Stone Villa Zoe Kalo Nero ~ Sea turtles, Ancient Sites & olives

* stonevillazoe.com * UK Host * speaks English & Greek * lives locally available 24/7 * Ideal for families and large groups * AC * fast WiFi

Large stone villa 6 mins drive to the authentic seaside village of Kalo Nero ("Good Water": Greek) and 60km of wide sandy beaches of Kyparissia Bay, a protected NATURA area and main nesting ground of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle Caretta Caretta. Perfectly located near: Ancient Olympia, the stunning Voidokilia Beach, historic Navarino Bay, the classic port of Pilos and its castle, Methoni and its extensive castle ruins, Nestors Palace museum, Ancient Apollo Temple at Bassae, the amazing natural waterfalls of Neda and Polylimnio. Idyll for exploring the southern Peleponnese! Set amongst olive groves in a 3000 sq metre landscaped garden, including a large lawned area perfect for ball games, with views of the mountains and Ionian Sea. All round patios and relaxing seating. Private vinyl pool 7m diameter, 1.35m deep with children's slide. Tranquil is spacious and fully equipped for several couples or families, the villa combines the best of traditional stone work with an open plan contemporary interior. AC.

Greek Tourist Authority Licence MHTE 1249K92000336501/ AMA 00000973127. Insured. Wi fi. Table Tennis. Large basement children's games room with bunk beds and sofa beds. Stone built Wood Fired Oven and BBQ.

Sleeps 16: 4 double bedrooms (1 en suite) with AC, a double sofa bed in living room plus sofa, 5 beds in basement games room plus childrens double sofa bed, 3 baby cots and a toddler bed available on request.

Kalamata Airport 45 minutes. Athens Airport 2.5 hours. Araxos Airport 1.5 hours

The village of Kalo Nero by the Ionion Sea: sea-front tavernas serving authentic Greek food and fresh fish, sunset bars, mini markets, bakery, family run grocers and butchers with fresh local produce, children's playground, a large swimming pool bar with separate children's pool. In Kyparissia town 15 mins drive away: the Historic Old Town with award winning tavernas, castle ruins, supermarkets, and all modern facilities.

Kalo Nero beach extends north for 60 km into Kyparissia Bay, with wide sandy beaches lined by dunes, coastal pine forest, and watermelon fields. The Greek government plans to declare Kyparissia Bay a national park to conserve its natural beauty and protect the 11 endangered species of reptiles and flora found there. The Loggerhead Sea Turtle nests all along the Bay from May - September, and it is one of the main nesting sites in the Mediterranean.

The villa is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty and historical significance and is well situated for Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic games, and Ancient Messini, the sanctuary of Demeter. Pilos town where boats tour the islets and shipwrecks of Navarino Bay. The idyllic horseshoe bay of Voidokilia Beach and adjacent Gialova Lagoon with its renowned birdlife, Romanos Beach, Paleokastro old castle ruins, and Nestors Cave. Methoni castle a unique castle complex spanning ages. A boat tour to Proti Island is ideal for snorkelling. Exploring the cliff hanging monastries of Stemnitsa and villages of Dimitsaina and Andritsaina. Numerous ancient sites, such as Peristeria, Nestor's Palace, and Figalia. In the surrounding mountains lie rustic stone villages such as Sidirokastro, Platania, Kefalovrysi with wonderful tavernas, historic towers, the Neda River Gorge, and icy waterfalls with panoramic views. Near Karagi are the beautiful lush waterfalls and lagoons of Polylimnio ( "Many lakes") and Shinolaika. The intact marble Temple of Apollo at Vassae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in the mountains 1 hours drive behind the villa. Rafting is available at Krestaina along the river.

The Greek Sea Turtle Society (Archelon) has an Information Kiosk in Kalo Nero and an Exhibition Centre 10-minute drive away at Aggianakis. All are welcome to join the volunteers on morning beach surveys, turtle releases, hatchling releases, and nest excavations during May - September.

The Kyparissia area has all year interest and mild weather. In July and August, village fiestas are held with much feasting and Greek dancing. September's golden light, fruit harvests, and warm seas are perfect. Late autumn sees the start of the olive harvest and the annual bird migrations south. January is perfect for skiing and snowboarding at the Mainalo Ski Resort (1.30 hours drive) as well as walks along deserted beaches. Spring brings meadows of wild flowers, Easter celebrations, and the return of the nesting sea turtles.