In Mani, the historic region of the Peloponnese is bordered by the ridge of Taygetos and Cape Tenaro. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations for those who want to enjoy the beaches of Aegean beauty on the mainland of the country. Mani attracts every year many tourists who want to discover its wild beauties, but there are still some parts of it that have remained almost hidden from most people. One of them is the charming village of Kokkala.
Kokkala in Mani: Two jewel beaches with fairytale waters
Kokkala is a coastal village in the prefecture of Laconia, situated on the east coast of Mani and at an altitude of 67 meters. Its municipal district consists of the settlements:
Agios Nikolaos with its namesake church,
Olympia with its impressive tower houses,
Pachianika with its stone-built houses, and
Speira has less than five hundred permanent residents.
The area is known for its two beautiful, small beaches, Marathos and Soloteri. Soloteri means chapel, a name that comes from the holy church of Taxiarches that stands there. The church was founded by Captain Panagis Kalogerogiannis, and it took more than a hundred years to finish it.
Both beaches have white pebbles, but what stands out is the color of their waters. They start from emerald with green shades near the shore, and then they change to blue as you go further, until they reach a deep blue. The scenic landscape looks like a postcard. You will surely take photos that capture this atmosphere - apart from the feeling that Laconian Mani gives you anyway.
The beaches are perfect for those who want peace, without missing anything. On the contrary, they have the quietness and the picturesqueness along with nice taverns so that the traveler can have everything he needs during the day - if he has not prepared them beforehand. Children will enjoy themselves for hours on the large white pebbles, and splash into the water every so often. If you arrive early, you will park your vehicle near the beach, and without trouble, you will be ready to dive in less than five minutes.
Kokkala, Mani: How to get there
It is located on the laconic side of Mani and it is 333 km from Athens, 79 km from Sparta, the capital of Laconia, and 52 km south of Gytheio port.
Kokkala, Mani: Food and accommodation.
Local dishes and appetizers at the first table of the sea
Even though Kokkala is one of the less touristy choices, it has many accommodation options in guesthouses and rooms to rent. The traditional flavors of Mani along with fresh fish and seafood in the scenic taverns of the area will ideally complement a trip to an undiscovered place worth visiting.
