Travel info
Where we are
The Peloponnese
A magical land full of history: the ancient amphithatre of Epidavros, the home of the Olympic games at Olympia, the Byzantium capital Mystras, Spartae and Gythion where Helen left with Paris for Troy.
The Mani
Up to 40 years ago the only method of travel and commerce into the Mani was by sailing boat. The Backbone of precipitous mountains that stretches the length of the peninsula protects the area like some impenetrable cloak and has kept the people of this region autonomous for over two thouand years.
Kalamata
Although a working port, Kalamata is an attractive town. It has a population of 57,000 and is the capital of the region. You cannot help but be impressed with it, as you sit along the seafront and watch the Taygetos mountains that surrounds it. The beaches have been awarded European awards for quality. Kalamata has a very relaxed atmosphere with a wonderful Plateia (central square) of cafés where people drink coffee and discuss politics and life.
Kardamyli
On the approach south towards the Spirit of Life, the Viros Gorge makes a big cut through the Taygetos Mountains onto the fertile plain of Kardamyli. Home of the travel author Sir Patrick Leigh Fermor for over 50 years. Kardamyli is still a magnet for artists, writers and bohemians.
Stoupa and Agios Nikolaos
Summer tourism and harvesting olives in the winter are the main sources of income for the region. Stoupa is a popular but laid back resort. It has four beautiful sandy coves overlooked by the Taygetos Mountains. It was here on Kalogria beach, that the author Nikos Kazantsakis created his immortal character -Zorba the Greek. The resort has some good tavernas and It is an ideal place to stay if you decide to bring family or friends as well. Agios Nikolaos is the village nearest to us. It is small but thriving fishing village boasting a handful of harbourside restaurants and cafes and two small supermarkets for the essentials. Idyllic.
Fly direct to Kalamata:
There are flights from Norway, Holland, UK, Germany and Austria.
The following travel agencies provide flights direct to Kalamata from London Gatwick and Manchester. There are seasonal flights every Sunday between May and October.
Aegean Airlines fly from many European countries to Athens and from April have connecting flights to Kalamata.
Slow Travel to Greece!
We are offering 10% discount for guests travelling overland.
One of the nicest ways to travel overland would be by train to Venice and then ferryboat to Patras. if you are travelling from the UK catch the Eurostar to Paris.
From Venice there is a wonderful overnight ferry to Patras.
There are regular connecting coaches from Patras to Kalamata. This trip would take 3 - 4 days.
Getting from the airport to us.
Location and route map.
A taxi from Kalamata airport to the Spirit of Life Centre costs around 70 Euros. We can arrange a taxi on your arrival.
We can also arrange for you to join a coach transferring passengers by the local tour company - the cost is 15 Euros.
Hiring a car can be arranged locally on arrival or contact
www.holidayautos.co.uk
Fly To Athens:
There are regular daily flights from the UK and Europe to Athens El Venizelos Airport. There are many routes to Athens from Europe.
Easyjet offer cheap flights to Athens from Gatwick and Luton if booked in advance.
British Airways ,
Aegean Airlines,
KLM airlines and
Thomas Cook also have flights to Athens.
Olympic airlines offer flights from Manchester and London. Also try
www.charterflights.co.uk . Again book early to secure best prices.
Athens Airport information:
El. Venizelos , tel: +003 010 3530000
From Athens to Kalamata you can either hire a car or catch a coach to Kalamata. We can also arrange a taxi pickup for you on your arrival from Athens airport direct to the Spirit of Life Centre. There are also flights from Athens airport to Kalamata (45 minutes, approx 50 Euros). see
www.aegeanair.com
Route Planner
Athens via Kalamata to Spirit of Life.
View The Spirit Of Life Centre in a larger map
By Car
For competitive car hire from El Venizelos contact www.holidayautos.co.uk Tel: 0870 400 4447.
Directions from El Venizelos airport: Take the E94 / 8A from Athens airport to Corinth. From Corinth take the E65 via Tripoli to Kalamata. From Kalamata take the coastal road to Stoupa/Ag. Nicolaos. Total time of journey from Athens to The Spirit of Life centre approx. 4 hours.
By coach and train:
Catch the X93 bus from the airport to Athens Kifissos coach station. There are coaches every hour from Kifissos coach station to Kalamata. Cost 22 Euros. Coach Company: KTEL, www.ktelmessinias.gr for timetable and bookings.
Coaches from Athens Central Coach Station to Kalamata.
06.15 - 07.30 -08.45 -10.30 (express) - 11.45 - 13.00 (express) - 14.15 (this is the coach that connects directly to our local village Agios Nikolaos). - 15.30 -16.30 (express) - 17.30 - 21.30
From Kalamata coach station to Agios Nikolaos (Spirit of Life)
07.00 - 13.15 - 18.15
By Sea from Italy and Crete:
There are two ferries per day from Ancona in Italy to Patras. www.superfast.com
From April onwards there are also ferry crossings from Chania on Crete to Kalamata. For more information contact
dimitris@hotel-delfini.gr
N.B. all phone numbers on this page are for callers from the UK
