Kinsterna Hotel Monemvasia: Luxury Boutique Hotel in the Peloponnese

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Quick Overview: The Kinsterna Hotel

The Kinsterna Hotel is a 5-star boutique hotel housed in a former Byzantine mansion near Monemvasia in the southern Peloponnese. It features 52 rooms and suites, three award-winning restaurants, a spa, and two infinity pools. It is located 3.5 hours from Athens Airport.

There are those places you long to return to again and again. For me, the Kinsterna Hotel near Monemvasia is one such place. I have stayed at this luxurious boutique hotel, which was once a Byzantine mansion, several times. In October 2025, I spent a few unforgettable days there again.

The drive from Athens airport to Agios Stefanos in the southern Peloponnese takes about 3.5 hours and passes through impressive landscapes. After three hours, the mighty rock of Monemvasia, with its historic car-free old town, emerges from the sea. Just seven more kilometers to the Kinsterna Hotel.

Culinary delights amidst stunning nature

In the courtyard, built around the old cistern (Greek: kinsterna), I enjoy a refreshing drink before checking into my suite in the main building.

Restaurant Mouries – All-day dining with a view

At Restaurant Mouries, I enjoy a late lunch on the terrace with an unparalleled view over olive groves and vineyards to the Aegean Sea. Pleasant temperatures in early October, tranquility, and nature as far as the eye can see.

Since spring 2025, the Kinsterna Hotel has been cultivating various mushrooms, which are served on the menu each evening. Starting in summer 2026, "Fine Dining Events" will also be held, led by renowned Greek chefs.

Restaurant STERNA – Excellent Cuisine

The Restaurant STERNA recently won the prestigious "Toques d'Or" – the only Greek gastronomy award presented by Athinorama magazine. My congratulations to Chef George Hapsas and his team.

The Kinsterna Hotel – An Architectural Masterpiece

This luxurious gem was created from an old ruin, respecting its historical features. The columned cistern next to the reception area is the heart of the former country estate. At night, the columns are illuminated, creating a wonderfully romantic atmosphere.

The Kinsterna Hotel offers 52 rooms, suites, villas, and residences in the main building and annex. Natural materials such as wood, stone, leather, and linen give the interiors a stylish, uncluttered feel. The villas and residences are ideal for families.

In my suite, I was particularly impressed by two designer lamps and the balcony, which offered one of the most beautiful views in the entire hotel. The spacious bathroom with a shower cubicle is simply perfect.

Heavenly breakfast under 500-year-old olive trees

After a restful night, I was awakened by the bleating of sheep. I enjoyed breakfast on the terrace with its panoramic view. A beekeeper explained how honey is produced at the entrance. It was served along with the incomparably creamy Greek yogurt and other homemade organic delicacies.

"You absolutely must try the loukoumades, the Greek doughnuts," recommends Stavros. Bite-sized honey doughnuts with cinnamon and walnuts – delicious and much healthier than American doughnuts.

Fresh eggs come from happy hens in the hotel's hen house.

The highlight: Breakfast under a 500-year-old olive tree – an Instagram moment guaranteed! Just let the staff know in advance.

For active vacationers

Soap making is one of the many traditional activities at the Kinsterna Hotel. Every guest can make their own soap and take it home. You can also watch bread being baked in the old oven, go horseback riding, or hike through the vineyards.

The spring-fed infinity pool with its magnificent sea view is ideal for relaxation. As soon as you choose a lounger, the staff will bring you chilled water.

Boat trip to Elafonissos

Now it's off to Elafonissos, to one of the most beautiful beaches in the Peloponnese. The hotel's own boat will take you from Neapoli to the island with its wonderful sandy beach and turquoise, clear water.

My personal highlight: I jumped into the sea from a boat for the first time in my life! The wonderfully warm water is perfect for swimming. The next day, I swim a few laps in one of the two infinity pools at the Kinsterna, fed by the hotel's own spring.

