Mani
Welcome to Gytheio, a stately town that has stood for centuries overlooking the clear waters of the Laconian Gulf. Visitors here find a cosmopolitan atmosphere, island breezes, and a variety of experiences, in the place once known in Greek as the 'Land of the Gods.' The god Apollo once clashed here with Hercules over the magic tripod of the Delphic Oracle, and their eventual reconciliation gave the town its current name. Gytheio used to be the port of ancient Sparta, and soon developed into Laconia's foremost export center.
To the north of the modern town, up the hill, the ruins of the ancient acropolis attest to the city's long history. At the foot of the hill stands the ancient theater, still used for cultural events today. The ruins of Roman-era buildings reflect Gytheio's heyday under Roman rule, when it belonged to the League of Free Laconians.
The new town of Gytheio rises amphitheatrically on the eastern foot of the ancient 'Larysion Mountain,' now known locally as 'Akoumaros' or 'Koumaros.' It sits just above the main port — considered the safest in southeastern Peloponnese — from which citrus fruits (especially oranges), olive oil, olives, and related products are exported.
Gythio is the ideal starting point for exploring the whole of Mani, one of Greece's most distinctive regions. Mani is famous for its stone tower houses — tall, narrow structures built by local craftsmen, designed from the outset for defense, with few and small openings. These towers were built mainly in the 18th and 19th centuries by Maniot families, who for centuries maintained their independence against every conqueror.
In Areopoli, the historic capital of Mani, towers coexist with narrow cobblestone streets and Byzantine churches. Here, on March 17, 1821, Petrobey Mavromichalis declared the Revolution, eight days before its official start. A little further south, the now-abandoned village of Vathia impresses with dozens of tower houses perched on a hillside, offering one of the most photographed sunsets in Greece.
From Cranae Tranquil Luxury Villas, all this history and architecture is within easy reach — see our recommendations on the Sights page to plan your exploration.