Gythio looks out over the Gulf of Laconia and is the capital of the Mani. In antiquity it was called Cranae, and it served as the port of Sparta.
Marathonissi
A causeway runs out to the little island of Marathonissi. The story goes that Paris and Helen sheltered here after leaving Sparta, on the way to Troy, which is a lot of history for somewhere you can walk to in ten minutes.
Eating on the waterfront
Gythio has a reputation as the octopus capital of Greece, and the tavernas along the front make no secret of it. It is the best evening out within easy reach if you want somewhere busier than the bay.
