Roads lined with olive groves, cypress trees marking the contours of a stunning and varied landscape, lush mountains tumbling into azure waters, citrus plantations and some of Greece's best vineyards make the Peloponnese a fabulous choice for a holiday location; Skiing in winter, trekking in autumn, fishing in spring and fabulous beaches for summer fun.
Take the cog railway from Diakopto Station through the Voraikos gorge andup to the mountain village of Kalavryta. It’s a magnificent journey through the mountains.
Website
Tetramythos Winery in Upper Diakopto has become one of Greece’s finest small organic wine producers in recent years. They are open daily for wine-tasting.
Tel: (+30) 2691 097500
Website
By car, to the mountain town of Kalavryta and its Cave Lakes. Just follow the main road to Kalavrita. there are signs that will guide you to the Ski Center.
Ancient Corinth was one of the most important Greek city-states of Greece. It has a history of around 8000 years.
Mycenae was the kingdom of legendary King Agamenmnon. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.
Epidavros is mostly known for it's ancient theatre. This theatre was constructed in the late 4th century BC to host religious ceremonial events in honor of god Asclepius, whose healing centre was located few steps away.
Nafplio is a seaport picturesque town in the Peloponnese. It was the first capital of modern Greece. It is a romantic and charming city full of Venetian houses and narrow streets. It has an excellent archaeological museum in its main square, medieval fortifications to explore as well as a tiny island with Ottoman history just opposite the harbour. Nafplion also has excellent restaurants and cafes as well as some interesting artistic shops.
Delphi was an important ancient Greek religious sanctuary sacred to the god Apollo. The sanctuary was home to the famous oracle of Apollo which gave cryptic predictions and guidance to both city-states and individuals. The ancient Greeks considered the centre of the world to be in Delphi.
Galaxidi is a beautiful and romantic small seafront town of the district of Aitoloakarnania. It's port is one of the most beautiful in Mediterranean.
It’s also worth exploring the mountain villages on the slopes of mountain Helmos such as Peristera, Mesoroughi, tiny Potamia, the lake at Tsivlos and Zarouchla to name a few. Here you will really see a traditional way of life, lovely stone dwellings, very beautiful walks and 4x4 routes and sample a very different kind of cuisine to other areas of Greece.
At Kosta Harbour, you will find private water taxis for hire
(Euro 25 across to Dapia on Spetses during the day and Euro 50 after midnight taking around 5 mins).
There is also a car ferry at certain times of day
(Euro 3.50 per person taking 15 mins).
There are also fishing boats that go across and take passengers (Euro 2.50 per person taking 15 mins).
With Kostas at Kaiki Beach on Spetses. The nearest jetty is Spetses Hotel Jetty and you can take a water taxi from Kosta Harbour. For water skiing it’s best to ring Kosta a day in advance so he can check the weather forecast and let you know if it is possible. Each water skiing lesson is Euro 40 and lasts between 10 – 20 mins depending upon the endurance of the individual.
Kostas:
Mob: (+30) 694 793 9987
There is also water skiing available at ‘Limni’ located at Ververonda near Porto Heli.
For details, please enquire to arrivals@prettygreekvillas.com
It's a pretty place to visit. It has a pine-fringed harbour on two sides of the town. Both harbours offer a wide selection of traditional tavernas.
With so many kilometres of dirt roads in the mountains to discover, you may be interested in doing an off-roading jeep tour. For details, please contact our office
Tel: (+30) 211 780 3203
Lisa and Gianni are specialists in the area and offer hiking on trails that last for between 1.30 hrs and a whole day. For those who don’t want to walk so far, but would like to get deep into the countryside, you can start off in the jeep and then walk from a certain point with them. For details, please contact our office
Tel: (+30) 211 7803 203
Tennis Club – located in Upper Akrata. To book a court of lesson, please call our office onTel: (+30) 211 7803 203
Located in Diacopto and in Zarouchla.
For details please contact us on
Tel: (+30) 211 780 3203
Located in a 10 acres forest resort 40 km from Akrata beach. Visitors can choose through a variety of outdoor activities as:
organised horse rides through the forest, ATV rides or mountain biking, and practice their skills in archery and paintball. The area is also perfect for hiking through forest of exquisite beauty
Tel: (+30) 2696 033383
Mob: (+30) 694 435 7291
www.nymfeszarouxla.gr/activities
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Pretty Greek Villas:
Tel: (+30) 26960 61414 or (+30) 211 780 3203
Northern Peloponnese
Local Taxi:
Mr Dinos. He does not speak English so please call our office to arrange.
Mob: (+30) 6944 692266.
