The tiny village of Mavrovouni cascades down a hillside to the sparkling Ionian Sea. Relax on golden sand beaches and enjoy mouth-watering seafood. A backdrop of olive groves, citrus orchards and vineyards add to the picturesque setting. You’re a stone’s throw from the lively town of Gythio and an easy day trip from ancient archaeological sites dotted across Laconia.
Things to do in Mavrovouni
Rent a sun lounger and top up your tan on Mavrovouni Beach. It stretches for five kilometres and is fringed by gold sand and crystalline water. If you’re lucky, you might spot loggerhead turtles nesting on the beach. Enjoy lunch at a local taverna or order ice-cold drinks and ocean-fresh octopus, calamari and grilled cuttlefish straight to your sun lounger.
A narrow causeway connects the mainland with Marathonisi, an offshore islet studded with pine trees. It’s steeped in Greek mythology and was a former stomping ground for Paris and Helen, whose elopement led to the Trojan War. The whitewashed lighthouse perched on the eastern tip of the islet is an excellent photo op.
Learn about the people, places and events that have shaped the Mani Peninsula at the Folklore Museum. Compact yet engaging, the museum features exhibits on local arts, crafts and trades and famous musicians.
Use Mavrovouni as a base to visit other sights and attractions in Laconia, including the Caves of Diros. The ancient caves have been inhabited since the Neolithic period and are decorated with otherworldly rock formations. Boat tours take you deep into the flooded passages and caverns.
Getting around Mavrovouni
Mavrovouni is compact and easy to get around on foot. The village is on the Mani Peninsula, a 10-minute drive from Gythio and 40 minutes on foot. Taxis are a fast and affordable way to travel between Mavrovouni and Gythio, while rental cars offer the freedom to explore the Mani Peninsula at your own pace. Athens International Airport is a 3.5-hour drive away.