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Mani

A journey through time... a journey to the unique charm of Mani.

Eastern Mani

The municipality of eastern Mani with its beautiful nature and a history that goes back centuries, is approximately 300 km away from Athens. It spans across 650 sq.km., complete with 135 km of coastline. The Laconian Gulf to the east and the Messenian Gulf to the west meet at cape Tainaron, the southernmost point of the Balkan Peninsula. The area is said to have been named after the adjective "manos", which means scarce, treeless, bald, and dry. All of them being characteristics of the landscape of Mani, as well as from the Latin "manus" which means hand, the shape of the peninsula.


The Taygetus Massif stands guard over the area, separating Messenia from Laconia. The landscape is characterised by the rocky ground, the strong light, the stone towers, the olive trees and the sea.


Picturesque ports, lace-like coasts, precipitous cliffs and small beaches are all part of the beautiful landscape of eastern Mani, inviting the visitor to discover its secrets all-year round.

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Local Production

Despite the rocky and arid terrain of Eastern Mani, the locals managed to exploit it to develop a remarkable agricultural economy. The stone was their main tool in the cultivation and exploitation of the natural resources of the Maniatic land. The area produces excellent olive oil, as well as honey, thanks to the rich vegetation of herbs and aromatic plants with many beneficial properties.

 

Also, after the salt found in abundance in the rocky coastal landscape, the Maniates produce pastes, while the lupins, carobs, figs and prickly pears of the area are famous. In the southern part of Taygetus, free-range cattle are raised, from which aromatic sausages and synglina are produced. Maniatic cuisine is known for its traditional lalangias and traditional recipes of unique taste.

Source: MUNICIPALITY OF EASTERN MAN, Gythio Cultural Center.

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