The coasts of southern Kynouria offer memorable travel experiences. You will find beautiful beaches, excellent and affordable accommodation, and an atmosphere reminiscent of earlier times before mass tourism. The best example of the area's unpretentious beauty is Sabatiki.
Sabatiki is on the road to Leonidio. You will most likely stop to photograph the incredible scenery when you see it from above. After all, the bay of Sabatiki, with its small picturesque port and Lilliputian settlement, is a familiar and popular image on Instagram.
The place is suitable for relaxation and tranquility. A few kilometres away is Livadi, which has an organised beach of the same name. Sabatiki and Livadi are two of the oldest fishing villages in the region.
The beaches there conjure images from an old-fashioned postcard. Boats are moored in the bay, and fishermen are spreading their nets.
In essence—and here we return to the initial observation—they remind us of how an island of the Cyclades was before it became a global tourist destination with all the changes this caused.
Accommodation and food
Sampatiki Suites is a 4-star hotel nestled atop a hill, offering hospitality and stunning views. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast on the terrace, swim in the pool, relax in the sauna, or walk on the beach.
If you are looking for rooms next to the sea, a good choice is Villa Matina (Tel: 6974922377), on the Sabatiki beach. It offers spotlessly clean and comfortable rooms.
In Porto Sabatiki, you will find clean and affordable rooms with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, while in its restaurant, there is a beautiful view, and tastes of raw materials and recipes from the region are served, such as Tsakonian pasta.
We singled out the Meraklidiki grill for its lovely view and excellent taste; you can also find it in Klimataria (Tel: 2757 061111).
How to get there?
Sabatiki is located on the road to Leonidio, five kilometres before it. Starting from Attica, you will cross the Athens-Tripoli highway. Then, at the height of Nemea, you follow the country road that will lead to Argos.
From there, you head to Astros, where its beach might be worth a stop. Then, you move on to Leonidio.
You will need to drive about 3 hours.
Some tips and information for an excursion in the area
To choose the region of South Kynouria for your vacation, you must be sure that you are mainly looking for relaxation and rest since the nightlife is not lively there.
Thanks to the famous Red Rock, Leonidio is a popular destination for climbers.
The area is also suitable for milder activities. One such is learning the secrets of Tsakonian weaving.
Leonidio is full of two- and three-story mansions, several of them so before the 1821 Greek War of Independence. Many of them can now be visited, thanks to the initiatives of the heirs or the municipality.
The delicious Tsakonian eggplant is the best-known product of the local cuisine, which stands out for its simple and surprisingly tasty recipes.
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