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The Mani
With its imposing mountain ranges and wild, untamed landscape, the rugged middle finger of the Peloponnese - the Mani - is a little-known region and still unspoilt in its entirety.
Even the inhabitants of the Mani enjoy something of a reputation throughout the rest of Greece as a wild, untamed people - a reputation largely based on the bitter feuds and vendettas between rival clans that lasted until the late 19th century. However, like the Cretans, the Maniots are renowned for their warm and genuine hospitality.The Mani has always been a remote outpost and was one of the few regions in Greece never to have been occupied by either the Turks or the Venetians, so the region has an architectural style and cultural identity all of its own. Most notable are the distinct stone Maniot towers, where feuding families lived in fortified conditions in order to protect
themselves from the constant threat of attack. One of our favourite ports of call is the enchanting seaside village of Kardamyli, set at the foot of the majestic Taygetos mountains.Wandering through the sleepy, flower-filled lanes of the village it is hard to believe that this was once the main port of the powerful city state of Sparta, but Kardamylis more recent history as a clan stronghold in the 19th century is still evident by visiting the hauntingly beautiful, deserted old town. Just beyond the little resort of Stoupa to the south of Kardamyli lies the small fishing village of Agios Nikolaos and the tiny seaside hamlet of Agios Dimitrios.
Messini
Kalamata
Mystras
N
Kitries
Kampos Kardamyli
Ta 2404
Geraki Agios Christoforos Krokees Skala
916
At a glance
Walk... in the area around Kardamyli along a good network of ancient stone-built tracks and marked paths leading along hillsides to tiny mountain hamlets, Byzantine churches & ancient rock tombs " through the stunning Taygetos Gorge, with its towering rock walls, cliff caves, freshwater springs & abandoned monasteries Visit... the deserted villages of the Southern Mani & spectacular stalactite caves of Diros " the ruins of Mystras near Sparta, a Byzantine city clinging to a steep mountainside with fabulous views, once known as the Florence of the Orient Festivals... Kalamata International Dance Festival at the end of July " Saint Sortiris Day in Exo Hori on August 6th, with singing and dancing " Sailing and canoeing competition off the shore of Kardamili on August 7th " Assumption of the Virgin Mary on August 15th - the most revered festival in Greece, there are lively celebrations in Kardamili with music and dancing
Stoupa
vg
sM eto
Arna
tns
Koroni Messiniakos
Akra Trachila
Gytheio
Akra Mounta
Kolpos Areopoli
Itilo Lakonikos
Akra Pagania K o l p o s
Diros
1215
Akra Tigani
The Mani
THE MANI
10 km
© TUI 2006
Climate
The Mani Apr 18
Average daily maximum temperature (șC) May 23 Jun 27 Jul 29 Aug 31 Sept 28 Oct 19
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