What a place to be!
The Aquamarine Hotel has the most strategic post than any other hotel in the area. When you stay at the Aquamarine Hotel, the Mediterranean sea is at your feet. Neratzionas beach is 1-minute walk from the Hotel offering you the opportunity to enjoy the sun and the clear waters any time of the day! But this is not all the Aquamarine Hotel has to offer. Not only do you have a perfect and relaxing view from your own room, but you can also explore nearby areas, as the Hotel is right in the middle of every must-see destination!Beaches
With dozens of beaches along the coastline, Vatika is a great destination for those who love summer! Read below the most famous beaches in Vatika.
Neratzionas Beach
Neratzionas beach is in front of the hotel. There are deckchairs, umbrellas, and a beach bar. For the sports enthusiasts, there is beach volley net as well as plenty of extra space for other beach sports.
Magganos
Magganos beach is a 5'-minute drive from the Hotel and is quite similar to Neratzionas; there are deckchairs, umbrellas, and a beach bar.
Pounta & Pavlopetri
Pounta is a long sandy beach with turquoise crystal waters. It is less than a 10-minute drive from the Hotel. If you plan on visiting Pounta beach, make sure you bring the right equipment; the bottom of the sea hides a sunk city. "Pavlopetri", as they call this area, is a city 5,000 years old that sank into the bottom of the sea.
Pounta beach is not only appreciated by the locals and the tourists. Another huge fan of this particular beach is the sea turtle, Caretta Caretta. Sea turtles have been laying their eggs in the area for years, and it is not uncommon to see fenced egg nests when you visit Pounta beach.
Neapoli
Neapoli is a picturesque coastal town. Neapoli beach is the longest in all Vatika area. You can pick any spot you like and dive into the waters of this magnificent beach!
Ammitsa
Ammitsa, the sandy beach in Palaiokastro, is another beach loved by locals and visitors. Pack your bags and lay on the soft, golden sand under the trees. If you are a fan of sports, you can set a volleyball net.
Aspes
Aspes is a wide sandy beach with crystal blue waters. You will love taking a swim there and afterward a siesta under the shadow of a rock! Being a little far from shops or cafes, it is recommended that you are sufficiently equipped when you visit.
Rizmari Beach
Rizmari is a small gulf close to Aspes. It is a small, yet beautiful beach with thin sand and a great view to Kythera island.
Agios Pavlos, Velanidia
The beach at the foot of Kounos mountain is called "Agios Pavlos" and is a few kilometers after Velanidia village. Agios Pavlos beach is all covered in medium oval-shaped pebbles. It is a beach with a magnificent view to the open sea. This beach also gives you the opportunity to exercise your photography skills! Grab your smartphone and capture the marvelous scenery!
Panagia, Kastania Village
This quiet beach near Kastania village is the perfect place to enjoy the view to the open sea and reconnect with nature. It is recommended that you are equipped with water and an umbrella when you visit this beach.
Simos Beach, Elafonisos Island
Simos owes its reputation to the turquoise water and white sand. The only way to reach Elafonisos port is to take the ferry. The ferry route lasts only 10 minutes and you have the option to transfer your car. The other alternative is to take the boat from Neapoli port and head straight to Simos beach.
Photo Credits: Visit Vatika (visitvatika.gr)
Villages
Vatika is a place of natural beauty. Charming villages and picturesque settlements on the mountain as well as the view of Cythera and Elafonisos, compose a stunning scene.
Neapoli
Neapoli is a beautiful seaside town with a lot of entertainment options and a great history. The town's name, "Neapoli Vion", is dated back in 2,000 BC, when the ancient town "Voies" was originally built. Neapoli, which means "new town", was built on the remains of the ancient city.
Mesochori
Mesochori is small settlement built on the mountainside. Once you get there, park your car and take a walk to enjoy the fresh air and the panoramic view of the sea.
Faraklo
Don't miss the chance to visit this small yet historic village! Built at an altitude of 450 meters, Faraklo has its own history. It was built during the 15th century by the Venetians that occupied the area and later passed under the Ottoman empire. You can still see the ruins of buildings dated back to that era as you walk around Faraklo.
Paradeisi
This small settlement is meant to steal your heart! The water springs, the green scenery and the ruins of past century building make this place magic!
Lachi
Lachi is a small village of 800 people. The white houses built on the mountainside, and the panoramic view of the sea, make Lachi one of the most beautiful villages in Vatika.
Palaiokastro
Heading west to Neapoli you find Palaiokastro. Though today it may be only a small settlement, Palaioklastro once flourished under the leadership of Aeneas in 1100BC. Don't skip this part of Vatika when you visit, as you will discover many hidden beaches!
Agios Nikolaos
A picturesque small village on the mountainside with a great view to Kythera Island. When you visit Agios Nikolaos, drop by the local tavern to taste local dishes and socialize with the friendly locals.
Profitis Elias
This is a scenic settlement built around a small fishing harbor. Profitis Elias is an excellent destination for the food enthusiasts too! Visit the local tavern and taste fresh and unique local dishes.
Velanidia
Velanidia is one of the most beautiful villages in all Vatika area. Its first residents settled here in 1770 and originated from Spetses. The white houses with the orange roofs built on the steep mountainside and the view of the open sea compose a one-of-a-kind scenery! If you enjoy taking pictures, this places gives a great opportunity to practice your talent!
Photo Credits: Visit Vatika (visitvatika.gr)
Historic Sites
In order to learn the complete history of Vatika, your journey must begin 3 million years back in time. Along the way, you will find prehistoric sites, ancient cities that sleep in the bottom of the sea and medieval castles. It is a fascinating voyage!
Pavlopetri: The Sunken City
We may not know for sure if the "Lost City of Atlantis" is a myth or not, but we do know a similar story and it took place right here, in Vatika.
Pavlopetri, the small islet at Pounta beach, revealed its secrets in 1967. The remains at the bottom of the sea indicate that the ancient town was inhabited around 2,800 BC and thrived before it was lost forever. Scientists, after years of extensive explorations, have discovered that the sunken city was once a prosperous town with strong commerce bonds with Crete. Scientists have also discovered that apart from agriculture, the inhabitants were keen on fabric production that flourished during that time.
How to see the sunken city? Grab your goggles and dive into the sea of Pounta!
Agia Paraskevi Castle
The remains of the Medieval Castle on the big rock facing the Mediterranean are a marvelous site to look at. The Castle was built by Franks that occupied Peloponnese marking an era called "Frankokratia".
If you wish to visit the Castle, first ask the local public services to make sure it is accessible.
Agios Andreas Cave, Kastania
This 1.500 m² cave is nature's 3 million years old masterpiece. The Cave is exceptionally rich in stalactites and stalagmites of countless shapes and colors making it the second of its kind in Europe!
Fossilized Palm Forest
Three million years ago, a palm forest covered all the area we now call "Vatika". Studies in the area revealed that a strong wave struck the coastal zone covering all trees with sand, mollusks, and seaweed. It is unique, as it is the only Fossilized Forest in Greece that resulted from the replacement of their vegetable matter into calcium carbonate.
World War II Observatory
Once an observatory and communication node, this World War II ruin is a strong reminder of Vatika History. Built on high altitude, visiting is a great opportunity for nature explorers and the sports enthusiasts.
Photo Credits: Visit Vatika (visitvatika.gr)