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 where you will find the main square with its cafes and restaurants off to the left. The main street, which runs parallel to the harbor, will be straight ahead of you. Smaller ships may also able to dock here.
Gythion is a town in the prefecture of Laconia in Greece, long known as the seaport of Sparta some 40 km away. Gytheio used to be an important port for many centuries until it was destroyed by an earthquake. Today it is the largest and most important town in Mani. It is also the capital of the municipality of Gytheio.
There are not realy mentionable ancient objects to be studied in Gythio. From its ancient past only a small Roman theatre was left by an earthquake that destroyed the city in the 4th century.
Getting around
Most attractions in Gythion are within reasonable walking distance.
Taxis are metered, but rates with waiting time are obviously subject to negotiation.
Renting a car is a good option.
Nearby places
Monemvasia, about an hour's drive is a very popular destination for shore excursions and worth visiting. The rock of Monemvassia, towering 300 m, above the eastern coast of Laconia, is an unforgettable site. The medieval, Byzantine and Venetian city is still very much alive on the south-eastern part, looking to the sea.
To the north of Gythion lie Sparta and Mystra, well worth a visit. At the center of the Evrotas valley, located on the banks of the mythical river below Mt. Taygetos, lies Sparta, and 5 km to its north-west Mistras. The entire Byzantine city of Mistras is essentially an open-air museum, evidence of a glorious era. The fortress, the palaces and chuches, the fortifications and the gates, the mansions and houses, the streets and the fountains, all constitute a record of the unique history of the seat of the Seigniory of Moreas.
Gythio's most popular beach is the Mavrovouni Beach Resort. It is 1.2 miles south of the town and is 3.6 miles long. Overcrowding is not a problem because of the beach's size. It is rare to find pebbles in the area since the white sand is its best feature. Windsurfing is a favorite activity of the locals and visitors alike.
Food and shopping
There are no big shopping centers in Gythion and most of the stores are family-owned. Popular local products include virgin olive oil, oranges, figs, lemon trees and mulberries.
Money
Euro
Staying connected
Greek.
Just follow the crew to the nearest internet/wifi spot.
Opening Hours and
Public Services: open Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 2.00pm. Retail Stores & Specialty Shops: Monday to Friday, 9am – 1.30pm and then again from 5pm – 9pm. Saturdays, 9am – 2pm. Supermarkets: Monday to Friday, 9am – 9pm, and Saturdays, 9am – 6pm. Tourist Shops and Convenience Stores: most of these do not have official opening hours and are usually open from dawn to well after midnight during the summer months.