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ACCESS
Access to "Elianthos Gi" is easy, as it is less than three hours far from Athens by car, five minutes from Gythio’s centre and only 300 m. from Selinitsa’s beach. The new highway of Tripoli-Sparta will cut down the drive to 2 hours and 15 minutes only.
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By carYou can get to Gythio through the cities of Tripoli and Sparta. Distances271 km. from Athens 43 km. from Sparta There are also daily itineraries by KTEL buses to and from Athens, Sparta, Piraeus and Areopoli. Useful phone numbers: Athens KTEL: +30 2105124913 Gythio KTEL: +30 2733022228 By boatGythio connects by boat to and from Piraeus, Chania (Crete), Kythira and Antikythira. A new marina is planned to be constructed at Gythio’s port. The study has been completed and the project will be in auction within 2010.Useful phone number: Port Authority of Gythio: +30 2733022262 By airplaneThe nearest airports to Gythio are the airports of Kalamata and Kythira view less
ACTIVITIES
The location of "Elianthos Gi" is privileged because it is really close to areas with significant historical importance and big interest to tourists. Moreover, stunning places of Greece at Mani and Peloponnese give residents and visitors the opportunity to do a lot of excursions, trips and to enjoy many educational and sports activities at such a short distance.
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WEATHER
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LOCATION
At Gythio the visitor can enjoy the activities of both a contemporary and romantic provincial town...
The Municipality of Gythio is a unique and wonderful destination for all seasons! It is the centre of a tourist organized area that combines the traditional greek colour with the awe Mani’s architecture inspires.Gythio is the main port of Lakonia’s Municipality. Specifically at night, the port is especially picturesque and adds to the beauty and the charm of the city. view more
The city of Gythio The modern city of Gythio is built amphitheatrically at the foot of the mountain Akoumaros, the head of the Laconic Gulf. It is located just 42 km northwest of Skala and 43 km south of the historical city of Sparta. The city successfully brings out the character of a greek island and many neoclassic buildings have been kept in good condition. Among the attractions of Gythio are the small island of Kranai or Marathonisi, the lighthouse and the Historical Ethnological Museum of Mani, which is housed in the historical Tzanetakis Tower.   Gythio has many magnificent beaches, picturesque streets, attractions and excellent tourist infrastructure. It is also popular for its night life, as there is a significant number of taverns, cafes and bars in front of the beach and port. In respect to its cultural activities, the Municipality of Gythio organises various events (Marathoniseia, Whitebait Festival, Carnival, etc.) to promote and preserve its cultural heritage.The city of Gythio is twinned with the city: Villeneuve les Avignon (France) since 1997. The beaches The visitor can enjoy the sea almost anywhere along the coastline of Gythio. Selinitsa’s beach is one of the most popular beaches at Gythio, only 1km far from its centre. The sandy beaches of Selinitsa, Glyfada and Mavrovouni are some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean Sea and are ideal for surfing and other water sports. It is worth mentioning that over the years Selinitsa’s beach has officially been awarded with a “blue flag” (2013) for its clean waters and beautiful coast.Gythio’s beaches are also significant for the environment, as even kareta kareta turtles go always there to lay their eggs. view less
HISTORY - MYTHOLOGY
History The Municipality of Gythio was firstly formed in 1835 with Marathonisi as its headquarter. Many villages were integrated to it in 1841. The Municipality’s population was 2.401 in 1848, 4.243 in 1879 and 7.253 in 1907 and the inhabitant was being referred to as "Gytheatis". view moreWith the Bill ‘Ioannis Kapodistrias’, the Municipality of Gythio was founded as we now know it. Today it covers 197.313 hectars and its population has gone up to 7.542.  The Historical Ethnological Museum of Mani, which is housed in the historical Tower of Tzanetakis in Gythio, offers visitors the opportunity to admire several archaeological findings from the ancient city of Gythio and excavations that have taken place in Mani.Mythology According to Greek Mythology, Gythio was founded after the conflict between Apollo and Hercules for the Delphic Tripod that had been stolen by Hercules. Hercules stole it when Xenokleia, the priestess of Delphi’s oracle, had refused to give him oracle on how to redeem from his illness. Apollo rushed to take the Tripod back and a tremendous conflict took place between them. Zeus put an end to the conflict with a thunder. The location of the Gods’ conciliation was named Land ("Gi") of Gods ("Theos"), thus giving Gythio its name.Moreover, as Greek mythology claims, Beautiful Eleni of Troy, Menelaos’ wife, and her lover Paris spent a night at the small island of Gythio, Kranai, after leaving Sparta and before heading to Troy. The place Kranai took its name after the helmet (kranos) which Paris left there. It is also called Marathonisi.The God Dionysus was also adored there with special ceremonies taking place during spring. The ancient city was located on the eastern hill of the area, which also included the Stadium that was built over the old port of the city. Today, at the bottom of the contemporary port, parts of the ancient wall, as well as other constructions of the sunken city can be discerned.  One of Gythio’s main sights is the ancient theatre located at the archaeological area of the northern part of the city. There are also remnants of the acropolis’ wall, as well as few traces of the Roman ages. view less
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