Kyrimai Hotel

Perched right at the edge of the peacock-blue sea, this captivating little hotel is an idyllic escape in the rugged far south of the Mani peninsula. The original buildings have been in the same family for over 150 years, since Theodore Kyrimis and his business partner first had the bold idea to develop international trade from the tiny port of Gerolimenas. Ever the entrepreneurs, the Kyrimis family recently converted their former residence, storage rooms, warehouses and classic Mani defensive tower into a multi award-winning hotel that celebrates the unique history and culture of this majestic region.

The restoration preserved almost all of the original materials and much of the structure, creating a rather labyrinthine network of stairways, arches and courtyards within walls thick enough to repel pirates in centuries past. It’s a wonderfully romantic spot, cosy on the inside with breathtaking views on the outside, whether you’re sunbathing around the pool, swimming off the rocks or enjoying dinner to the soothing murmur of the sea. Kyrimai’s restaurant is a destination in itself, with legendary breakfasts and a focus on fresh fish and local produce that draws a discreet celebrity clientele from Greece and beyond. The chef is keen to share his passion for Maniot cuisine, and guests can enjoy cooking workshops by arrangement. If you fancy a change of scene, it's just a five-minute walk around to Gerolimenas village and beach, with a clutch of small bars and tavernas poised perfectly on the edge of the shimmering sea.

The scenery as you drive down the peninsula on arrival is spellbinding, and there is so much more to discover in the local area. To the south is Cape Tainaron – the legendary entrance to Hades – where the Aegean and the Ionian meet. All around are ridiculously picturesque Maniot villages like Neo Oitylo, Areopolis, Vatheia and our favourite Limeni, a glorious spot for lunch and a swim. The more classic seaside destinations such as Stoupa and Agios Nikolaos are also easily doable for a day trip. Whether you come to explore this little-known area or simply to enjoy its magnificent position, the Kyrimai offers a very special experience.

Good to know: looking for a 10 night holiday? You can combine a week at one of our villas with a 3 night stay at the Kyrimai – please contact us for more information.

Our choice of properties is as diverse as Greece itself, ranging from simple seaside charm to comfortable and stylish. Much of our portfolio is privately owned, and price alone is therefore not a universal guide. We contract all our accommodation in person, and each property has its individual appeal.

To help you make the right choice based on your own priorities, we have devised a simple grading guide to be considered in conjunction with each individual property description, awarding up to a maximum of five stars for the below categories.