For the last 1100 years the middle of the three premantaries has been named Mani. Mani is separated into North and South. It's in this area that Eastern Mani is located with its steep slopes that form the laconian Gulf , perhaps one of the most exquisite places both beautiful but also wild, throughout Greece. Here in Eastern Mani, four and a half hours drive from Athens is Porto Kagio a natural heaven to ships and sailors in ancient times.
Today, you can walk along the path that leads to the mouth of the port, there you can see the Christian chapel of Saint Nicholaos that back to 1858 and also the light–house. Across the port you can make out the two graphic small villages Monastiri and Achillion(also named “ Κastro”)which are surrounded by walls and further down the Neoria, where in older times there were the shipyards.
Porto Kagio being your starting point you can visit and take snaps of Tower City in Vathia, a small village of local architecture being fully preserved both exciting and unique. You can also walk through the village and along its cobble-srews narrow streets and have a close view of the famous towers. Roughly speeking after a ten –minute drive one reaches Kokkinogia an area full of archeological sites, where among other things, there is the Possidon Temple of Tenaro and the excavations where the ancient town Tenaros was found. It was believed that there was the Gate to the Lower world. There you can go for a dip into the crystal clear waters and if you are in the mood for along walk country walk take the meander sing path that leads to the Cape Tenaro the farthest northern end of continental Europe. If you want to carry on with your expedition into the area you will arrive at Gerolimena where a huge rock can take your away, there you can enjoy both the fantastic view and a cup of coffee at the same time. Of course you must visit Areopolis, the main town of Mani and which is the capital and according to tradition was dedicated to Aris the God of war. It was in this town that the flag of Greek Revolution of 1821 was raised and the Greeks threw off the Turkish yoke of 400 year occupation. Paved and traditional, untouched from the passage of time is the ideal place to do all your shopping. Half way between Areopolis there are the Dyros caves renown all over the world, where a boatman can take you through the caves.
One more point you should not miss one of the local delicacies “Lalagia” and syglino smoked salted pork amd also local sausages cooked in Mani different ways.
At Porto Kagio you will have opportunity to have and enjoy fresh fish and marinated small beeit something you have never tasted before. In Mani every day is a different experience, a kaleidoscope of changing scenery, colors and tastes. |
