Vasilios Hotel Apartments – Limeni, Mani
About the Peloponnese
I heard about the Peloponnese from my father, who often traveled to this southern part of Greece for work. What I remember are his stories about this ancient peninsula, especially a sentence that has echoed in my mind for over a decade: “Paradise on earth.” This summer, we had the opportunity to spend our family vacation in the Peloponnese.
The Long Road to the Peloponnese
The journey to the Peloponnese is long, but it’s worth it. You can reach this tourist destination from Belgrade by flying to Athens and then renting a car, or by driving, covering approximately 1400 km. We decided to drive, leisurely and as tourists, with one short and one longer stop for overnight rest in Nea Anchialos, which you will have the chance to learn more about.
The Mani Peninsula
We chose to explore the lesser-known but incredibly fascinating part of this peninsula – Mani. This rugged and authentic part of Greece immediately captivated us with its untouched nature, stone houses, and rich history.
The Gem of Limeni
As we turned off the road towards our accommodation, Vasilios Hotel Apartments, we encountered a beautiful place with stone houses descending to the crystal-clear sea. Limeni is a true haven for those seeking peace and authenticity.
Limeni has several restaurants and taverns located by the shore. It’s a true privilege to stay here. Perhaps because of the restaurants and the food they throw into the sea, or because of the crystal-clear water, you can often see a few turtles in the morning. As Vasilis, the owner of our hotel, told us, there were only two turtles here 15 years ago, and now there are six. Sometimes they approach swimmers and give them a little “bite,” but despite this, people swim and enjoy this village, which attracts many tourists. From what we could see, besides swimming and turtles, visitors love to take selfies with the turquoise sea in the background.
Aeropoli: A Town of Churches, Squares, Taverns, and Cocktail Bars
Just about six kilometers from Limeni is the lovely town of Aeropoli. For those who enjoy walking or brisk hiking, this can be an excellent morning route uphill, with beautiful sea views and fresh morning air. This place impresses with its atmosphere and history. Aeropoli is known for its role in the Greek War of Independence, and a walk through its narrow stone streets is a true journey into the past.
You can spend hours exploring local churches, squares, and traditional towers characteristic of this part of Greece. You’ll be particularly delighted by the local restaurants with authentic specialties like grilled octopus, homemade olive oil, and slow-roasted pork. As a cherry on top for those who love nightlife, you can crown your evening with a cocktail in small bars adorned with magical lanterns.
Where to Swim?
The Mani Peninsula has numerous beaches accessed by winding roads through small villages with beautiful views of capes and cliffs washed by crystal-clear sea. There are also beaches that can only be reached on foot or by boat, but such adventures require better preparation. Some of the beaches you will enjoy are Marmari, Skoutari, and Glifada.
The first of these three beaches will enchant you with its beautiful views of the surroundings and a small church that should be visited.
Skoutari has a wonderful tavern and a shaded area above the beach where you can sit under olive trees. For those who enjoy sunbathing, the beach has loungers and comfortable beds with canopies.
The last beach we mention is Glifada, with enormous palm trees and a tavern serving excellent Greek specialties. This beach is also known for a stranded ship in the shallow waters, surrounded by numerous legends.
The Corinth Canal
If you want to visit one of the wonders of engineering, the Corinth Canal is the right choice. Dug to facilitate and speed up the passage of large transport ships, this place has also become a tourist attraction. A large number of tourists visit the panoramic bridge from which the Corinth Canal is best seen. Nearby are souvenir shops and another panoramic point for those who do not dare to cross the bridge due to its height.
“Paradise on Earth”
After returning from the Peloponnese, the impressions are fascinating, and the desire to return to this place is great, especially since there is still so much more to see and experience.
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