Activities in the Mani

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If you wanted to extend your stay with us there is no shortage of things to do even though the Mani is relatively undeveloped   You might like to do a tour by car or motorbike with several hire car and motorbike companies operating out of Kalamata and Stoupa, or if you like slow travel, by bus taking in places you have not walked such as Areopoli, main  town of the  Deep Mani and junction to Sparta.  Take time to explore  its winding streets, tower houses and churches and enjoy the evening buzzing atmosphere sitting with the Greeks sipping a coffee or glass of wine in the café/bars or several excellent tavernas.  It has an almost Sicilian feel, relaxed mixed age groups enjoying an evening out. Continue onwards to Cape Tainaron to the very tip of mainland Greece to  the legendary entrance to Hades and walk to the light house, it is breathtaking. On your way north visit charming Porto Kagio and stay overnight or have lunch at one of the charming tavernas on the beach before you continue your odyssey.   You could drive further north on the east coast to spectacular Mystras, formerly one of the largest Byzantium centres outside Constantinople.  Www.insidethemani.gr provide plenty of itineraries for you to mull over.

Gnospi swimming platform at Agios Nikalaos

Or you might like the relax.  Spend your days swimming and reading  at the sandy bays of Stoupa and Kalogria beaches, or the pebbly beach at Kardimyli and Agios Nikolaos equally enjoyable all within reach of a café or taverna for those important refreshment breaks.  At Stoupa children can participate in underwater activities and adults can sign up for a PADI diving course.  Kayaking is also possible at Stoups as well as  Kardimyli,  Itilo and Lemini.  For the sailing enthusiast, sailing trips are offered from Lemini either for the day or longer – check out www.maniwatersports.com 

Cyclists can enjoy quiet roads and on parts of the coast it is relatively flat so less strenuous trips possible such as Stoupa, Agios Nikolaos, Trachilia.  Alternatively, venture further south  but be warned there are several challenging hills to navigate.  Manibybike based in Agios Nikolaos provides a delivery and collection to and from wherever you are staying. Www.manibybike.gr

For the yoga enthusiast, from his studio set in a beautiful garden ten minutes walk outside Agios Nikolaos, Kerry runs numerous sessions through the week for his  loyal following of local residents frequently joined by seasonal visitors.   Kerry and Wendy also run several week courses and visiting teachers from around the world bring groups that you might like to join.  Local yoga is always there so drop in when you feel like it.  Www.spiritoflife.co.uk

Pete Eastland, some of whose wonderful photographs can be seen throughout our website, on an ad hoc basis, takes people out to places where you can get those exceptional shots and a spot of tuition.  He has spent eighteen years exploring the peninsula and can be contacted on   www.manieye.com

Horse riding lessons and trekking is offered at Proastio,  Itilo and Areopolis and dancing lessons at Neochori.  For the runner, the Taygatus Challenge marathon takes place in March.

Culturally there are summer concerts, see www.insidethemani.gr and www.para-sti-Mani.com,  an annual jazz festival mostly in Kardimyli during May and during the summer / early autumn small intimate festivals for all ages run by the Mani Pulse Group at Agios Nikolaos.

For those keen to learn Greek lessons can be taken in several places including Stouoa and Agios Nikolaos. 

For a day of pampering and revitalising after a week of walking, Popi and her team in Stoupa or Voula in Kardimilyi can refresh your hair  or enjoy  a manicure or pedicure by Matina in Stoupa.

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