Discover Mani, Greece: A Hidden Gem [2024 Guide]

The bright sun, blue sea, and tower houses alongside prickly pear trees make it a sight to behold. There are awe-inspiring caves, atmospheric castles, stunning beaches, and wild landscapes with riveting beauty. The above, in a few words, is Mani.

Geographical and historical data about Mani

No one can deny that Mani is a historical, geographical area of ​​the southern Peloponnese. It stretches ​​about 1800 sq. km. Additionally, Mani is divided between the prefectures of Laconia and Messinia.

From the prefecture of Laconia, it includes the former provinces of Gythio and Itilo. It also contains some villages of the SW part of the former province of Lakedaimonos. At the same time, from the prefecture of Messinia, it includes the SE part of the former province of Kalamon.

The section that lies in the prefecture of Messinia to Itilo has the name Exo Mani (outer Mani). The section from Itilo to Gerolimenas Mesa Mani (central or “inside” Mani). Lastly, the area from Gythio to Tainaro is called Kato Mani (lower Mani).

Human settlements have been found in Mani since the Paleolithic era. Some of them include Areopolis and Alepotrypa Dirou. Homer was the first to mention the cities of Mani: Messi, Voitlon, Kardamili, and Enopi.

Later, people identified the history of Mani with that of Sparta. It was separated from it when the Common of the Lacedaemonians was founded. In 22 BC, its name became ‘the Common of the Freemasons.’ It remained that until the middle of the 3rd century AD. That’s when Mani became part of the eastern Roman state and later Byzantium.

With its impressive variety of landscapes, beautiful architecture, and interesting history, Mani is a great year-round destination and a great choice for a winter honeymoon in Greece.

Villages in Mani

Vathia

In the territory of Tainaros, nests one of the most historic and beautiful villages in Europe, in the heart of Laconia. The settlement of Vathia suddenly appears above one of the turns of the road. It seems like a fortress built on the top of a hill. Yet, at the same time, it is only 2 km from the sea, offering an excellent view of the Mediterranean.

Vathia is the most imposing exuberance of a landscape famous for its uniqueness. As the visitor catches the edge of the charm of the Mani landscape from Areopolis and travels between towers, they come upon old churches and striking traditional settlements.

Between the beautiful natural landscape and the unique architecture, the Castle of Vathia strongly resists the passage of time. It is a true time-travel capsule that shows its visitors its glorious past. It’s a wonderful place for a wedding proposal in Greece.

In the past, its inhabitants had to defend their place from invaders. For that reason, they created the tower houses that we see today and admire their construction.

In Mani, these tower houses carry the name ‘Dynamaria. ‘This name is correspondingly given to the women of Mani, indicating the importance of their existence in every family.

The whole settlement has been recognized as a monument of the architectural heritage of the area of ​​the 18th and 19th centuries. That is when most of the towers of Vathia came to be.

The towers are unique examples of popular fortifications in Greece. The famous towers of two or three floors, the stone buildings, with tiny, characteristic windows.

Tha role of the towers of Vathia in the region’s history

These openings were, of course, loopholes. Behind them, the family and the tower defenders resisted the invaders such as the Turks or even pirates.

In addition, many towers had springs from which oil, or boiling water, fell on the intruders trying to break through the defenses. The presence of these towers was enough to create an impregnable firewall. Thankfully, this firewall became the ghost of every would-be conqueror at the time.

During the 20th century, the residents of Vathia, due to the difficult economic conditions, abandoned it. Urbanization led the inhabitants of Vathia to the big cities. However, fortunately, several of the tower houses were restored during the 1980s. The traveler can now enjoy those as tourist accommodation.

Historic Vathia is 92 km from the historic city of Sparta, the capital of the prefecture of Laconia, 33 km from Areopolis, and 59 km from the coastal and beautiful Gythio.

In just 10 km, you can visit the picturesque coastal settlement of Gerolimenas. Additionally, 26 km from Vathia, you can discover one of the most beautiful and impressive underground caves on earth, the cave of Diros.

Vathia represents the untouched and “wild” beauty of Mani.

Areopoli

The stunning Areopoli is the capital of Mesa Mani and one of the most popular villages in the area. It is also a well-preserved settlement with stone alleys that bear alive the traces of the glory of the past.

The center of the village of Areopoli is the large square with the statue of Petrobei Mavromichalis, where on Saturdays, local producers set up their stalls and sell local products.

Around the square, you will find many shops, taverns, cafes, and the municipal library. Walk in the traditional part of the settlement and admire the towers. Those of Stylianos Mavromichalis, Kyriakoulis Mavromichalis, Barelakos, and Pikoulakis stand out the most.

The port of Areopolis, Karavostasi, has an excellent tourist infrastructure, with nice hotels and taverns. At the same time, the neighboring picturesque Limeni is a classic stop for fish food by the sea. Especially against the backdrop of the tower of Mavromichali.

Areopoli and its surroundings are among the most popular excursion bases throughout Laconian Mani. Stone-built villages with impressive tower houses in the prickly pears. Small beaches with cobblestones and remarkable landscapes will delight on-road lovers, while walkers will find many reasons for hiking.

