Set against the dramatic backdrop of Taygetus mountain, the village of Kardamyli is the gateway to the Mani Peninsula and one of the most beautiful seaside villages in the entire Peloponnesian peninsula. A great day trip and just 10 km from Agios Nikolaos, it boasts a low-key yet cosmopolitan ambiance, with picturesque streets, little shops, and plenty of good eating options.
The iconic architecture of the area is represented in its mesmerizing stone houses that resemble watchtowers. More than 800 tower houses are scattered throughout the villages, but the cluster in the village of Vathia is one of the most photographed in the entire area. It is well worth a visit for its beauty and as a living monument to the architectural traditions of Mani.
The Diros caves are extensive and spectacular. Speleologists believe that the caves of Diros are among the most important in the world, but their unique selling point is that you can explore them with your very own ferryman, with the stalactites reflecting in the crystal-clear water.