If you’re planning a September or October holiday here are five reasons why you should consider the Mani peninsular in the southern Peloponnese. Reports of heatwaves and fires in Greece hit the news this summer but rest assured there are still many beautiful unspoilt places to enjoy this autumn.

If you like to get off the beaten track in Greece then visit because:

1.  You escape the crowds and have places all to yourself

The Greeks flock to their coastal resorts in July and August but return to work and school in September leaving you to enjoy their lovely beaches with often only the sound of lapping waves for company. There’s a choice of sandy beaches and secluded coves within easy reach of the Olive Press apartments in the Outer Mani near the olive capital of Kalamata.

2.  It’s warm and sunny but the high summer temperatures have passed

You can explore or sunbathe more comfortably [you’ll still need sunscreen] and it’s warm enough to eat outside in the evenings. The sea is at its warmest through the autumn so swimming can be wonderful till November – if you wear glasses, check out the good value prescription goggles on Go Sports Spex so you can sea the fish. Average daytime temperatures for Kalamata are 29C/84F in September and 25C/76F in October.

3.  Figs, grapes and autumn crocus come into season 

Enjoy luscious figs and grapes – food tastes so much better when it doesn’t have to travel far. Plants and flowers start to grow again after their dormant summer period – watch out for the delicate autumn crocus and cyclamen. Of course you get the odd shower to prompt this growth which is almost like a second spring.

4.  It’s great for walking holidays – no need for dawn rising to avoid the heat

It’s easy to have a walking holiday at the Olive Press – from Megali Mandinia village there are routes through the olive groves down to the sea, or uphill through fields and traditional farms.

Venture a little further afield and you can walk the old paved tracks [kalderimi] past the ruined monastery of Ayios Nikolaos to Kambos and Kardamili, explore the Koskarakas gorge or rise steeply through fragrant pine forests to Altomira for stunning views of the Taygetos range.

Combine culture and exercise in a day trip to Ancient Messene – explore the extensive excavation of the stadium, amphitheatre and asclepion, then climb to the old monastery on Mount Ithomi for spectacular views of Arcadia and Messenia.

5.  You can still rent an apartment at the Olive Press in Megali Mandinia

We still have some availability [click to check our availability schedule] at our traditional village house and former olive press. You’ll find more details and pictures on the Olive Press pages of this website.

Charter flights operate to the nearest airport, Kalamata, till the end of October. Alternatively travel by scheduled flight to Athens then head south by coach or hired car, or maybe spend a day seeing the sights before escaping the city. See our tips for finding cheap flights to Kalamata and Athens.