The peninsula of Mani composes the western "leg" of Lakonia prefecture which is the continuation of the Taigetos range. Mani is a 75k-long peninsula, considered a remote and mysterious place inhabited by a proud warrior people who claim to be direct descendants of the ancient Spartans. Mani is divided into two halves. The Outer Mani, with the traditional coastal villages of Kardamyli and Stoupa, and the Deep Mani, further south with its rugged coastline.
One of Manis’s most famous benchmarks are the Diros caves with the stalactites reflecting in the crystal-clear water. Worth exploring are sleepy fishing coves like Mezapos featuring the ruins of the castle on Tigani (frying pan rock), where the countryside is adorned with small, domed Byzantine churches with interesting frescoes, as well as the distinctive architecture tower-houses, like small fortresses. Sparta, the historical capital, was for many centuries the leading city of the Lacedemonians and one of the most important for the whole of Greece.
Lakonia lies in the southern part of the Peloponnese to the south of Arkadia and to the east of Messinia. It covers an area blessed by a generous nature with diverse beauty and comprises many natural benchmarks; in the western part rises Mt. Taigetos the highest peak of the Peloponnese at 2,407m, in the eastern part Mt. Parnon. Between the two mountains flows the river Evrotas, leaving at its passing fertile the valley of Sparta city and the plain of Elos (mentioned by Homer) mouthing in the Gulf of Lakonia.
Legendary Peloponnese is the land of ancient fights and myths. From here Paris of Troy took Helen and the Argonauts set sail in search of the Golden Fleece. Mycenaean palaces, Byzantine cities, and Venetian fortresses, all combined with the gorgeous landscape of the mountains and sea to make them over the top Peloponnese. Visit its snowcapped mountains, gorges, sandy beaches, and azure waters and feel the energy deriving from the place. Peloponnese is an ideal destination for summer and winter holidays as well.
Being among the top 20 tourist destinations worldwide, Greece is synonymous with 3 things: history and ancient civilization, amazing landscapes and top touristic destinations. Greece is so wealthy in culture and beauty that it never seems to be completely explored. Holidays in Greece is the ultimate experience all year round. It offers a great pallet of experiences; the warm sun, the crystal clear beaches, the dramatic nature, the rich culture and the renowned hospitality along with the unique culinary experience of the Mediterranean diet.
Learn more