Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Akrotiri Domatia
GUESTHOUSE $$$
( 27330 52013;
www.porto-kagio.com
;
Porto Kagio; d/tr incl breakfast €75/85)
Set right on the
waterfront - the best rooms are those at the front, which have balconies and overlook the
glorious bay (the other rooms are less superior). Owner Nikos also runs boat trips.
East Coast
The east coast is even more rugged and barren than the west. The main town is the
formidable-looking
Lagia
, 12km northeast of the Alika turn-off. Perched some 400m
above sea level, it was once the chief town of the southeastern Mani. Some of its towers
are now derelict (although many are being renovated).
From Lagia, the road winds down with spectacular views of the little fishing harbour
of
Agios Kyprianos
- a short diversion from the main road. The next village is
Kokala
,
a busy place with two pebbled beaches. The best beach is further north at
Nyfi
, where a
turn-off to the right leads to sheltered
Alipa Beach
. Continuing north, a turn-off beyond
Flomohori descends to
Kotronas
, while the main road cuts back across the peninsula to
Areopoli.
There are a couple of seasonal hotels in Kokala and Kotronas, but nothing worth stop-
ping for.
Public transport is limited - there's one daily bus service between Areopoli and Lagia
(around €4, 40 minutes).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Messinian Mani
The Messinian Mani, or outer Mani, lies to the north of its Lakonian counterpart, sand-
wiched between the Taÿgetos Mountains and the west coast of the Mani peninsula. Kala-
mata lies at the northern end of the peninsula. The rugged coast is scattered with small
coves and beaches, and backed by mountains that remain snowcapped until late May.
There are glorious views and hiking opportunities. Useful for walkers is the Anavasi hik-
ing map,
Mani - Kardamyli - Stoupa, Aghios Nikolaos; 1:25,000
.
Stoupa Στούπα
POP 625
