Port Guide | Greece | Worth a Wander

Gythion

Alexis Tonken | Editor

Published on 2025-09-29

Congratulations-you've just docked in Gythion, a sun-drenched slice of southern Greece that feels as if Zeus himself paused mid-creation, dropped some olives and ouzo, shrugged approvingly, and said "Yep, that'll do." Formerly Sparta's naval stronghold (because Spartans needed vacations too, apparently), the pleasant irony is that today's Gythion is decidedly laid-back, its chief exports being postcard-worthy seascapes and blissfully unproductive afternoons spent strolling the waterfront promenade. Here's your plan: casually saunter through ancient ruins, pretending knowledgeably that you absolutely understand the purpose of that half-column sticking out of the ground, before stumbling joyfully into a taverna to sample grilled octopus that an old Greek man at the next table claims will grant immortality (or at least cure a hangover). Beaches? You've got plenty-grab your towel, your sense of adventure, and a copy of Homer (the Simpson variety will suffice), and spend your days mastering the subtle Greek art of doing practically nothing at all. Welcome to Gythion: historically impressive, deliciously languorous, and unapologetically itself.