Southern Peloponnese
Water Taxi driver:
Mob: (+30) 694 4548 183 (Costas Thimaras)
Local Taxi:
(+30) 6977 339208 (Kostas)
Northern Peloponnese
Pharmacy:
Lower Platanos village (Paralia Platanou) has an excellent pharmacy run by Kostas and Rania. Go down the hill and turn left and first left again. The pharmacy is located just above the sea road.
Tel: (+30) 2696 061683
Private Doctor:
We recommend Dr Kandiliotis. He has a surgery in AIgeira. His fee is Euro 20 for a basic consultation. Drive to Akrata. Go straight through the only set of traffic lights and keep driving straight for about another 5kms. As you reach the end of the Akrata/AIgeira shops, you will see a Medical Lab on your right and straight after it, is the doctor’s surgery.
Mob: (+30) 693 0545365
Health Centre:
The state Health Centre is located in Upper Akrata. At the Akrata traffic lights, turn right and drive up the hill to the upper village. You will see it on your right hand side next to the pharmacy. The Health Centre also deals with non-serious accidents.
Tel: (+30) 2696 022222
Private hospital:
Olympian Hospital, Volos/Milihou Street, Patras.
Tel: (+30) 261 0464100
State hospital:
University Hospital of Patras, Rio.
Tel: (+30) 261 0999111
Southern Peloponnese
Local doctor Amalia Dura:
Mob: (+30) 697 7350160
Local paediatrician Filaktou Neofytos:
Tel: (+30) 2754 021133
Mob: (+30) 693 2223310
Health Centre, Kranidi:
Tel: (+30) 2754 022222
Emergency Call:
112
Police:
100
Fire:
199
Doctors SOS:
1016
Road Assistance:
10400 (ELPA)
Toilets
Greece sewerage operates on a septic tank which is the reason for the seas being so clean. However, this means that you CANNOT put any toilet paper, sanitary towels or baby nappies down the toilet. If you do, it can cause serious blockage requiring a plumber. Please remember to put all paper etc in the bin provided next to the toilet. We do not like to deduct from a security deposit but if the plumber is called and it is because paper has been put into the toilet during your stay, the cost of the repair will need to be deducted from your security deposit.
Suntan lotions
Some suntan lotions and oils contain a dye that leaves a permanent orange stain on towels, linens and pool liners. Please avoid using these suntan products because most villa owners will now request to deduct from the security deposit in order to replace items that have been dyed. When using the pool, please shower before entering.
Water
In this area the tap water is drinkable. Since water is scarce in the summer in Greece, please use only what you need.
Air-conditioning
If your villa has air-conditioning, please close all doors and windows when in use. Some villas have a system where if a door or window is left open, the air-con will not work so please check this first if you are experiencing problems.
Air-conditioning
If your villa has air-conditioning, please close all doors and windows when in use. Some villas have a system where if a door or window is left open, the air-con will not work so please check this first if you are experiencing problems.
Hot water
The hot water system for most villas is on an immersion system. This means you need to switch on the boiler for the water to be heated. The switch will be in the main electricity panel of the house and usually is turned on for your arrival. It is easy by mistake to turn this off during your stay, so if you find that you do not have hot water then please check the electricity panel first.
Dishwasher
Most villas will have a dishwasher. Please rinse plates before putting them inside. Some areas of Greece (such as Porto Heli) have a very high salt level in the water so dishwashers do not work very well and you may find that glasses and cutlery are smeared.
Umbrellas
Greece can be very windy so we would be very appreciative if you could close any sun umbrellas at the villa when windy to avoid them breaking or flying away.
Animals
All villas are situated in the countryside so if screen doors or shutters have been fitted please use them so that unwanted animals don’t get inside the house. The villas are all thoroughly cleaned before arrival but it is still possible that you may see the odd spider, mice, rat, scorpion, cockroach, snake or lizard inside. If you do and think it is a problem, please let us know so that we can deal with it straightaway. Wasps – it is impossible to know in advance whether wasps are going to be prevalent in a particular location or not. If you do find that wasps are a nuisance, burning Greek coffee on a plate seems to keep them away.
Siesta Time
For villas that are situated within villages and towns, the siesta hours are 14:30hrs – 17:30hrs. During this time, please try to make as little noise as possible.
Shop & Bank Opening Hours
Large chain supermarkets (such as AB, Galaxias, Carrefour) are open Monday to Saturday from around 08:30hrs – 20:45hrs. Closed on Sundays.
Most other shops are open as follows:
Monday: 08:03hrs – 13:30hrs
Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 08:30hrs – 13:30hrs & 17:30hrs – 20:30hrs
Saturdays and Sundays: On most islands, shops are open 08:30hrs – 13:30hrs & 17:30hrs – 20:30hrs. However, in traditional places frequented mainly by Greeks you will find that shops will be open on Saturdays until 13:30hrs and closed on Sundays.
