3 days in Mani

With just 3 days in the Mani doesn't give you a lot of time to explore.

I stayed 5 days in Gythio and used it as a base to explore the Mani, also day trip to Mystras and Monemvasia.

There's a lot to see and driving is slow not because roads are bad but due to the terrain: mountains, curving coastline and driving through villages, stops for photos ops, etc.

It would be better to do a day trip from Gythio to Monemvasia rather than going out of your way driving to there.

Monemvasia was just OK for me but since I was close enough from Gythio decided to check it out.

I drove from Nafplio to Gythio down the east coast then inland toward Leonardio then south to Gythio. It's time consuming due to terrain and stops along the way.

If interested check out my trip report with photos including many in Gythio and surrounding area.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g189483-i1277-k14200587-Peloponnese_Trip_Report_Sept_25_Oct_12-Peloponnese.html

Thanks so much. I just read your blog. If we drive from Napflio to Gythio, what towns should we stop in.
Was it worth a day trip to Momenvista? Are there places to see along the way.
Did you go to the caves?
We were thinking of following Rick Steves loop, but one day on the east coast and maybe one day on the west coast.
Can you name some of the villages or sites you really liked in Mani?

What is the best way to see it, ie what would be a good itinerary for 2 days.
I know these are a lot of questions but we are struggling a bit on how to do this. Thanks so much

I really didn't take time to stop along the way to Gythio although I did stop for some photos of scenery.

I drove through Leonidio and it's very pretty and would consider a good place to visit.

Kosmas was also lovely but just drove by it.

Both would be nice to spend a little time to explore.

Monemvasia was very picturesque but I found more tourists than locals. It was OK but many people like it so it may be a matter of whether you want to see it.

I took the main road there and really didn't see anything special along the way to stop at. It's possible if you took side roads there may be something worth while but it would take far more time doing so to get to Monemvasia.

Didn't make it to any caves.

Did go to Vathia in the deep Mani and it was beautiful but a very long drive due to the mountain roads. No one really lives there that I saw. The Greek government tried to restore a lot of the buildings but gave up due to the cost.

Also consider Areopolis on the west side of the Mani. Lovely Old Town to wander around in.

The Mani is very large, remote, and driving is very slow because of the mountains and very curvy coastline.

I would really recommend doing more research to find what would be the best itinerary for you. I had more time so had more opportunities to go further afield but with just two days you would really need to get a good guide book or dedicated websites for the Mani.

The best guide for the Peloponnese is the Cadogan Guide where you can get a used copy from either abe books or ebay.

Thanks so much