Beaches in Messinian Mani

Swimming is delightful at the famous beaches of Messinian (Exo) Mani. They have crystal clear shiny waters, and they are surrounded by lush green landscapes. Some of them are organised and cosmopolitan, located by coastal summer resorts, while others are quieter.

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Swimming is delightful at the famous beaches of Messinian (Exo) Mani. They have crystal clear shiny waters, and they are surrounded by lush green landscapes. Some of them are organised and cosmopolitan, located by coastal summer resorts, while others are quieter.

Ritsa (beach of Kardamyli) It is the favourite beach of the locals and this is where Vyros Gorge ends. Extended, organised in good part, it also has tamarisk and olive trees which provide shade. It has pebbles, deep blue waters, and it offers a view of Mount Taygetos. You can rent a canoe and pedalos. There are tavernas and parking is easy. Don’t forget to take your mask with you to explore the beautiful seabed. Across Kardamyli lies the wooded Meopi islet. It is unpopulated, and you can reach it by swimming there. 

Kalamitsi Next to Kardamyli, surrounded by hills with tall cypresses. It has fine pebbles and shallow transparent waters, ideal for families with little children. This is where author and lover of Mani, Patrick Leigh Fermor built his house and stayed.

Foneas In contrast to its name, it is a beautiful pebbled beach, with deep cool waters.  A rock in the middle of the beach is ideal for climbing and diving. It is located next to Kalamitsi, and this is where Foneas gorge ends.

Delphinia A magical bay, sandy with pebbles, deep waters, protected from the wind.

Malsova It is near Stoupa, with pebbles, through which brackish water springs.

Stoupa They call it “Miami of Mani”. Bustling and popular, with golden sand and turquoise waters, located in the settlement of the same name, below Mount Taygetos, with a beautiful sunset. It is fully organised and has many beach bars, all-day restaurant-cafés, tavernas, shops, hotels, etc. You can go by boat to neighbouring beaches. Above Stoupa beach was the lignite mine of Prastova, where the renowned author, Nikos Kazantzakis, who came to the area in 1917, had bought the mining rights. This where Giorgos Zorbas worked as a master worker, who inspired Kazantzakis to write his memorable work “Alexis Zorbas”. (read more). 

Kalogria One of the most beautiful beaches in Messinia, with beautiful waters, resembling those in a pool. It is fully organised, and you can do water sports. It was Nikos Kazantzakis’ favourite beach, when he lived there.

Pantazi Small sandy beach, after Stoupa, with umbrellas and sunbeds. This is where the trail to Pigi starts, going through a lush green landscape. It lies between the villages of Agios Demetrios and Agios Nikolaos.

Katafygi(o) The natural “platforms” in tiers, ending underwater, have created one of the most impressive landscapes of Messinia. (Read more about Katafygi beach and cave.

Trachila On the coastline of this small settlement, there are no beaches, just lots of rocks with caves. The feeling you get is unique, though, and the waters crystal clear and turquoise. In this beautiful settlement with the stone-built houses by the water, people still harvest salt from the rocks, in the traditional way.  

Location

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