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Slow Cycling in the Mani

"The Mani Peninsula has been sought out for its starkly beautiful encounters of land and sea"

Maria Shollenbarger, The Financial Times

When to go

Apr - Oct

Price from

£3,250

Duration

5-6 nights

Activity level

Activity Level: 2 out of 5

This journey is taken mostly by electric bike with some walking.

For cycling we use front suspension hybrid electric bikes, and we have some step-through bikes available. Cycles are 30 – 50 kms, mostly on smooth, quiet tarmac roads. We are cycling through mountainous regions so there are a few long hills, both up and down. Some tracks have sections that require good balance due to loose gravel. A moderate level of cycling fitness and an ability to cycle up and downhill is required, but this journey is suitable for almost all levels of cyclist.

On foot, the walks take up to two hours, on ancient shepherds’ paths and dramatic coastal tracks. There is some uneven terrain with hilly sections.

The journey has the potential for flexibility. There are different route options each day and the precise split between road and off-road depends on the ability and confidence of the group.

Find out more about our Activity Levels.

Wild Mani | CLASSIC Journey

The Mani peninsula, on the central finger of the Peloponnese, is a place of myth and ancient refuge that is home to some of Greece's most beguiling landscapes. Largely ignored by most visitors to the Greek mainland, it is a tranquil setting for exploration by e-bike.

The Mani’s variety is astonishing, and its wild interior contrasts with peaceful coastal towns. You’ll discover deserted hilltop villages, ancient monasteries, crystal clear turquoise waters, secluded coves and remote tavernas serving ice cold Peloponnese rosé.

Journey Highlights

  • Dive into the crystal clear harbour at Mezapos shortly after you arrive in the deserted Deep Mani
  • Walk a wildflower-lined cliffside path on the Nicliani headland to a secret church, one of several local Byzantine relics
  • Cycle through the Deep Mani’s moonscape to mainland Greece’s southernmost taverna
  • Cycle in the verdant hills and beautiful hilltop villages between Kardamyli and the Taygetos mountains
  • Thomas and Spiros’s amazing al-fresco Mani feasts, washed down with the very best Peloponnese wines

Sustanability headline

Co2 emissions for this trip per person, per day: 123 (without flights) 123 (with flights)
How we work this out

Two Slow Cyclists in the mountains on Greece's Mani peninsula in the Peloponnese

Itinerary

Discover dramatic mountains, deserted beaches and ancient monasteries on your cycling holiday on the Mani peninsula. Below is the 6-night itinerary, although it can easily be offered as a 5-night journey too.
Day 1 - Arrival in the Mani

We begin in the tiny, sleepy village of Kitta, in the Inner Mani. Here you will spend three nights at a tiny boutique hotel enjoying views of the sea and the surrounding landscape.

Day 2 - Niclian Villages

Morning cycle 17 kms, walk 2 kms – Afternoon cycle 16 kms

Our gentle introduction to the Mani takes us on a loop of the ancient heartland of Niclian warriors. Once heavily populated, feudal and fierce, the region is now a forgotten outpost, dripping with derelict churches and monasteries, battlements, ancient olive groves and wildflower meadows. We’ll meander inland and towards the sea, with plenty of opportunities to swim. A seafood dinner will be in nearby Gerolimenas.

Day 3 - Journey to the Underworld

Morning cycle 25 kms – Afternoon cycle 16 kms

Myth suggests the cave network at the southern tip of the Mani was the entrance to Hades. Today we’ll see for ourselves, as we cycle to the southernmost tip of mainland Europe. We’ll have lunch and swim in laid back Porto Kaigo before turning for home. On our way, we will visit Vathia, the best preserved abandoned village in the region, before landing back at Kitta for our final evening in the south.

Day 4 - Areopolis and Northwards

Morning cycle 30 kms

Today we travel from the Inner to the Outer Mani. We leave Kitta on bikes and pedal north towards Areopolis, named after the God of War, and the capital of the Mani. After time to explore and lunch in nearby Limeni, we’ll travel north on the water – with swimming on the way – to Kardamyli, from where it’s a 20 minute walk to Liodentra, our home for the next three nights.

