The Mani, the central finger of the Peloponnese, is a very beautiful area that combines the stunning landscapes of mountains and the sea. Here the magnificent Taygetos mountain range, with its proud beauty, touches the sea, sometimes with a sharp rocky coastline and other times with attractive, natural sandy beaches as can be found in Stoupa, Kardamili and Ag. Niholas. And  a walking the Taigetos gorges is not to be missed. This beautiful area of Greece begs to be explored, with the historic sites of Mystra, Ancient Messini , Olympia, all easily reached for a day trip. The changing landscape create many pleasant surprises for the visitors.

Nothing remains the same during the advancing seasons: the silvery colour of the olive tree leaves, orange and lemon trees heavy with fruit, the smell of the oregano, thyme and wet earth in winter. The sunny days and mild climate allow you to experience something unique. The wild flowers of the spring carpets of anemones, cyclamens and narcissi. The red-gold sunsets that reflect on the mountains and in the sea, all this stimulates your senses and increases your pleasure in life. The wild beauty, and the very powerful landscape, simply force one to forget life’s daily stresses.

In this area there is always to see and to do, and, if you are born outside of the Mani, “xenomerites “ as the locals say, your joy will be even greater ! There many paths for walking and climbing that reveal the countryside and history of the area. There are bridges to cross and canyons  to wander through, abundant old Byzantine chapels still decorated with jewel coloured frescoes and imposing Maniati defense towers remnants of the powerful feuding families who once ruled here. Stone villages perch on the steep hillsides, their towers reaching for the sky.

In the summer you can enjoy the beautiful  beaches of  the area and  later there’s the sunset to watch, ouzo to sample while listening to the sounds of the sea, local, freshly prepared food to taste and new delicacies to try. Then there’s the wonderful warm and friendly Maniot hospitality to experience.  At the end of the day will say it was all so very worthwhile.