neapolis from above

Located on the hillside above Neapolis, with an impressive view of Vatika Bay, this newly-built studio apartment offers serenity surrounded by olive trees, a ten-minute drive to the sea.

Park in an apron at the top of the driveway, then follow the stone footpath to the house. Along the way, a rock overhang offers a seating area and a summer kitchen. One flight of steps takes you from the footpath's terrace to the apartment's terrace. A second flight of steps leads to the owner's home. The terrace outside the apartment is solely for guests. WiFI Internet is included.

The studio apartment has a king-size bed and a sofa which pulls out into a wide single bed. The fully-equipped galley kitchen has a two-burner gas stove top, under-the-counter refrigerator, coffee maker and stove-top expresso maker. The fully-tiled shower has a large walk-in shower.

French doors and windows set in wide arches embrace a view of Elafonisos and Kythira Islands and the sea, which can be enjoyed from the bed and living room areas and the outside terrace.

The town of Neapolis is a ten-minute drive down the hill and offers tavernas, cafes, ouzerias, six bakeries, four grocery stores, and a variety of shops.

The beaches surrounding Vatika Bay are some of the most beautiful in Greece. Stretching from Neapolis to Pounta, small coves offer numerous secluded bathing spots. In town, beach umbrellas provide shade and the Limira Mare Hotel and Mone Mone Taverna offer umbrellas with drinks service. Beach bars at Narantzionas Beach and Manganos Beach offer beach volleyball. Simos Beach on Elafonisos Island commands an international reputation for its turquoise waters and shallow white sand. Elafonisos is a short ferry ride from Viglafia and, if you do not wish to take your car, a bus shuttle will take you from the ferry dock to Simos Beach.

Pavlopetri, the oldest underwater city in the world, is located near Pounta Beach. It is easy to snorkel over the ruins, which are located close to the beach in one to three meters of water. Foundations of large buildings, homes, courtyards, streets and cist graves are easy to distinguish. Two large chamber tombs are located just north of tiny Pavlopetri Island. About sixty smaller chamber tombs have been identified by archeologists on shore near Pavlopetri. A Roman canal that was created to allow sea water to flood a salt flat is still visible.

In May through July, visitors can volunteer to assist the local NGO Toulipa Goulymi in locating turtles' nests, then monitor the hatching eggs. The beaches from Pounta to Neapolis have been identified as an important nesting site for loggerhead turtles, Caretta caretta. When turtle tracks are found on early morning patrols, the NGO is notified and barriers and signs are put around the nest to protect the eggs. An approximate hatching date is noted on the sign so volunteers can monitor the nest and assist the hatchling turtles make their way to the sea.

One of the most spectacular caves in Europe is Kastania, about a twenty-minute drive from Neapolis. Guided tours are available regularly during the summer months. The modern cement walkways are easy to negotiate and creative lighting showcases colorful stalactites and stalagmites.

Hikers and mountain bikers can take advantage of a seemingly endless network of trails in the mountains and along the sea. Mountain bikes can be rented at the bike shop in Neapolis.

The newly-restored Byzantine fortress at Agia Paraskevi is a twenty-minute walk from the apartment. A stone pathway circles the fortress, then leads one inside. Informative signage explains the importance of the fortress, which dates from the 8th century. The superb views of Elafonisos Strait and Vatika Bay make it clear why this fortress served as an important strategic lookout.

The fascinating town of Monemvasia, the Gibraltar of Greece, is located a half-hour drive from the apartment. This well-known town has been lovingly restored and makes a great day-trip destination.

Other destinations include the rock-climbing area near the petrified palm forest, the Cape Malea lighthouse, the monastery of Agia Irini, and the island of Kythira.

Guests will be greeted personally by the owner of the property, who lives upstairs and is happy to help guests feel at home.