“A 13th-century manor turned boutique retreat on the Peloponnese mainland, Kinsterna Hotel blends medieval charm with modern indulgence—complete with vineyards, organic farm-to-table dining, and sweeping views of the UNESCO Byzantine Monemvasia rock.”

Hotel review

Perched on a hillside in the Peloponnesian countryside, Kinsterna Hotel is a masterclass in restoration. This former Byzantine mansion, once a noble estate, has been meticulously transformed into a 51-room/suite boutique hotel where stone arches, vaulted ceilings, and a central cistern (from which the hotel takes its name) whisper stories of centuries past. Surrounded by their olive groves, citrus orchards, and vineyards, this retreat offers panoramic views of the Aegean and the medieval rock fortress of Monemvasia beyond.

Each room is uniquely designed, blending historical features with contemporary comforts. Expect modern amenities such as smart TVs intergrated discretely into the surrounds and high-speed Wi-Fi. The newer Residences offer spacious layouts and private terraces while the original manor rooms charm with their turret location details.

Dining is a highlight here, with three restaurants—Mouries, Linos Tavern, and the Belvedere Bar—serving Mediterranean cuisine crafted from the estate's own produce. The fertile soils with abundant spring water around Kinsterna bless its gastronomy with fresh seasonal produce; vegetables, fruits, and aromatic herbs meeting superior quality, extra virgin olive oil and edible olives from the manor’s olive groves.  Fish of the day is well worth ordering as well as dishes such as burrata cheese and fresh tomato risotto–my personal favourite. The estate's commitment to sustainability is evident in its farm-to-table approach, from its fresh produce to their award-winning wines and olive oils.

Two outdoor pools, including a spring-fed infinity pool and separate children’s/family pool, provide relaxation among the gardens, themselves surrounded with a plethora of indigenous plants and flowers. Guests can take part in seasonal activities such as grape harvesting, bread baking in a wood-fired oven, cooking classes or simply enjoy the farm animals on site such as the sheep and horses.

Only a 10-minute drive from Monemvasia's historic center, Kinsterna is a secluded setting offering a peaceful retreat. A beach area is available 1.5 km away for guests seeking seaside relaxation, or a 20 minute drive takes you to Pounta, the starting point to catch a ferry to Elafonisos island.  But honestly? Once you’re settled into Kinsterna with its homely feel, why leave?

Recommended for

  • Families

    • Ideal for families: spacious villas, children's pool and playground and huge range of activities little ones will love
  • Total relaxation

    • It's the perfect place to switch off; far from the crowds and nestled amid total luxury!
  • Romantic Break

    • A stunning luxury hotel with elegant accommodation, gourmet dining, and a pampering spa
  • 5* Luxury

  • Spa

    • With hot tub, sauna and hammam, plus full range of massages and treatments using aromatic plants and herbs from the garden
  • Cooking classes

    • As well as the usual cooking classes you'd expect there are special bread making sessions using the old wood fired oven
  • Restaurant

    • Gourmet Mediterranean cuisine created from organic ingredients, or taverna style traditional Greek food
  • Other Activities

    • There are a plethora of activities on offer from grape crushing during harvest to donkey rides
  • Great walks

    • Many hiking trails around, one of which passes through the property
  • Child friendly

    • Children's playground. Baby sitting and childcare can be arranged
  • Sights nearby

    • Just outside the mediaeval castle city of Monemvasia
  • Wine tasting

    • Sample the produce of the property's vineyards
  • Historic

    • Originally a 13th century manor house
  • Hammam

    • Traditional Ottoman hammam
  • Views

    • Great views of Monemvasia
  • Good wine list

    • Excellent wine cellar
  • Beach nearby

    • 1km from the coast
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Wedding license

