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Tower Houses of Itilo

Bite-sized trip

  • Itinerary:
    Itilo
  • Duration:
    3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
  • Price:
    from £ 175.- per person (excluding flights)
Itilo is a picture perfect paradise with lush green mountains, sandy beaches and a dramatic rocky coast. This enchanting hinterland is adorned with majestic tower houses, a distinctive architectural feature unique to this region. Crafted from natural stone, these towers stand proudly against the backdrop of the deep blue bays. Nestled in the lesser-explored southern part of the Peloponnese, Itilo offers a serene retreat away from the crowds, where you can even hike to Cape Tenaro, the southernmost point of mainland Greece.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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Accommodation

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Tower Houses of Itilo

For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options

Option
1

Upgrade to our Special Stay accommodation

  • Price:
    From £ 275.- per person (excluding flights)
  • Included:
    Special Stay accommodation, excursions, transport and meals as described above

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.

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This bite-sized trip can be combined well with

Bite-sized trip

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  • Kythira
  • 4 days / 3 nights (flexible)
  • from £ 395.- per person (excluding flights)
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Bite-sized trip

Sipping Ouzo in Nafplion

  • Nafplion
  • 3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
  • from £ 258.- per person (excluding flights)
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