"The site is so beautiful it’s like a punch in the solar plexus."
- Tania Compton. World of Interiors June 2023
The Area
Ilias in the Mani
The beautiful Ilias estate is set in the southern tip of mainland Greece, an area known as the Mani. The Mani combines the seascape of the Greek Islands with some of the most dramatic scenery Europe has to offer. Ilias sits above a terraced olive grove overlooking the sea in front and the Taygetos Mountains behind and is within easy reach of some of the most important historical sites in the world: Olympia, Messene, Mystras and Epidavros. It’s the perfect place for beaches, tavernas, walking and sightseeing and is a haven of peace, beauty and comfort.
"The Taygetos mountain range on the other side of the house is a purplish haze, and I sit and stare at that for a long while…but decide it’s almost painfully beautiful and have to stop."
- Antonia Quirke, Conde Nast Traveller Magazine. June 2023
The Estate
Ilias in the Mani
Ilias in the Mani lies twenty minutes north of Kardamili on the Mani peninsular, 35 minutes from Kalamata airport. The main house has uninterrupted views over the Messinian Gulf in front, and deep gorges of the Taygetos Mountains behind. And because of its height, there’s always a gentle breeze that comes up from the sea.
Ilias in the Mani house and gardens have featured in World of Interiors, Financial Times, House and Garden, Gardens Illustrated and Conde Nast Traveller Magazine.
"...the estate, beautifully designed from top to toe, cries out for multigenerational get-togethers or private parties for significant birthdays."
- The Financial Times 2019
Stay at Ilias
Holidays
You can rent the entire Ilias estate for a spectacular family holiday or special birthday or anniversary, or put a group together of 8 – 12 people for a guided History holiday, or even come to one of our yoga retreats. We can tailor-make an itinerary which mixes as much history, walking, electric biking and yoga as you would like. And every Spring we run a wonderful wild flower week and a special trip looking at all aspects of Greek history and culture. Alternatively, come and stay with us for The Kardamyli Festival of history, literature and culture which takes place every year in October.
Whichever holiday you choose, Ilias provides an outstandingly beautiful and comfortable base. While the main house and guest house sit on the ridge, the rest are scattered throughout five acres of terraces below, where olive, fig, pomegranate, almond, lemon and orange trees give shade to the separate bedrooms, each with its own terrace and breathtaking views over the sea. Read more about holidaying at Ilias in our holidays section and in a special feature in the Financial Times.
