When you visit a destination for the first time, you have a sweet impatience and anticipation to explore the new, to discover a different place. The truth is that we were going to Mani for the first time! And because as we usually say “A good traveler is an informed traveler."We downloaded any guide we could find to delve into what we would see on the Laconian Peninsula (we left Messinian Mani for another time). Images, stories, customs, routes began to swirl in our minds... This text was written long before we pressed the keys on the laptop!
Although most people choose to visit the area in the summer, we chose spring, when nature puts on its festive display and the wild landscape of Mani gives way to a milder and more “sweet” setting. Don’t expect to see many trees, of course, but nothing but wildflowers and vegetation! After all, you didn’t come here for something ordinary. Here you will experience the absolute!
Mani has strange geographical divisions and the more you read about it, the more confused you will become. Inner Mani, outer Mani, sun-drenched, desolate and other nicknames that only locals understand. We turned to the Mani Traveler Greece, who knows the area very well and located us in the best possible way so that we could see as much as possible during our stay there.
But let's go together to "feel" an area that, if you haven't looked for it earlier, will catch you off guard! The trip to Mani is not the easiest... But it is unique!
Where to stay?
A few years ago this would have been a big problem. But everything has changed in Mani. Old towers are being renovated, tower houses are being transformed into boutique hotels and luxury resorts are making their appearance. The advice we have to give you is as follows: If you like crowds and the possibility of nightlife (don't imagine anything extreme of course) then stay in Areopoli. If you are interested in luxury, a luxury resort and romantic sunsets, choose Limeni. If you need rest, have a family or want your room to be in front of the sea on a golden sandy beach, Marmari is your destination. That's where we stayed too, at Marmari Paradise and you can read everything about our stay in this article.
What to see
Aposekeri or Mesa Mani
It is the side that “looks” west and is characterized by the wild, harsh landscape. Steep cliffs, silent towers, bare mountain peaks and the sun burning the earth. Within this rugged scenery, however, you will encounter places of incredible charm that will completely win you over. Starting your journey in Mesa Mani from north to south, you will encounter in order:
– The Title. It is a traditional Laconian settlement built on the mountain, with a unique view of the sea and the new Itilo. It is worth a visit to the monastery of Dekoulou, which dates back to the 17th century.the century, with its impressive frescoes and carved wooden iconostasis.
– The Limeni. It's a dollhouse! You'll go and you won't want to leave... The best time is early in the morning to drink your coffee or at sunset to watch the sun disappear into the sea, enjoying seafood at the "Customs House". Next to it is the Mavromichalis tower, which has been converted into a traditional guesthouse. A little higher up stands the imposing Mavromichalis family's ancestral tower, called the "palace".
– The AreopolisThe capital of Mesa Mani has it all. Picturesque alleys that you enjoy walking through, impressive towers (Pikoulaki, Barelakou, Mavromichalis), the historic church of Taxiarches with its multi-storey bell tower, elegant cafes such as Bukka and Aula and the beautiful square of 17of March. For the people of Mani, there is no doubt! The revolution of the people began here on March 17, 1821… If you get hungry, the Alepi grill will satisfy you, while the Spilious café outside the settlement offers an unobstructed view of the sea.
– Cave Dirou. Don't miss it! The spectacle will take your breath away! Nature over millions of years has created a masterpiece. The route lasts 45 minutes and is mainly by boat and a small part at the end is walked.
– If you want to dive into crystal clear waters and an impressive beach between rocks and caves, then you should go to Mezapo. If you have a drone, this place is a must!
– The Gerolimenas It may not be the classic traditional settlement you will encounter in the rest of Mani, but it gives you a special feeling. Partly the impressive rocks, partly the stories of pirates and feuds… you feel strange! You will taste quality coffee varieties at Gerogrosso, while traditional flavors of the region await you at the historic Kyrimai hotel that has stood proud since 1870 overlooking Cape Grosso.
