YEIA SAS from post-lockdown London. One of the consolations of this restricted time has been my cupboard full of Greek produce, an alimentary route to the Mani on a wet city evening. Far more evocative of the peninsula than my home versions of moussaka and dolmades is my store of local Mani olive oil, a cheering and transporting part of … Read More
October 2019, walking in the Deep Mani.
Friend and guest Keith Sharp describes his first walking trip with Julie and Kerry from SolWalkingInGreece. The Pepo Circuit took us to the Deep Mani interior, in contrast to yesterday’s trek on the Tigani panhandle, which is exposed and open on three sides to a vivid dark blue sea. We’d overnighted in Gerolimenas, generally billed as the last, southernmost town … Read More
Saints of the Greek Orthodox Church
On our walks we pass and visit many Byzantine chapels, churches and monasteries so a little information about the saints who name they carry provides added interest. I have mainly used the Greek names (spellings vary) and when confusing the Latin name. There are numerous accounts of the Saints’ lives so I hope what you will read has some authenticity. For … Read More
Activities in the Mani
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 … Read More
The Rise of the Frank Villehardouin Family
This French family were prominent in the Morea (the Peloponnese) for several decades having been diverted from their original quest, the Fourth Crusade. The last of his dynasty, William II was the builder of two castles associated with the Mani, the fort at Mystras and the Megali Maini believed to be the ruined castle found at Cape Tigani from which, … Read More
Keep an eye out – Petalouda!
We’re delighted to have as our next guest blogger, Keith Sharp. Keith has travelled and lived throughout the world yet the Mani holds a special place for him and his wife, Lydia who visit every year. Not only can they both spend time with their great friends of Wendy and Kerry but Keith can pursue one of his many passions … Read More
Stealing cheese in Sparta
Our web designer, Gav Clarke, introduces our logo, recalls Shakespeare’s Juliet puzzling over the value of names and reflects on the practice of votive offerings: Look to the head of the page and our little walking warrior. He’s one of thousands of such small lead figures found at the ancient sanctuaries of Laconia, the southeastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula. … Read More
Pete, the Photographer
Welcome to our first blog-post. In the blog I’ll be posting about life in Mani and introducing some of our local friends, their work and thoughts about landscape, people, markets and life in the Mani. Here’s Pete Eastland, whose photography features throughout the site, over to you Pete: A little background for your readers: I’m Pete Eastland and have been … Read More