The Peloponnese probably isn’t the first destination that comes to mind when you think of Greece, right? It wasn’t for us either. But after seeing a few beautiful places online, we decided to explore it. And we’re so glad we did! After we came back, we found ourselves asking: why didn’t we come here sooner? 🙂 I want to show you why the Peloponnese is worth considering for your next trip in this article series titled Greece as You’ve Never Known It. Here, you’ll discover a different side of this country.
- What Is Mani and Where Is It Located
- What to See and Do in Mani
- Where We Stayed
- What We Didn’t Get to See (and Slightly Regret)
- Conclusion
In this article, I’ll give you a short glimpse (because a full one would take three days) of what we discovered in the Mani region and why we loved it so much. But before that, let me tell you a bit about the area.
What Is Mani and Where Is It Located
Mani is a region in the southern Peloponnese that includes the central peninsula. It’s surrounded by dramatic mountains and sea, known for its orange and lemon groves, and for its tower houses (called pyrgoi) that look like small castles. These are unique to the region—we haven’t seen them anywhere else.
The towers appeared in Mani between the 17th and 19th centuries during the Ottoman rule, serving as both defensive structures and symbols of a family’s power and prestige. The taller the tower, the more influential the family.
Useful Info for Your First Visit to Mani
- The roads are paved but narrow and full of curves. Drive slowly and carefully, especially in mountain villages.
- Refuel in advance. Gas stations are rare, especially in the southern part of the region. Fuel is also more expensive in the south and in villages than in the north or larger towns.
- Great restaurants can be found in Areopoli (we recommend To Mavromichaliko) and Limeni, but also in small villages with family-run taverns.
- The beaches aren’t set up like those on the islands—you’ll need water shoes and your own umbrella.
- Most accommodations are small, family-run places with authentic vibes. Book early in high season.
- ATMs are available in Areopoli and Gythio, but it’s wise to carry some cash.
- Signal is weak in some remote areas.
- Shops close early on Sundays and during lunchtime. Plan to shop in the mornings.
What to See and Do in Mani
Explore Mani on Horseback
One unique way to discover the region is on horseback. Mani Horses, a local horse farm, makes this possible. We went on a tour through an olive grove and the village of Charia—it was a dream to ride through stone-paved lanes!
Mani Horses also offer riding lessons, themed activities, and summer camps for kids. If you’re visiting in summer with the little ones, they’ll definitely love the experience!
Areopoli, the Capital of the Region
🌸 Areopoli is the kind of Greek town you’d move to without thinking twice. It greeted us with stone-paved alleys, like all Mani villages, lazy cats, flowers on every corner, and a peacefulness that made us forget the drizzle on our necks.
Besides being the capital of the Mani region, Areopoli has a significant history. Its name means “City of Ares,” the god of war, and this place really did witness battles. On March 17, 1821, the Mavromichalis family (rulers of the region) gave the signal for the Greek War of Independence from the Ottoman Empire.
So our walk through its old streets wasn’t just pleasant, it was a living history lesson.
We wandered for hours among restored old towers, Byzantine churches (like St. Archangel), and soaked in the vibe of this vibrant, authentic village.
Limeni, the Turquoise Paradise
The little village of Limeni is easy to miss if you don’t look for it in advance. It’s tucked by the sea, discreet and low-key. But the water here has the most stunning color we’ve seen in all of Greece! That turquoise truly mesmerized us.
We admired it from the shore, from the road, from above, and it’s just as magical from every angle. Don’t miss it if you’re in the area. 💙
Vathia, the Ghost Village
Though not the only one, Vathia is the largest and best-known ghost village in Mani. Yes, an actual ghost village! It was inhabited until around the 1950s, but was gradually abandoned due to geographic isolation, economic hardship, and youth migration to cities or abroad.
Even so, it’s a spectacular place to explore and is quite popular with visitors. We spent hours wandering its stone alleys, through ruins—some overgrown with plants, others stubbornly standing. It’s a place that makes you reflect on how much effort it took to build… and how easily it can be forgotten.
Tainaron, the End of the Greek World
Cape Tainaron (or Tenaro) is the southernmost point of mainland Greece and the entire Balkan Peninsula. We got there one evening, and I have to say, the sunset was absolutely magical! You really feel like you’re at the end of the world.
There’s a makeshift parking area, and from there a 30–40-minute trail leads to the lighthouse. The walk is easy and offers amazing sea views.
Along the way, you’ll see ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to Poseidon, which also served as an oracle of the dead. It was believed that one of the gates to the underworld was here. Whether true or not, for the living it’s a fantastic place to visit! 😁
Dimitrios Shipwreck
Washed ashore near Gythio, the Dimitrios shipwreck catches your eye from afar. It’s rusty, battered by waves and salt, yet still imposing. It’s said to have been abandoned in the ’80s, under mysterious circumstances. Some say it was due to smuggling, others say the crew lacked the funds for repairs.
During our walk toward it, we also saw underwater ruins of a small port. At first, we thought they belonged to the ancient port of Gythio, where the Argonauts supposedly set sail in search of the Golden Fleece. But back home, we found out that’s not the case.
Still, the lack of any signage or info made the place feel even more intriguing. We let our imagination run wild, weaving stories inspired by the Argonaut myth we had just discovered. For the kids, one legend (even a makeshift one) is enough to turn a simple stroll into an adventure.
Kardamyli, Another Storybook Village
Though the village itself is charming, we only got to visit the old fortress of the Mourtzinos family. The fortress is restored, and inside there’s an interesting museum where we learned about the warrior families of Mani.
The 17th-century church of Agios Spyridon, with its beautiful bell tower and Byzantine frescoes, impressed us with its simplicity and elegance.
The Spectacular Shores
I won’t list specific beaches or viewpoints here. Instead, I encourage you to just drive along the roads that circle the Mani peninsula, on both sides.
Dedicate a whole day to it: stop wherever you feel like, breathe in the salty air, listen to the waves, feel the wind on your face, and let yourself enveloped by peace. Even with the kids! You’ll thank me later. 😉
Where We Stayed
To fully enjoy all these wonders, you need a stay to match. We found it at Filanthi’s Retreat in Mani’s Nature.
Here, we found peace after busy days, comfy beds to recharge for our next adventures, the scent of orange trees, cuddly cats, fun board games, and a warm host who welcomed us like old friends.
For more details on the accommodation, I recommend reading the dedicated article.
What We Didn’t Get to See (and Slightly Regret)
- Diros Cave – one of the most spectacular caves in Europe, famous for boat tours through its underground galleries.
- Kelefa Castle – an imposing Venetian fortification.
- Foneas Beach – with dramatic cliffs. We saw it from the road and it looked amazing!
- Gythio – a port-city with Venetian architecture, the ancient capital of the Laconia region.
- Kastania village – known for its old Byzantine churches and authentic atmosphere.
Conclusion
Mani isn’t your typical tourist destination, but that’s exactly what makes it special. Here, you’ll discover an authentic Greece, where mountains and sea meet history, mythology, and tranquility. An excellent choice for families, as well as for solo travelers or adventurers.
Other articles in the Greece as You’ve Never Known It series:
- The Ideal Holiday Home in the Peloponnese
- Boat Adventures from Methoni
- Monemvasia, the Gibraltar of the East
- Hidden Gems of the Peloponnese
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Happy exploring!
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