Top Secret Hotels in Mani Peninsula, Greece

After countless hours researching the entire Mani peninsula, we finally found the magical village of Limeni and it couldn’t have been more perfect. I wanted to be as close to the water’s edge as possible. Like if I could roll out of bed and into the water I would be the most happy. Limeni essentially puts you one wall away from crystal clear, calm, bright blue swimming water. There are about 5 restaurants and 3 hotels, one food store, and the rest just old stone buildings nestled around the bay. We chose to stay at Pirgos Mavromichali. The food was honestly amazing and all local and homemade; large breakfasts, and romantic, intimate dinners. The owners and staff are friendly. The rooms are a bit small because the building is original and ancient, but so quaint and lovely I just didn’t care about anything at all except for feeling happy, which we did the whole time we were there. There are a few nice beaches within 1 hour drive, and they are worth seeing, but we were also fine just laying out on the hotel’s day beds, swimming and drinking wine. It was special.

The hours of research also revealed the following small and charming places to stay, any of which I would be delighted to try on a return trip:

Tainaron Blue Retreat This was at the top of my list, but they book up fast. The views, food and experience all look incredible and a once and a lifetime experience.

Guesthouse Mazaraki Mystras is a small ancient village and a great place to stop for the night to break-up driving time.

Citta dei Nicliani Not on the water, but looks chic nonetheless (and close to some nice beaches).

Kinsterna Hotel We stayed here when we visited the unique village of Monenvasia (worth a night or two!). Monenvasia is really interesting place to explore, but we decided it was too busy to stay overnight there and preferred to stay outside the village.

Chromata (Restaurant) A cozy dinner place in the mountains near Mystras. Absolutely unique and absolutely delicious. The car had to do a little climbing, but worth it for a meal this good!