An introduction:
An hour south of Kalamata on the edge of the Taygetos Mountains is Stoupa. It’s an excellent base to explore The Mani and beyond if you hire a car.
For more info of what to see and do in Stoupa, where to eat, beaches and more, click on the following links, there’s more links at the bottom of this page–
Things to see and do in Stoupa
In the summer Stoupa is busy due to the abundance of package holidays that are available. Despite this Stoupa maintains a charm. It copes with the crowds well as it is served by several beaches and plenty of tavernas and three excellent bakeries which are all are of a high standard.
The main road bypasses Stoupa which is a good thing. But the roads into Stoupa are quite narrow and can be a bit chaotic with cars trying to squeeze in and out of the town. If you are staying here you may have to walk to your accommodation from the main road as coaches cannot make it through the narrow roads.
Supermarkets
There are two large, well stocked and air conditioned supermarkets on the main road on the north and south edges of town which are cheaper than the smaller stores in town. The supermarket to north is unpronouncable [and unreadable] to us British peeps so it’s easier to call it Morrisons. Katerina’s in the south does not pose the same problem. There is also a smaller Katerina’s in the centre of Stoupa by the beach which is a little more expensive but is pretty well stocked.
Car Hire
There are two main Car hire companies in Stoupa- Napoleon Car Hire which is tucked away in the south of Stoupa and Mani Cars which is more visible as it is faces the main beach. I use Napoleon and they have been brilliant but I have heard good reports on Mani Cars too. For more info on driving in the Peloponnese click HERE.
Grunty Tip–The petrol stations near Stoupa are really pricey. It’s much cheaper to top up near Kalamata if you can or anywhere else!
Parking
Parking in Stoupa can be a bit of a nightmare in peak season. You can park on the north road into Stoupa [sign posted ‘Kalogria Beach’] which is just opposite the unpronouncable supermarket. If you see Katerina’s Market which is further south on other side of the road you have missed the turning.
Assuming that you turned down the correct road, if you continue you will find a small unpaved car park on the left, and a new paved one on the right just before the road bends left towards Stoupa’s main beach. The bottom part of the road is one way although this is sometimes ignored. Another option is to park in the south of Stoupa near the church.
Accommodation
There’s a large choice of places to stay to fit most budgets, from camping and self catering apartments to villas and plush hotels if you look on Tripadvisor. Some of these are the other side of the main bypass road so you will have a ten minute walk into Stoupa itself.
We always stay at the family run Theoxenia Apartments which has a lovely pool and is well located. The rooms are simply furnished and spacious. It’s located on the small quiet road that leads to Liastres Restaurant and Enigma Bar.
The first time we booked to stay here we hired a car and drove from Kalamata Airport. I had tried looking for it in advance on Google maps but it did not show up and there is no clear sign on the property itself. Even the tour operator did not know where it was and they actually gave me the wrong address in Messinia for a similarly named property which was miles away!
QUICK LINKS:
Things to see and do in Stoupa
Gruntie's Travels 