Stoupa

For the Czech village of the same name, see Stoupa, Czech Republic.

Stoupa beach

Kalogria, a beach just outside Stoupa

Stoupa is a village on the coast of southern Peloponnese in Greece. It is part of the municipality of Lefktro, in the prefecture of Messinia and the historic region of Mani Peninsula. The renown Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis met Alexis Zorbas here, and part of the story in Zorba the Greek took place around here. There is a large statue of Nikos Kazantzakis on the cliff overlooking Kalogria beach, at the crossroad for the beach.

Once a sleepy little town, in the past few years more and more tourists have discovered Stoupa. There are some 20 restaurants strung out along the beach, a few small hotels, and many rental houses. Besides Greek tourists, who come mostly in August, Brits and Germans are the most frequent visitors. There are a few Dutch, but because of only one flight flying into Kalamata, the local airport, once a week from Holland, they are few and far between. Few Americans have found their way to Stoupa, seeming to favor the islands. There are, however, a few American/Greeks.

Stoupa is in a fascinating area called Mani, the only part of Greece never conquered by invaders. The Maniots built tower houses, some of which have been restored, and holed up in them carrying out local feuds. Just down the road from Stoupa is the village of Agios Nikolaos (also known as Selinitsa), a working fishing village which also has a number of restaurants but attracts fewer tourists than Stoupa. Above Agios Nikolaos is the lovely small village called Riglia. Other worth visiting places in the region include Kardamili (7km from Stoupa), Itilo (32km), Limeni (36km) and Aeropoli (40km).

There are approximately four buses a day, which stop at the bus stop by the Bakery on the main road at the top of Stoupa.

If you are a holiday tourist in Stoupa you can book a 'Lazy Day Cruise' where you are taken along the south coast of the Peloponnese Peninsula and you have the chance to dive and swim in the sea at various points along the journey. You will then stop off at a local village where the boat will moor up right outside the taverna (restaurant) where you can eat either pork or chicken souvlaki. Then hop back on board the boat and stop halfway again to dive in and swim in the sea before being dropped off at Stoupa harbour. People can be picked up from Agios Nikolaos and Stoupa.

Although virtually unknown to many across the world, Stoupa is possibly the 'gem of Greece'. Its laid-back atmosphere gives it a true Greek feel. Just a coach ride away are the ancient ruins of Olympia and the Corinth Canal. There are many beaches and coves around the area including Stoupa Beach, which is the most popular and has a good beginners snorkeling site at the end of the beach. Over the hill is Kalogria Beach, with its turquoise waters and rich marine life, as well as plenty of facilities such as volleyball, and a handful of bars.

Stoupa is truly the real Greece, beautiful and unspoiled by over-development. Website: [1]