Things to do near Aeropolis

There is also a cave outside Areopolis, in ‘Apidima.’ There, paleoanthropological research has brought to light a large number of findings.

hose include stone and bone tools, traces of fire, numerous remains of animal bones. It has also revealed important information on the treatment of the dead and the burial customs of the Paleolithic people.

A breath away from Areopolis, the village of Sotiras, is famous for the churches of Panagia, with frescoes, and the Transfiguration of the Savior, in the square. Also popular are the churches of Agios Vassilios and Taxiarches.

The walks in the city and the surroundings are an experience that you should not miss. Especially in the autumn, when the weather in Greece favors the activities in the natural landscapes of Laconia.

Limeni

Why not start your romantic road trip in Greece in the beautiful Limeni, a seaside village in Mani. It is one of the most beautiful and traditional settlements in the area. It is worth visiting at least once in your life.

Limeni lies 5 km from Areopolis and about 27 km from Gythio. The area is a strip of an earthly paradise with stone houses on the water. The port of Areopolis, is admittedly one of the most beautiful residential complexes of Laconian Mani, with tourist growth increasing in recent years.

Arriving at Limeni, you will admire the Palace of Petrobei with its four-story tower and its arched openings that testify to the glamor of the time.

The palace played an important role during the revolutionary and post-revolutionary times. Moreover, in the area lies the tomb and bust of the Mani military leader Petrobei Mavromichalis.

Most of the beach in Limeni is rocky, even inside the sea. Therefore, if you want to find a long beach, you can go to the sandy beach between Neo Itilo and Karavostasi. In addition to the Palace of Petrobei and the beautiful landscapes. One of those is Agios Sostis.

The area has traditional guesthouses and accommodation for all tastes. Those very hospitable residents will welcome you and make sure you have a pleasant stay.

In addition, the picturesque taverns are ideal for fresh fish and relaxing in front of the sea. Include a trip to the area in your romantic Greece itinerary, and you will not regret it!

Gythio

At the southern tip of the Peloponnese, almost between its 2 feet, we find the coastal town of Gythio. It is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in the Peloponnese and the second-largest city in the prefecture of Laconia.

It is a place that, although one can reach by road, seems as it belongs to a Greek island. However, Gythio has an extraordinary personality. Its neoclassical houses, narrow alleys, and beautiful harbor give the region a purely carefree atmosphere. This ambiance makes it the perfect escape for you and your better half.

The city of Gythio stretches along its coastal side, creating a wonderful setting. It offers its visitors all the options they need to spend their day happily.

Try a walk in the picturesque port of Gythio. The blue of the water reflects the colors of the city. On this walk, you will find a wide variety of restaurants and taverns as well as cafes and bars. But that’s not all other is to the area.

The picturesque buildings of Gythio and the traditional houses and churches testify to the historical origins and culture of the area. After all, Gythio is one of the places with a lot to tell about their history.

Why Gythio is an ideal destination

Gythio will win you and your partner over with its wonderful neoclassical houses, ouzo taverns, and the village Mavrovouni. In the square of Mavrovouni, the people gather at dusk to catch the delightful sunset.

Although Gythio is a beautiful base for short trips for most people, it has everything it needs to be a destination in itself. In Gythio, the contrasts steal the visitor’s eye. It is blue and at the same time colorful. Marine and continental. Traditional and modern. If nothing else, it is a beautiful destination, ideal for all seasons.

Kardamili

In Messinian Mani, Kardamili steals the show from the get-go. It is located just a few kilometers from the village of Kitries. Its deep colored waters and wooden boats, which, through Kalamata, are the first to welcome the visitor to Mani, never fail to amaze the visitors.

It is a doll-like, stone-built, and tiled-roofed town, and it has emerged as the most sophisticated resort of Messinia. Olives and cypress trees give their color to the slopes of the mountain. From there, Old Kardamili with Agios Spyridonas Chruch and its towers monopolizes the clicks on the visitors’ cameras.

From Kardamili, begin the pilgrimages to the beach of Kalamitsi. In the green embrace of tall cypress trees, all shades of blue unfold in the clear waters of the small pebbled paradise.

In turn, this is silently gazing at the house of the English philhellene, author Patrick Lee Fermor. A little further down, you will come across the beach of Fonia. Its wild beauty will leave you speechless while this road leads to the beach of Stoupa.

The vast, organized beach caters to all tastes, while a few kilometers below is the beach of Kalogria.
The crystal clear waters from the springs of Prinzipa end in the deep blue sea.

All the while, in a stone-built house with a brown roof at its far-right, they lived for several months, working in the old mine just above the shore, Nikos Kazantzakis and Arch. George Zorbas – and not Alexis, like his literary persona.

Sights in Mani

Diros Caves 

Whatever season you travel, it is worth exploring all the villages and settlements of Mani. But, first, make a stop at Pyrgos Diros, south of Areopolis, where you will find the famous Diros Caves, one of the largest and most beautiful in Greece and one of the oldest caves in the world.

