The Peloponnese probably isn’t the first destination that comes to mind when you think of Greece, right? It wasn’t for us either. But after seeing a few beautiful places online, we decided to explore it. And we’re so glad we did! After we came back, we found ourselves asking: why didn’t we come here sooner? 🙂

I want to show you why the Peloponnese is worth considering for your next holiday. This article kicks off a new series titled Greece as You’ve Never Known It, where you’ll discover a different side of this country.

Where We Stayed — and Why It Was the Perfect Choice

Accommodation is one of the most important things when it comes to family travel. If you’ve been following us for a while, you know we prefer quiet places, as close to nature as possible and far from crowds. We like to sleep at night, not listen to other people’s music until 3 AM (yep, it happened to us 🤦). That’s why we chose a house that offered exactly what we were looking for: quietness, comfort, nature, and authenticity. And that’s how we ended up at Filanthi’s Retreat In Mani’s Nature.

A Welcoming Home Between Mountains and Sea

Filanthi’s Retreat is a family inheritance, carefully renovated by the owner who shares its name. It’s located in the village of Krini, nestled between mountains and sea, surrounded by olive and lemon groves. In spring, the scent of vacation is in the air — literally.

The road is fully paved and easy to follow, but here’s an important tip: access it from Platanos village, not from Sminos (as our GPS directed us 😅). If you find yourself on a narrow gravel road, full of twists and turns, that looks like it leads to nowhere, it’s your sign to turn around.

Space and Comfort for the Whole Family

As soon as you step onto the property, you’re greeted by the scent of orange and lemon trees! And Mihai was instantly won over by the playful kittens 😻.

The interior opens up to a spacious living room, where we were surprised with a basket of local goodies — a warm welcome prepared by our host, Filanthi. The living area includes a fireplace and a cupboard full of games, from Uno and Discover Greece to Sudoku, chess, and Lego. Our kids were in heaven!

The ground floor also includes a fully equipped kitchen (complete with dishwasher and microwave), a guest bathroom, aaand…

…a terrace perfect for outdoor breakfasts, evening wine, or a relaxed barbecue.

Upstairs, there are three bedrooms with double beds, wardrobes, and TVs, a bathroom with a bathtub, and a shared balcony with a spectacular view of the Taygetos mountains and a glimpse of the sea. We could have spent hours out there if we didn’t have so many places to explore! The rooms are decorated with great taste and simplicity, and the beds are incredibly comfy. Did we sleep like babies? Definitely not! (parents will understand 😅) It was a lot better!

Far from the Crowds, Close to What Matters

Filanthi’s Retreat doesn’t have a large yard — but we didn’t miss it at all. Our mornings started with breakfast on the terrace and ended with adventures through nearby villages, wild shores, and horse farms. We even made it all the way to the southernmost point of mainland Greece and the Balkan Peninsula! But I’ll tell you more about those places in another article.

What made our stay even more special was Filanthi herself — a warm, friendly, and discreet host. She gave us local tips, helped us discover hidden gems, and even connected us with Mani Horses, a horseback experience we wholeheartedly recommend.

A Place with Soul

Filanthi’s Retreat was exactly what we needed: peace, comfort, a little pampering, and lots of nature. It was more than just a holiday house — it was a place with soul, where we felt truly welcome. And Filanthi, with her warm smile, is the kind of host you’d love to return to again and again.

If you’re looking to experience pure Greek hospitality, far from the chaos of tourist resorts, then Filanthi’s Retreat is the perfect choice!

ℹ️ Useful Info

📌 See Filanthi’s Retreat on Booking
📍 Location: Krini, Mani, Peloponnese, Greece

🔜 Coming soon in the Greece as You’ve Never Known It series:

• Spectacular Beaches and Mysterious Villages of Mani
• Boat Adventures from Methoni
• Monemvasia, the Gibraltar of the East
• Hidden Gems of the Peloponnese

*This article was created in collaboration with Filanthi’s Retreat In Mani’s Nature.*

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🌿 Happy exploring!

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