We caught up with new friend Yianna in Mani, Greece ~ a second home she has returned to again and again, visiting family and enjoying a slower pace of life. Rugged, quiet, and set apart from the busier parts of Greece, Yianna shared her favourite spots to stay, eat + swim.
Stay
Mani is quite vast! I would either stay at Ariá Estate Suites & Spa in Limeni which is a gorgeous luxury hotel with an infinity pool overlooking the sea. If you would like a more authentic stay, I would stay on the other side of Mani at Salvia Kardamyli. We had the most beautiful cooking class here, where we learnt to make a local greens pie, "hortopita", with the owner Aristea.
Eat
If you come to Mani, you must have lunch at a fish tavern (psarotaverna) in Limeni, called Taki's. This tavern is right on the water and each day, you can see a local fisherman cleaning freshly caught seafood before you. If you're lucky, you may also see the wild turtles swimming beside you as you feast on freshly caught fish grilled in the woodfire oven and served with lots of local Extra virgin Olive Oil, lemon, oregano and salt. It's delicious!
Swim
If you have a car, you must visit this quaint beach called Alypa. In this village, there is only one restaurant, and I believe only two houses. Yet, this town is home to one of the most stunning beaches I've been to in all of Europe with the most crystal-clear water. It is a well-kept secret in the area!
Explore
Areopoli town is a really cute, cobblestone town that is closed off to cars after 3pm. It has some of the best bakeries, cake shops and stores to buy jewellery, beach bags and clothing. I love to have coffee at Thodora's in Limeni, as it is right by the water. If you want an iced coffee, order a freddo espresso (black coffee) or a freddo cappuccino (with milk). This is a traditional Greek coffee that is whipped espresso with ice, water and milk if you like. It is my favourite way to start the day, with a swim of course. If you are hungry, this coffee shop has some of the best omelettes and saganaki.
Do
Limeni is a seaside town in Mani that has one of the best, if not the best sunset in Greece if you ask me. There is a seaside bar called Teloneio, which is the perfect place to have a pre-dinner sunset spritz. You can have dinner next door at the restaurant or go to Areopoli town for dinner or more drinks.
Words + photography by Yianna Velos