Today was a road trip to the most southern point of mainland Greece at the top of the Mani peninsula. The road ended about a mile short, so of course we had a hike to get to the Tenaro Lighthouse at Cape Tainairon.
The drive along the Mani Peninsula, which leads to the lighthouse, was an adventure in itself. We crawled around hairpin bends, sensing that if we went straight instead, we’d land in the perfectly blue sea. In the sixth century, pirates drove the inhabitants into the hills, and they only came back to the coast around 1800. Many of the small castles that they built in the hills remain, and modern buildings mimic the architecture. We found cows roaming along the road, flanked by abandoned terraces which hints at previous farming. The Mani are known as the toughest Greeks and the 1821 fight for independence started here, as the Ottomans were never able to conquer the inhabitants. The stark beauty reminded me of the Lake District, without the rain!
An interesting bridge, only wide enough for one car at a time.The abandoned Dimitrios shipwreck which ran aground in a 1981 storm.Typical road and scenery.Some old and new castles on the hill top.Dramatic scenery.Our car was perfect. There were several RVs and the road was barely wide enough for them when it passed through villages.Old farming terraces.A cow and an accidentally perfect shadow. When we first saw three skinny cows, I thought of Joseph’s dreams. The environment seemed so unsuitable for cows to thrive.These baby cows were so cute! The end of the world is in sight!There was a fancy resort and a four masted schooner in this bay.At the end of the road, the sign said, “Sanctuary and Death Oracles of Poseidon Tenarios.” Tradition holds that an underwater cave off this point was the entrance to Hades, as this was the end of the world, as Greece was the world.Where the road ended, a path continued to a lighthouse at the southern tip. It was dry and rocky and 45 minutes each way, but worth it as the views were fantastic.Close to the trail was this random mosaic.The lighthouse!I crawled down in front of the lighthouse to find a geocache. It was a cool climb. especially when I found it.Greek Lands’ End!We spotted twenty ships off the point, where there is a major shipping lane.The peninsula to the end of the world.More old abandoned castles as we headed north.More great views.We reached our destination for the evening, Kardamyli. The town was small and quiet. The sea was a two minute walk from the hotel, and the water was surprisingly warm when I went for a swim. Some little fish nibbled me! This picture was the view from our hotel room.Close to the evening’s restaurant was this random sign. Walney is close to where we used to live in the Lake District in England! The mileage seems about right.
So, we went to the end of the world and returned. What can tomorrow bring?
Find other posts from this trip on our Greece page.
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"Cajunlimeys" combines Lousiana (Janet) and England (Peter). For "limeys," check out scurvy in the English navy.
We love adventures and use blogging to write a photo diary to preserve our memories. Some crazy friends enjoy following us and my notes might help others plan.
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The Adventures of the Cajunlimeys 