Máni

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Mani Description

The Máni is the middle one of the three peninsulas which reach out from the south of the Peloponnese. It is traversed by the tail of the Taygetos range. This remote, hilly and barren region was able, throughout all Greece's periods of foreign rule, to preserve a degree of independence. For centuries the Máni was racked by feuds between different clans, who built the defensive towers still to be seen in many of the little towns and villages.

This unproductive land is now increasingly being abandoned by its inhabitants. Its great attraction lies in its beautiful mountain scenery, at heights of up to 1,215m/3,985ft, its picturesque villages and its numerous old chapels, many of them in a state of ruin but still of interest for their

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Hobbies & Activities category: Scenic site or route; Towers, monuments, observation deck

Mani Highlights

Areopolis / Kardamyli

Going southwest from Gythion or south from Sparta, we pass the ruined Frankish castle of Passava (10km/6mi) and cut across the peninsula to Areópolis (26km/16mi; pop. 610), on the west coast. From

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Limenas

Límenas is the port of Areópolis. The Mavromichalis mansion here has been converted into a museum.

Stalactitic Caves

Eight km/5 mi south of Areópolis is Pyrgos Dyrou, with the stalactitic caves of Dyros (5 km/3 mi west; restaurant, bathing). Farther south is Kitta (tower houses). The road continues to Yerolimín,

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Aleopotripa Cave

Aleopotripa Cave has several vaults with long corridors. Inside is a lake. The cave has an interesting history with many bones of humans and animals having been found here. The cave is open to visitors.

Gerolimenas

Yerolímenas is a typical Maniot village. It stands on the coast, beside a small natural harbor surrounded by prickly pears and olive trees.

Gythion (Gythio / Githio)

Altitude: 10m/33ft

Gythion is a port on the Gulf of Laconia, 46km/29mi south of Sparta and 24km/15mi west of the mouth of the Evrótas.

Gythion is a good base from which to visit the Máni

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Passava Castle

East of Gythion is the Frankish castle of Passava, which is well worth a visit.

Krokees / Skala

South of Sparta is the village of Krokeés. It sits on the site of the ancient city of Krokeés. The ancient city was known for its quarries, used to construct public baths for Lapis Lacedaemonius.

Tzannetakis Tower

The island of Marathonísi, connected with the mainland by a causeway, was the ancient Kranai, on which according to tradition Paris spent his first night with Helen, whom he had carried off from

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Cape Tainaron

At the southernmost tip of the peninsula is Cape Taínaron (Matapán). In ancient times this was thought to be one of the entrances to the underworld, where Herakles descended in quest of the dog

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Sanctuary of Poseidon Tainaron

Porto Sternes is where the Sanctuary of Poseidon Tainaron once stood. Today a chapel to the Asomatos Saints occupies the site. Many of the ancient stones were reused in its construction.

Further

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Vathia

Vathia, at the southernmost point on Máni accessible by car, is a sight worth seeing. It has a cluster of remarkable towers, many of which have been converted into guest houses.

Address

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Greece