A discovery of Mani

An astonishing region steeped in ancient traditions and breathtaking history, through which I will guide you with enthusiasm.

About Alex

Alex first came in 2019 in Mani to join the conservation and restoration project of Lagkada’s 14th century church, I.N. Metamorphosis Sotiros. Motivated by his deep interest for the area, with his experience as a conservator of byzantine wall paintings coupled and as worker in a touristic office, Alex decided to offer his expertise for travelers seeking an authentic local experience.

Join Alex for local insights, navigating West Mani with ease, and contributing to purposeful travel that supports heritage preservation. Together, let’s make your journey through West Mani truly memorable and meaningful!

MANI ACTIVITIES

In close collaboration with locals – producers or craftsman – we propose a selection of engaging activities. Embark on a vibrant journey of flavors, heritage, and history in this captivating region!

Around Lagkada

In the first activities we propose, we will guide you through the local salt lakes to the stone-villages of Lagkada and Thalames, showcasing traditions intertwined with history and food.

1. Salt harvest

At the local beach, the local family will introduce us to their activity of salt production that dates back to centuries. We will walk around the salt lakes, highlighting each step of the process, before you can harvest your own flower of salt in the traditional way. Close to the salt lakes, is a small port for swimming, while the local Café offers refreshments and shade.

• Duration: 1h30
• Price: 70€ /person (including a bag of 250g flower of salt)
• Minimum participants: 3
• Location: West Mani

2. Lagkada tour

Starting from Lagkada’s parking, we will take a 50m walk to the Capiciccino Tower, for an introduction to Mani’s tower houses and culture. Continuing through the village, we will reach the central square to visit I.N. Sotiros church – a fine example of the Byzantine architecture of the region. Engage with me in a historical flashback, unraveling how religion played a pivotal role in shaping Mani’s society.

• Duration: 1h30
• Price: 70€ /person

3. Through Cobbled path

Exiting the church, we will take the cobbled, a century-old path that once linked Mani villages. Along this 1km scenic walk-through olive groves to the Thalames village, we will share insights into the Maniotes’ rural way of life. An alternative is to reach Thalames by car or bus from Lagkada without cost.

• Duration: 30mins
• Price: 50€ /person
• Minimum participants: 3

4. Traditional lunch

Enjoy a delightful lunch experience at local Taverna, where traditional Greek cuisine is served amidst the cool shade cast by a majestic plane tree.

• Price: according to the order
• Location: West Mani

Notes

The ‘’Around Lagkada’’ activities can be done separately or can be combined creating a 4 hours tour (without the lunch), This is usually what travelers enjoy the most, being able to experience the dynamism of the area and all its aspects!

Visit the Cottage Industry

Step into the world of cottage industry, a family enterprise passionately crafting products from local ingredients, harvested with care. Committed to preserving a traditional way of life, cottage industry invites you to join in shared activities that beautifully showcase their dedication to quality, heritage, and community. During your visit, we will offer my personal accompaniment, ensuring you understand and appreciate the entire process through translation and explanation.

Meet the team

Christina, Souli and Eleni are passionate about sharing their traditional ways of living, fostering a reconnection to our food and body care. With their experience and infectious enthusiasm, you will quickly feel comfortable and inspired to try your hand at the process yourself!

The activities

Here you can find details of different activities offered by cottage industry and that will take place in their beautiful shaded yard:

1. To make local cheese (sfela, mizithra) – April to June – duration: 2h

2. To make your own olive oil-based soap with hand-picked local herbs – duration: 1h

3. To make wax cream for medical purpose or for cosmetics purpose (1 of the 2 depending your choice) – duration: 1h

4. To make spoon sweets from seasonal fruits – duration: 3h

5. To make pickles from seasonal vegetables – duration: 3h

6. To make carob syrup – duration 3h

7. Make bread, dry bread (paximadia), or cookies in a wood oven – duration: 5h (needs to be combined with a walk or with a lunch/dinner with traditional live music as it needs time to bake in the oven)

8. Make tinctures of nettles and other wild herbs – long duration (needs to be combined with other activities)

9. Make local sweets (diples) – duration: 3h

10. Co-create a feast by making your own mezzes – can be accompanied with traditional live music – long duration

• Price: 80€ /person per activity (includes a small sample bag of what you will make)
• Minimum participants: 4
• Location: West Mani

Local Olive Mill

The local olive mill is one of a kind! It is one of the 3 active traditional olive mills left in Greece. The local family work tirelessly to preserve this heritage and to share it with you. Being an olive oil producer myself, we will be happy to introduce you this essential activity for Greece and the area!

The tour

The tour of the olive mill can be broken down in key moments:

Tour by Alex in the traditional olive mill presenting the different parts of the olive oil production.

Olive oil testing with a professional tester who will teach us how to recognize the different types of olive oil (price not included)

Making traditional pasta, ‘’boukies’’, before sharing them in a lunch with Greek salad.

Visit by Alex of the packaging area of the olive mill – will dive deeper in the olive oil market and the tips and tricks to choose a good olive oil from the shelves of the supermarket.

• Duration: 4/5 hours
• Price: 80€/person
• Minimum participants: 4
• Location: West Mani

Notes

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