Kelefa Castle
Κάστρο του Κελεφά
A large fortress built by the Ottomans in 1670 to control Mani, its walls largely intact, overlooking Limeni and Oitylo.
Kelefa Castle stands on a hill about 5 km northeast of Areopoli. The Ottomans built it in 1670 to subdue the unruly Maniots, and the Venetians briefly occupied it later. The castle has an irregular polygonal plan with bastions at its four corners. Its walls, stretching nearly a kilometre, are still largely intact, and the interior is covered in wild grass and olive trees. You can drive to a point nearby and then walk up. From the walls you can overlook Oitylo Bay and Limeni, and the view at sunset is very good. Admission is free, there are no facilities, so bring water.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Oitylo
- Limeni
- Areopoli Old Town
- Diros Caves (Vlychada)
- Mavrovouni Beach
- Tigani Peninsula & Castle of Maina
- Gytheio & Marathonisi Island
- Kita (Koita)