There are few places that are as unique as the southern Peloponnese, more specifically the Mani region. Some of the northern towns in Mani include Gythio, Kardamyli, and Verga. Scattered around this area are the famous and historic tower homes of Mani, and even though they are far from the most popular areas of Greece, it is their untouched nature which makes them special.
Imagine a small castle for an ordinary family. One of the best-known settlements of these towers is Vathia, which is found in the south of the Mani peninsula. There are also other towns with towers in the area, like Nomia, which is pictured below.
Getting to Mani
You can only reach this area by car, because there is very sparse public transit and no trains this far south. Some brave travelers do a tour of the Mani region by bicycle. The closest airport to Vathia is in Kalamata, where you can also rent a car. To go from Kalamata to Vathia, it takes two and a half hours.
Vathia
Vathia is a picturesque fortified town, and each home is built like a mini-castle. They are built close to one another in a defensive arrangement. Many of these towers were built in the 18th and 19th centuries to protect against Ottomans, pirates, and other attackers.
Why Were the Tower Houses Built?
More specifically, the town of Vathia is 180 meters in elevation. Besides being a way to safety from attackers, these houses were a status symbol for the locals. A taller tower meant that the family inside was more important. Maintaining the tower was the responsibility of the whole family, not just the ones who lived there.
In some cases, the most powerful families prevented other areas of the community from building towers which were larger than their own. Today, some of these towers in Vathia have been restored and even converted to guest houses. The typical tower homes in Mani are made in a square design, with two or three floors. The windows were small so that they could be closed during times of fighting.
Day Trips from Vathia
In truth, the tower homes of Vathia are its main attraction. Don’t expect to find much more, except for peace and quiet and a small taverna nearby. A short stay of a few days is ideal. It’s smart to combine a visit to Vathia with a trip to Cape Tainaron, also known as the Gateway to Hades. Here, you can hike to the end of the peninsula, where there is a lighthouse.
Other places you may want to visit on your trip to Mani include Areopolis and Porto Kagio. Porto Kagio is known for several peaceful beaches, which are great for a quiet walk. Kardamyli is also a well-known nearby destination.
Where to Stay Near Vathia
Dandy Villas, Nomia
Dandy Villas is found in the nearby town of Nomia. In this converted tower, you will enter to a living room with the traditional spaces once used by families who lived inside. You will first see the fireplace and so-called “photo corner” where families cooked their food. You will be forced to go through the low opening of the corridors, which were once built this way to make it hard for visitors to enter. You will also find modern comforts like a jacuzzi and a small pond outside, which create a blend between the old and the new.
Vathia Tower of 1894, Vathia Town
This is one of the very few accomodations available within Vathia Town. It overlooks the historic city. The Vathia Tower of 1894 has a fully-furnished kitchen, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms which provide guests with a walk-in shower and a separate toilet. This Vathia accommodation can fit up to 6 guests. Because this is a local accomodation, you can expect wonderful Greek hospitality from the hosts.
