Mani - Mystras
Unveiling the land of rocks and towers
7 days , April - November
From 650€
They say that as a passer-by, you can see Mani in three days, as a wanderer, it takes three months, but to truly touch its soul, you need three lifetimes: one for its sea, one for its mountains, and one for its people. Let’s uncover the best of the Laconian and Messinian Mani in a week!
Mani, with its imposing wild rocky landscape, its long heroic history, its lovely small coves and beaches, and its distinctive architecture with the traditional stone towers, feels like a world apart!
Mystras Fortress, described as the “wonder of Morea”, the town of Areopoli with its cobblestone streets and delicious cuisine, the picturesque seaside village of Limeni, the beautifully wild Mezapos beach and the breathtaking Diros Caves with the underground river are some of the highlights of your journey. The road-trip continues down to the island-like town of Gytheio, the iconic tower-villages of Lagia and Vathia, the small fishing port of Porto Kagio and the southernmost point of mainland Greece, Cape Tainaron, where you can witness one of the most unforgettable sunsets of your life!
The scenic cove of Alipa is also a must-visit spot, before you immerse yourself in the beauties of the Messinian Mani! The wonderful seaside villages of Kardamyli and Stoupa, the impressive Viros Gorge and the stunning beaches of Foneas and Delfinia will captivate you!
Ready to discover the true essence of Mani?
Trip highlights
Mystras Fortress
Lying on the slopes of Mount Taygetos, overlooking Sparta, the Evrotas Valley and Mount Parnon, the Fortress of Mystras is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and considered as the “Wonder of Morea”. The town of Mystras, built in 1249, became the trade center of Byzantine power in southern Greece, as well as the capital of the Despotate of Morea. Palaces, mansions, byzantine churches and frescoes dating back to 1312, reveal the rich history of a city that thrived in its golden years!
The traditional villages of Vathia and Lagia
Most Maniots used to live in fortified villages and tower-like stone houses, where they defended their lands against enemies. The tower-villages of Vathia and Lagia represent the best examples of Maniot architecture and way of life. Wander around their cobbled alleys, abandoned towers, old churches and olive mills and explore a real museum of Greek history!
The breathtaking beaches of Mani
Foneas, Mezapos, Kyparissos, Alipa, Delfinia, Ampelo, Skoutari – Mani offers countless beaches with crystal-clear blue or green waters and a unique landscape that conceals all the magnificence of simplicity and authenticity! And if you take the kayak tour in Messinian Mani, you will have the chance to discover hidden coves, idyllic beaches and the spectacular Blue Cave! Are you ready to dive?
Areopoli and Kardamyli
The gems of the Laconian and Messinian Mani! Areopoli will enchant you with its stone mansions, warm hospitality, vibrant atmosphere and delicious cuisine. Don’t miss the traditional “lalangia”, the sweet “Diples” and the smoked pork “Syglino”! Kardamyli, characterized by the Greek Ministry of Culture as a place of unique natural beauty, offers the perfect blend of traditional architecture and cosmopolitan vibes! The Mourtzinos Tower, built in the 17th century and now operating as a museum, is a must-see!
Diros Caves
One of the most imposing and unique caves in Greece that was formed over hundreds of thousands of years. The Diros Cave is a breathtaking natural wonder where an underground river winds through massive stone formations, dazzling white stalactites and stalagmites, curtains and other impressive shapes. The total visiting area of the cave is 1500m, from which the first 1200m are accessible by boat. Are you ready for this unique underground experience?
The colorful town of Gytheio
It might seem like an island, but it’s not! Gytheio is a vibrant port town on the eastern shore of the Mani Peninsula, with colorful neoclassical buildings and a huge variety of fish restaurants. As soon as you arrive, you will encounter the famous small island of Kranai: according to Homer, this is where Paris and the Beautiful Helen spent their first night together before leaving for Troy! And just a few kilometers outside Gytheio, you will come across the Dimitrios shipwreck!
The southernmost point of mainland Greece
The ancient Greeks believed that Cape Tainaro was the entrance to the Underworld – the final station of the ancient world! Are you ready to explore the southernmost point of mainland Greece and the second southernmost point of mainland Europe? To reach its renowned lighthouse and marvel at the endless sea, you will need to hike for about an hour on a flat surface. If you arrive just before the sun sets, you will realize that it’s not only Santorini that’s famous for its sunsets!
The Instagrammable Limeni
Mount Taygetos
Boasting a height of 2405m and a length of 115km, Taygetos is the 12th highest mountain in Greece, and its massif extends over 3 prefectures – Arcadia, Messinia and Laconia. Taygetos offers numerous alternative routes for hiking and mountaineering, showcasing its imposing gorges and majestic natural beauty, but also some epic mountain drives!
Included in the tour package:
- Detailed itinerary for your trip
- Key travel information, including daily tips and recommendations on attractions, outdoor activities and hiking trails.
- Accommodation
- Breakfast
- Car rental with unlimited mileage and two authorized drivers
- Car insurance & full damage waiver
- Activities and entrance fees, clearly stated in the trip outline
- Public Liability Insurance
- Taxes and VAT
Not included in the tour package:
- Flights to and from Greece (Athens International Airport)
- Meals (for you to choose the restaurants and flavors you really like)
- Fuel, toll and parking costs - Estimated distance for the full trip: 1000km, Estimated toll cost: 36€ (from Athens)
- Climate Resilience Fee per room per night - collected upon departure from the hotel
- Prices are per person and are indicative, based on a trip for two in 2025. The estimate includes an economy-class rental car, accommodation in hotels up to 3 stars, and travel during the mid-season (e.g. May, October, November). Rates reflect current service costs, applicable taxes, and other relevant pricing factors.
Book Your Next Adventure
You are just 6+1 steps away from your next self-drive adventure:
1. Choose your dream destination and travel dates.
2. Answer a few short questions about your interests and hobbies.
3. Get an overview of the trip highlights, attractions, activities and final cost per person based on your preferences.
4. Pay a deposit of 30% of the total amount and sign the contract.
5. Book your flights.
6. Receive a complete, customized travel program/itinerary with key information about all the places, beaches, villages, attractions and interesting spots you will encounter along the way, upon completing the full payment.
6 + 1. Get ready for the ultimate self-guided trip in Greece!