Gruntie’s top 10 places to visit in the Mani
Here are my favritist places in the Mani, getting to them is half the fun as the journey by car is wonderful. They are not in any particular order but are arranged from North to South, sort of.
Oh, and if you fancy going further afield and exploring outside the Mani- click HERE.
For more info click on the title which is underlined, it will open in a new tab.
Just a few miles north of Stoupa is Kardamyli. The main road goes straight through the town and although it looks pleasant from the road there are hidden treasures to discover – namely Old Kardamyli just inland from the main road.
I love Stoupa. It’s a great base with wonderful restaurants, bars and beaches. It’s the perfect place to relax and it is well positioned to explore the rest of the Mani.
A 15 minute drive into the Taygetos Mountains above Stoupa is the pretty village of Kastania. The village is hidden from view from the road so park up and then wander around marvelling at the beautiful churches and the restored tower house and then stop for lunch in the platea.
You will most likely pass by this magnificent bay on your way south to Areopoli. It’s worth an extended stop to take in the amazing views, visit Dekoulou Monastery and Kefela Castle or take a dip off the rocks at Limeni.
Areopoli is about an hour drive from Stoupa and the drive there is wonderful, [Click HERE for more info on the drive]. It is hidden off the main road on a hill just to the south of Itylo Bay. Park on the edge of the small town and wander around the cobbled streets, it comes alive at night and there are some great restaurants and bars. Areopoli is not far from the Diros Caves which are also worthy of a visit. [See below].
The famous caves are to the south of Areopoli and are wonderful, albeit rather touristy.
As you head south from Areopoli you won’t see any supermarkets so stock up on snacks and water. You are leaving most tourists behind as you enter the Deep Mani. Gerolimenas is a pretty harbour village offering amazing views of the rugged coastline. It has a harbour lined with restaurants and some accommodation options. The sinkhole at Erimos and the near abandoned mountain village of Mountanistika are also nearby. Click HERE for more info if you want to go there too.
Heading south again, the [nearly but not quite] abandoned village of Vathia is a wonderful sight. It’s an eerie place to explore and offers more wonderful views of the Deep Mani.
To the east of Areopoli and linked by a main road is the capital of the Mani – Gythio. It’s a bustling harbour fronted town flanked by wonderful sandy beaches [and a shipwreck].
Right at the very bottom of the Mani. This is the southernmost point on the Greek mainland. An overnight stay in nearby Porto Kagio is a delight.
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