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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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