4-Xtremes – Part 17: Wild scenery and Greek mythology

Series: 4-Xtremes – The World Tour

On the threshold to the underworld.

At Cape Tenaro on the Mani peninsula, Andrea and Mike are very close to the deepest point of the Mediterranean – and they look down into the kingdom of Hades.


As many of you know, one of the aims of our World Tour is to travel to the four “most famous” capes on earth. It will take us quite a long time to manage that, though – because of corona-related restrictions, among other things. However, we found a fascinating cape here in Greece: Cape Tenaro. The tip of the peninsula of Mani is the southernmost point of the Greek mainland. After Punta de Tarifa in Spain, it is the second most southerly cape of the European continent.



Through tight spots with the Axor.

Mani, also known as the “middle finger” of the large Peloponnese peninsula, presents us with narrow hairpin bends along the steep coast with a view of the sea. We keep arriving in villages with remarkable tight spots where we really appreciate the compact dimensions of our Axor.

We carry on, past the town of Vathia – a collection of towers high above the coast. Shortly before sundown we finally reach Cape Tenaro. It can only be reached on foot via a small path. Here a strong wind blasts directly into our faces, making the descent over often steep and stony ground to the lighthouse much more difficult.


On the hill above the cave are the majestic remains of an antique Poseidon temple which nature is gradually reconquering.
On the hill above the cave are the majestic remains of an antique Poseidon temple which nature is gradually reconquering.
The stone towers of Vathia - there are holiday apartments in some of them.
The stone towers of Vathia - there are holiday apartments in some of them.

Hades and Poseidon in close proximity. 

Off the cape the water is 5121 metres deep. The Mediterranean here is deeper than anywhere else. That could explain the striking blue of the water here. As we explore the surroundings, we find a cave in a little bay right next to the beach. Later we find out that according to Greek mythology this was supposed to lead to Hades, the ruler of the underworld.

We immediately remember that the walls and ceiling of the cave were quite black, at least at the opening. A true entrance to hell? Probably it’s just the soot from the fires the shepherds light here. All the same, it makes us shudder a little.

On the hill above the cave are the majestic remains of an antique Poseidon temple. It is remarkable how many traces of a history going back thousands of years can be discovered here in Greece. All the same, we are going to move on in the foreseeable future. Where next? Unfortunately not to Turkey, as we had originally planned. Just wait and see!



4-Xtremes – The World Tour.

An unparalleled journey.

Andrea and Mike Kammermann have been on tour in their Axor for three years. "4-Xtremes – The World Tour" is the motto of the journey that the two Swiss nationals embarked on in mid-2020 and which they share with the RoadStars community. Keep up to date and don't miss out on any of the stunning destinations visited by the adventurous pair.

You can find the current parts from the “4-Xtremes – The World Tour” series here.

You can find the route of the trip before the crossing to South America here.

 


Photos: 4-Xtremes

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