Looking to add some adventure to your Greek honeymoon? The cave Vlychada -or Glyfada- is located in the bay of Diros. This bay is the underground bed of the river Glyfada. It flows into the sea after forming small lakes in the land of Mani.

It was discovered in 1898, but a systematic study began in 1949 by a couple of speleologists. In 1958, its exploitation began, and five years later, it operated with a 600 m land section. Finally, in 1979, new areas came to light. Additionally, specialists mapped land and lake corridors.

Although more than 10,000 sq.m. of galleries, booths, and halls have been discovered, only 3,100 m. are visitable. Of them, 300 m. are dry.

Most of the cave is full of seawater. Thus, the tour, which lasts a little over half an hour, takes place mainly with small boats. Be careful as those might test the balance of some visitors.

The illuminated stalagmite formations are enchanting. They are accompanied by descriptive names that help visitors understand what they look like. You will be left in the magic of the images, observing impressed by the work of nature, which patiently sculpted this “stone forest.”

Touring Diros Caves

After crossing the “Great Ocean,” a room 160 m long and 30 m high, you will disembark from the boat. You will follow the path to the land part of the cave from there.

You will walk among the magnificent decoration with the colorful stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. There, you will observe the Monument of the Unknown Sailor, the Palaces of Pluto, and the Water Lilies.

Near Vlychada is the other cave, ‘Alepotrypa,’ discovered in 1958. According to the findings, there were houses there during the Neolithic era. In addition, human skeletons and skulls, animal skeletons, tools, marble figurines, vases, and a stone ax were found.

It is speculated that, 45 centuries ago, the unfortunate inhabitants were trapped inside the cave after a strong earthquake. It is currently not open to the public. However, the findings are on display in the adjacent Neolithic Museum of Diros.

Taygetus 

A natural border between Laconia and Messinia, Taygetos, whose peak is 2,407 meters, is one of the favorite mountains of climbers, hikers, and nature lovers. Make sure you add your trekking gear to your Greece honeymoon packing list!

The mountain has an alternative name, ‘Pentadaktylos ‘due to its five peaks -as ‘pente’ means’ five.’ Taygetos is the highest mountain range in the Peloponnese, hiding in its greenery, incredible natural beauty, and picturesque villages with the mountain aroma of Greece!

Paths, gorges, stone bridges, villages, routes, fir trees, black pines, streams, small rivers. All these together compose the image of Taygetos. The daughter of Pleione and Atlanta, ‘Taygeti,’ is the one who gave her name to the mountain range.

Besides a great variety of flora and fauna on its slopes, with 25 exclusively endemic species, you will find many small villages, each with its unique atmosphere.

Cape Tainaro

The impressive Cape Tainaro is the southernmost tip of Europe and the Balkan Peninsula. It carried the rumor of being the crossing point for Hades and the Underworld in ancient times.

Cape Tainaro lies in the middle foot of the Peloponnese. It has taken its name from the mythical hero Tainaros, the son of Zeus and the settler who founded the city of Tainaro on the Akrotainaria peninsula.

It has bared many names from antiquity until today, such as Tainaros, Tainaria Akti, Fanari, Kavos Matapas, Vrachion tis Mani, Lithos. Thousands of years ago, it was a place of worship, which was dedicated to the sun.

According to tradition, the Cretans of Knossos stopped there to admire the sheep that grazed freely along the peninsula during their journey to Pylos.

You have to leave the car behind and then walk to the Cape. A journey of about 30 minutes in a path that starts from the church of Agioi Asomata. There, after a 45-minute walk, you will see the Lighthouse, a building built in 1822.

The ancient settlement of Tainari spreads around the bay. There, you will see an ancient find – a mosaic from the Hellenistic period.

Discover the many paths through which you can explore the imposing Cape Tainaro. This way, you will be able to see up close a precious part of Greek culture and history. It is undoubtedly one of the top romantic things to do in Greece.

Mani’s beaches

In Mani, you will enjoy some of the best beaches in mainland Greece. Some of the most popular are Limeni with its pebbles and fresh fish restaurant and Mezapos. The latter boasts dark green waters that you find only in the Ionian Islands and rocks that you meet only in the Cyclades.

Other notable beaches are Kyparissos, Marmari, Ampelos, Alypa, and Taxiarchis. Finally, Agia Varvara is located on the road to Kotronas and is one of the most popular beaches in Laconian Mani.

Mani has imposing landscapes, famous caves, gorges and architecture, historical monuments, opportunities for alternative tourism, and remote destinations while perfectly combining mountain and sea. If you’re looking for a trip to Greece for young couples, this is the perfect alternative to Greek island-hopping!

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore alongside the love of your life this relatively unexplored part of Greece! It is just as striking as the best remote Greek islands and the most romantic places in Northern Greece, while it is a lot easier to access! For more pretty villages and impressive scenery, you could also look at Italian honeymoons in Cinque Terre and honeymoons in Lake Como.

To help you navigate the different regions of Greece, our luxury travel planners are always on hand to help.