  • Luxury

  • Designer

  • Snorkelling

  • Learning

  • Country Escape

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Local markets

  • Disabled access

  • Hills & mountains

  • Weddings

  • Chic

  • Watersports

  • Gym

  • Honeymoons

  • Pet friendly

  • Air conditioning

  • Romantic

  • Conference facilities

Facilities

  • Rooms

    51 rooms in this hotel
  • Spa

    With hot tub, sauna and hammam, plus full range of massages and treatments using aromatic plants and herbs from the garden
  • Restaurant

    Gourmet Mediterranean cuisine created from organic ingredients, or taverna style traditional Greek food
  • Child friendly

    Children's playground. Baby sitting and childcare can be arranged
  • Private villas

    Selection of villas which can accommodate between 2 and 6 guests
  • Garden

    The estate produces its own crop of wine and olive oil.
  • Hammam

    Traditional Ottoman hammam
  • Good wine list

    Excellent wine cellar
  • Swimming Pool

    Two outdoor pools
  • Bar

  • Wedding license

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Airport transfer

  • Outdoor dining

  • Sauna/Steam

  • Hairdresser/Beauty Salon

  • Cots available

  • Massage

  • Library

  • EV Charging Station

  • Babysitting

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Disabled access

  • Gym

  • Pet friendly

  • Sitting Room

  • Room service

  • Parking

  • Suites

  • Hot Tub

  • Concierge

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • In room music system

  • Air conditioning

  • Wifi

  • Conference facilities

  • Bath robes

Activities

  • Cooking classes

    • As well as the usual cooking classes you'd expect there are special bread making sessions using the old wood fired oven
  • Other Activities

    • There are a plethora of activities on offer from grape crushing during harvest to donkey rides
  • Great walks

    • Many hiking trails around, one of which passes through the property
  • Sights nearby

    • Just outside the mediaeval castle city of Monemvasia
  • Wine tasting

    • Sample the produce of the property's vineyards
  • Snorkelling

  • Learning

  • Local markets

  • Watersports

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do people love staying in Kinsterna Hotel? Kinsterna Hotel is a unique retreat that blends history, nature, and luxury. Set in a restored Byzantine-era mansion, it offers an atmosphere of absolute tranquility, authentic hospitality, and discreet luxury. Guests love the breathtaking views of Monemvasia, the lush gardens, and the estate’s self-sufficient philosophy, which allows them to experience traditional practices like wine and olive oil production.

What is there to do in the area? The hotel is located near Monemvasia, a stunning medieval castle town that invites exploration. Guests can enjoy hiking, wine tasting, and cultural excursions. The surrounding Peloponnesian landscape offers opportunities for outdoor activities, including horseback riding and sailing.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? Our breakfast is a celebration of local flavors, featuring fresh, organic ingredients sourced from our estate. Guests can enjoy homemade bread, marmalades, traditional Greek pastries, a variety of seasonal fruits and many more.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? Yes, Kinsterna Hotel offers exquisite dining experiences, with menus inspired by local and Mediterranean cuisine. ‘Mouries’ restaurant and ‘Linos’ tavern showcases farm-to-table dishes made with ingredients from our gardens. For those looking to dine out, Monemvasia has several excellent tavernas offering fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? Our atmospheric suites and autonomous residences are particularly popular. They provide a blend of historical charm and modern comfort, with stunning views of the estate and Monemvasia. Guests appreciate the privacy, spaciousness, and elegant design.

What facilities do you have for children, and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? Kinsterna Hotel is family-friendly, offering activities such as bread-making, swimming in the family pool and farm experiences for children, like donkey rides, an outdoor playground, visiting the farm or bee keeping workshop. Some rooms can accommodate extra beds, ensuring a comfortable stay for families.

What message would you like to give The Hotel Guru readers? Kinsterna Hotel is more than just a place to stay—it’s an experience. Whether you seek relaxation, cultural immersion, or a connection with nature, our estate offers a unique journey through history and hospitality. We invite you to discover the magic of Monemvasia with us.

Other reviews

Kinsterna Review

Originally published by The Guardian

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