My dear old art studio, in the quiet back streets of Charakopio, has now been transformed into summer holiday accommodation. It’s the perfect location for a couple, or a single traveler, looking for a relaxing break in an authentic Greek village. Located opposite our home, the studio comes with its own private walled garden which is planted with citrus trees and geraniums. There are views to an olive grove at the rear, neighbouring village houses and the hills of Chrysokellaria in the distance. Stroll down to the centre of the village for a coffee or an ouzo and pick up fresh bread every morning from the local bakery and free range eggs from the corner shop. Meet the locals hanging out at the cafés by the church and … watch the world go by!
The ground floor, detached studio, offers simple yet stylish accommodation for up to 2 people in the heart of the village. It benefits from air conditioning and also has a ceiling fan. The air-conditioning unit doubles as a heater for the spring and autumn and there are cosy duvets for the cooler winter months.
The bed (an IKEA Hemnes day bed) makes a comfortably sized double-bed for a couple, or a single bed for a solo traveler. All windows and doors are fitted with mosquito/fly screens. The adjoining washroom has a shower, toilet and wash basin.
The kitchen area has four electric plates, a fridge-freezer, kettle, toaster, toastie maker, cafetiere, teapot, and all you need for basic self-catering. There is also an iron, ironing mat, clothes airer and a hairdryer. A glass door leads out to the private walled garden, which has an outdoor sink with worktop, two shaded seating areas and a BBQ, should you prefer to cook al fresco in the summer.
Staying in Charakopio will allow you to experience the real Greece. It’s not your typical tourist destination – rather it’s a working agricultural village, where everything is open year-round. The village has three small general stores, six cafes, two butchers shops and two chemists, as well as two bakeries plus a handmade pasta store, florist, three hairdressers. There’s also a ‘supermarket’ – all within walking distance and a weekly farmers market in the car park every Sunday morning selling locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables.
100 metres from the studio is Fouli’s Taverna ‘To Fagopoti’, with home-cooked food and traditional live music once a week (Covid rules permitting). Nearby is Xovoli café which serves a selection of snacks and a five minute walk brings you to Nikos’ grill taverna. One of the six cafés doubles as a Zacharoplastio/cake shop and has good ice cream in the summer.
The nearest beach is Gargarou – a twenty-minute walk on a track through the olive groves. From here, Perulia beach, which has two tavernas plus four cafés and sunbeds/umbrellas, is a few minutes walk along the sand.
Charakopio is a great place from which to explore the whole of south Messinia with a small hire car. Alternatively, you could make it your base for a walking or art holiday in the shoulder season. Private, tailored 1-1 or 1-2 art workshops can be arranged with Gill in advance of your stay.
Should you choose not to hire a car, with the local bus you can travel the coast road between Koroni (to the south) and Kalamata (to the north). Local taxis can take you inland and further afield. Charakopio is only 4.5km from Koroni, a pretty seaside town, popular with Greek visitors and independent holidaymakers. Koroni has a good selection of harbour-side tavernas, cafés and shops, a post office and bank plus a lovely castle to explore.
If you’d like more information on the studio rental, including available dates and rates, please get in touch.