Family vacations to Greece have been a cherished tradition for me, spanning back to childhood trips with my parents and now continuing as a mom myself. Over the years, we’ve explored some of the finest family-friendly Greek Islands, but it was last summer that we truly fell for the stunning southern Peloponnese.
This area captivates with its untouched landscapes and unique charm, inspired by my mother’s deep affection for the region. Our week-long adventure in the Mani peninsula was an incredible experience, blending authenticity and well-designed tourist amenities that cater to those seeking a leisurely travel experience.
With so many enchanting places to stay, we chose to split our week between two stunning spots—spending two nights in Limeni and five nights in Stoupa.
Limeni, known for its aesthetic appeal and trendy vibe, features boutique hotels and stone villas that capture the eye. In contrast, Stoupa offers a long golden beach and bustling tavernas, making it more accommodating for families. This blend allowed us to enjoy the best of both worlds.
For travel enthusiasts, our previous trip to Paros, Greece can be read here.
Getting to Mani, Greece
The Mani region is tucked away in southern Greece, forming the heart of the Peloponnese peninsula.
Located just southwest of Athens, it is bordered by the Laconian Gulf to the east and the Messenian Gulf to the west.
The nearest international airport is Kalamata, which we reached from London Heathrow courtesy of British Airways. (Jet2 and EasyJet also operate flights to Kalamata from the UK.)
The flight time from London is approximately three hours and forty minutes. From the airport, it takes about 50 minutes to reach Stoupa and just under two hours for Limeni.
I recommend hiring a car for exploring the region. We utilized Discover Cars for our booking, and collecting the vehicle at Kalamata Airport was straightforward. Most great accommodations are located outside town, making a car essential for accessing restaurants and beaches.
If you prefer not to drive, several accommodation options in Stoupa are available as package holidays with included transfers. You can also book independently and take a taxi, but many newer apartments lack pools, which led us to choose a villa with a private pool in the hills above Stoupa.
Exploring Mani, Greece
Limeni
The most memorable moment of our Mani trip was seeing Limeni for the first time.
This stunning fishing village lies near Areopoli, the Mani region’s capital. Surrounded by lush mountains and traditional stone structures, it exudes an alluring charm.
We enjoyed warm, calm waters on our first morning, simply floating in the sea. Charming waterfront eateries and traditional seafood restaurants offer sun loungers for hire, but we settled into Thodora’s Place beneath the bougainvillea.
While there is no official beach, staircases lead directly into the water, with a small area to set down your belongings for a swim (labeled as Dexameni Beach on Google Maps).
We stayed at the lovely Aria Estates Suites & Spa, a boutique hotel designed in traditional Mani style complete with a breathtaking infinity pool.
Our first dinner at the hotel’s upscale Horizon Restaurant was a delightful experience, pairing exquisite food with a stunning sunset.
The next evening, we headed to Areopoli (about seven minutes away), where the charming capital’s atmosphere captivated us. Stone edifices, ancient churches, and cobblestoned streets are filled with rooftop bars, cozy cafes, and reasonably-priced eateries where you can savor souvlaki for just a couple of Euros.
Though we spent our days enjoying the water, we noted popular nearby attractions like the Diros Caves, celebrated as one of Greece’s natural wonders. A boat ride through the labyrinth of stalactites and stalagmites promises to be a highlight of our next visit, as does Vathia, known for its abandoned village and iconic 18th and 19th-century stone towers.
Stoupa
We then drove to Stoupa, perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the Peloponnese, thanks to its expansive golden beach lined with restaurants and tavernas offering sun loungers.
This town is a perfect base for families, thanks to its calm, shallow waters and affordable dining options with children’s menus.
Stoupa is also closer to the airport than Limeni, allowing us to sleep in on our last day.
During our time in Stoupa, we lounged at Enigma Cafe Bar Stoupa, situated at the edge of the beach. It felt peaceful compared to the main area. The sun loungers and umbrella set cost just 10 Euros per day, and drinks and food from the cliff-top restaurant were brought right to us on the beach.
Another dining highlight was Stoupa Restaurant, one of the more upscale eateries. Our son adored Pefko Restaurant, where they surprised him with an ice cream sundae adorned with a Greek flag and party blowers!
Just down the coast, Agios Nikolaos is a charming harbor town with a delightful waterfront featuring a mix of traditional and modern restaurants. Gentrification is apparent with the arrival of stylish establishments like Medikon and Luna Piccola, but the blend of the old and new was appealing. One night, we savored fine wine and roast lamb, while another featured a delicious three Euro gyros.
During this leg of our trip, we lodged at Amani Earthy Living, an exquisite villa complex near Neochori, just five minutes away from both Stoupa and Agios Nikolaos.
Amani Earthy Living features two separate villas with private pools, constructed in the traditional Mani style. Conveniently, one villa can be rented as two apartments, perfect for smaller families or couples.
We occupied the ground floor sea view suite, and although we were supposed to share the outdoor areas with the upstairs guests, we enjoyed the place largely to ourselves for most of our stay.
Our visit included a freshly made breakfast delivered to the villa every morning. Enjoying my daily Greek yogurt and cup of tea against the backdrop of these stunning sea views will forever be etched in my memory.
You can find out more about our stay at Amani Earthy Living here.
Where to Stay in Mani
For your convenience, here’s a list of recommended hotels, villas, and apartments in Limeni and Stoupa.
*These are the places we stayed!
I hope this helps inspire your family holiday to Mani. Be sure to check out my Instagram highlights for more from our journey.
