Soloterra Tower is located just above the seaside village of  Kokkala in East Mani-Laconia. At a distance of 1000 meters from the sea, it stands on a hill enjoying the panoramic views of the bay of Kokkala, a small village in Mani, with 250 inhabitants.

There are at least 3 beaches within walking distance of the tower (approx. 10-20 minutes by foot and 5 minutes by car). Most beaches in the area are characterized by beautiful white pebbles, thus enhancing the sea with a bright turquoise color.

The harsh but unique landscape is softened by the exceptional waters surrounding the bays, the traditional settlements spread  all around the whole region, as well as picturesque villages that are destination- stations in a thorough tour of Southeastern Mani.

The landscape has an outstanding aesthetic value, acknowledged for its uniqueness, worldwide.

The natural scenery of the Municipality of East Mani with the rich flora and fauna offers the opportunity for a close contact with nature: Relaxing promenades, bike rides and swimming and challenging mountaineering routes.

Within a few kilometers, Lagia, one of the larger villages of Mani, is a ‘must’ place to visit. Lagia with the old-style cobbled streets and Byzantine churches, is listed as a traditional settlement.

The picturesque seaside settlement of Saint Cyprianos, is also 5 kilometers from Kokkala and worth visiting.On entering the village, and on the left side, one encounters a characteristic white Greek church with a stone windmill. At the end of the slope, another lovely “white pebble” beach, Ambelos. On leaving the village, some eagles’ nests are hardly noticeable resting on the gray rocks, and are named Olympies. On the right, the rocky miniature of a fjord is a delightful surprise. Those who have heard about the routes of the barren line will be enchanted in  Solotari and will prolong their stay by playing games with time, memories and emotions. From The fortified settlement of Flomohori, and its warriors, and finally, Kotronas, Mani’s port on the Adriatic Sea, the experience is limitless…

The end of the route is the charming Porto Cayo, near Cape Tainaro, the southest point of European mainland.

A scenic seaside village between the barren mountain slopes of Mani, with great dining options with Fresh fish, and coffee shops. The  southern climate make the small harbor an attractive destination, where in summer, sailing competitions take place..

In Kokkala there are two mini markets that provide the necessities for your stay. However it is a good idea to make sure you have everything you need either from Areopoli Gythio or Sparta where there are large super markets and pharmacies.

Regarding dining in Kokkala,, there are three restaurants (one in the neighboring village of Nyfi.) In the tavern of Polytimi you will taste, besides the well-known traditional dishes of Mani, (such as the Maniatic spaghetti sauce of the Mani), fresh organic local products.

At about 4 km there is a gas station.

The Mani region is known for its rugged and mountainous terrain, which has been shaped by centuries of erosion. The mountains are home to a variety of wildlife, including boar, deer, and eagles. The coastline is also wild and untamed, with many rocky coves and beaches.

One of the most striking features of the Mani landscape is the kleftiko, or pirate cave. These caves were used by pirates and smugglers centuries ago, and they are still accessible today. Some of the caves are open to the public, while others are only accessible by boat.

Another characteristic feature of the Mani landscape is the dry-stone walls. These walls were built by the Maniot people to protect their crops from livestock and invaders. The walls are a testament to the Maniot people’s ingenuity and resilience.

The wild and unspoilt landscape of Mani is a major draw for tourists. Visitors come to the region to enjoy the natural beauty, to hike and explore, and to experience the Maniot culture.

Here are some specific examples of the wild and unspoilt landscape of Mani:

The Diros Caves are a series of underwater caves located in the Mani region. The caves are home to a variety of stalactites and stalagmites, and they are a popular tourist destination.

The Vathia village is a traditional Maniot village that is located in the mountains of Mani. The village is surrounded by towering cliffs, and it is a popular destination for hikers and photographers.

Cape Tainaro, also known as Cape Matapan, is the southernmost point of the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece. It is located in the Mani region, and it is the southernmost point of mainland Greece and the entire Balkan Peninsula.

The cape has been an important place for thousands of years. In ancient Greece, it was believed to be the entrance to the Underworld. The cave of Taenarum, located near the cape, was said to be the entrance to Hades, the god of the dead.

The cape was also a strategic location for the ancient Greeks. It was the site of several battles, including the Battle of Matapan in 415 BC, in which the Athenians were defeated by the Spartans.

In the Roman era, Cape Tainaro was a popular destination for pilgrims. The cave of Taenarum was a place where people could consult with oracles, and the cape was also a popular spot for shipwrecked sailors.

In the Middle Ages, Cape Tainaro was a place where pirates and smugglers operated. The cape was also a popular destination for monks, who built several monasteries in the area.

