GytheioPeloponnese · Greece

All About Gytheio

Gytheio is a stunning port town in the Mani Peninsula, lying on one of the most southerly points of the Peloponnese region of Greece. If you’re wondering whether this hidden treasure is worth your visit, the clue is in its name. ‘Gytheio’ roughly translates to ‘land of the gods’ which is by no means an exaggerated way to describe this beautiful destination. The Mani region is famous around Greece for its stunning mountainsides, unspoiled beaches, and authentic charm that’s been lost on many of the country’s more touristic islands. Taking a ferry to Gytheio is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

Gytheio is one of the most important ports in the area, with a population of around 5000 people. Fishing is a prominent activity here, and the seafood caught from the surrounding seas is some of the best you’ll find in Greece. With traditional tavernas, museums, and ancient sites, Gytheio is an idyllic destination if you’re in mainland Greece; a perfect starting point for adventures and explorations into the wild landscape of the south.

Gytheio has a proud and dramatic past, an influential town that’s been center stage in mythology and ancient history. Myth has it that Gytheio was founded by the god Apollo and the divine hero Heracles (also known as Hercules), respectively representing the sun and strength. In antiquity, it was the main port for the Spartan civilization. An earthquake destroyed much of the ancient settlement thousands of years ago, the remnants of which are still a point of archaeological curiosity and excavation. In the Byzantine era, Gytheio continued to exist as a peaceful fishermen’s village, the laid-back charm of which you can still find in the area to this day. Visit Gytheio this summer and experience the local culture, its beautiful nature, and many historical wonders.
 

Routes and Ferries to Gytheio

If you’re ready to begin your adventures in the Peloponnese, book your ferry tickets to Gytheio with Ferryscanner. If you’re coming from Crete, you can pick up your ferry tickets to Gytheio and leave from the port of Kissamos. The journey lasts around 6.2 hrs, and the schedule changes depending on the season.

You can arrange your ferry tickets to Gytheio and sail from the nearby Ionian islands with Seajets. From Kythira, it’s around a 2.5 hr journey,  while the crossing from the island of Antikythira takes 4.2 hours. If you’re coming from Athens, it’s around a 3-hour drive to get to the town and there’s also a public bus route to Gytheio that passes through Corinth, Sparta, and Tripoli (5 hrs).
 

Port of Gytheio

The port of Gytheio is the heart and soul of the town. Lined with ouzeri, tavernas, and restaurants, the seaside promenade is always filled with locals strolling around on a balmy Mediterranean evening. Given its important location on the southern tip of the Mani Peninsula, the port makes connections to Crete and the Ionian islands.

A pier juts out into the Mediterranean sea, where a statue of a mermaid lies as the guardian of the port. Cranae, once the island where Paris took Helen of Troy after abducting her, is just a short walk along a causeway from the port. There, you’ll discover the famous Tzannetakis Tower; an 18th-century Maniot fort that now houses a fascinating collection of historical artifacts.
 

Best Beaches

While international tourists tend to head straight to the islands, the beaches of the Peloponesse are some of the best-kept secrets of Greece. Whether you like wild and dramatic coves, organized beaches, or water sports havens, Gytheio is well connected to some of the best in the region.

Mavrovouni Beach

Only a 10-minute drive or 40-minute stroll along the seafront of Gytheio will take you to Mavrovouni Beach – a favorite of the locals. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a long stretch of clean sand, turquoise waters, and restaurants, bars, and sunbeds. Mavrovouni is a favorite for water sports enthusiasts, offering surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking classes. Further south along the beach, just where the river meets the sea, you’ll find plenty of camping grounds popular with young travelers.

Valtaki Beach

Odds are that you can’t return from a trip to Gytheio without someone asking if you went to Valtaki. More commonly referred to as the site of the Dimitrios Shipwreck, Valtaki beach is only a 10-minute drive north of the main town. It’s a stunning beach, perfect for swimming, but the main feature is the colossal shipwreck – a ghostly vessel left anchored down in the sand. It’s an awe-inspiring and dramatic sight, and depending on the tides, you can walk out to get a closer look or join an organized diving expedition.

Vathi Beach

Vathi is a beautiful beach around a 23-minute drive from Gytheio. En route, you’ll pass by the Passava Castle, a 13th-century fortress with imposing architecture and a mystical atmosphere. The beach is only partially developed, meaning you can have a peaceful and secluded swim on the southern end, or enjoy cocktails on a sunbed on the northern side.

Skoutari Beach

If you’re looking for a taste of the islands on the mainland, Skoutari Beach is the place for you. Only a 24-minute drive from Gytheio will take you to this quaint and pebbly cove. A few traditional, white-washed buildings line the seafront, framing the crystal clear waters that pour out into the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a hidden gem for locals; an ideal choice to enjoy the Mani coastline in solace and serenity.

Trinisa Beach

For those who prefer to get off the beaten track, Trinisa Beach is a laid-back and undeveloped destination perfect for a long summer’s day. There are little to no tourist facilities, but don’t let that dissuade you. It’s bordered by rolling green farms that stare down at an unspoiled and undiscovered gem of a beach. Stroll through the fields of Trinisa then take a dip in this delightful spot, only 30-minutes away from Gytheio.
 

Things to Do

Explore the Town

Gytheio is a bustling town, attracting visitors from nearby villages and regions into its dynamic energy. Given its small size, there’s only a small selection of tourist attractions, but the town itself, easily navigable on foot, is filled with its own cultural curiosities. When approaching Gytheio from the sea, you’ll see red roof houses clambering down the verdant green hillsides, meeting the seafront promenade that marks the epicenter of town.

Food lovers will find no shortage of choices, with abundant seafood restaurants and tavernas lining the town’s winding streets. A stroll to the south-side of town will take you past many charming Greek Orthodox Churches, the imposing structure of Ekklesia Agios Dimitrios being a highlight. At night, head back to the port for dinner, cocktails, and the refreshing sea breeze.

Visit the Gytheio Lighthouse

After a 20-minute walk from the center of town, you’ll arrive at the Gytheio Lighthouse on the connected island of Cranae. Built in the 18th century, this towering white structure has long offered safety and security to local sailors. Now, it’s been completely revamped to host the Maritime Museum of Mani that has a permanent exhibition showcasing the region’s long nautical history. Climb to the top of the lighthouse and be greeted by panoramic views of the town and the Mediterranean Sea.

Explore the Caves of Diros

A stay at Gytheio means you’re only a 1-hour drive away from one of the most famous natural sites in Greece. The Caves of Diros lie 36.7 km from Gytheio; the home of a prehistoric, subterranean forest of stalactites and stalagmites. Guided tours on small boats take you deep into the caves, where you’ll have to bend down and squeeze through a stunning labyrinth of natural wonder. This is a singularly sensational experience, not to be missed if you’re in the area.

Go Wine Tasting

The Peloponnese is known for being home to some great grape varieties, with Gytheio being no exception. Make your way into the surrounding countryside to one of the wineries and sample some local produce fresh from the vine. Some offer personal wine tastings, vineyard tours, and workshops.
 

Transportation Around Gytheio

Gytheio is a small town, so you’ll have no trouble making your way around on foot or by bike. If you’re heading further afield, the Mani region is well-connected and developed with a good public transport network.

A KTEL bus station can be found in the main town, offering connections to nearby villages, towns, and beaches. The schedule varies depending on the season, so it’s a good idea to check at the depot before planning your day trips. Alternatively, you can find private car and motorbike rental options in the main town, or just make use of the taxi system to get the best out of this region’s secluded spots. Taking a ferry to Gytheio is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.