Gythion

Gythion, also spelled Gytheio or Gythion, is a coastal town and port in Laconia, in the southern Peloponnese region of Greece. It lies on the eastern shore of the Laconian Gulf at the mouth of the Mani Peninsula and serves as a regional harbor and service center for the Mani coast.

The town centers on a working harbor surrounded by stone houses, cafes, and a promenade. A notable feature is Cranae (Cranaion), a small islet connected to the town by a causeway. Cranae hosts ruins of a fortress and is associated in Greek myth with Aphrodite; the site is a popular tourist stop and affords views of the gulf.

Historically, Gytheion has roots in classical times as a harbor town of Laconia allied with Sparta. It remained important through Roman and Byzantine periods and later under the Despotate of the Morea and the Ottoman Empire. In the modern era, it developed as a fishing and agricultural center and became a gateway to the Mani coast.

The local economy centers on fishing, olive cultivation, and citrus production, with tourism expanding since the late 20th century, especially in the summer. The surrounding coastline features beaches, rocky coves, and traditional Mani architecture characterized by stone towers and narrow lanes.

Gythion is accessible by road from Sparta and other parts of the Peloponnese, and its port serves commercial and passenger vessels seasonally. It also serves as a base for visitors exploring the Mani coast and nearby historic sites.