The Mani
Slow Cycling in the Mani
"The Mani Peninsula has been sought out for its starkly beautiful encounters of land and sea"
Maria Shollenbarger, The Financial Times
The Mani peninsula, on the central finger of the Peloponnese, is a place of myth and ancient refuge that is home to some of Greece's most beguiling landscapes. Largely ignored by most visitors to the Greek mainland, it is a tranquil setting for exploration by e-bike.
The Mani's variety is astonishing, and its wild interior contrasts with peaceful coastal towns. You'll discover deserted hilltop villages, ancient monasteries, crystal clear turquoise waters, secluded coves and remote tavernas serving ice cold Peloponnese rosé.
Journey Highlights
- Dive into the crystal clear harbour at Mezapos shortly after you arrive in the deserted Deep Mani
- Walk a wildflower-lined cliffside path on the Nicliani headland to a secret church, one of several local Byzantine relics
- Cycle through the Deep Mani’s moonscape to mainland Greece’s southernmost taverna
- Cycle in the verdant hills and beautiful hilltop villages between Kardamyli and the Taygetos mountains
- Thomas and Spiros’s amazing al-fresco Mani feasts, washed down with the very best Peloponnese wines
Itinerary
Your driver will meet you at the airport and transport you to the tiny, sleepy village of Kitta, near Gerolimenas, in the Inner Mani. We will spend the first of three nights at Citta dei Nicliani, a beautiful 18th century property that is now a small, family run hotel with lovely views, a couple of small plunge pools and one of the best private wine cellars in the Peloponnese. Depending on the size of the group, the hotel may be exclusively ours.
Our gentle introduction to the Mani takes us on a loop of the ancient heart of Niclian warriors. Once heavily populated, feudal and fierce, the region is now a forgotten outpost, dripping with derelict churches and monasteries, battlements, ancient olive groves and wildflower meadows. We'll meander inland and towards the sea, with plenty of opportunities to swim. A seafood dinner will be in nearby Gerolimenas.
Myth suggests the cave network at the southern tip of the Mani was the entrance to Hades. Today we'll see for ourselves, as we cycle to the southernmost tip of mainland Europe. We'll have lunch and swim in laid back Porto Kaigo before turning for home. On our way, we will visit Vathia, the best preserved abandoned village in the region, before landing back at Kitta for our final evening in the south.
Today we travel from the Inner to the Outer Mani. We leave Kitta on bikes and pedal north towards Areopolis, named after the God of War, and the capital of the Mani. From there we have two options. The first is to continue north on our bikes, pausing for a coffee and a swim in beautiful Limeni and then a late lunch before continuing our journey to Kardamyli. Or we can take things a little slower, ending our bike ride in Limeni with lunch beside the harbour. A speed boat will then transfer us the 2 hours to Kardamyli, stopping to swim in hidden bays. Either way, Liodentra is our home for the next three nights, on the edge of beautiful Kardamyli set back just behind the town's pebble beach.
We begin today with a visit to Old Kardamyli, before a glorious walk up into the hills on ancient paths, enjoying panoramic views of the Outer Mani. Then it’s on to remote, hilltop Kastania for lunch in the village's only taverna and a visit to one or two of its 11 churches. It is an amazing cycle back to Kardamyli where we will have a barbecue dinner at Liodentra.
Today begins with a beautiful ride towards the Ridomo Gorge considered one of the most important gorges in Greece. Lunch will be in the meadows with our friend and local restaurant owner Thomas, before a beautiful ride to Kampos to visit an olive oil producer. The day finishes with a descent into Kardamyli in time for a special dinner in town on your last evening with us.
This morning we will bid you farewell and drive you to the airport for your flight home.
Dates & Availability
What's Included?
It’s rare in small group travel, but at The Slow Cyclist we include everything from the moment you land in the Mani. We are often told by our guests how great it is to forget about their wallet and focus on the experience.
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Electric Bikes
A premium electric mountain bike, best suited to the terrain.
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Guides & Hosts
A dedicated Slow Cyclist host to look after you along the way and two local guides with passions and interests that bring the Mani to life.
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Transfers
Airport transfers on arrival and departure, and you never need to carry any bags as your luggage is transported ahead each day.
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Accommodation, Food & Drinks
Characterful Greek guest houses, delicious locally sourced and home-cooked food and all drinks and snacks.
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Activities
All cultural visits and activities, from church visits to meeting an olive oil producer. And as ever with The Slow Cyclist, plenty of surprises too.
How to book
