MANI’S UNSPOILT BEAUTY
“As a passerby, you can see Mani in three days, as a walker you can see it in three months and to see its soul you need three lifetimes. One for the sea, one for its mountains and one for its people.”
That’s what the locals say. This is Mani. Its unspoilt beauty remains unscathed. The ghosts of its past linger amongst the endless olive groves. A heavy past which spans back thousands of years and carries with it the weight of history and mythology.
Mani will inspire us, as we hike to the southernmost point of the Balkan Peninsula, Cape Tainaro and walk through picturesque fishing villages. At all points of our enriching experience, the powerful Mount Taigetos will remain closely behind us, providing the backdrop for ample photo opportunities. Mani’s stone-built towers and barren land undergo a metamorphosis every day at sunset as the light illuminates their eerie presence.
To capture all aspects of Mani’ s rugged beauty is nearly impossible but through the photography workshop we will attempt to take some of this beauty with us to keep forever!
The idea throughout yourtravel photography workshop is to have daily photo shoots that we can view and discuss at the end of the day. Each day we will take one or two tours around to visit designated sites and work on specified photo projects. Our aim is to cover as many areas of photography as possible, such as street, architecture, landscape, and portrait photography.
Although instructors will provide technical tips and tricks throughout the duration of yourphotography trip, the workshop will emphasize what makes images interesting rather than simply technically correct. Provisions will be made so that we may download and quick-view images daily. Instructors will be available to comment on your images individually. Furthermore, there will be two long group sessions -halfway and at the end of the photo workshop- to review the photos taken by all participants, to discuss them technically and aesthetically, and to explore post-processing options.
Upon registering, you will be contacted by the instructors via e-mail. You will be sent a short questionnaire and a multiple-choice test to establish your skill level as well as your photographic needs and wants. This will help instructors prepare for individual counselling.
The first day will be dedicated to guest arrivals at the hotel.
We will wait for you to check in and as soon as the group has gathered, we will all meet in the afternoon for an acquaintance dinner in one of the finest urban restaurants. By the end of the evening, you will know all details concerning our Mani photography workshop trip.
Rise and shine! It’s an early start today as we head off to Mani. The trip will be around 4 hours long and our final destination is the enchanting bay of Gerolimenas; where we will stay for the duration of our photography workshop in Mani. It’s a comfortable journey so once we arrive, we can have a little rest at our hotel and have our first shots at the natural port with the charming stone-built houses reflected in the calm blue waters. Later, after our dinner at one of the quaint taverns in the surrounding area, we will have our first meeting with the Greece Photo Workshops photographer/supervisor where we get the chance to discuss our aims, objectives, and individual needs.
An early start to a brilliant day! Armed with our cameras, we will head south. As far south as we can go in fact! Tenaro is the southernmost point of the Peloponnese and of the Balkan peninsula. An area veiled in mystery as the locals still support that it is from here that Hades, God of the underworld, would take people over to the next world. A once in a lifetime opportunity for landscape photography! The impressive stone-built towers of the village of Vathia, built on the hill looking towards the sea in fear of pirates are a photographer’s dream photo. After our lunch, we go back to have some rest and it’s time to review our first f day.
Days four and five will be divided between Laconian and Messinian Mani. We will let our cameras do the talking as the photography workshop tour goes from village to village. Walking through the picturesque narrow roads, with the traditional stone-built houses and the small churches that go back as far as the 10th century, the opportunities for architectural photography are vast. In Messinian Mani, we will visit Riglia, Platsa, Thalames as well as the small fishing villages of Trachila, Agios Dimitrios, Agios Nikolaos and Stoupa. The Ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine influence can be seen almost everywhere. In Lagkada lies a magnificent monastery with significant national historical value.
In the small fishing village of Trachila the three-level cave provides a real photography extravaganza. Agios Dimitrios also boasts of having the biggest cave in Greece and it is said that it is from this small fishing village that Helen of Troy was taken by the Trojans. Finding inspiration for our photography tour in a place where mythology walks hand in hand with history will not prove a difficult task. After all, it is not a coincidence that it was by the remarkable sandy beaches of Stoupa, at the shore of Kalogria, that Nikos Kazantzakis was inspired to create the immortal character Alexis Zorbas (Zorba the Greek).
Crossing Laconian Mani we will find ourselves in the historic area of Oitylo – Karavostasi. Oitylo has been inhabited since Homeric times, and its traditional architecture is truly an experience to photograph. It is in Oitylo that the historical Medici family originated from. The beautiful village of Areopoli, with its narrow streets and truly remarkable churches, bustles with life. Areopoli played a significant part in the Greek Revolution. As we head down to the small gulf of Limeni our cameras are clicking away at the astounding view.
After all of this, you must be hungry! Don’t worry our afternoons/evenings will be accompanied by the delicious and aromatic Mani local cuisine, local wine and relaxing atmosphere coupled with a review of each day.
Today the day will be dedicated to the enchanting Kardamili.
Kardamili – first mentioned by the ancient Greek poet Homer – was the main port for the ancient city of Sparta. As you walk through fruit orchards and olive groves, from modern to old Kardamili, its long history flashes before your eyes. The temptation to capture the moment will be irresistible; the fortified tower houses provide a timeless architectural backdrop for our lenses as they gather around an 18th-century church. This magical seaside village, with its turquoise waters, found at the feet of the majestic Taigetos mountains, is also one of the best-preserved ecological areas in Greece. A photographer’s feast! Before our farewell dinner, and if time allows, we may also venture to a nearby village.
Our last day in Mani and time to do something different! Kalamata, the town with the “fair eyes” (Kala Matia) is one of the most beautiful suburban towns in Greece and capital to the district of Messinia. It has a rich history and between the Castle area and the old town, we will get the chance to practice our street photography as we wander through its bustling with life picturesque streets. Mingling with the locals also means an opportunity for portrait photography, and there will certainly be some interesting faces to capture! Kalamata, of course, is well known for its olives and olive oil, so we will not forget to stop, taste, and buy, some of the exquisite local products. After a rewarding lunch, we are ready to go back to Athens.
IMPORTANT NOTE: In case you feel like extending your stay in Athens for one night please advise to add an extra overnight at 3*star hotel in Athens with a supplement.
*Hotel accommodation is provided on a double occupancy basis.
Single room with supplement.
If you are traveling alone and wish to find a roommate to share a twin bedroom, we will try to match you with another guest of the same sex and desired profile requesting the same.
The workshop will be held in English. A tour guide/assistant of your preferred language will be available upon request.
We can extra arrange your accommodation in Athens before and after your photo tour as well as any pre or post trip extensions.
If you wish to skip Athens (2 nights), you can join Mani’s photo tour by arriving directly by some direct charter flights, to the nearby town of Kalamata. The price will adjust accordingly.
Rates upon request.
*All our trips are suitable for individual travelers or groups and adjustable according to your specific needs all year round.
Duration: 8 days/7 nights
Group up to 6 pax
Round trip Athens
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