Banks vary but are generally open from 08:30hrs – 13:30hrs. Some banks stay open for an hour or two longer.
Bakeries and mini-markets tend to be open every day.
Taxis and Porters
Taxis, porters and car hire are not included in the price of your villa. Please settle up directly with your driver, porter or car hire representative. When departing from your villa, if you require a taxi or porter, please ring or email us 24-48hrs in advance to arrange.
If you pre-book a taxi and do not notify us to cancel it, we will deduct this from your security deposit. Please note that we need to receive the cancellation in writing 24 hrs at least before the time you have booked the taxi. For airport transfers, we need at least 1 month’s notice in July/August and at least 2 weeks notice in all other months so that your booking can be repla
Security
Greece is still generally a very safe country. However, when you are not at your villa please close windows and lock the doors.
Garbage
Please dispose of your garbage regularly because the high temperatures can attract vermin if left for too long. Unfortunately, very few areas of Greece have recycling so please put your rubbish in the nearest municipal bins (usually green). On Hydra, there are also lots of cats so please don’t leave rubbish bags outside.
Breakages
It is very rare for us to deduct money from a security deposit and we do not deduct money for the odd glass, cup or plate that might get broken. However, if you do happen to break or damage something please let us know.
Departure Time
At the end of your holiday, please vacate your villa by 10:00hrs unless we have agreed a later time with you. If the housekeeper is not there when you leave, please leave keys on kitchen table.
It is essential that you inform us of your flight details in your 'Manage Your Booking' section to our website. We sent you your login information at the time of booking. If you require your access codes, please contact one of the PGV team. arrivals@prettygreekvillas.com or search your emails for Reservation Link and Arrival Guide.
Three good websites for flights from the UK are
www.travelsupermarket.com
www.flightcomparison.co.uk
www.charterflights.co.uk
Easyjet also fly into Athens from various European airports:
www.easyjet.com
For non-UK flights, a good website is
www.edreams.com
Please contact one of the PGV team for advice about where to book flights.
It is essential that you inform us of your flight details in your 'Manage Your Booking' section to our website. We sent you your login information at the time of booking. If you require your access codes, please contact one of the PGV team. arrivals@prettygreekvillas.com or search your emails for Reservation Link and Arrival Guide.
Ryan Air and Easy Jet both fly to Kalamata from UK.
A Superb website for checking flight prices etc is www.edreams.com
Most of the villas we represent in the Peloponnese are either on the northern coast, or in the Porto Heli area on the eastern coast. For villas in other locations of the Peloponnese, please contact our arrivals team on 0030 26960 61414 or arrivals@prettygreekvillas.com.
Journey time from Athens to the Northern coast of the Peloponnese - approx 2 hrs
Journey time from Athens to Porto Heli area - approx 2 hours 30 mins.
Prices Athens Airport or Athens City Centre
to Porto Heli or Kosta
| Type of Taxi | Price |
| Athens Taxi (up to 3 passengers) | 250 |
| Luxury Car (up to 3 passengers) | 275 |
| Luxury Mini-Van (up to 8 passengers) | 445 |
| Luxury Mini-Van (up to 14 passengers) | 540 |
| Luxury Mini-Van (up to 21 passengers) | 615 |
Guests travelling from outside the EU, with the exception of the UK, need an international driving licence and their normal domestic driving licence in order to hire a car in Greece. For UK drivers, your photo card licence is sufficient.
If you would like to reserve a hire car through Pretty Greek Villas and would like to collect it from Athens Airport or from Athens, or Kalamata Airport we recommend AVIS - they give a great and personal service and have good prices for our clients:
http://www.avis.gr/avisonline/gr-gb/ibe.nsf/reservationhomemicrosite?openview&MST=2A4BCA3BE481E8F3C1258942005137D7
For guests staying in the Porto Heli area, we can arrange car hire through a local company with pick up/drop off either at Athens Airport, Porto Heli harbour or your villa. For details, please contact us at arrivals@prettygreekvillas.com
Pretty Greek Villas can pre-book a taxi on your behalf from Athens Airport to Pireaus Port. Taxis are payable at the same time as the balance for your villa. The taxi driver will wait for you in the Arrivals Hall of the Airport holding a sign with your name on it. If you cannot find the taxi driver, please call our arrivals helpline 0030 211 780 3203.
2020 Taxi Prices Athens Airport to Pireaus Port
| Type of Taxi | Price |
| Athens Taxi (up to 4 passengers) | €55 |
| Luxury Car 1 to 3 passengers | €65 |
| Luxury Mini-Van up to 8 passengers | €110 |
| Luxury Mini-Van up to 14 passengers | €165 |
| Luxury Mini-Bus up to 21 passengers | €195 |
| Coach up to 40 passengers | €520 |
Athens Airport has a station, you can see it in the map on the page below. The blue and red walking routes converge at the station. The blue walking route leads from arrival point B and the red from arrival point A. You can buy rail tickets in the airport station.
