Gitio, Greece is a beautiful fishing town on the southern side of the Peloponnese. This place is surrounded by beautiful beaches and is a good base for day trips in the Laconia region. Mavrovouni is the most beautiful and longest beach near Giti, where Caretta-caretta sea turtles come to lay their eggs in summer.
Fish taverns and beautiful villas line the port of Gitio, from where there is a ferry connection to Kitira i Crete. A vacation in Giti can be combined with a visit to Monemvasia, Kythira, Kalamata, Mystra and other regions of the Peloponnese.
Gitio is an area of mainland Greece that belongs to the Peloponnese region. Once the port of Sparta in antiquity, the city of Gitio in Greece has a long history and many interesting places.
On the hill above the town there is an ancient theater, while on the island of Kranae right at the entrance port there is a lighthouse and the traditional tower of Mani. Many such towers can be found in the region, although many of them are not well preserved. Sightseeing and windsurfing are the most popular things to do in the region.
The main beach of Gitia is Mavrovouni, a large bay with golden sand and crystal water. Many other beaches are located in the region, with clear water and a relaxing atmosphere. Due to its central location, a holiday in Gitti can be combined with trips to Mani, Diros Caves, Areopolis, Monemvasia and Mystras.
How to get to Gythio, Greece?
Gitio, Greece is known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful beaches. Below, you will find out how you can come and explore this unique destination!
Accommodation in Gythio, Greece
The most convenient place for staying in Giti is Mavrovouni. This is a large sandy beach in the immediate vicinity of the city center with numerous hotels by the sea, restaurants, mini markets and other tourist facilities.
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Sights and attractions
Gitio is a coastal town in the south of the Peloponnese. Many sandy beaches and interesting places surround this lovely town. Mavrovouni is the most famous Gitia beach, and Selinica and Ageranos are also very beautiful beaches. A short walk from the port of Gitio leads to the island of Kranae where the History Museum is located. A short drive from Gythia are beautiful sites such as the Diros Caves, the town of Areopolis and the fishing village of Gerolimenas. Below you can see the best locations in Giti. .
Historical and Ethnological Museum Gitio, Peloponnese
The Historical and Ethnological Museum of Mani is housed in the Tzanetakis Tower, a strong stone tower typical of the architecture of the region that belonged to a local politician. This tower is located on the island of Kranae. It was founded in 1989. The exhibits of this museum give us a glimpse of Mani, its long history and traditions.
It contains some old maps and writings of Western travelers who visited this area from the 15th to the 19th century and recorded their observations. It also informs visitors about the different phases of fortification of the Mani Peninsula. Some of the exhibits are on permanent display, while others are changing.
Dimitrios Shipwreck
The Dimitrios shipwreck is an imposing cargo ship of the 20th century that has been abandoned on Selinica beach since 1981. It is believed that this ship was used to transport illegal cigarettes between Turkey and Italy, however many call this ship a ghost ship. The origin of the ship remains unknown.
According to the book Ta Navagia stis Ellinikes thalasses (translated as The Wrecks of the Greek Seas), this ship made an emergency landing at the port of Gitio as the captain needed medical attention. Due to various obstacles, most of which were financial problems, the ship was left floating in the same port and was declared unsafe in 1981. As bad weather conditions started to occur, the ship was moved to its current position.
Gythio Lighthouse
Gitio Lighthouse is located on the small island of Kranae, east of the town of Gitio. The lighthouse has an octagonal construction. It is made of white marble and is 25 meters high, while the height of its focal plane is about 78 meters. It was built in 1873, and since 1989 it houses the Maritime Museum, which displays items from the long nautical history of the city of Giti and the Mani area in general.
In the first period of construction, the lighthouse ran on oil and its light extended over 15 nautical miles. However, during World War II, it ceased to be used until 1945, when the Hellenic Navy decided to reconstruct the lighthouse network. Four years later he started using acetylene. Today it flashes every 18 seconds and has a range of 9 nautical miles. The Gitio lighthouse is open to the public and is a well-known city landmark.
Ancient Theater of Gythia
The ancient theater of Githia is located north of the modern city, near the ancient city. It is a Roman theater and one of the most important archaeological sites in the area. It was originally built in the 1st century, but was rebuilt during the time of the Roman emperor Augustus. It had simple stone seats in all rows except the first, which was made of marble. The diameter of the auditorium is about 75 m, and some Roman buildings are placed behind it. It is a small theater but still well preserved.
This is also the place where timelika performances used to take place. The timelika was a song dedicated to the god Dionysus, which included a parade and sacrifice to the Roman emperors. Today, although the site is abandoned, this theater hosts some cultural events every summer as part of the Gitio Festival. They include ancient dramatic performances, public speeches and musical concerts.
Tower of Tzanetakis in Gitti, Peloponnese
The Canetakis tower in Giti is a characteristic example of Mani towers. This impressive and well-preserved building is actually located in the center of Kranae, a small island overlooking the city's harbor. The tower was built around 1700 and was initially a fortress that protected the port and the town of Gitio from invasions.
Later, the family of Canetakis Grigorakis, a fighter in the Greek War of Independence, was housed there. In 1993, the building was donated to the Greek state and today it houses the Mani Historical and Ethnological Museum. It is one of the most popular sights of Gitti and is definitely worth a visit.
Church of Agia Varvara
The church of Agia Varvara is a picturesque, Byzantine church from the 12th century. It is located on the beach of the same name, Agia Varvara. On its walls are frescoes dating from 1882. Today, although the church is not working, it stands on this sandy beach as a remarkable monument of the past.
Beaches of Gythia
The beaches in Giti are perfect for all wishes: pebble and sandy, popular or isolated, with tourist facilities or unorganized. The most famous beach is Mavrovouni, a few kilometers from Giti. However, there are many other beaches in Giti, equally picturesque and less crowded. Below you will find a list of the best beaches in Gitti, Greece.
Mavrovouni Gitio Beach, Greece
Mavrovouni Beach Gitio, Greece carries a prestigious Blue flag
Selinica Beach Gythio, Greece
Beach Selinica (Selinitsa) is one of the most beautiful and most visited beaches in the vicinity of Giti
Ageranos Beach Gythio
The coast is long and consists of sand mixed with small pebbles, while the sea is clean and calm.,
Trinisa Beach Gythio, Greece
The beach is small, with shallow and warm water, which is why it is suitable for families with children.
Agia Varvara Beach Gythio
This beach is more often visited by local population, while there are almost no tourists
Skoutari Beach Gythio, Greece
There are no umbrellas and sunbeds on the beach, so it is recommended to bring your own equipment.
Vordonas Beach Gythio, Greece
The coast is mostly sandy, with the presence of a few rocks, while the seabed is mostly rocky
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