KylliniPeloponnese · Greece

All About Kyllini

Kyllini is a port town on the west coast of the Peloponnese region of mainland Greece. Nestled in an area of fascinating ancient and medieval history and towering pine trees, Kyllini is a much-loved destination and gateway to the Ionian Sea. The town is the main area of the wider Kyllini-Kastro municipality, a recent conglomeration of four different communities: Kyllini, Kastro, Kato Panagia, and Neochori. Each area has a different atmosphere, culture, and history, meaning that a visit to Kyllini is an opportunity to explore a rich array of Peloponnesian life. During your stay, you’ll discover a host of traditional restaurants, taverns, and bars, as well as accommodation options that range from high-end to down-to-earth. Other than that, the surrounding area is home to some fascinating historical sites, verdant forests, stunning beaches, and, most impressively, the thermal springs of Kyllini.

Despite its small size, Kyllini occupies a significant place in ancient Greek history. It was once the port of the city-state of Ilis – known more widely as the home of the Olympic Games. Ancient Kyllini was mentioned by Homer, Thucydides, and Pausanias, all of them noting its strategic location on the edge of the Peloponnese and the Ionian. Since then, Kyllini has been subject to both Byzantine and Ottoman rule, eventually becoming liberated after the Greek War of Independence. Nowadays, a relatively small population of 4000 lives in the area’s four districts. Fishing and agriculture remain the main economic activities for this charming and rustic town although tourism is also on the rise.

Whether it’s for the chance to get off the beaten track and holiday as the locals do, to explore a fascinating ancient region, or to dive headfirst into the under-explored beauties of mainland Greece, Kyllini is an excellent choice for a Mediterranean holiday. It is a well-connected town with ready access to some beautiful sites and the stunning islands of the nearby Ionian.
 

Routes and Ferries to Kyllini

Kyllini is well-positioned amid some of the most beautiful islands in Greece, making it an excellent home base for your explorations of the mainland before heading out to the islands. Using Ferryscanner, you can find ferry tickets to Kyllini that leave from the port of Pisaetos on the island of Ithaca.

The journey takes around 2.5 hrs on board Levante Ferries. Alternatively, you’ll find ferry tickets to Kyllini leaving from the islands of Kefalonia (1.3 hrs) and Zakynthos (1.1 hrs), which is where the nearest airport is situated. These two stunning islands are hugely popular in the summertime, attracting tourists from all around the globe. If you’re coming from Athens, the KTEL bus system offers routes that go from Corinth, Patras, and Pyrgos in around 6.5 hours.
 

Port of Kyllini

Don’t be fooled by the small size of the town. The port of Kyllini is the third-largest in Greece, overshadowed only by Piraeus and Thessaloniki. Every year, 1.5 million passengers and over 450,000 vehicles make their way through Kyllini, proving it to be the most important port in the Ionian Sea.

The town itself is wrapped around the port, where you’ll find a mixture of ferries and international shipping boats. There are a few dining options, but the best restaurants can be found either further into the town or along the north side. Walking along the coastline, you might be lucky enough to catch glimpses of the ancient port of Kyllini – an old stone wall submerged in the sea that occasionally presents itself in low tides.
 

Best Beaches

The Peloponnese has some of the best beaches on the mainland, and the area around Kyllini is no exception. A short stroll or drive will take you to some beautiful seaside destinations, from organized beaches with bars and restaurants to secluded coves enjoyed by few other travelers.

Kyllini Beach

Just next to the port, you’ll find Kyllini Beach, which is the main beach of the town. Despite its close proximity to a lot of sea traffic, the waters remain clean, refreshing, and suitable for swimming. You’ll find some umbrellas, sunbeds, and refreshments on the waterfront, allowing you to enjoy an easygoing day at the seaside.

Loutra Kyllini Beach

Make your way west from Kyllini and discover the long swathes of golden sand known as Loutra Kyllini Beach. This huge slice of the coast is filled with lots of beach bars, restaurants, and luxurious resorts. It’s only a 5-minute drive from town, and the huge range of options means you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for from a day at the beach.

Glyfa Beach

A 25-minute drive from Kyllini takes you to the small village of Glyfa, where you’ll discover a small, peaceful, and well-organized beach. The water is a refreshing emerald green, framed by some seafood tavernas and restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to stroll around the surrounding area and have a walk up the main square to discover how the locals spend their days.

Vartholomio Beach

Walk for around 10-minutes east of Glyfa and find yourself at Vartholomio Beach – one of the most popular in the area. With excellent facilities, a host of dining options, and crystal clear waters, Vartholomio is an idyllic, family-friendly swim spot. There’s plenty of space, so you’ll never feel overcrowded, and the Greek Orthodox chapel overlooking the bay is a rustic reminder of old village life.

Kalogria Beach

Head north from Kyllini for a 40-minute drive towards Kalogria Beach. It’s nestled next to a thin strip of land that has created a secluded cove, offering a dramatic image of the rugged Peloponnesian coastline. You’ll find some water sports facilities at Kalogria, but the best part is at the northern tip of the peninsula, where you can stare out at the endless blue of the Ionian. Well worth a day trip, the beach is also popular with young travelers seeking overnight camping.
 

Things to Do

Explore the Town

The town of Kyllini is laid-back and quiet, well worth a day of exploring and taking in its rustic energy. Further inland from the port you’ll find some local restaurants serving up classic Greek seafood and ouzo. The best part of Kyllini, however, is its connection to three other areas.

Head up towards Kastro, the villages built around the imposing medieval castle, or make your way east along the coastline to Kato Panagia to discover a culture influenced by migrants from Asia Minor. Going south, you’ll find Neochori, a largely rural area with verdant farms and charming country roads. Whatever your choice, you’ll find much to explore in this small yet diverse town.

Visit the Thermal Springs οf Loutra Kyllini

One of the highlights of the region is the Thermal Springs of Loutra Kyllini which are only a 16-minute drive away from town. These ancient baths were utilized by Romans for their numerous health benefits and, after being abandoned for centuries, they are now used by luxury hotels in the area for spa and wellness offerings. Enjoy a dip, a pamper, and a polish, then head back to town feeling reborn.

Fortress of Chlemoutsi

A 9-minute drive away from Kyllini will take you to Kastro – the medieval Fortress of Chlemoutsi. Created in the 12th century by Frankish invaders, the huge castle is one of the best-preserved records of Greece’s medieval era. Climb up its towering heights and stare out at the rolling countryside, the network of villages below, and far-off views of the Ionian Sea.

The Monastery of Vlachernas

Also known as the Monastery of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, this stunning church is named in tribute to its Turkish counterpart in Istanbul. First built in the 12th-century, then converted into an Orthodox place of worship in the 17th-century, the beautiful interiors are filled with traditional icons, paintings, and statues that record the changing religions, aesthetics, and styles of the years. The monastery is only a 4-minute drive away from Kyllini, and well worth a visit.
 

Transportation Around Kyllini

Once you have booked your ferry tickets to Kyllini, you will find the town small enough to get around on foot or by bike when you arrive. If you want to explore the surrounding areas and beaches, it’s a great idea to make use of some public and private transport options.

There’s a KTEL bus station in Kyllini that connects to other major towns while making stops at various villages and beaches. Alternatively, you’ll find several car and motorbike rental options, allowing you to carve out your own path in this rich and diverse area. Taxis can also be booked via phone, or found near the port.