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    Day Itinerary

    7 Activities
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    Day 6

    61 mi

    Limeni - Cave Dirou - Vathia - Cape Matapan - Gerolimenas - Areupolis - Limeni

    Dedicate the day to getting to know better Mani and Maniotes. Ancient olive trees and stone house towers, formidable rocky mountains and a harsh dark blue sea all form a spectacular cassava landscape. The cave of Diru, the traditional village of Wafia, the southernmost point of mainland Europe - Cape Matapan and the capital of Mani, the city of the god Ares - Areupolis await you. Overnight at the same hotel in Limeni.
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    9.4 mi
    20 min
    09:451 hr

    Dirou (or Vlichada) Cave is one of the first in the world in terms of size and variety of colours. During the Neolithic Age, people lived here. And according to the beliefs of the ancient Greeks, there was one of the entrances to the kingdom of Hades. A boat, the movement of which resembles a rook of mythical Haron, will take you through the fabulous underground world of caves and grottos. You will sail through the enfilade of halls decorated with multicoloured stalagmites and stalactites and then continue exploring the cave on foot. The duration of the tour is about 30 minutes - 1200 m by boat and 500 m on foot. The temperature in the cave varies from 16 to 19 degrees, so bring something warm with you. Tickets for the right date and time should be booked in advance at cave site.
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    0.1 mi
    10:5045 min

    Next to the exit of the cave, there is a beautiful small beach where you can refresh yourself after the excursion.
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    19.1 mi
    40 min
    12:1545 min

    Váthia (Βάθεια)

    The Maniot are descendants of the Spartans, restrained and harsh as the landscapes of their homeland. Wars between local clans could last for decades, and the vendetta was in order back in the middle of last century. Therefore, the Maniotes erected stone houses-towers for housing and defence, from which it was possible to shoot at unfriendly neighbours. The most striking example of traditional Mani architecture is the village of Wafia. There are 144 preserved towers, almost all of which, unfortunately, are now abandoned. The architecture of the buildings reflects different periods: houses in 1-2 floors, built before 1840; "houses-towers" in 2-4 floors, built in 1840-1870, "modern houses" in 1-2 floors, built in 1890-1915. Walking along the paved paths of the village, you will see that each of the 4 blocks of the village is arranged as an independent unit. Each quarter includes a castle tower, a church, fortified residential buildings, streets and secret meeting places.
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    4.6 mi
    15 min
    13:1545 min

    Cape Matapan, anciently Tenaron, is the southernmost point of mainland Europe. The rugged local nature, alien-like landscape, is fascinating, and the oracle of the dead located here gives the place a peculiar atmosphere. Once there was a temple of Poseidon, of which small ruins and unique mosaics remain. Further south you can reach the lighthouse only on foot. It is more than 2 km one way along a rocky path. If you are in the mood to do it, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, headgear and stock up on water. And calculate the time, because there is no time in the program for this hike.
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    10.5 mi
    30 min
    14:302 hrs

    Gerolimenas (Γερολιμένας)

    The picturesque village of Gerolimenas is located in a natural harbor, sheltered from the northern winds by a huge rock. In ancient times there was a port here (Gerolimenas means "sacred port"). In the Middle Ages, the bay served as a shelter for pirates and fishermen. About 150 years ago, Michalis Katzimanis and Theodoros Kyrimis decided to use it as a commercial port. They built a store, a warehouse and a tower house here. Not long ago, the descendants of Kyrimis restored the structures and turned them into the Kyrimai Boutique Hotel. The hotel is known for its excellent cuisine. If you want something local but special, dine at the hotel restaurant. Traditional taverns in the harbor are also waiting for you.
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    14.8 mi
    25 min
    17:102 hrs

    Πλατεία Αρεόπολης

    The capital of the region, Areopolis has managed to preserve its traditional appearance and unique flavour. A favourite place for locals and guests is the central square with numerous shops, cosy taverns and cafes.
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    3 mi
    10 min
    19:3012 hrs

    Overnight stay at the same hotel.
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