Mani is part of the uniquely picturesque Peloponnesian landscape, in fact a smaller peninsula on the main peninsula. This is a region in Greece so rich in history and so sought after by visitors, that it merits its own section. For general information regarding the Peloponnese peninsula and its wonders please refer to the relevant section here.

One of the most striking and impressive features that characteristizes the Mani region is the architecture and aesthetic beauty of the historical Stone Towers, approximately 800 in total, that stand to this day, offering locals and lucky visitors a nostalgic and mesmerising glimpse into the past.

A wide range of colourful activities is available in the wider region. You could enjoy fantastic sightseeing trips bound to charm even the most demanding of visitors, winery tours, historical excursions, hiking, climbing, caving, mountain biking and off course swimming in the organised as well as the many secluded intensely beautiful beaches and small coves available in the area.

Last but certainly not least, there is the local gastronomy. Needless to say more, as the dishes will tell it all. Make sure you certainly have a taste of the authentic and traditional local dishes available. Freshly prepared utilising locally sourced ingredients, like fresh herbs, locally grown seasonal vegetables, pure honey, finest quality meat, all topped by the region’s internationally renowned superior quality virgin olive oil, these local dishes will also form a central part of the overall experience of visiting this remarkable part of the world.

Please remember that we are always available to provide you with tips, to offer guidance, or to assist you in perfecting the ideal Travel Design fully tailored to your own tastes and likes, prior to, or during your trip. For a peak of what is on offer, check out our Path Travel Designs website, or simply tell us what you are after by contacting us here.

Gytheio, or Gythio, is a town on the eastern shores of the Mani Peninsula in the Peloponnese region. In antiquity, during the historical era Homer’s ‘Iliad’ and ‘Odyssey’ took place, Gytheio used to actually be the port of Ancient Sparta. On the south side of town, one will find the islet of Cranae. It was once a small island, fully detached from the shore, though is now connected to the mainland via a causeway.

Legend has it that Prince Paris of Troy and Queen Helen of Sparta spent a night there before departing for Troy following her abduction from her home and her husband, King Menelaos of Sparta. The King was not left feeling too happy about this development, which basically ignited the Great War between Greeks and Trojans, the stuff of legends. It is said that Prince Paris left his helmet on the islet before departing with the abducted queen, hence the name of the islet, derived from the Greek ‘kranos’, meaning helmet.

Another notable characteristic of this town is its archaeological museum, housed in a listed building designed and built by the famous architect Ernst Ziller in 1881. Ziller also designed the local Maiden school, another architectural gem of the area, built in 1886. The fantastic beaches of Mavrovounio and Petalea are only about 4km away, while the majestic and widely adored snowcapped (at winter) mountain of Taygetos, an area of breathtaking and inspiring natural beauty, is only a short 30km drive away.

Making sure you enjoy the region of Mani in full comfort & style is exactly what we do.

Check out the different prime quality accommodation options we offer on the region below, let us know about what you are seeking so we can give you tips and arrange it all for you here, and treat yourself with a trip that will certainly relax and rejuvenate you this summer!