A few of our favourite places to buy ingredients are; Joanna’s roadside stall just outside Koroni on the main road towards Methoni and Pylos. Here, you will be greeted by the warm smiles and an enthusiastic welcome and be presented with the freshest fruit and vegetables from Joanna’s plot, along with herbs and pickles.

In Kalamata there is a vast indoor market (the Municipal Market) open daily except Sundays, which is enhanced by an open air produce market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Here are a range of butchers, fishmongers, organic food suppliers, cheese shops and delicatessen. And all around the edge and in the nearby streets are kanfenion and restaurants making the most of their proximity to such great ingredients. We love to eat at Ta Rolla (Τα Ρολλά) and do make a trip to the Φούρνος Φραγγέα (Foúrnos Frangéa) bakery at Diosithomaton 1 with a woodfired oven – it is easy to find with a heap of wood ready for the oven stacked outside. Another recommendation for eating out in Kalamata is the harbour-side Notias – if you only have one thing then try the squid ink risotto.

And if you fancy an adventure then try head out of Kalamata towards Koroni and tucked away behind light industrial units is the unique setting for Costas Vassiliadis Tavern – Ταβέρνα Στου Κώστα (Βασιλειάδης). It really is worth booking and you will not be disappointed. And note that they close in the evenings.

Much closer to home, a mere 3 minute walk, is the wonderful Nikos’ Taverna in the village itself. Almost opposite the mini market, it is fantastic, renowned for miles around for the quality of the food, (mostly organic and grown by Nikos and Aris), the size of the portions (be careful when ordering, the Greek salad will feed four!) and the small size of the bill. Open every night in spring, summer and into the autumn, (check as it now closes in the winter). Booking is recommended.

Many of the places that we love, both local and as far as Athens, can be found on this Google map list.

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Breakfast on the balcony; wine (and more wine) in the garden; early morning and the french windows open to let in the sea and the sparrows. I’ve loved the house, the village, the beaches and mountains.

It’s a special place – thank you. 

Joyce. May 2022

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We had a wonderful time in this house. We needed to rest after a long road trip and Pilinos was exactly what we needed: A place full of calm, beauty and serenity. We are very grateful for this opportunity!

Thibault. November 2024

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We had a wonderful stay in this beautiful typically Greek house, which is part of the cultural heritage of the Vasilitsi region. We are taking advantage of our stay in November to harvest our friends’ olive trees. It’s very interesting, pleasant and magical to come home with our own olive oil! Again a big thank you to Emma and Michael for their welcome, support and of course their lovely Pilinos! Everything is just perfect! We look forward to coming back! With friendship.

Gregory and Anne Sylvie. November 2024

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Another fab week in Pilinos! Loved swimming at Polyliminio and we hired bikes at Finibikes and had a great cycle day around hills above Finikounda. Now off to Acrocorinth on our way to the airport. Thanks Emma and Michael!

Rosie, Mark and Mags. October 2024

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What a magical stay and the ideal way to celebrate turning 50! Pilinos House is a beautiful sanctuary and the village is lovely – wish I had more time to explore it more. It’s been over five years since I’ve been abroad on holiday and I couldn’t think of a more perfect place to visit. I’ve swung in the hammock, watching the wind and the sun through the olive tree, watched forked lightning strike above us and in the mountains – heard thunder crash overhead. I’ve spent early mornings watching the village awake, listening to the veg etc trucks call. I’ve played with the village cats and kittens. We’ve explored Koroni sea-front, shops, streets and castle.

Had an amazing 6 hour boat trip with George’s Fishing and Dreaming tour, exploring the coastline and visiting Βενέτικο island – loads of snorkelling seeing a range of fish, having my toes nibbled and being awed by mini sparkling corals. We’ve done the hair-raising drive down to Tsapi beach twice and spent a delightful day sunning and snorkelling after two delicious meals at Maria’s Taverna. We visited Voidokilia beach- a glorious cove then walked around the “cow’s belly” to the pump house (sadly now derelict), took plenty of swim breaks and then climbed to the Palio Kastro- then did the frighteningly steep clamber down the other side (some going on their bottoms) – found out afterwards that the Greek authorities have closed visiting the castle due to it being too dangerous… oops!