Taverna Linos – Dining like in the old days

After a power nap, I treat myself to dinner at the hotel's own taverna, "Linos," in the romantic garden, right next to the old olive press and the stone-built wood-fired oven. It doesn't get more authentic than this.

The taverna is open twice a week in the summer. There's no menu – the delicacies come straight from the wood-fired oven: delicious bread, salad, tzatziki, a spicy cheese dip, tomatoes, herbed potatoes, and vegetable stew. To aid digestion, there's a tsipouro (a type of grappa), which is also produced at the Kinsterna Hotel.

Enjoying Nature and Spa

On the last day, a garden tour with Stavros and a spa treatment are on the agenda. "We have the best olive oil in all of Greece here," Stavros raves, showing me centuries-old lemon and orange groves, enormous eucalyptus trees, and the vibrant colors of bougainvillea and hibiscus.

Moments of Well-being at the Spa

For two hours, I have the wellness temple all to myself. I enjoy the hammam and whirlpool, as well as a body wrap with a gentle massage. Only local products like olive oil, grapes, and lemons are used. I haven't been this relaxed in a long time. If you need exercise, you can work on your muscles in the little gym.

My Conclusion on the Kinsterna Hotel

What a wonderful stay! In addition to the impressive architecture and natural surroundings, the award-winning cuisine, and the many excursion options on the Peloponnese, the excellent service deserves special mention. "Hospitality is simply in our DNA," explains Stavros. One thing is for sure – this wasn't my last visit to the Kinsterna Hotel.

My tips: Combine a stay at the Kinsterna Hotel with a few nights in Athens or a road trip around the Peloponnese. On the way to Monemvasia, a detour to Epidaurus with its ancient sanctuary (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and an overnight stay in the picturesque port city of Nafplio are well worth it.

Best time to travel: May/June, or September/October (July/August are very hot)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How far is the Kinsterna Hotel from Athens?

The drive from Athens Airport takes about 3.5 hours (approx. 280 km).

How many rooms does the Kinsterna Hotel have?

The boutique hotel has 52 rooms, suites, villas, and residences.

Is there a pool at the Kinsterna Hotel?

Yes, there are two infinity pools fed by water from the hotel's own spring.

How far is Monemvasia from the hotel?

The historic fortress town of Monemvasia is only 7 kilometers away (approx. €15 taxi ride - October 2025).

What restaurants are there at the Kinsterna Hotel?

The all-day restaurant Mouries, the award-winning STERNA restaurant, and the traditional Linos taverna (open twice a week in summer).

General Information

The Kinsterna Hotel has been awarded TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence.

Kinsterna Hotel
Agios Stefanos, 23070 Monemvasia
Peloponnese, Greece
Tel.: +30 27320-66300
Email: info@kinsternahotel.gr
Website: kinsternahotel.gr

The Kinsterna Hotel is closed from November to March.

How to get to the Kinsterna Hotel:

Arrival: By plane to Athens (good connections from major international cities) or Kalamata.
Transfer: To Monemvasia/Agios Stefanos (3.5 hours from Athens, 3 hours from Kalamata), the best option is to rent a car or book one through the hotel.

Excursion to Monemvasia

A trip to the fortress town of Monemvasia, just 7 kilometers away, is a must! Historic churches, archways, and picturesque alleyways with cafes and boutiques bear witness to its past. A taxi will get you there in just a few minutes (approx. €15 per ride – as of October 2025). Alternatively, you can book a boat trip around the imposing rock at the Kinsterna Hotel.

At the beginning of October, I went swimming in the pleasantly warm water, surrounded by colorful little fish and with this incomparable view of the imposing rock.

*My stay at the Kinsterna Hotel was by invitation of the hotel. This has in no way influenced my hotel evaluation.*

Want more about Greece? Then check out my articles about Athens, Mykonos, Spetses or Rhodes. Happy reading!