akrolithi

Did you know that Mani not only produces olive oil but also salt? One of the purest and most natural products of the earth, fleur de sel or afrina, has been collected for centuries from the region’s rocky shores, offering a unique taste and rich nutrients to Maniot tables.

A gift from nature that remains unchanged over time and becomes an integral part of Mani’s life and gastronomy.

The Wild Beauty of Mani and Its Sea Salt

Mani is a blessed land, a place where nature has been generous with its gifts. The time-sculpted rocks, wind-swept shores, and crystal-clear turquoise waters create the ideal conditions for producing the purest natural salt. In villages like Chotasia and Arfigia, where the extensive coastline and natural salt pans (or basins) formed on the rocks produce abundant salt, locals are professionally engaged in its collection. However, throughout Mani, the inhabitants continue the ancient tradition of gathering salt directly from the sea, following methods that have remained unchanged over time.

The Collection: A Nature’s Ritual

In the natural stone basins formed by the rocks, seawater gets trapped and, under the sun's influence, evaporates, leaving behind the precious white treasure: salt. The locals, using metal ladles and woven baskets, carefully collect the salt crystals, selecting isolated spots where the rocks are untouched and pristine. The salt is then hand-cleaned to remove seaweed and small natural residues, such as pebbles and other impurities, before being stored in glass containers for household use.

The Importance of Salt in Maniot Tradition

It is no coincidence that Mani has developed a gastronomy rich in cured delicacies. The famous syglino (smoked pork), Maniot sausages, and olives require ample salt for preservation and to bring out their unique flavor. This tradition is carried on by the family of Akrolithi Boutique Hotel, which collects its own salt and uses it in its pure and unprocessed form in all the meals it serves.

A Lifetime Experience at Akrolithi Boutique Hotel

Perched on a rocky slope with an unobstructed view of the Bay of Oitylo, Akrolithi Boutique Hotel is more than just a place to stay—it’s an experience. Here, guests not only enjoy the hospitality of luxurious stone-built towers and the breathtaking view of the endless blue but also savor the authentic taste of Mani through a certified rich Greek breakfast, enriched with the region’s natural salt.

Mani is a land that generously offers the gifts of nature. Salt, olive oil, herbs, and the unique atmosphere of its landscape make every experience unforgettable. If you are seeking a journey through authentic flavors and unexplored beauty, then Mani and Akrolithi Boutique Hotel invite you to taste the purity and saltiness of life itself.