In a 45 minute boat ride through the 1300 meter long connection of caves we could see some spectacular flowstone formations. In combination with the underground waterways these flowstone caves belong to the miracles of nature in Greece. Riding around the middle finger of the Peloponnesus peninsula, named Mani, in the afternoon we then stopped to take some pictures of the ancient city of Vathia. In the 18th century the population in Vathia counted 300 inhabitants. Consistently decreasing, this city became less important when the total population went down to 11 inhabitants in 1979. Our destination on this fifth riding day was Githio, a fishing village located in Laconia in Greece and long known as the seaport of Sparta.
First stop on the next riding day was Monemvasia, a medieval fortress in the east coast of the Peloponnesus peninsula. Located on a 300 meter tall and 1.8 kilometer long rock, this fortress was scene of multiple historical stories, and it is still occupied. After enjoying our daily sightseeing stop we continued on our way to Nafplio. Normally roads in Greece are top with mostly new pavement and fantastic grip. We just had to be careful whenever we reached the coastline, because of the sea, a salt film covers the roads and makes them slippery. Back at the coastline and up at 850 meters above sea level we reached a section similar to the famous Passo di Stelvio in Italy. To get back to sea level we had to follow switchback after switchback, always having the sea in sight.
Another short coffee stop and we finally reached Nafplio. The hotel we spent our overnight was one of the best hotels on tour. Hidden in a small side street this so-called boutique hotel offered us a special kind of Greek flair. Maria, owner and matron of this fantastic place took care of us in a lovely and courteous way. The rooms, identified with the names of Greek goods instead of the typical numbers, were incredible with old traditional furniture and a luxurious touch. Dinner was totally home cooked by Maria and included some secret receipts you will never find anywhere else in Greece.