What about Kamari in Santori? Really flat with loads of tavernas, but retaining a traditional feel. Nothing that could be described as "British bars or pubs". It's also very central for exploring the rest of the island, with good bus links.

We stayed at Grapevines Apartments in Alykanas Zante, you will find these through First Choice/Sunstart. These apartments are geared up for couples and has a lovely swimming pool. Bahamas Hotel in Kos Town is also another perfect place for you. This is through Thomson.

Les

Do you prefer to book through a tour operator? or are you confident putting together your own thing?

If you're prepared to do your own thing, there are some lovely 40 sq m apartments with a big swimming pool just behind our house in Finikounda. The place is called 'Dion Zois Villas', and you can find out all about them at http://dion.zois.googlepages.com/english . A 2km long sand beach is 300m away, the village centre is 700m walk on the flat, and has 15 tavernas, 6 cafes/bars, many of which are set on the edge of the beach.

This is a laid back little place, 600 population in winter, about 3,000 (mainly Greek, but a smattering of other nationalities) in high summer, and an eclectic selection of campers throughout the year. A few places (about 100 beds this year) are filled by Kosmar clients, but I don't think they have anywhere with a swimming pool. Excursions are run to nearby towns and islands by boat and bus.

There's lots of detail about all the options to travel to Finikounda on my own web site, http://www.jimbaerselman.f2s.com . Just click the 'Messinia' tab.

If a convenient travel package is more important for you, you'll be stuck either with a bigger operator (and subsequently a busy resort) or a more expensive specialist tour operator.

Either way, best of luck with your searching!

JimB

Hi Jim. The apartments look great. I would love to try Finikounda but feel it might be a bit quiet for a group of us who are thinking about holidaying together next August. Don't suppose you know of any other places with a similar set up? We would be hiring accommodation for 10 of us. Thanks in advance.

Tell me your group's age range, and the range of holiday activities your group most enjoys. Your timing tells me that either your group includes teachers, or school age youngsters. Can your group tolerate long transfers? Or can you tolerate the adventure of DIY travel?

Your handle, 'Pargaluvva', hints that you prefer a busier resort and don't mind climbing over the odd hill to get to a decent beach. Can you give me an example of a place you've been to which was a bit too small or quiet for your lot?

JimB
Google 'jimb greece' to find my web site (easier to spell than my name!)
or go http://www.jimbaerselman.f2s.com - includes a tourist guide to Messinia

Graham,
I have to tell you that Finikounda could'nt be more different to Parga. If theres 10 of you I expect you like a bit of partying. We spent 3 days in Parga in July and it was too busy for us, very pretty and a lot of character. We had driven there and it was a great base for exploring the region but just too busy. If you fancy the Peloponnese I think Tolon might suit, loads to see in this area and buzzing at night.

Hi Jim. We are 40 ish and we will have kids aged 13, 14 and 16 (possibly a couple of 18 year olds too ). We have been to Parga together a couple of times (about 2/3 years ago) and had a great time due to the fact we hired a couple of jeeps and were able to explore. Doesn't have to be as busy as Parga, just looking for some nice tavernas and a bit of sightseeing. Thanks in advance. Gx

Sorry Gail, I confused you with Kiltman for a moment there

rdv No probs. Really like the look of Finikounda, just need to work on the rest of 'em .

Hi Pargaluvva, we loved Finikounda but it is much quieter than Parga, or even Stoupa, which I think you found a bit quiet (?) The resort and beaches are lovely, we had some very good food and there are plenty of places to visit if you hire a car. How about Paralio Astros - though you may have to go there independantly. We went in May, when it was quiet but I believe July/August it is lively with mainly Greeks. There are some fantastic places to visit from there too, mountain villages, lots of ruins and Nafplion are all within reach.

There are some pictures on here from Paralio Astros:
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/296138/index.html

and these are from Finikounda and area:
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/166201/index.html

Hi Maria. Thanks for your reply. I have suggested Finikounda to another couple who are travelling with us and . We did find Stoupa very quiet during Spring Bank this year due to the lack of people in the resort which meant there wasn't much atmosphere in any of the bars or restaurnats. (I have been to Stoupa in August and it was a lot busier) but if we do go to Finikounda there will be a group of us so we will make our own fun!

In August there will be a couple of late night bars going for 18yr olds, plus one music club. The whole town will be buzzing with Athenians; great people watching, tavernas very busy, sometimes rather chaotic.

Must do - 09:00, take cars to Navarino. Through Yialova to the lagoons on the north side of the bay. Walk up to the old castle (Palaiocastro) 30 minutes. Fantastic views. Scramble down to Nestor's cave and Voidokilia (good trainers essential), sand dunes and brilliant turquoise water bay. Swim to cool off. Walk back to car (15 min), lunch at Yialova (Oasis recommended - try the sole with dill & Ouzo sauce!) sleep wine and beer off at the sandy beach in front of Zois Hotel, fresh water showers, shaded by tamarisks. Go home in evening and recover. Anyone less mobile - drop off at Zois, or at cafe on north side of Navarino, with good books and a beach chair.

Castles? more of them around the area than you can shake a shield at . . .

jimB - google 'jimb greece' to find out more

Now for the bad news about Finkounda. For August 2009, almost all the accommodation which can take 6 plus people is fully booked! This place is beoming really fashionable for the Athenians . . .

No problems in the shoulder season though - up till 15 Jul, or after 24 Aug.

JimB

Hi Jim. Enquired about the Dion-Zois after reading your post but they are fully booked in August . Back to the drawing board. Thinking about Corfu or Lefkas.

Hi Gail,
we were in Lefkas in June/July and really liked it. Away from Nidri which was pretty busy the island is quite traditional. You are also close to Parga where we spent a few days. Its 14 years since we last visited Lefkas and it remains largely unspoilt. We also spent time on Ithaki, Cephalonia and Meganissi all within easy reach.

Hi there rdv. Will have to work on the others for Lefkas . Is it easy enough to get a flight to Corfu (which I think will be cheaper than flying to Preveza) then get to Lefkas? Thanks in advance.
Gail

Hi Gail,
It would certainly be cheaper to find flights to Corfu than Preveza. However in the past we have always found it cheaper to book packages, usually late deals. We dont always stay in the package accomodation. This situation is probably now going to change with the demise of XL. This year we have found the late deals to be much harder to find. Last year packages to Lesvos and Corfu were available for much less than flight only, a crazy situation. I would guess holidays are going to be a lot more expensive next year and it may well be better to go independent, just have to wait and see.

I see going independent as the best way to see the more unusual places. And don't be scared of going via Athens, 'doing' two or three days in Athens, then picking up a bus to get where you want. For the return trip, either do bus, or better still, do car hire and travel through a site or other place, with a one way car hire to the airport. Book well ahead (12 months!) for the best spots - otherwise the Athenians will have picked them up!

Remember, independents aren't tied to 14 days! And BA, booked well in advance, is very good value for night flights - around £90 each way this year, with all mod cons and three flights a day . . . no connections . . .

JimB
http://www.jimbaerselman.f2s.com - ideas for Messinia