Itilo: in the heart of the Mani Peninsula

A charming and serene village that offers a glimpse into the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of southern Greece

Itilo: A Hidden Gem in Mani, Peloponnese

Itilo, Laconian, Peloponnese
Itilo, nestled in the heart of the Mani Peninsula in the Peloponnese, is a charming and serene village that offers a glimpse into the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of southern Greece. Situated between the rugged slopes of the Taygetus mountains and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, Itilo is part of the larger municipality of East Mani, a region famed for its dramatic landscapes, stone-built villages, and deep-rooted traditions.
On the west part of Inner Mani, the ground’s morphology is rugged. It is a unique area, very picturesque with mountains that stand in the middle of the peninsula. With hanging rocks and cliffs that drop down into the crystal clear sea, fiords and caves have been formed along previously sandy shallow beaches or beaches with white pebbles and deep waters. The climate is dry but is mainly cool in the hours of the morning which is conducive to the cultivation of a range of fragrant plants and trees of low vegetation.
The air is pollution-free. The area is sparsely populated by 5,000 permanent residents in the winter. The rejuvenating fresh air combines aromas from the sea with sage and thyme.

Attractions

What to see

From our facilities you can visit the Caves of Dyros, the famous towers of Vathia, the Byzantine castles of Monemvasia and Mystras and many attractions of Southern Peloponnese. Hotel Itilo awaits you to spend unforgettable holidays, while getting to know Mani.

Itilo: The monastery of Dekoulon is located 1 km. South. It is well preserved and its catholicon has a wooden carved iconostasis and hagiographies from the 18th century.
The ruins of the Kelefa fortress are located opposite Itylos. The Turks built it in the 17th century on a hill, to control, together with the fortress of Passavas, southern Mani, it is pentagonal in shape and has six towers.
The church of Agios Nikolaos is located in the village of Germas 15 km. east of Itylos. The Itylos-Kalamata route, passing through the picturesque villages of Western or Messinian Mani.

Vathia: The many towers, for the Vathia region, are a traditional paradise, most of them have been restored by a team of architects.
Areopolis: The towers of Barelakou and Pikoulaki, of the many tall towers you will find, many of them are still in good condition today, wandering through paved alleys is an experience of special beauty. The house of the Mavromichales, a "distinguished" family for the bravery and spirit of independence they showed against the conquerors of Morea. A high school operated in the house of the Mavromichales until 1932. Limeni, Located 4 km north of Aeropolis, one of the most beautiful coastal villages of Mani.

Gerolimenas: The circumnavigation of the peninsula, if you have a boat, from Gerolimenas you can get to know the southern tip of Mani, which is difficult to access from land. The circumnavigation is an unforgettable experience. In a steep area, at the western end of the cape, you will see the cave of Hades, where Poseidon was worshipped. A little further down, at Porto Sternes, was the sanctuary of Poseidon Tainarios, and on the seashore is the now ruined chapel of Asomatos, with plenty of ancient building material.

Gytheio-Monemvasia-Mystras: A Byzantine castle town, on the slopes of Taygetos, was the capital of Byzantine and medieval Mystras. The volume of palaces, which are perched on the steep slope, will impress you. This high hill creates unforgettable images. In the past it was referred to as Myzithras, after the name of an owner of the place.
Dyros Tower: The famous caves of Alepotrypa and Vlychada. The corridors of Alepotrypa, decorated with stalactites and stalagmites, are 500m long. The area of ​​the lake is 6500 sq m. The central cave ends in a 6m deep lake. Visiting the cave is not allowed to the public.

The Vlychada cave has an area of ​​16,700 sq m. and since 1949, approximately 2,800 water corridors have been explored. The visitor will follow a wonderful 2.5 km long route (approximately 40 minutes) through winding, mysterious spaces, decorated with towering stalagmites and stalactites, whose reflection in the water multiplies their impressive beauty. The tour of the Vlychada cave is done by boat and on foot - part of it is on land.

Cape Tainaro: The Southernmost Point of the Greek Mainland. Cape Tainaro (or Tainaron, also known as Cape Matapan) is a dramatic and iconic natural landmark located at the southernmost tip of the Mani Peninsula in the Peloponnese, Greece. Revered for its stark beauty, rich history, and its position as one of the most striking coastal features in Greece, Cape Tainaro holds both geographical and mythological significance.