Gythion, Greece Cruises

Gythion, Greece Cruise Port

• Despite it being the most popular beach here, the four-mile-long Mavrovouni Beach is seldom overcrowded. During hot summer days, it's an excellent place to sunbathe and swim, and the afternoon breeze is ideal for windsurfing.
   
• The picturesque Lighthouse of Gythio is located on the small islet of Kranae, a bit east of the town. Built in 1873, it also includes a maritime museum that tells the story of the town's nautical history. In addition to a tourist attraction, it's still a functioning lighthouse.
   
• The Dimitrios shipwreck is easily accessible by foot. While some rumors have it that the freight ship is a ghostly one of unknown origins, more popular opinion has it that it was used to smuggle cigarettes between Turkey and Italy around 1981, seized by the port authority, released, then set on fire to destroy the cargo. Yet one more theory is that the ship was merely abandoned after its captain became ill.
   
• For a complete blast from the past, the Ancient Theatre, just north of the city and built in Roman style, is considered one of the area's most important archaeological sites. Although some it is overgrown, it still hosts dramatic performances and concerts during the summer.