The beauty of the settlement is self-evident: stone-built houses with tiled roofs, neatly arranged around a small cove. The old town is nothing short of a living museum, where refurbished old houses build in the shape of towers, hence the Greek name of the architectural style, pyrgi soar against a background of wild nature provided by Mount Taygetos. Further downhill, countless pebbled beaches roll out in the shade of cypress and olive trees.
The inherent charm of both the natural and the manmade landscape, together with the fact that Kardamili has remained relatively untouched by the advent of modern tourism, can justify why this smallish, tucked-away gem has been an unlikely pole of attraction for artists and intellectuals from all over Europe. This very choice has reshaped it as a haven of good taste in the undeniably interesting but arguably rather touristy lot of Peloponnesian seaside towns: new arrivals include small boutique hotels, traditional restaurants in quiet, leafy gardens, tasteful shops and bars all greatly enhanced by the occasional sea views that add a touch of Mediterranean breeze.
What is more, serious nature lovers and trekkers will definitely feel spoilt for choice in Kardamili; a dense network of designated walking routes showcase the best nature has to offer in the southern mainland, leading to discoveries off the beaten track.
