Sea Side Attractions in Laconia

Sun, stone and sea are the "building materials" of a shocking landscape, where some of the most charming seaside jewels of Laconian Mani and the entire Peloponnese are hosted.

The tour starts from Gythio (43 km SE of Sparta), the modern coastal town that enchants with the 19th century colorful neoclassical buildings, the narrow uphill alleys and the harbor bustling with life at all times of the day. Start with a stroll to the verdant islet of Kranai (Marathonisi), on the south side of the city, which is joined with the land by a narrow strip of land. Here you will find the Historical and Ethnological Museum of Mani (Tzanetakis Tower), with an interesting exhibition devoted to the foreign travelers who visited the area. Also worth seeing is the ancient city, at the north entrance of Gytheion, with ruins of an acropolis, a theater and Roman buildings. The extensive sandy beaches of Mavrovounio and Selinitsa are ideal for cool dives and romantic walks at sunset. Within a short distance (14 km southwest), you will meet Agerano, a coastal settlement with old Mani houses, towers and a huge sandy beach, as well as picturesque Skoutari (18 km southwest), at the edge of a beautiful bay.

The emblematic area of Areopolis is considered - and rightly so – one of the most popular stations for excursions throughout the Laconian Mani. Visit the picturesque Limeni (4 km), Karavostasi (for staying, swimming, but also as a starting point for hiking trails in the wild Mani nature). Driving down to the south, you must not abandon a visit to the impressive caves of Diros, one of the finest lake caves in the world! 

For diving you will find nearby the picturesque beaches of Agia Varvara and Nissaki, close to the traditional fishing village of Kotrona. The Mani seaside settlement of Gerolimenas, also known as the "small Algiers", sheltered by the cape Cavo Grosso, provokes true awe with its wild beauty. Its picturesque harbor has been in the past an important commercial hub of the wider region. Today, it has high quality tourist infrastructure for an unforgettable stay. It is worth seeing the Karavopetra islet (3.5 miles south of Gerolimena), the Mezapo bay and the Tigani peninsula. Ideal swimming spots are the small beaches between Alikas and Vathia, as well as the vast sandy beach of Marmari, the largest in Laconian Mani. Close to the edge of the Laconian peninsula, Porto Kagio, a beautiful holiday village, built in an enclosed bay, completes the unforgettable travel experience.