Two different rail services run from Athens Airport to Piraeus. The first is the Athens Metro, the second is the Proastiakos ‘Suburban’ railway. We have marked the Metro route in green and the Proastiakos route in Yellow.
The Metro is the one you would need
The Metro is available between 06:30 in the morning till 23:30 in the evening. It leaves from Athens Airport metro station every 30 minutes. You need to change at Monastiraki
The trip from Athens Airport to Monastiraki takes 40 minutes. From Monastiraki to Pireaus port it is another 30 mins.
There are different types of tickets
Ticket for one person (one - way): 10 Euro
Ticket for one person (with return): 14 Euro
Ticket for 2 persons (one - way only): 18 Euro
Ticket for 3 persons (one - way only): 24 Euro
Reduced ticket (students age 25-, age 6 -18, age 65+): 20 Euro
Children up to 6 years old: Free
The map shows the routes of the trains in Athens.
Once you arrive in Piraeus you will need to walk the green route below from the station to the Hellenic Seaways ticket office located inside the port opposite where the catamarans leave for Porto Heli.
There is an airport bus to Pireaus (X96). It leaves from outside the Airport Arrivals Hall (between doors 4-5) and drops you outside the port gate where the ferries leave for Porto Heli. It runs every 20 mins during the day and every 40 mins at night, and takes about 1 hour. Euro 6.00 per adult.
Journey time is approx 2hrs 30 mins
All information regarding ferry timetables and bookings can be seen on the following website. Please note that timetables are published from around the beginning of May each year.
hellenicseaways.gr/en/booking
travel.viva.gr/en/ferries
Pretty Greek Villas can pre-book a Transfer on your behalf from the airport to your villa. Transfers are payable at the same time as the balance for your villa. The driver will wait for you in the Arrivals Hall of the Airport holding a sign with your name on it. If you cannot find the taxi driver, please call our arrivals helpline 0030 211 780 3203.
| Type of Car | Price |
| Athens Taxi 1 – 2 Passengers | €180 |
| Small Luxury Car 1 – 2 Passengers | €220 |
| Luxury Car 1 – 4 Passengers | €240 |
| Small Mini Bus 4 – 5 Passengers | €300 |
| Luxury Mini Bus 5 – 8 Passengers | €350 |
| Luxury Mini Bus up to 14 Passengers | €540 |
| Luxury Mini Bus up to 21 Passengers | €615 |
Additional Information:
Prices include driver, tolls, fuel, insurance, taxes and baby/child seats.
Prices are each way.
Guests travelling from outside the EU need an international driving licence and their normal domestic driving licence in order to hire a car.
For guests staying in villas in Porto Heli, we can arrange for your hire car to be delivered to Athens Airport, to Porto Heli port, to Kosta Harbour or to your villa.
Please enquire - arrivals@prettygreekvillas.com 00302117803203
Please reserve your boat hire through the 'Manage Your Booking' section to our website. If you require your access codes, please contact one of the PGV team.
arrivals@prettygreekvillas.com.
We can arrange boat hire for our Porto Heli villas only.
Boats must be returned to Porto Heli harbour each evening by 6pm.
2020 Boat Hire Prices per day
|
Boat Type |
Pax |
1/5 – 30/6
|
1/7 – 10/9 |
Notes |
|
ASSOS 4.7M 15 HP Honda engine |
5 |
€55 |
€60 |
No License required |
|
ASSOS 5.5M 30 HP Honda engine |
7 |
€85 |
€90 |
No License required |
|
ASSOS 5.5M 30/40 HP Yamaha engine |
7 |
€100 |
€110 |
No License required |
|
ASSOS 5.5M 60 HP Mercury engine |
6 |
€120 |
€140 |
License Required |
|
COBIA 21.5 6.5M 150HP Yamaha engine |
7 |
€210 |
€240 |
License Required |
|
JET SKI 110 HP |
|
€60 |
For 20 minutes Including fuel |
Additional Information for Boat Hire:
Prices do not include fuel – fuel is charged at local fuel rates
All boats have wheel steering
Full instructions given for novices
A map of the cruising area and an instruction sheet are also provided
All boats are equipped with the following: sunshade, cool-box, ladder for swimming from the boat, full set of safety equipment (including lifejackets, flares, whistle for attracting attention etc) and 2nd engine
We can arrange a day out with Skipper Jayne from Kosta Harbour near Porto Heli on a beautifully renovated, traditional wooden caique boat. Euro 400/day for up to 12 passengers. To make your reservation, please complete the Special Requests box on your arrival form.
