Having a short-noticed day off from work gave me the opportunity to visit a friend of mine in Mani…
The popular side
Rendezvous was set in Agios Nikolaos. The picturesque port, the fishing boats, the old buildings with the unique architecture of Mani, a fair variety of cafés and traditional taverns set the surroundings of the village. Agios Nikolaos and Dimitrios are kept under the shadow of the more touristic areas of Stoupa and Kardamyli but for sure is worth visiting them. After a brief coffee shot we stroll the seaside biking road up to Stoupa and back.
and the … other side!
We left the coast and took the provincial road for a 20′ drive to Kastania, the first mountainous village we met; Karyovouni and Melia came after. The scenery in all of them the same… Small, peaceful and quiet…
Strolling around the alleys and discovering a couple of 12th century Christian temples; originally built in Byzantine era but most of them recently renovated are to catch your interest even if you are not a religious guy.
Enjoy the silence and the chilling temperatures. Picturesque squares and cafeterias under the shadowy trees… and that controversial feeling of being too close to the sea but on the same time elevation and lack of Line of Sight from the water…
Tip!
– Road is… in fact provincial, narrow and full of turns and twists so take your time on driving and be cautious