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JOYFUL EXPLORATION I MANI
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Its distinct stone architecture
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       sets it apart. It feels like an
                                                                                                                                       MANI:  A SEASON OF CELEBRATION
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       island—but not the Cycladic
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        kind. Forget white houses
                                                                                                                                       JUNE 8 – Feast of the Holy Trinity (Stoupa)                                     and blue shutters. In Limeni
                                                                                                                                       A cherished local celebration honoring Agia                                      and the surrounding areas,
                                                                                                                                       Triada (Holy Trinity), featuring a religious liturgy,                            every building is made the
                                                                                                                                       traditional cuisine, and festive village gatherings.                           same way: solid, stone-built,
              love, and a fiery old oven. Whether you’re grabbing a still-warm   most awe-inspiring natural wonders in all of Greece. Often                                                                             timeless. It’s like stepping
              loaf or enjoying a handmade cheese pie, it’s an experience   ranked among the most beautiful caves in the world, this    JUNE 21 – 1st Mani Sports Festival                                              into a time capsule, straight
              that connects you directly with the soul of the region.  underground marvel offers a boat ride through a labyrinth       A dynamic new addition to the Mani calendar,                                           back to the 1800s.
                                                              of turquoise waters, winding past dramatic stalactites and               this inaugural festival brings together athletic
                                                                                                                                       competitions, youth participation, and
              WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF PATRICK LEIGH       stalagmites that have been forming for millions of years. The            community spirit.
              FERMOR                                          guided route covers about 1,500 meters, with nearly 1,200
              No travel through Mani would be complete without mentioning   of those traveled by boat—making it more than just a visit;   JULY 16 – Feast of Agia Marina (Metamorfosi)
              Patrick Leigh Fermor, the British writer and adventurer who   it’s an experience that feels like stepping into a dream. The   In honor of Saint Marina, this village festival
                                                                                                                                       includes church services, traditional food,
              fell in love with this untamed corner of Greece. His home near   silence inside, broken only by the sound of paddles on still   and live folk music that bring the community
              Kardamyli is now a museum, and his writing immortalized   water, creates an almost mystical ambiance.                    together.
              the wild, poetic spirit of Mani. Fermor described the region
              as a place where the past and present coexist, where time   COME FOR THE LANDSCAPE, STAY FOR THE SOUL                    JUNE 28–29 – Reenactment of the Battle of
                                                                                                                                       Diros
              seems to stretch–and that feeling still lingers in every stone   Mani is not for those seeking luxury resorts or crowded party   Held on the historic beach of Diros, this
              wall, craggy peak, and sun-bleached village. Whether you're   beaches. It’s a place of raw edges, untouched traditions,   dramatic reenactment commemorates the heroic
              in the mood for history, hiking, or simply beach-hopping,   and ancient echoes. It’s for travelers who crave authenticity,   resistance of local women during the Greek War
                                                                                                                                       of Independence.
              Mani has a destination for every travel taste.  connection, and discovery. Whether you're watching the sunset
                                                              over Oitylo Bay, diving into the emerald waters of Katafygi, or          AUGUST – Mani Summer Festival (Milea)
              EXPLORING THE MAGICAL DIROS CAVES               sipping a strong coffee beneath the stone towers of Areopoli,            A highlight of the season, this festival transforms
              Just a short 16-kilometer drive from Oitylo, the Diros   you’ll find yourself slowly falling in love with the unhurried way   the Open Theatre of Milea into a stage for open-
                                                                                                                                       air concerts and cultural performances amid the
              Caves—specifically the Vlychada Cave—are one of the   of living. And you might just never want to leave. •               region’s stunning landscape.
                                                                                                                                       SEPTEMBER 8 – Feast of Panagia Yiatrissa
              INSIDER TIPS                    unbeatable location, offering travelers   dividing its clear turquoise waters and a      (Our Lady the Healer)
                                                                                                                                       A deeply spiritual event dedicated to the healing
              Τhe Concierge team at Korona Boutique   easy access to some of the most iconic   small cave carved into the rock, Foneas   Virgin Mary, drawing pilgrims and locals alike
              Hotel are not just hosts—they’re passionate   destinations in the Peloponnese. Just   is wild, raw, and breathtakingly beautiful.   for prayer, reflection, and heartfelt community
              storytellers, deeply connected to the   a short drive away, you can wander   The smooth white pebbles, the relaxed       connection.
              land and its traditions. With their insider   through the historic streets of Areopoli,   beach canteen, and the overall untouched
              knowledge, they are ready to guide you   descend into the otherworldly depths   feel of the place make it a perfect escape
              along the hidden paths of Mani, leading   of the Diros Caves, or bask in the sun   for those seeking something authentic
              to off-the-beaten-track destinations   on the sandy shores of Stoupa. If   and unspoiled. Despite its easy access,
              untouched by mass tourism.They’ll send   you’re in the mood for a seaside town   it remains delightfully under the radar—a
              you on secret routes through stone-  with a lively harbor and neoclassical   magical beach where Mani reveals her
              built hamlets, secluded beaches, and   architecture, Gythio is just around the   most enchanting side.
              forgotten mountain paths, introducing   corner, while adventurers can head   If your guests wanted to have a
              you to locals, customs, and flavors that   south to Cape Tenaro, the mystical   really special meal while they are
              most visitors never get to experience.   end of the European mainland. Even   here — something authentic and a
              Through them, you'll be initiated into the   iconic spots like Monemvasia, ancient   bit under the radar — where would
              authentic Maniot way of life—proud, raw,   Sparta, or the lively city of Kalamata   you send them?
              and deeply rooted in history. Whether it's   are within reach, making Oitylo the   I’d highly recommend Aspasia Restaurant.
              arranging a private visit to a historic tower   perfect home base for travelers who   It’s tucked away in the tiny village of
              house or recommending the perfect quiet   want to combine relaxed village life   Stavri, and it’s not the kind of place
              spot to watch the sunset, they’ll make   with memorable day trips.  you just stumble upon—people go
              sure your journey through Mani is not   Is there a beach in Mani that feels   there because it’s different. The chef,
              just a trip—but a true cultural immersion.  truly magical, almost like a secret   Stavriani Zervakakou, is remarkable.
                                              waiting to be discovered?       She creates a new menu every day,
              KORONA BOUTIQUE HOTEL           Absolutely—Foneas Beach is one of   based entirely on what’s fresh and in
              CONCIERGE                       those rare places that seem pulled from a   season. It's deeply personal, rooted
              What makes Oitylo such a perfect   dream. Just 20 kilometers south of Oitylo,   in the local landscape, and the setting
              base for exploring the Mani     this secluded cove has earned a quiet   is just magical—quiet, raw, and full of
              Peninsula?                      reputation among locals and in-the-know   soul. Honestly, it feels more like being
              Oitylo’s charm lies not only in its tranquil,   travelers as a coastal treasure. Enclosed   invited into someone’s world than going
              stone-built character but also in its   by rugged cliffs, with a massive boulder   to a restaurant.



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