Making the most of Gythion
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
You tender into Gythion, with the main square’s cafes and restaurants to the left. The main street runs parallel to the harbour directly ahead. Smaller ships may also be able to dock here.
Gythion is in Greece’s Laconia prefecture and has long served as the seaport for Sparta, some 40 km away. Gytheio was an important port for centuries before an earthquake destroyed it. It is now the largest and most important town in Mani, as well as the capital of the municipality of Gytheio.
Gythio has few notable ancient remains to examine. Its ancient past is represented only by a small Roman theatre, left after the earthquake that destroyed the city in the 4th century.
Getting around
Most Gythion sights are within a comfortable walking distance.
Taxis use meters, although fares involving waiting time are naturally open to negotiation.
Hiring a car is a sensible alternative.
Nearby places
Monemvasia is about an hour away by road and is a popular, worthwhile shore-excursion destination. The Rock of Monemvassia rises 300 m above Laconia’s east coast, creating an unforgettable view. The medieval, Byzantine and Venetian town remains very much alive on its south-eastern, sea-facing side.
North of Gythion are Sparta and Mystra, both well worth seeing. Sparta lies at the heart of the Evrotas valley, on the banks of the mythical river beneath Mt. Taygetos; Mistras is 5 km to its north-west. The complete Byzantine city of Mistras is effectively an open-air museum, preserving evidence of a glorious period. Its fortress, palaces and churches, fortifications and gates, mansions and houses, streets and fountains record the distinctive history of the seat of the Seigniory of Moreas.
Gythio’s best-known beach is Mavrovouni Beach Resort, 1.2 miles south of town and 3.6 miles in length. Its size means overcrowding is rarely a concern, while white sand rather than pebbles is its main attraction. Windsurfing is a favourite with residents and visitors alike.
Food and shopping
Gythion has no large shopping centres and most shops are family-run. Typical local products include virgin olive oil, oranges, figs, lemon trees and mulberries.
Money
The currency is the Euro.
Staying connected
The local language is Greek.
Follow the crew to find the nearest internet/wifi spot.
Opening Hours and
Public services operate Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 2.00pm. Retail stores and speciality shops open Monday to Friday, 9am – 1.30pm, then 5pm – 9pm; Saturday hours are 9am – 2pm. Supermarkets are open Monday to Friday, 9am – 9pm, and Saturdays, 9am – 6pm. Tourist shops and convenience stores usually have no official hours, and during summer many trade from dawn until well after midnight.