Things to Do
EATING OUT
“On a sudden, silent, decision we stepped down fully dressed into the sea carrying the iron table….which now seemed by magic to be levitated three inches above the water”.
— Patrick Leigh Fermor on dining out at Kardamili.
There are excellent tavernas in the charming local villages, whether by the sea or up in the hills. All of them serve good Greek food. Kitries is our local fishing village and has two on the seafront. Kardamili has several, as do Stoupa and Agios Nikolaos further down the coast. For Greek dancing, the enchanting village of Pigi is a drive to the south. Further details are supplied in the guest notes provided on arrival.
SEASIDE
The Mani has a coastline of hidden coves and beaches, some rocky, some pebbly, some with sand. The long beach at Santova, along from Kitries, is ten minutes by car or an hour on foot. It has beach bars and full-moon parties in the summer months- ideal for those needing a break from the tranquility or parents. Alternatively, the beach at Kardamili, with its dramatic backdrop of mountains, is great for swimming, reading and siesta after a long lunch at one of the many tavernas that look onto the beach. If you want to discover hidden beaches across the Messinian Gulf, a boat trip with a picnic is a perfect day out (price not included).
OTHER THINGS TO DO
Walking.
The best time to walk is in the Spring from April to June when the country is a riot of wild flowers that grow to waist-height and line every path and road, or in the Autumn from mid-September to mid-November, when the sea is at its warmest. In the hot summer months, you can take an evening walk down to Kitries or Kardamili for dinner. Both take an hour and a half, and are gentle ways to stoke an appetite and enjoy the panoramic sunsets over the Messinian Gulf. Otherwise, there are walks for every age and fitness through quiet olive groves up to the gorges that skirt the Taygetos peaks to isolated villages and exquisite monasteries. The Mani has some of the most beautiful frescoed Byzantine churches in Greece and there are scores within reach of the house. For the adventurous, there is a dawn climb to the top of Profitis Ilias, at 9,000 feet the second highest mountain in Greece.
Separate guided walking holidays can be arranged for spring and autumn, click here for details.
Cycling.
We have 12 electric bikes, which provide a perfect way of effortlessly exploring the stunning mountainous landscape and reaching beautiful isolated mountain villages, unspoilt tavernas and perfect picnic spots. We can provide you with suggested routes or guide you ourselves.
Road Trips.
Exploring the Mani is a fantastic day out. Areopolis is a pretty hour and a half’s drive to the south and makes a charming place for lunch. It then takes no more than an hour to drive right round the peninsular, taking in the tower villages that dot the landscape and perhaps stopping to explore the extraordinary caves at Dirou, or the abandoned village of Vatheia in the south.
Outdoor Activities
A full range of water sports is available at the beaches of Kalamata and Santova. There’s hang-gliding from Ano Verga, scuba diving and snorkelling from Kardamili and Stoupa.
History
For history enthusiasts, there are sites that span every age of the Greeks’ dramatic story. Within two-hour drive times, you can visit:
ANCIENT GREEK
Mycenae, Tirryns, Epidavros, Corinth, Pylos, Messene, Olympia (takes 2.5 hours).
BYZANTINE
Apart from the local monasteries and churches, there are the walled cities of Mystra and Monemvasia (takes 2.5 hours).
WAR OF INDEPENDENCE
Areopolis, Navarino Bay, Nafplio, Methone.
For younger adults, the coolest bar is Hobo’s on Santova Beach just 15 minutes by car which plays great music all day and into the early hours. It is open July to mid-September. Local taxi firms are available to bring home.
A Year in Greece in Monthly Blogs by James Heneage.