Mani

The Mani- an area spreading over the southern tip of Greece, is rich in history and famous for  the ruggedness of its landscape and its inhabitants. The Ottoman empire never really gained complete control here, and  the Pashas tended to leave the fiery and bloodthirsty inhabitants to their own devices, those devices mainly consisting of feuding among eachother and scratching a living from the rough terrain. The legacy of those days is  visible in the spectacular fortified tower-dwellings in the hillside villages, where feuding families would hole up for  years, taking pot shots at eachother  out of the windows from generation to generation. The Frankish overlords in medieval times took a softer approach to ruling this wild region, and visitors are frequently surprised to see how many Maniots have blond hair and blue eyes…  

The perfect place to explore by car for a road trip along endless coastline with one view more breath-taking than the next and plenty of little villages to stop on as explore this most barren corner of Greece.  

An abundance of historical monuments , ruins, caves, olive-groves, Frankish turrets, 18th century towers, ghost towns, perfectly surfaced panoramic roads wrapped around the coastline, crystal clear sea lapping on quiet pebbly beaches, lighthouses, dramatic vistas, riding, hiking, olive oil aficionados, villages littered around the coastline, with the famous “skyscraper” towers of abandoned medieval settlements.  The presence of the  medieval Franks is palpable- ghosts of mounted knights, princesses and troubadours still cling to the hillsides and stones. 

On the other end of the spectrum, Greece’s finest golf course is a manageable drive away over on the western side.  

The Mani spans two regions; Laconia and Messinian. These two areas are very different in architecture, scenery and character of the local residents, but each with its own charm and character. Messinian Mani starts from Aeropoli up to Kardamyli and is very green and vibrant. Laconian Mani goes from Stoupa all the way down to the stunning bay of Gerolimenas – the tip of the Peloponnese. This area is more barren and has a rough terrain.    The word “Laconic” comes from the famously silent inhabitants- nothing went to waste here, not even words.  

The iconic fortified villages are  in the Deeep Mani, south of Areopoli.  

 

The beaches of Mani are mostly small and pebbly but very picturesque. The sandy beaches suitable for family holidays can be found around Kardamyli and Stoupa to the west and around Gythio to the east. 

Mystra – the last Byzantine outpost that held out against the Ottomans, briefly the home of the last Byzantine Emperor. Read the “Chronicles of Mystra by James Heneage, and ask us about arranging history tours with the man himself, which is an additional reason to book a stay in his wonderful villa! 

Porto Cagio, a small cove with port in the southernmost part of Mani has lovely scenery and  

Foothills of Taygetos – wonderful hiking 

Kalamata – the home of the world’s best olive oil  

Kardamili   – The  war hero, historian and author of “A time of Gifts”, Patrick Leigh Fermor, built his dream house here is this lovely bay, and this is now for rent, ask us! 

Stoumpa  – a  cheerful and  bustling seaside town, best known for being where the Greek author Nikos Kazantakis met Giorgos Zorbas, the inspiration for his Zorba the Greek.  

Limeni – the ravishing little port of Areopoli, with its stone mansions fronting the sea,  borad stesp into the gin-clear water,  tavernas right on the sea, the  old palace of the Mavromichalis family and  a backdrop of rocky mountains rising behind. 

Gythio –   Venetian style architecture and pretty promenade around the port.  

Mezapos beach with cavernous sea grottoes into which you can swim (when not windy), and view to the Kastro Tigani  

Diros Cave  – Diros Cave, one of the world’s most beautiful caves, is located on the western shores of the Laconic Peninsula, on the Gulf of Diros, Stark-white stalagmites and stalactites, impressive curtains and sparkling crystals create a breathtaking spectacle. 

Areopoli – The Greek War of Independence was started at Areopoli on March 17, 1821 by Petros Pierrakos, also known as Petros Mavromichalis, the last bey of Mani. Now it has grown into a flourishing town. Its tower houses, constructed with field stones, are distinct from the traditional blue and white buildings that characterize many Greek villages. 

Gerolimenas – a picturesque small coastal village at the southern end of the Mani Peninsula. The name, which means “Old Harbour”, is thought to derive from the ancient “Ἱερός Λιμήν” (Hieros Limen), meaning “Sacred Harbor”. One of the remotest settlements in the Peloponnese, until the 1970s it was reached mainly by boat. Today, is famous for its crystal clear wates, the stone towers and the fish-restaurants which are literally on the sea. 

Cape Tainaron – Also known as Cape Matapan, situated at the end of the Mani Peninsula, Greece. It is the southernmost point of mainland Greece, and the second southernmost point in mainland Europe. Apart from being home to the temple of Poseidon, Cape Tainaron was believed to be one of the numerous Gateways to Hades. It was one of the places where the deceased entered the Underworld, whose entrance was said to be guarded by the mighty three-headed dog, Cerberus. 

The ghost village of Vathia – Dating from the 1700’s,  this abandoned  hillside village is a fabulous example of the iconic Maniot fortified villages. Each family head ruled his clan with an iron grip from his fortified tower.  

Monemvasia –  Greece’s Gibraltar!  The Old Town is a medieval walled city built on an island at the southernmost tip of Greece- a tumble of tiled rooves and labyrinthine picturesque lanes, entered only by foot via a narrow causeway.  

BEST FOR  

A feeling of authentic Greece; its nature, history, food, culture, traditions, architecture, and monuments.  Calm seas and  sailing around the coast.  Wonderful hiking and plenty of monasteries and churches to discover. 

WORST FOR  

Long distances to drive. Lack of sandy beaches and sophisticated amenities. 

WOULD SUIT  

Historians, archaeologists, hikers, explorers, active groups that enjoy traveling, activities, excursions and adventures.
Anyone looking to escape the crowds, anyone enjoying scenic drives and history, anyone trying to minimise connecting flights and ferries as you can fly direct to Kalamata or drive in a few hours from Athens through the mainland 

WOULD NOT SUIT  

Those who get car-sick, dedicated fashionistas/celebrity-spotters, young clubbers, those wanting to show off their new beach kaftans and gym-honed bodies, those who have given up on the gym-honed bodies and want fine international  restaurants- The Mani is proud of its local cuisine! 

DON’T MISS  

All the highlights above! 

ACTIVITIES 

Hiking, boating, sightseeing, sea kayaking (in Stoupa and Kardamyli)  

 

HIGH SEASON  

The more popular areas such as Kardamili, Stoupa, Limeni can get busy so some planning and organizing is advised.  

LOW SEASON  

Equally enjoyable with high season, as you can still explore the area and visit all the interesting town, villages and monuments