided to get out of that world, and wanted to open his own store/restaurant. Every day he is open for lunch and dinner--a prix fixe. It's tiny, and filled with so many things you want to take home...and the most delicious home cooked meals. If you find yourself in that area, you have to stop in.