EXPLORE THE AREA

Here guests will find many opportunities to get lost in the beauty surrounding of Southern Peloponnese/Mani, through snorkeling, diving, biking, horseback riding and exploring. Enjoy this hidden paradise and be one of the first to discover this.


Day trips

Sea Κayaking in the Navarino Bay
Navarino bay is a natural harbor and an ideal spot for Sea Kayaking trips. Across Gialova and Pylos the island of Sphacteria stands as a wave breaker, protecting the bay from winds of Ionian Sea forming an idyllic landscape covered with a veil of tranquility. A landscape of incredible natural beauty, with impressive rock formations, sea caves, warm, crystal clear, waters and golden sandy beaches where sea turtles often return to lay their eggs. Two medieval castles guard the bay, recalling the famous naval battle of Navarino, one of the most important events of the modern Greek history.


Hiking around Navarino Bay
In the western part of Messinia where the Ionian sea embraces the shore of Peloponnese, we meet the hill of Korifasio, the famous beach of Voidokilia and the lagoon of Yalova the southernmost station of migratory birds between Europe and Africa. The area being integrated into the environmental program natura 2000 is the largest wetland in southern Greece and offers shelter to wild migrating birds, which we may have the opportunity to observe. Here lives the endangered African chameleon while numerous birds such as herons, kestrels, aegean seagulls, flamingos, ospreys, royal eagles and other migratory and endemic birds take shelter at this hospitable and safe environment.

Hiking around Kardamyli
Land of stone and light, villages perched on the outskirts of mount Taygetos with tower houses and countless chapels, settlements bordering with the sea, steep canyons and caves and beaches entangled with olive groves. The charm of Mani is precisely these contrasts. This is a hike to the land and the traditions of the Mani, the place where every stone has its own history. Here, the magnificence of the mountainous nature is harmoniously combined with the allure of the sea as gigantic mount Taygetos is so close from the embrace of the Mediterranean.


Hiking and Archery in Polilimnio
In central Messinia next to the village of Haravgi, well hidden among the hills is the gorge of Polilimnio. The presence of olive groves and vineyards in the surrounding area does not reveal the existence of this small green paradise whose streams create consecutive ponds and waterfalls composing an unexpected dreamy sight.

Sea Kayaking in Kardamyli and Stoupa
Kardamyli and Stoupa two villages in the Mani nestled between the blue waters of the Messinian Gulf and the Taÿgetos Mountain creating one of the prettiest settings in the Peloponnese. Sea kayaking in Kardamyli and Stoupa is indeed one of our most popular trips offering an inch by inch exploration of the rich in imagery and diversity, lacy coastline of the Mani. We paddle in warm crystal-clear waters, exploring hidden coves and impressive rock formations. We visit sea caves and discover idyllic beaches sprouted between the fishing villages of the region.

Sea Kayaking in Kalamata
This is a coast to coast trip along the seaside villages east of Kalamata. From the beachfront of the Messinian capital to the seaside villages of the region of West Mani such as Almyros, Mikri Mantinia, Paleochora, Akrogiali, Santova and Kitries, we discover numerous small beaches, spectacular rock formations and turquoise waters. At a distance we get a sight of the foothills of mount Taygetos and on our side constantly lies mount Kalathio, a mountain that literally touches the sea.

SCUBA DIVING
Discover Scuba diving / Dive training / Diving for kids / Disabled Divers / Tec Rec / Cavern dives / EANx / Boat excursions / Snorkeling

Kalamata is the city of the southwestern Peloponnese and the capital of Messinia. The city is built on the site of ancient Farai, on foothills of the imposing Taygetos in the heart of Messinian Bay.
Kalamata is the second largest city in the Peloponnese after Patras and it is 250 km from Athens, 215 km from Patras and 715 km from Thessaloniki.
The city of Kalamata is the financial, commercial and administrative center of the southwestern Peloponnese and its geographical position and mild Mediterranean climate make it one of the most charismatic cities.
The municipality of Kalamata includes 13 municipal districts that stretch from the city’s west central lowlands to the volume of Taygetos and the east coast.
The old town was built on the ruins of the ancient city of Farai.
It is an ideal base for those who want to discover the prefecture of Messinia, since it is located in the center of the county and it is just an hour from travel destinations. Blending harmoniously mountain and sea, the noble city of Kalamata invites you to discover and explore the heavenly place of Mani. VILLA VAGER MANI is only 10 min from the centre of Kalamata.

Kalamata International Airport is one of the 15 modern Greek International Airports. 
The airport is located between Kalamata and Messini on GR-82 (Pylos – Kalamata – Sparta). Thousand of visitors from all over the world every summer arrive on the Kalamata Airport in order to start their vacations in Southern Peloponnese.
VILLA VAGER MANI is the ideal place to start your vacations only 16 km from Kalamata Airport (20min) and explore the Southern Peloponnese.

