NeapoliPeloponnese · Greece

All About Neapoli

The little seaside town of Neapoli is an undiscovered haven of traditional charm and seaside delights. Situated close to the southern tip of the eastern ‘leg’ of the Peloponnese, it is the gateway to the islands of Kythira and Antikythira, which are visible across the bay. It is also just a short drive away from the superb Elafonisos island-beach; with its world-famous sandy coastline. Neapoli attracts all kinds of travelers; some looking for the perfect beach holiday and others keen to explore the wild natural beauty of this area. The town offers a nice variety of hotels and other accommodations, as well as plenty of café bars and traditional restaurants. Local delicacies such as fresh goat cheese, pumpkin pies, and kourabiedes cookies will tempt your tastebuds after a day of exploration and swimming.

While there, you can visit the amazing Kastania Cave, the impressive Archaeological Museum of Neapoli Voion, the enthralling petrified forest, and a lovingly-restored Byzantine fortress. Neapoli is built upon the site of the ancient city of Voion that was built around 1040-950 BCE. It later became a part of the Spartan city-state and when the Romans arrived, the city flourished as an important trading port. It was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 375 BCE but gradually rebuilt over the years by its inhabitants, who played a significant part in the Greek War of Independence in 1821. The modern New Town, or ‘Neapoli’, that you will discover today was planned and designed by the Bavarian architect Birbach in 1837, who also designed Sparta and Karystos.
 

Routes and Ferries to Neapoli

You can book your ferry tickets to Neapoli with Ferryscanner from the nearby islands of Kythira and Antikythira. Triton Ferries runs daily routes to and from Neapoli and you can arrange tickets to Neapoli from Kythira for the 1.15-hour journey. If you want to book ferry tickets to Neapoli from Antikythira, it’s a 4-hour journey.

The KTEL Lakonias bus service can get you from Athens to Neapoli in around 6 hours, while a car drive takes about 4 hours.
 

Port of Neapoli

The colorful port of Neapoli is a vibrant place to begin exploring the surrounding area. It serves the ferries running to and from the nearby islands of Kythira and Antikythira. On arrival at the port, you can secure accommodation in Neapoli or, like many other travelers, head on to explore other areas of the Peloponnese. The port is a lifeline for both islanders and locals alike and has all the amenities you will require during your visit.
 

Best Beaches

Neapoli is close to some of the most well-known and highly-prized beaches in Greece. You can stay in town and take a trip to all the beaches in the area at your leisure, with golden sands and pristine surroundings awaiting you at every turn. You’ve got options when seeking the perfect beach on this wonderful coastline adorning the bay of Lakonia.

Neapoli Beach

The town of Neapoli boasts a stunning beach, which runs all along the length of this welcoming port. Restaurants and cafeterias line the waterfront so you can enjoy a combination of swimming, dining, and relaxing without having to move an inch. The immaculate beach is perfect for the young and old and has the prestige of being awarded the coveted ‘Blue Flag’ for safety and high environmental standards every year.

Punda Beach

Travel 13 km away from Neapoli and you will reach Punda Beach, where you will be amazed by its turquoise waters, which join with the sandbanks of Pavlopetri Beach to create an idyllic setting. Elafonisos is just a ferry ride away and Lake Strongili is accessible from here, while the aged cedars provide ample shade for your swim. Check out the ancient cemetery nearby, as well as the submerged city of Pavlopetri, and return home with sublime memories.

Agios Pavlos Beach

Agios Pavlos Beach lies about 15 km away from Neapoli and takes its name from a small shrine located nearby. It is protected by the winds by a large mountain range, offering seclusion amongst a beautiful natural landscape. Quite difficult to get to via a dirt road, it is worth a visit, before heading to the traditional village of Velanidia that is appointed above the bay.

Elafonisos Beach

It would be a crime not to visit the famous Elafonisos Beach while in the area, which you can reach by taking a small boat from Punda harbor. In reality, it is a small island with nothing to offer but fantastic sandy beaches and azure waters, making it a paradisiacal place.

Its name means ‘Island of Deer’, which were said to have been hunted there by the goddess Artemis herself. The whole area is part of the NATURA 2000 initiative due to its abundance of wild fauna and flora, and it has also become a popular destination for wind and kitesurfers. Walk barefoot on its fine golden sands, bathe in its crystal waters, and enjoy this rare beauty spot in all its glory.

