It is located at the «tip» of the middle leg of the Peloponnese, between the Laconian and the Messinian Gulfs and is the southernmost point of mainland Greece, as well as of the Balkan Peninsula. The otherworldly and imposing Cape Tainaro in Mani leaves the visitor spellbound.
A journey to Mani is a unique experience. From picturesque Gytheio, historic Areopoli, traditional Oitylo and beautiful Limeni to impressive Vatheia,yet this land has another kind of beauty, different, that holds every visitor spellbound. The wild landscape, the stone-built villages and thenumerous coves will fill you with images that will stay with you forever.
Arriving atCape Tainaro, at the «tip» of the middle leg of the Peloponnese, the journeybecomes even more special. The southernmost tip of mainland Greece, and of the Balkan Peninsula as well, is a place of wild natural beauty that will wrap you in its mysterious aura. The historic lighthouse, the sheer cliffs and the raging waves create one of the most otherworldly and imposing landscapes in Greece.
Cape Tainaro: At the «Gates of Hades»
Cape Tainaro lies on the middle leg of the Peloponnese, between the Laconian and the Messenian Gulf and took its name from the mythical hero Tainaros, son of Zeus,who also founded the ancient city of the same name. According to mythology, the god Helios was worshipped here. Apollo traded Tainaro with Poseidon for Delphi, where he built the oracle. The ancients called it «Metapea Akra» and believed that the gate to Hades was there, from where Heracles descended to the Underworld to confront Cerberus. Sailors voyaging at sea often stopped there to venerate theTemple of Taenarian Poseidon,which was built on the cape.
The imposing lighthouse
The starting point of this exploration is Kokkinogeia, the southernmost settlement of mainland Greece, and the endpoint is the lighthouse of the cape. The route is about 2 km long and the hike along the walkable trail is relatively easy (45-50 minutes). Be sure to bring plenty of water and wear a hat and appropriate shoes. Starting from the Byzantine chapel of Agioi Asomatoi, built with stones from the sanctuary of Taenarian Poseidon, you will then pass by Aria Beach with its impressive Roman mosaic, before reaching the striking lighthouse of Cape Tainaro, at the «tip» of the middle leg of the Peloponnese, where the Ionian Sea meets the Aegean.Throughout the hike, the view over the Mani landscape and the sea is mesmerizing.
The lighthouse on Cape Tainaro was constructed by French technicians in 1882 at a height of 20 m above the sea and first operated in 1887. It was renovated in 1930, while during World War II it remained unlit. It resumed operation in 1947, and since 1982 it has operated as an automatic lighthouse with a range of 22 nautical miles. The lighthouse was last renovated in 2008. It is stone-built, square on the exterior and circular inside, with a diameter of 3 meters and a height of 16 meters.
Watch the impressive drone videoby nikos.tsiak from Cape Tainaro and its lighthouse:
Nearby excursions
Just a breath away fromCape Tainaro,thePorto Kagioisa picturesque natural little harbor, nestled in a sheltered cove. This quiet seaside villageis a calm anchorage for boats and a popular destination for swims on the pebbled beach with crystal-clear turquoise waters. Near Porto Kagio lies Marmari with its lovely beach. In essence it consists of two very beautiful sandy beaches with fantastic, turquoise waters and enchanting views of the bare hillsides that plunge into the sea. A few kilometers further on, you will encounter therenowned tower town ofVatheia.Set within a wild and imposing landscape, with its stone tower houses perched on a slope, this striking traditional settlement is perhaps the most photographed village in Mani. And if you’re in the mood for more strolls, ata short distance there are beautiful places (Areopoli, Limeni, Diros Caves, Gerolimenas etc.) waiting for you to discover them.