Worth getting out of Villa Vager Mani bed for :
• The centre of Kalamata. Take a romantic stroll in the Old City.
• The beach of Kalamata in the city is suitable for swimming, and has been awarded with a blue flag. It has warm and calm waters, ideal for families.
• The central park of the city which is the first theme park founded in the country. The beautiful park covers an area of 54 acres and has a lake, fountains, playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts and also an outdoor amphitheatre. Lastly, the visitor has the chance to see many old carriages and railway engines, streets and old station building, boarding platforms. We guarantee that this will be a highlight of your trip.
• The Kalamata s castle by foot.
• The Archaeological Museum of Messenia.
• The Museum of Traditional Greek Costumes is a cultural gem born of the passion, perseverance and dedication of one woman in particular. Collector and donor Victoria Karelia is the President of the Lyceum of Greek Women of Kalamata, and the museum is a result of her efforts.
The costumes and their various components narrate the history of local folk dress from the mid-18th to early-20th century, combining modern stage design and an exemplary use of sound and light. The signs describing the displays have been replaced by touch screens that make the experience interactive and enjoyable. Each day, the guestbook is filled with praise from Greek and foreign visitors alike following their fascinating introduction to the cultural heritage of this region in the Peloponnese. One of the most comprehensive collections of Greek traditional costumes in Greece. An enchanting journey through history, culture, aesthetics and art. An experiential exhibit. https://www.vgkareliascollection.com/

• Kardamili & Sir Patrick Leigh Fermor s House
• Sparta
• Diros Caves  http://www.greece-is.com/natures-underground-cathedral/
• Southern Mani villages 
• Methoni - Koroni - Pylos - Costa Navarino -Palace of Nestor & Voidokoilia
• Mystras
• Monemvasia
• Athens, Plaka, Acropolis and Museum
• Ancient Olympia
• Mycenae , Epidaurus and Nafplio
• Kalamata Historic Centre Walking Tour

Kalamata, the capital of Messinia, is one of the most beautiful coastal cities of Greece, and its beach is famous not only for the endless promenades, but also for its crystal blue sea that tempts the visitors! But if you want something different, then the innumerable beaches of Messinia will meet your every requirement. Cosmopolitan or crowded, isolated or located next to the seaside resorts, famous beaches, such as Voidokilia in Pylos, some organized and some deserted, are sure to win your heart – apart from its natural beauty, Messinia is also famous for its spectacular coastline.

• Mikri Mantineia Beach
10 km east of Kalamata, you will find the beach of Mikri Mantineia, in a magnificent location, in front of the homonymous village. The beach is located at the meeting point of the mountain Taygetos and the blue sea, where beautiful little bays are formed, drowned in vegetation. The beach is covered with white pebbles, has been awarded the Blue Flag, and has a lifeguard. There are many bars and cafes on the beach, as well as plenty taverns almost touching the sea. Mikri Mantineia, like the entire eastern coast of the Messinian gulf has become a major tourist resort of Kalamata. Lots of tourist accommodation – hotels and lodgings – by the sea, while new infrastructures are constantly being built, attracting summer visitors, not only from the region but also from various parts of Greece who come here to enjoy the sea while overlooking the imposing Taygetos.

• Santova Beach
Located in the Avia region, 12 km east from the town of Kalamata. It is one of the most cosmopolitan beaches of the area as it has several beach bars, which organize almost daily summer parties with known DJs from Greece and abroad. Famous are also the night parties on Santova, with small fires on the beach and drinks literally by the sea. It has fine sand, with small pebbles on the edge of the sea. It is the only beach in the region that has sand, even though it is not very wide.

• Almyros Beach
It is one of the most popular and bustling beaches of Kalamata. The beach is located 6 km east of the town, just before the road turns to Mani. It is covered with white pebbles, has sun loungers and umbrellas and of course plenty of cafes and beach bars. It is ideal for water sports such as water skiing and wind surfing. The beach also features a beach volley court for the sport lovers. The scenery on the beach is magnificent: on the one side the turquoise sea which mirrors the olive and palm trees bordering the beach and on the other the imposing mountain Taygetos. And in the background the city of Kalamata…

• Kalogria Beach
It is the most famous, the most lively and the most organized beach in Western Mani. In the summer, especially on weekends, the beach is jam-packed. Greeks and foreigners “invade” the beautiful coast, which is covered with white sand, has blue, shallow, icy waters, as the underwater sources of Taygetos always keep the sea clean and cold. It also has umbrellas and sunbeds, beach volley court, bars, restaurants, water sports, bicycle and canoe rentals. It is ideal for the young and families with young children. If you can stay on Kalogria beach until late afternoon, you will see the sun setting right in front of you, in one of the best sunsets in Greece. On the beach Kalogria lived for two years (1917-1918) Nikos Kazantzakis, together with the legendary hero of  his novel “Life and Times of Alexis Zorbas”. At the northern end of the coastline is the house where he lived with Zorbas, while the on the southern end, near the beach, is the “cave of Kazantzakis’, where he found refuge to read and write. The cave can be visited today either by swimming or by boat.

• Santova Beach
The beach of Santova is located in Avia, 12 km away from the city of Kalamata to the east. It is one of the most cosmopolitan beaches of the area, it has several beach bars, which organize almost daily summer parties with famous Djs from Greece and abroad. The night beach parties of Santova are also famous for the small fires in the sand and drinking on the beach.
The beach of Santova has fine sand with small pebbles on the sea. It is the only beach in the area that is sandy but its width is not too large. Above the beach of Santova there is parking area, but it is small compared tp the large number of swimmers who choose this beach. 
- 5 min drive from VILLA VAGER MANI.