Kardamyli
Kardamili, seat of the Municipality of West Mani, is a seaside village, which is 38 km away. SE of Kalamata. It has been characterized by the Ministry of Culture as a landscape of special natural beauty, [citation pending] because it is a remarkable natural landscape with rich vegetation in which characteristic examples of the evolution of the Maniac residence are included and as a historical landscape, due to the importance it has for the history of architecture and more generally for Greek history, because its land, inhabited from prehistoric times until today, is rich in monuments of all eras and its history rich in events. Only a few meters separate the old town from the newer one.
Designation
The name “Kardamili” is mentioned for the first time in Homer’s time and is mentioned in the Iliad (I 150) as the first of the “seven favored and well-populated cities” that Agamemnon would give Achilles as a dowry if he married one of his daughters. Later it was called “Skardamula”, while in recent years the ancient name prevailed again.
With stone-built alleys that challenge you to follow them even if you don’t know where they will lead you, houses that look like miniatures of towers, flowery courtyards with red geraniums, points with idyllic views, picturesque, old taverns, a harbor ideal for strolls and atmospheric shops, this destination is the epitome of living
The beautiful island of Meropi in front of the old customs office and the shift, with the remains of the walls left by the Venetians, is an additional jewel of Kardamyli. Family taverns, bars on the beach and folk art shops attract the visitor.
The beautiful setting takes off thanks to the amazing beaches it offers you for swimming. The most popular option is Ritsa with its large round pebbles and blue waters (it is organized by points). But it is worth wearing your swimsuit for the following beaches as well, such as Delfinia, with coarse sand (you will also find a canteen), Foneas with its imposing rocks (here you will also find a canteen), but also Katafygio (half an hour away by car from Kardamili), has one of the largest caves in the country and is an ideal spot for cliff diving.