Day 5 - Kastania Loop

Morning walk 2 hours, cycle 20 kms – afternoon cycle 20 kms

We begin today with a visit to Old Kardamyli, before a glorious walk up into the hills on ancient paths. Then it’s on to remote, hilltop Kastania for lunch in the village’s only taverna and a visit to one or two of its 11 churches. It is an amazing cycle back to Kardamyli where we will have a barbecue dinner at Liodentra.

Day 6 - Crater & Kampos Loop

Morning cycle 25 kms – afternoon cycle 11 kms, walk 4.5 kms

Today begins with a beautiful ride towards the Ridomo Gorge on quiet backroads and tracks. Lunch will be in the meadows before an amazing ride to Kampos to visit an olive oil producer. The day finishes with a walk down to the coast with stunning views over Kardamyli and the Messinian Gulf. We will have dinner in our favourite restaurant in Kardamyli this evening.

Day 7 - Departure

This morning we will bid you farewell and drive you to the airport for your flight home.

Dates & Availability

If you would prefer to travel to the Mani in a private group, enquire now for availability.

Wild Mani
May 1, 2025
5 Nights
£3,450.00
Wild Mani
September 25, 2025
5 Nights
£3,450.00
Wild Mani at Ilias Estate
October 14, 2025
7 Nights
£4,195.00
Wild Mani
October 20, 2025
5 Nights
£3,450.00

What's Included?

It’s rare in small group travel, but at The Slow Cyclist we include everything from the moment you land in Greece. We are often told by our guests how great it is to forget about their wallet and focus on the experience. 

  • Electric Bikes

    A premium electric mountain bike, best suited to the terrain.

  • Guides & Hosts

    A dedicated Slow Cyclist host to look after you along the way and two local guides with passions and interests that bring the Mani to life.

  • Transfers

    Airport transfers on arrival and departure, and you never need to carry any bags as your luggage is transported ahead each day.

  • Accommodation, Food & Drinks

    Characterful Greek guest houses, delicious locally sourced and home-cooked food and all drinks and snacks.

  • Activities

    All cultural visits and activities, from church visits to meeting an olive oil producer. And as ever with The Slow Cyclist, plenty of surprises too.

A Slow Cyclist on a wide road in the Mani, Greece's Peloponnese
Walking and Cycling in the Mani

The Mani is a cyclist’s dream. With very few cars around, cycling on quiet tarmac roads is a joy. There are some long hills – both up and down – so you’ll need a moderate level of fitness. Occasionally we step away from the bikes to walk on ancient shepherds’ paths across pastoral landscapes, through mountain villages and along dramatic coastal tracks. We have plenty of time and our journeys are never a rush.

A Slow Cyclist bike guide in the Mani, Greece
Guiding & Support

Our attention to detail sets us apart. On your cycling holiday in the Peloponnese, you will be accompanied by a Slow Cyclist host. In addition, you will be looked after by two of our local guides throughout. Your bags will be driven ahead each day and a support vehicle will be on hand (although never too close) in case you need a lift.

A traditional guest house where Slow Cyclists stay in the Mani, Greece's Peloponnese
Accommodation​

We avoid big, soulless hotels, preferring characterful guest houses. We stay in beautiful settings, basing ourselves in the village of Kitta for three nights before moving to the town of Kardamyli for the next three nights. To help you get a good night’s sleep we provide luxury pillows in addition to those provided by the guest houses.

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HOW TO BOOK

There are two ways to travel with us. You can either travel on a set-date Scheduled Journey or put together your own private party.

MAKE NEW FRIENDS

Scheduled Journeys

Our set-date cycling holidays in Greece offer an opportunity to meet like-minded travellers in a small group of Slow Cyclists gathered by us.

TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS

Private Journeys

If you’d like to explore Greece’s wild Mani on a cycling journey with friends or family, please do get in touch.