Stoupa Travel Guide

The village of Stoupa is located in the Exo [outer] Mani in the Greek Peleponneses. It is a popular tourist destination for British and German  tourists, but apparently fairly unknown to American tourists. It has a wonderful beach, and most of the usual tourist services.

It is part of the municipality of Lefktro, in the prefecture of Messinia. Nikos Kazantzakis wrote Zorba the Greek while he lived here and there is a large statue of him on the cliff overlooking Kalogria beach, near a taverna.

Once a sleepy little town, in the past few years more and more tourists have discovered Stoupa. There are some 20 restaurants strung out along the beach, a few small hotels, and many rental houses. Besides Greek tourists, who come mostly in August, Brits and Germans are the most frequent visitors. Few Americans have found their way to Stoupa, seeming to favor the islands. Stoupa is in a fascinating area called Mani, the only part of Greece never conquered by invaders. The Maniots built tower houses, some of which have been restored, and holed up in them carrying out local feuds.

Most people agree that the best beach in Stoupa is the Kalogria beach. The beach is sandy and the water is blue-turquoise. The most peculiar thing about it though, is that there are cold water springs pouring inside the sea so you can actually feel the temperature changing while swimming. Especially in the morning, the water can get pretty cold and very refreshing.

Mani is an area known for the great quality of olive oil, so don't be surprised by the amount of oil that is used in the greek dishes.

Stoupa is a great location for excursions. Visit nearby villages like Agios Nikolaos (a small village with great fresh fish), Kardamyli (a well preserved village) and Kalamata (the nearest town with more active nightlife).