Gythio Reviews -General

We went to Gythio on a daily excursion from Movemvasia. The trip was not very long, about 1 hour and a half by car. After we crossed some nice barren landscape, we went first to the Caves of Diros (or else Vlychada cave), about 1 hour away from Gythio.

They were some beautiful caves with strange formations of stalactites and stalagmites. You would jump into a boat, wear your life jacket and make the tour of the lake cave. You can see formations of a horse, a child, the room of the colours, many nice pictures all made of water and colour... If I remember well, the caves close at 4 or 5 in the afternoon, I am not sure. The ambience around is barren and rocky, while a narrow beach is close to the cave entrance.

Back to Gythio, we just wandered in the waterfront, where there are many cafeterias and fish taverns. The islet of Kranae close to the harbour is connected to the mainland with a short paved walkway. A white church, dedicated to Agios Petros, is in the front side, but unfortunately it was closed when we went. Some small ducks would play and sing on the rocks underneath the church.

In the centre of the island, there is the impressive and very well-preserved Tzanetakis Tower. Today, it hosts the Museum of Mani but it is open only in the morning on weekdays. At the back of the island, there is a lighthouse that is said to be a naval museum, however we saw some newly-washed clothes outspread in the yard of the lighthouse. I guess someone is living there permanently, maybe the lighthouse keeper or a sailor on duty... As for beaches close to Gythio, I can't really speak because we didn't swim. However, I've heard that Mavrovouni is the best.