Gytheio

Gytheio is a port town on the eastern coast of the Mani peninsula, with white buildings stacked down the slopes toward a waterfront lined with fishing boats. The town's layout naturally guides visitors down through narrow streets to the harbor, where activity centers around the water.

The town served as Sparta's main naval base in ancient times and remained strategically important through Greek, Roman, and Ottoman rule. This long history connected to military and maritime commerce shaped how the place developed.

Fishing remains woven into daily life at the waterfront, where locals watch boats arrive and select fresh seafood from vendors on the harbor edge. This connection to the sea shapes how people spend their days and gather together.

The town is reachable from Athens by regular bus service and works well as a base for exploring the southern Peloponnese region. Most accommodations and restaurants sit near the harbor, making it easy to navigate and enjoy the waterfront location.

The small island of Kranae, connected to the mainland by a causeway, marks the legendary starting point where Paris and Helen departed for Troy. Visitors can walk to this mythological site and stand where one of history's most famous stories began.

Location: Municipality of East Mani

Location: Commune of Gythio, Lakonia

Elevation above the sea: 21 m

Website: http://gythio.net

GPS coordinates: 36.76167,22.56611

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:00