The town of Areopoli is built at the foot of the Elias Mountain at an altitude of 250 meters. According to tradition, the name Areopoli is attributed to the god of war Ares. The village used to be called Tsimova before being renamed to Areopoli in 1912.

Like the rest of the Mani settlements, Areopolis is known for its major contribution in the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. The Greek War of Independence started in Areopolis on March 17, 1821 by Petros Pierrakos, also known as Petros Mavromichalis, the last bey of Mani.

Nowadays Areopoli is a popular holiday destination offering many sights like stone houses, churches, imposing traditional Mani towers and cobblestoned streets. At the central square of the village “Platia Athanaton” one will come across the statue of Petrompeis Mavromichalis, the famous chieftain and offspring of the Mavromichali family. Areopoli is also starting point for a Mani Peninsula-visit.