34. In the south of the Mani peninsula

Day 34: Actually, we want to be at the Vlychada Cave in Pirgos Dirou at opening time. Greece's largest stalactite cave opens at 8:30 am. Although we arrive almost 45 minutes later, they don't let us in (the first guests) and other arrivals. They are still checking the water level. Only then can they determine if the cave will be open today at all.

But just 10 minutes later, we have our life jackets on and board a small wobbly boat with 4 other people. We are precisely distributed and instructed not to shift our upper bodies sideways and to watch our heads. Shortly after, we know why. The boat is as unstable in the water as it looks, and we pass through many narrow and low spots. Only a tap on the back of my head saves me from a collision with the cave ceiling.

The cave tour takes just under half an hour and passes through several larger "lakes" and many small connecting channels. Stalactites hang down in all sizes and powerful columns seem to support the ceiling. It may not have been the largest cave we have ever visited, but it was still something very special.

Afterwards, we actually wanted to climb some meters in the Taygetos Mountains. But since the clouds are "stuck" at the mountain peaks, we spontaneously decide to drive to Cape Tenaro, the southernmost point of mainland Europe. The drive along the west coast takes a very long time because we constantly stop and enjoy the view of the wild coast. Even as the landscape becomes more barren with every kilometer, we are enchanted by the rugged beauty of this region.

There is a short hiking trail to the lighthouse at Cape Tenaro. Again, it offers us many beautiful insights into the nature of Mani. We are once again fascinated, even though there was more activity down here than we expected.

In the evening, we drive back north along the east coast and finally set up our overnight camp on the pier at the harbor in Kotrona.