Panagia Beach

This beach is only a 20-minute drive from Neapoli near the Kastania Cave and is well worth a visit when you are in the area. A small creek has formed two beaches, creating a landscape of unique beauty. Some small fisherman shacks can still be found here, which were used to house their small boats. The little church of Panagia sits just above the beach, and you can follow the narrow path leading up to it to enjoy its serene location and picturesque views.

Neratzionas Beach

Only 5 km away from the town of Neapoli, Neratzionas Beach is actually part of a long series of beaches stretching for over 4 kilometers from the port town. It is a shallow, sandy escape backing onto a large plain, or Kambos, where you can languish in its gentle waters and totally relax. On your way there, stop by the beaches of Germanos, Varkes, Kala Nera, and Linovrochio.
 

Things to Do

Explore the Town

Neapoli is both a port, a town, and a beach rolled into one, making it a wonderful destination for all. The old part of the city was built in an amphitheatrical style on two hills; the Holy Trinity, where you can find the church of the same name, and Vrontas to the east. Its orientation allows the inhabitants to enjoy the cool sea air from the south with sweeping views out to the islands of Elafonisos and Kythira.

Soak up the romantic aura as you walk around its narrow little 19th-century alleyways, visit the Holy Trinity Church that stands on the highest point of the hill, and take a walk along the pier for some sunset moments. Sip on ouzo while enjoying fresh octopus and breathe in the vibrant energy of this coastal escape.

Drive to Lake Strogili

Lake Strogili is a wetland of great importance near the village of Agios Georgios. The lagoon offers shelter to rare migratory birds such as pink flamingos and it is also the location of ancient sanctuaries and settlements, such as the sunken city of Pavlopetri. You can access this lagoon either from Punda beach or Magano beach and it is a wonderful place to reconnect with the beauty of the natural world.

Explore the Petrified Forest

About 15 km southeast of Neapoli, you will come across the famous petrified forest of St. Marina/Koraka. It is a large coastal park with paleo flora fossils and fossilized tree trunks, with all kinds of rare shells, algae, and sea creatures attached to the rocks. Paleontologists believe that this forest was covered by lava millions of years ago and in Korakas village, you can admire the forest’s tallest two-meter tree trunk, named ‘human’ by the locals.

Discover the Kastania Cave

The Kastania Cave (or cave of St. Andreas) is thought to be at least 3 million years old and you can reach it by car after a 20-30-minute drive from Neapoli. A local shepherd discovered the cave in the 19th-century when he observed bees entering a small hole. When he dug the hole, he was amazed to find this unbelievably beautiful cave of stalactites and stalagmites. You can enjoy a guided 40-minute tour of the cave and discover all about this natural treasure.

Visit Cape Malias

The second southernmost cape of the Peloponnese, Cape Malias holds a strategic position to this day. A sturdy stone lighthouse warns ships of danger and even Homer recounts in The Odyssey how Odysseus met with a mighty storm here, blowing him off course for 10 years. You can hike to the lighthouse although the track is quite rugged and uphill. There is a climbing park and around 14 climbing trails with professionals on hand to provide guidance and equipment for seasoned climbers who wish to explore the beauty of this rugged location.

Take a Day Trip to Monemvasia

Just a forty-five-minute drive away from Neapoli sits the imposing rock fortress of Monemvasia. This ‘island’ can be accessed via a causeway at certain times of the day and its key location once made it an impregnable castle city that controlled shipping between Attica and the rest of the Mediterranean.

You will enjoy a trip back through time on your visit as you hike up the cobbled trails, wander around the medieval alleyways, visit Byzantine churches, and eat at one of the traditional taverns while enjoying unprecedented sea views.
 

Transportation Around Neapoli

It is easy, and preferable, to explore Neapoli on foot. You can wander through its winding alleyways and secret corners with ease, making any kind of transport really unnecessary.

You may decide to hire a car or motorbike to venture out to the surrounding areas, although there are not many car rental companies in Neapoli itself. Local buses do run along the coast and the KTEL service connects with Monemvasia and the greater region.