– Continuing towards the south, we were interested in the Mountaineering. An abandoned village in the mountain to which a narrow road that barely fits a car leads you. The sight is eerie and at the same time shocking! Half-collapsed tower houses, abandoned stone houses, lives that have changed and a view as far as the eye can see. The place is for those looking for something different and gives many photographic “clicks” especially if it is a little cloudy.
– The Depth is perhaps the most photographed settlement in Mani. The ruined war towers stand as if in battle formation. Old ruins that carry stories of bravery and battles against conquerors but also long-standing feuds. The settlement is contradictory. On the one hand, the impressive fortified architecture and on the other, ruins. It looks like it is haunted. However, if you walk around it a door will open to greet you. It is worth getting lost in the alleys and admiring the combination of traditional architecture with the natural landscape, which awakens awe. The best time to visit Vathia….sunset.
– The Marble It is a heavenly place, as it has the only organized sandy beach in Mani and an excellent resort that we told you about. hereYou will definitely enjoy its golden sand and dive into its crystal clear waters.
Sunny Mani
It is the side that “looks” east and undoubtedly has more vegetation and trees. Everything seems sweeter and lighter here. Something that is not true of the area around Tainaro…. Starting from the south and heading north you will see:
– The cape Tainaro, also known as Cape Matapas, is the southernmost tip of the Balkan Peninsula. You will leave your car in Kokkinogeia and after seeing the temple of Agioi Asomatos on your left (once there was the temple of Poseidon) you will take the path to the right to the lighthouse. After a few meters you will come across a fenced area where the Star of Arya is located, a beautiful mosaic from the Hellenistic period. If you let yourself go, you may feel a special “energy” that emanates from the place. Perhaps they did not consider it unfairly as the Gate of Hades. The existence of a necropompeo – a psychopompeo converge in this fact. When you reach the end of the path, you will come across a beautiful lighthouse, built in 1882 by the French and since then it has been illuminating the passage for sailors.
Tip: The path to reach the lighthouse is not well maintained and requires sneakers and long light pants to protect yourself from the weeds. It will take you 45 minutes to walk and you should bring water and sunscreen. In the summer we recommend going either very early in the morning or at sunset. We would also not recommend it for young children under 8 years old.
– Porto Kagio. A natural harbor, which was a pirate hideout. The beach may not have anything special, but the view towards the Achilleion castle is breathtaking.
– Lagia – Spiral. Two traditional Mani “photogenic” villages that deserve your attention. In Lagia you will be surprised by the fact that despite its beauty it has not yet been filled with guesthouses, while in Spira you will meet the only family that lives there and you will notice the spiral street layout, which gave its name to the settlement.
– Immediately after the Spiral follows the Bone with the pebble beach and its clear blue waters beckoning you to reflect and dive in!
– Continuing north you will come across a picturesque creek, the AlypiaOnce a pirate haven, now a place of tranquility and vacation, with a tavern on the waves reminding you why you love this country...
– FlomohoriHere you will see the tallest towers in Mani! We counted four or five, all of them well-preserved, testifying to a past full of battles and sieges.
– The Kotronas It is a small village with a small sandy beach and picturesque tavernas. What impressed us here is the sea funeral that takes place on Good Friday!
– Last stop of the road trip in Mani Gythio with the neoclassical buildings of the waterfront welcoming you. Here the scenery changes completely and reminds you a little more of the Mediterranean. Walk to the “island” of Kranai, where the Tzanetaki Tower (operates as a Historical and Ethnological Museum) and the beautiful octagonal lighthouse are located.
– Before leaving Mani you will pass through Valtaki to dive on the beach with the imposing shipwreck “Dimitrios” and to take lots of photos!
Closing
Το Travel See Feel would like to thank the Mani Traveler Greece for the collaboration and for making this trip possible. The Mani Traveler Greece is an online platform that promotes Mani and can give you advice on what to see, where to eat and what is worth visiting when you are in Mani. Follow it on Facebook and in Instagram!
Check out the video we made from Mani here!
