Mani
The peninsula of towers, between Taygetos and Cape Tainaron
Mani is the middle of the three peninsulas of the southern Peloponnese, the southward continuation of the Taygetos range down to Cape Tainaron (Matapan), the southernmost point of mainland Greece. It is about 45 km long and is split between two municipalities: East Mani (Laconia, seat Gytheio) and West Mani (Messenia, seat Kardamyli). The western "Outer" Mani is greener and wetter; the eastern and southern "Inner" Mani is dry and rocky, with limestone that hides caves such as Diros. The 2021 census counted around 18,650 residents.
Its history runs from the Mycenaean age and Gytheio, Sparta's port, through Christianisation in the 10th century, Byzantine chapels and a long period of partial autonomy under Franks and Ottomans. Maniots lived in tight clans and built the characteristic tower-houses; more than 170 old settlements survive. On 17 March 1821 Areopoli declared the War of Independence a few days ahead of the rest of Greece.
Visitors find towers, Byzantine churches, footpaths, rocky beaches and small harbours. Access is by car from Kalamata (coastal road via Kardamyli) or from Sparta to Gytheio; the nearest airport is Kalamata.
Its history runs from the Mycenaean age and Gytheio, Sparta's port, through Christianisation in the 10th century, Byzantine chapels and a long period of partial autonomy under Franks and Ottomans. Maniots lived in tight clans and built the characteristic tower-houses; more than 170 old settlements survive. On 17 March 1821 Areopoli declared the War of Independence a few days ahead of the rest of Greece.
Visitors find towers, Byzantine churches, footpaths, rocky beaches and small harbours. Access is by car from Kalamata (coastal road via Kardamyli) or from Sparta to Gytheio; the nearest airport is Kalamata.