Tower Houses of Itilo
Bite-sized trip
Day 1 – Arrival in Itilo
Arrive in the charming fishing village of Itilo, nestled in the heart of the Peloponnese. As you arrive, you’ll be captivated by the deep blue bay and you’ll immerse yourself in the area’s rich medieval past, where stone tower houses, Byzantine monuments, and famous fortresses stand as testaments to its historical significance. Check into your hotel that is built from the same natural stone as the tower houses. It’s within walking distance of a natural pebble beach, so you can take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters before enjoying a drink under the verdant green canopy of a seaside tavern.
The famous caves of Diros are about a 15-minute drive away. These beautiful stalactite caves are a great place to cool off, whether by renting a boat and gliding through their serene waters or taking the walking path for an up-close encounter. No visit to Itilo is complete without venturing to the famed tower village of Vathia. The characteristic tower houses boast several floors and feature front doors on the 2nd or 3rd floor, accessed by ladders. This ingenious architectural design served as a defense mechanism in ancient times, effectively keeping enemies at bay.
Day 2 – Hiking to Cape Tenaro
After an early breakfast, you’ll set off on a one-hour drive to the starting point of the hiking trail that leads to the illustrious lighthouse perched on Cape Tenaro, the southernmost tip of the Peloponnese. Along this captivating trail, you’ll encounter remnants of the ancient temple of Poseidon, Roman baths, and even the fabled Cave of Hades, the mythical god of the underworld. It’s only about two kilometers in each direction, and we’ll have a prepared a route for you to use in an app. As you reach the summit, you’ll find the lighthouse that offers a perfect vantage point to behold the boundless expanse of the blue sea and the rugged mountains that surround you.
Day 3 – Departure from Itilo
Having spent the past few days exploring the area, you’ll leave Itilo with many options of where to go next; more beaches lie towards to the bay of Gialova or for the mountains drive to Dimitsana; a picturesque village with traditional houses, narrow alleys and stone lodges. Alternatively, continue to Nafplio, an ancient royal city with atmospherically lit squares, a fortress in the bay and close to the classical amphitheater of Epidaurus.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Paddleboarding(SUP) & Snorkelling tour
Head to the charming coastal town of Kardamyli for an unforgettable paddle boarding experience. With guidance from an experienced instructor, you’ll explore the stunning turquoise waters surrounded by cliffs, offering a unique perspective. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to relax, swim, and snorkel in a peaceful bay, and enjoy a delicious picnic featuring fresh local produce. It’s a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation in a beautiful setting!
Sea kayak tour
Set out on a kayaking tour to explore Kardamyli’s stunning coastline. After a quick safety briefing, you’ll paddle across crystal-clear waters, discovering hidden sea caves and beautiful sandy beaches. Along the way, your guide will share interesting facts about the area’s natural beauty, and you’ll visit the mesmerizing Blue Cave, where sunlight creates a magical aquamarine glow. The adventure wraps up with a tasty lunch of fresh local produce before paddling back to Kardamyli.
Upgrade to our Special Stay accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we have an alternative option available for your accommodation. Our Special Stay version is something a bit more special or unique but still with lots of local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your accommodation for this bite-sized trip select our Special Stay option below.