We attempted Amoudi beach but got lost and ended up at Kalamaki beach where we enjoyed a bit of snorkelling. On our second attempt we found Amoudi which was stunning. On our last full day we visited Agia Triada, another stunning place to while away the day – though do you recommend getting early for the sun as it faces east. Some amazing, fossilised shells to be found! Lots of skimming stones – best was 13!

Visited the Acrocorinth whilst dropping Alix off at the nearest train station in Corinth – stunning views, recommend wearing grippy soles as lots of climbing on well polished cobbles- also give plenty of time for exploring and climbing! On our return we visited Ancient Messini, awe inspiring and extensive – 2 theatres, huge stadium, temples and more! Sadly run out of time for the museum.

I’ve seen jackals and heard them call at night (no they’re not adolescents having a laugh) a polecat, a snake at the Piliminio waterfalls which were stunning and refreshing, lizards, frogs, beautiful butterflies (one of which landed on my finger) crabs and a plethora of fish. Delicious food at Nikos’ and Café Synantisi in Koroni. A jam-packed two weeks! Overall a delightful slice of Greece and a heavenly holiday. Wish I could stay thank you Emma and Michael.

P.S. highly recommend the supermarket in Charakopio!

Amy. September 2024

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Thank you Emma and Michael for choosing such a perfect house in a perfect location for exploring this part of Greece. This is our third time in this house and we have still not managed to explore all the narrowest and intriguing little lanes in Vasilitsi itself! And there is so much more to find out there. We visited many old favourites – wished Joanna at the fruit stall a very happy day for Saturday when her daughter was getting married. Caught up with Aris at Nikos’ to learn he and his wife are expecting a baby in June. We discovered a new-for-us beach at Loutsa, so peaceful and with a gentle warm sea – easy to reach. Amoudi though as lovely as ever, and we walked down and back – once only! – just to say we did it. And finally we returned to our really favourite family run restaurant “Taverna Klimateria” in Methoni.

Image caption: One of my favourite views on Memi/Zaga beach. This house set on top of a ridge with brilliant blue sky above

– Image Copyright Anne Martin

Anne and Brian. May 2024

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We loved our stay at Pilinos house! Vasilitsi is a lovely village – we ate at Nikos’ 4 nights – great food – it was busy every night. We visited and swam at 6 different beaches – Amoudi beach with the caves, our favourite. Agia Triada beach -great view of the mountains. Voidokilia – oh wow! turquoise water! Tsapi beach – fab – ate at Maria’s and sat on the sun lungers, and swam of course! Zaga beach – after a visit to Koroni castle. Finikounda beach – waves! I was the only swimmer. And Methoni castle.

We had glorious sunny days every day – wonderful. It is going to be so hard to get back into the sea in Kent! Going to miss the kittens.

Rosie, Mark and Mags. October 2023

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We have had a wonderful holiday – it has been lovely staying in Pilinos again. Vasilitsi is a beautiful village – and we have discovered some lovely new walks. Kalamaki beach is beautiful too.

Denise and John. September 2023

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This is the second time we’ve stayed here and just like the first time it was delightful. The epitome of Greek style! Every need was catered for, plus we had the company of the cutest kitten ever.

Amoudi beach is lovely, a short drive from here and you’ll find it. Not too busy and wonderful views. Try to pitch up in the cave if you don’t want to get sun burnt. Other places of wonder include Polyliminio waterfalls – be sure to take your swimming costume.

Voidokilia beach – be sure to drop in at Petrochoria Square – the food is awesome! Όπως παλιά restaurant.

Suffice to say we loved our stay and we’ll be back. Thankyou!

Lisa, Miguel, Janice, Eva, Esme and Adam. September 2023

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