Cycling
Cycling is another sport that is done a lot in the Mani. It is possible to bring your own bicycle by air but bicycles are also for rent in Stoupa, Agios Nikolaos and Kardamyli.
Stoupa and Agios Nikolaos tend to have mostly recreational bikes with gears. Mountain bikes with gears can be rented from 2407 Mountain activities in Kardamyli. But this is for the heavier stuff...
Make sure you have water, food and a good map when you go cycling. Also bring a jacket or something warm since the weather up in the mountains can be a lot different from Stoupa (as we found out when unexpectedly caught in cold and rain).
Cycle path between Stoupa and Agios Nikolaos
There is a great cycle path along the sea between Stoupa and Agios Nikolaos. From there you can follow a quiet road on to Trachila. You can cycle this route on your own or join an organised tour by one of the bike rentals.It's very easy to do on your own: The beginning of the cycle path in Stoupa. When you cycle from Stoupa to Agios Nikolaos you don't have to take the main road. There is a quiet cycle path between the two villages that follows the coastline. In Stoupa it starts at the school, just take the small road left of the school where the water fountain is. Follow this road through the olive groves towards the sea. Can't miss it! (see the picture?!)
After you've reached Agios Nikolaos you can go on along the coast to Trachila. This will be hard work in places but well worth your effort. It's a beautiful wild strip of road with high rocks on one side and the sea crashing in on the other. Big cacti hang down from the rocks, there are usually some birds of prey to be seen and there is a pirates' cave. At the end of Trachila the road stops and it feels like you've arrived at the end of the world. Luckily there is a nice taverna where you can have lunch or a drink. There is a water fountain by the church.
If you're still up for it you can continue along the coast for 500 meters on a dirt road. This will bring you to a small cove in the water where the sea really comes crashing in! Even more spectacular if you climb down to the entrance to the cove (footpath of sorts on the left).