Today, Cape Tainaro is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can hike to the lighthouse at the tip of the cape, explore the ruins of the ancient temples, and visit the cave of Taenarum.

In Greek mythology, Cape Tainaro was believed to be the entrance to the Underworld. The cave of Taenarum, located near the cape, was said to be the entrance to Hades, the god of the dead.

According to legend, the hero Heracles (Hercules) traveled to Cape Tainaro to capture Cerberus, the three-headed dog that guarded the gates of the Underworld.

The poet Orpheus also traveled to Cape Tainaro in an attempt to bring back his wife Eurydice from the dead.

In the Roman era, Cape Tainaro was believed to be the home of the Sirens, a group of sea nymphs who lured sailors to their deaths with their beautiful singing.

The cape was also a popular destination for pilgrims, who believed that it was a place where they could communicate with the dead.

The mythology of Cape Tainaro is a fascinating blend of Greek, Roman, and Christian traditions. The cape has been a place of pilgrimage and mystery for centuries, and it continues to attract visitors today.

Here are some additional details about the myths and legends associated with Cape Tainaro:

The cave of Taenarum was said to be guarded by a three-headed dog named Kerberos (also known as Cerberus). Kerberos was the son of Echidna and Typhon, and he was tasked with guarding the gates of the Underworld to prevent the dead from escaping.

Heracles was able to capture Kerberos by tricking him with a honey cake. Heracles then dragged Kerberos back to the land of the living, where he presented him to King Eurystheus. Eurystheus was so terrified of Kerberos that he ordered Heracles to release him immediately.

Orpheus was a musician who was known for his beautiful singing. After his wife Eurydice died, Orpheus traveled to the Underworld in an attempt to bring her back to life. Orpheus played his lyre so beautifully that it charmed the gods of the Underworld, who allowed him to take Eurydice back to the land of the living. However, Orpheus was warned not to look back at Eurydice until they had reached the surface. Unfortunately, Orpheus could not resist looking back, and Eurydice was lost to him forever.

The Sirens were a group of sea nymphs who lured sailors to their deaths with their beautiful singing. The Sirens were said to live on an island near Cape Tainaro, and their songs were so irresistible that sailors would steer their ships onto the rocks in order to get closer to them.

If you are looking for a place to escape the crowds and experience the beauty of nature, the Mani region is a great place to visit.

he Mani region is home to a variety of mammals, including boar, deer, foxes, jackals, and hedgehogs. There are also a few larger mammals, such as wolves and bears, but these are much rarer.

Birds: The Mani region is home to a variety of birdlife, including eagles, hawks, owls, and vultures. There are also a number of seabirds, such as seagulls, terns, and shearwaters.

Reptiles: The Mani region is home to a variety of reptiles, including snakes, lizards, and tortoises. The most common snake in the region is the European viper, but there are also a number of harmless snakes, such as the grass snake and the smooth snake.

The wildlife of Mani is a diverse and fascinating mix of species. The region is home to a number of rare and endangered species, and it is important to protect these animals and their habitats.

Here are some tips for responsible wildlife viewing in Mani:

• Stay on designated trails and paths.
• Do not disturb animals or their nests.
• Take photos from a distance.
• Do not feed or touch animals.
• Be respectful of the environment.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that the wildlife of Mani is protected for future generations.

The architecture of Mani is a unique blend of Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman influences. The region is known for its stone tower houses, which were built during the 17th century and were designed to serve as both a home and a fortress for the region’s residents.

Stone tower houses Mani Greece

The tower houses are typically two or three stories tall, with thick walls and small windows. They are often built on a hilltop or overlooking a valley, and they were used as a refuge from bandits and invaders.

Another distinctive feature of Mani architecture is the use of dry-stone walls. These walls were built by the Maniot people to protect their crops from livestock and invaders. The walls are a testament to the Maniot people’s ingenuity and resilience.

Dry-stone walls Mani Greece

The architecture of Mani is a reflection of the region’s history and culture. The tower houses and dry-stone walls are a reminder of the region’s turbulent past, while the Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman influences are a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Here are some other examples of Mani architecture:

Byzantine churches: The Mani region is home to a number of Byzantine churches, which were built during the Middle Ages. These churches are typically small and simple, with a single nave and a dome.

Venetian castles: The Mani region was once ruled by the Venetians, and there are a number of Venetian castles in the region. These castles are typically built on a hilltop or overlooking a harbor, and they were used to protect the region from invaders.
The architecture of Mani is a diverse and fascinating mix of styles. The region is home to a number of well-preserved examples of Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman architecture, which offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture.

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