A few miles south of Stoupa is Agios Nikolaos, a small pretty fishing village with a taverna lined harbour, plenty of accommodation options, a small supermarket and a chemist. It has a tranquil, lazy feel about it.
There is not much to actually see and do in Ag Nik so that makes it the perfect place to relax or as a base to explore the Mani. If you want to know where you can swim in Ag Nik click HERE.
The restaurants are of the usual high standard but seemed to be a little more expensive than those in Stoupa. Leashia and I really like Elli’s Tavern which is on the left as you enter Ag Nik but Vezuvios to the right of the harbour overlooking the sea is also a popular choice.
Things to see and do
Although there are no ancient sites in the vicinity there are the remains of a large German WW2 Machine Gun emplacement just outside of the village towards Stoupa. I attempted to climb up to the entrance but in a rare flash of common sense I changed my mind as I was scrambling up the rock.
The path to Stoupa
Just beyond the Gnospi swimming platform there is a bicycle path which hugs the coast to Stoupa offering lovely views. Allow an hour each way [if you are walking] and take plenty of water with you.
The Road to Trachila
If you have use of a car [or possibly a bike] I would recommend a trip along the coast past Agios Dimitrios to the small fishing village of Trachila. Again, there are some lovely views, a few quiet bays where you can swim and caves in the cliffs along the way and an egg! The road ends at Trachila, so you can see it all again on the way back.
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