The Mani is accessible all year round. The travel choice from the UK is either a Sunday charter flight (May to October) from a number of regional UK airports direct to Kalamata, or year-round daily flights to Athens and then a 4/5 hours coach journey down to Kalamata. The coach ride itself is part of the holiday as you wander down to the Corinth Canal and enjoy the dramatic scenery over the mountains via Tripolis, Megalopolis and into the bustling coastal city of Kalamata.

Accommodation. The walks programme is  on a single centre basis. You will be based at a comfortable twin-bed pension (guest house) in Kardamili for the duration of your stay. You will be within the heart of the village, a few minutes walk from the sea and the bus stop in Kardamili Square. All walks start and/or finish in the village. The treks programme moves from point to point during the course of the week.

Meals and food. A simple continental breakfast and six evening meals will be provided. You are invited to try one of the local tavernas for one night’s evening meal. We will be happy to make recommendations. There is a wide variety of fresh fish and meat on offer in the village plus an excellent selection of vegetarian meals. You can buy bottled water and food for packed lunches from local shops.

Evenings.  At this time of the year, the sun sets at around 8 - 9pm on this western face of the Mani and the scenes are particularly spectacular. There are plenty of small intimate bars where you can sample early evening ouzo as the sun gently slips away into the night sky. You might choose to enjoy a fresh home-cooked meal at your pension before taking your evening volta (stroll) in the town and perhaps try some baklava (honey and nut pastry) with coffee before retiring for the night. 

Swimming. There are plenty of ‘off the beaten track’ sunbathing spots along the coast for swimming and snorkelling. Each walk has been designed to incorporate the opportunity to stop off and relax in the clear warm waters at some point during the day. You can swim from the jetty or along the pebble beach at Kardamili. There are sandy beaches at Stoupa where the underground spring water from the Taygetos Mountains meets the sea. Going further south the coastline is mainly rocky and you will discover lovely coves.

Medical. No vaccinations are necessary. Mosquitoes can be an irritant at certain times of the year.  A high factor sun protection lotion is essential.  Tap water is safe to drink in the Mani and there are often water fountains in villages to replenish supplies – look for the taps with red tops. You should endeavour to carry at least 2 litres of water to drink with you at all times. There is a dentist and doctor in Kardamili with the closest hospital being on the outskirts of Kalamata.

Banks.  There is a single bank in Kardamili (Agricultural Bank of Greece) which opens once a week outside the high season. However, the bank has an external ATM for cash withdrawal. There is a Post Office in the village which will exchange traveller’s cheques. The banks are open every working day in Kalamata.