Gythio in Peloponnese Greece

Located at the western inlet of the Laconic bay and 40 km north of Sparta, Gytheio spreads its blue sea colors over the green landscape of the hills and its valley and over the city with the island touch. Gytheio has been since many centuries the port of Lakonia being at the same time a traditional place with the two- or three-storey neoclassical buildings and the fish taverns as well as the modern center of a wider tourist region with long beaches and a great number of monuments and sights.

The history of Gytheio, which lies at the foot of mountain Koumaros and whose name can be interpreted as the ‘land of gods’, goes back to the prehistoric period. According to mythology, Hercules and Apollo were the founders of Gytheio. The first inhabitants developed trade relationships with Phoenicians, who exploited commercially the porphyry sea-shells from the beaches of Lakonia and had their base opposite to Gytheio on Kranae island, where Paris and beautiful Helen of Sparta are said to have spent a night.

Commercial and navy port of Sparta during the historic period, Gytheio was destroyed in 455 BC by the Athenian forces. However, the Spartans fortified the port again. The city retained its power and financial importance and during the Roman period it became an important exportation port and a large commercial and cultural centre of the Free Lakonians Common with thousands of inhabitants. It had an important handicraft, especially of purple fabrics, as well as red marble mines.

A main area of northeastern Mani, named as Marathonisi during the Turkish domination, Gytheio passed during the 18th century under the possession of Grigorakis family. Tzanetbeis Grigorakis was the most important bey of Mani. It governed for 16 years, leading the region to great prosperity. Under his command, Mani experienced both military and economic successes, the war for liberation was prepared but also Gytheio was revived and after 1821 took back its old name. 

HOLIDAYS IN GYTHEIO

Gytheio is a wonderful place for vacations as well as the center of a fully organized tourist area, which lies on both its sides.

There is an excellent infrastructure for all the services that the modern tourist may need and a wide range of possibilities for sea sports, which take full respect of the surrounding environment. The fact that the sea turtles careta-careta are always coming to the beach in order to lay their eggs provides the best proof of that.

Gytheio is the end point of the national highway from Sparta and the seaside road from Skala. From here, the road continues to Aeropoli and so does the acquaintance of the visitor with Mani. There is a ferry connection with Piraeus, which connects southern Peloponnese with Kithira and Kasteli of Crete. Also, there is a local ferry connection with Neapoli, Elafonisos and Kithira, while there is also a yacht station with water and fuel and a small dockyard for ship repairs.

The promenade across the seaside road offers the flavor of the sea and the fascinating view to the Laconic bay. At the port, there are plenty of fish taverns and restaurants as well as ouzeris serving grilled octopus and a variety of fish dishes. There are also cafeterias and fast-food restaurants, but beyond any doubt fresh fish and sea food are mostly appreciated by the visitors. It is needless to say that Gytheio offers also many possibilities for entertainment, while in the market of the town tourists may satisfy all their buying needs. There are also shops across the seaside area from Valtaki to Vathi.

But also the accommodation infrastructure offers a wide range of possibilities. In Gytheio, Mavrovouni and Vathi there are big hotel units, while one may also find apartments and villas. Well organized camping can be found in Campos of Mavrovouni, Vathi and Ageranos. 

One may enjoy the sea at almost any place across the seaside of Gytheio: north of Valtaki and south of Vathi, at Ageranos and further below at the wonderful bay of Skoutari, at Skoutari, Kalivia and Paganea. However, one may also stay close to Gytheio. Beside the public beach within the town, there are also the wonderful sandy beaches at Mavrovouni and Selinitsa, which are among the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean and offer excellent possibilities for surfing and other sea sports.

source by lakonia.gr