Discover memorable experiences where art, history, and nature meet.
Not many places can transfer you to a completely different era like the Mani Peninsula does, a hidden treasure full of history, legends, castles, and scenic medieval views. From castles waiting to be explored to clear blue waters and amazing beaches, and from tasty traditional cuisine to picturesque landscapes, Mani satisfies even the most demanding tastes.
Immerse yourself in the era of knights, pirates, kings and warriors, and live your myth in a castle. Go hiking to explore the breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders, taste the excellent local wines in one of the wineries in the area or learn more about the famous Greek olive oil with a visit to the olive groves.
At Brazzo di Maina we often organize wine tasting so you can get to know the local wines of the area and also we schedule an olive harvest/picking that is an amazing experience you can have.
Visit the Castle Town of Mystras
The Castle of Mystras was built in 1249 during the Frankish rule, while in 1262, it was restored by the Byzantines to be occupied again by the Turks and later the Venetians. The fortress and city of Mystras are full of exquisite landscapes and medieval ruins that will travel you in time.
Discover the Caves of Diros
The Caves of Diros are a phenomenal natural site you can’t miss. Walk along the narrow passages or take a boat ride and sail through the cave tunnels, one of the biggest caves of Europe, to experience the wonders of nature.
Explore the village of Vathia
Visit Vathia to discover stone towers that date back to the Medieval period. Admire the architecture and immerse yourself in their atmospheric ambiance.
Visit the Tower House of Mavromichalis in Areopoli
Areopoli is one of the must-visit villages in Mani. Discover the small traditional alleys and admire the architecture until you reach the residence of the local hero Petros Mavromichalis. It is now home to a museum dedicated to this important figure of Greek history.
Take a trip to Cape Tenaro
Visit the southern point of the European Mainland. Walk around and explore the ruins of the temple of Poseidon while admiring the sea view.
More Places to Visit:
- The beautiful lake caves of Diros (with the impressive findings), Alepotripa and Vlihada.
- The Neolithic Civilization Museum of Diros
- The small Island of Kranai or Marathanissi with the traditional tower of Tzannetakis Grigorakis, built in 1829, which houses today the Historical and Ethnological Museum of Mani
- The famous Castle of Mystras, center of the Byzantine Empire of Paleologans.
- Tenaro, the most southern tip of mainland Europe, with the ancient temple of Posidon.
- Museum of Olive and Greek Olive Oil in Sparta
- Τhe domed tomb of Vafeios in Amykles
- The mansion of Mavromihaleoi in Areopoli.
- The Ancient Theatre of Gythio.
- The picturesque Limeni with the mansion of Mavromihalis.
- The 98 traditional settlements with historical interest.
- The 1000 Byzantine churches.
- The 800 towers (the characteristic building of Mani)
- The eight Medieval and Byzantine castles
- The imposing Taygetos with the rich flora and fauna, the herbs,the endemic plants and also the precipies and gorges.
What activities you can do
Mani is a unique place and its landscape is dominated the see, the stones and the sunlight. For those who are really active on their vacations, there are many activities to do, such as:
● Hiking: Simple walks aroung Areopoli to demanding ones to demanding excursions to the mountains of Mani.
● Hiking: Routes on smooth rural roads (paved with cement or soil) of light trafficm through olive trees and dry stones, accompanied by the song of cicida.
● Horse riding activities in the Horse Riding Club of Diros.
● Excursions by sea kayak or cruises excursions from the center of maritime activities in Limeni.
● Guiding Tour in the archeological sites of the area.
● Participation in the preparation of local products, olive harvesting of salt picking.
● Special route with 4×4 or motocycles on forest roads.
● Diving with spearfishing.
● Hunting on the mountain.
●Swimming in the deep blue seas of the Laconian and Messinian gulfs.
● Water sports such as SUP, water ski, canoe kayaking, sailing lessons.
Where to swim
If you would like to enjoy the sea more than anything, in Mani you will do it for sure in crystal clear waters and in special locations.
Here are some of the best beaches in Mani and their distance from Brazzo di Maina:
● Neo Itilo (600 m)
●Karavostassi (500 m)
● Limeni (3 km)
● Skoutari (19 km)
● Santa Barbara (20 km)
● Κότρωνας (23 χλμ)
● Skopa (23 km)
● Mavrovouni (24 km)
● Mesapos (26 km)
● Alipa (29 km)
● Gerolimenas (31 km)
● Valtaki or Shipwreck (32 km)
● Kalogria (32 km)
● Stoupa (32 km)
● Taxiarhis – Kokkala (33 km)
● Fonea (34 km)
● Kiparissos (36 km)
● Ampelo (39 km)
● Porto Kagio (45 km)
● Μarmari (45 km)
● Τenaro (48 km)
Don’t hesitate to contact us to give you more information and directions, even more to organiza your tavel experience in Mani.
Welcome to Mani!