The beautiful and historic of Gythio town is located in the southern Peloponnese in the Mani region overlooking the Laconian Gulf and its main port.
Built in an amphitheatrical shape on the slopes of Larysio Mount, called Akoumaros or Koumaria by the locals, it is a fascinating destination for a different holiday in Greece, discovering the mainland with its natural beauties as well as interesting archaeological sites and places of notable importance linked to the independence of Greece.
Its origins are very ancient, according to Pausanias, a Greek writer and geographer but of Asian birth, its meaning is Land of the Gods as legend has it that during its construction Hercules who had stolen the prophetic tripod from Delphi began to have disagreements with the God Apollo. In the period between 195 BC and 297 AD it was the seaport of the city of Sparta but always remained independent from it and hosted the Koinon of Eleftherakonon. In 1685 the Venetians in conflict with the Turks, occupied the castle of Passava and on March 23, 1821 Grigorakide, a hero of the resistance, together with other leaders of Mani, raised the flag of the Revolution on the island of Marathonisi. Know that Mani is the area where the spirit of independence has always been deeply rooted and where everything started.
A tourist resort that is gradually becoming more and more popular with its neoclassical style buildings in different colors, narrow streets with stone stairs between houses with gardens full of flowers in a thousand colors, a seafront that offers a spectacular view, clean and transparent waters that are reflected in the many bars, restaurants, shops and taverns where you can delight your taste buds with traditional local dishes and finally small places where you can end the day with a cocktail contemplating the magic of the landscape, in short, perfect for total relaxation and living the sea life and nourishing knowledge.
South of Gythio is the ancient Kranai island also called Marathonisi connected by a causeway built in 1898 to the town where, it is said, Paris and Helen spent their first night as fugitives before embarking on the journey to Troy. Paris forgot his helmet here and that is why it is called (kranos – kranai). The second name Marathonisi derives from the meaning of the word itself which is fennel, in fact the small island is full of wild fennel. It hosts a beautiful pine forest where you can enjoy regenerating walks with a wonderful view of the city of Gythio. Do not miss the traditional tower of Tzanetakis Grigorakis from 1929 which hosted the family of the brave fighter today transformed into a historical and ethnological museum. And again the imposing Kranai Lighthouse from 1873 with an octagonal shape, twenty-two metres high and completely made of marble, and finally the picturesque chapel of Agios Petros dedicated to the saint where the Greeks love to celebrate weddings, built right on the ruins of the Temple of Venus.
Other interesting attractions are the Parthenagogio, the girls’ school built in 1886 by the architect Tsiller, the Archaeological Museum in the town hall, the Church of All Saints right on top of Mount Akoumaros where you can enjoy sweeping views of the Laconian Gulf. Just outside Gythio is the ancient city with the remains of temples dedicated to Emperor Augustus and Tiberius, the thermal baths (could they be missing?), the theater from the Roman period and about ten kilometers outside towards Aeropolis, the Medieval Castle from the Venetian period built to defend against pirates where some of the original walls are still intact.
For a day trip from Gythio, we recommend the Monastery of Elona built on the walls of a cliff offering a wonderful view of the sea and the mountains, ancient Sparta less than half an hour away full of history, the city of Kalamata about an hour away the nerve center of the west coast full of shops, restaurants and cafes, the capital of Mani Aeropolis thirty minutes by car with its particular architecture, and finally the spectacular Caves of Diros.
But Gythio is not only history and culture, it also offers its visitors beautiful beaches, such as the beach of Selinitsa with clean and transparent waters so much so that it has earned the Blue Flag every year and where the loggerhead turtles come to nest, or the most famous beach of Mavrovouni six kilometers long with a crystal clear sea and a shore of golden sand where you can enjoy water sports and also chosen by turtles. Continuing six kilometers from the town is the beach of Vathi Ageranos with a sandy coastline and surrounded by lush nature, and also the Bay of Skoutari with the beach of Kalamakia, the beach of Vordona and the exotic beach of Agia Varvara, in short there is something for all tastes and for any type of day you decide to spend.
Also worth doing is the castle tour, starting with Passava Castle, then going to Kelefa Castle from the Ottoman period just outside the village of Oitylo, Tigani Castle which can be reached via a beautiful hiking trail. Great Mani Castle and last but not least the Castle in the village of Ahilleion just above the port of Porto Kagio.
Another activity to do in Gythio and Mani is walking. There are many ancient paths that lead to tiny chapels, island villages, hidden beaches and up hills where you can enjoy idyllic views. The best time is undoubtedly autumn and spring given the high summer temperatures and as always we recommend you dress appropriately.
Shall we talk about gastronomy? Prepare to gain at least a couple of kilos, it would be a mortal sin not to try the local delicacies such as Tiganides, fritters of zucchini, feta and onion, or the delicious Fish Soup with fresh fish and local spices, the pestiferous Aliada, a sauce based on garlic, almonds and lemon that usually accompanies bruschetta or grilled fish, and last but not least the Baklava, a dessert made of filo pastry with walnuts and honey syrup.
The shortest way is to land in Kalamata and then decide whether to rent a car (in our opinion the best option so you can travel far and wide without time constraints), or with a public bus that runs the route every day. Athens can also be a further alternative than Kalamata anyway. By sea you can get to Patras and the same goes either with your own vehicle or with public transport.
Finally, what to say if not to plan an unusual holiday in this beautiful part of Greece, you certainly won’t have the chance to get bored, on the contrary it will be a very tight itinerary if you want to see the most important things in Mani and the splendid Gythio.
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