Ferry from Gythion to Kythira

Gythion Guide

Gythion Ferry Port

Found upon a hilly peninsula in the south of Greece, on the shores of the vast Laconian Gulf, is the historic city of Gythion. Once the site of a major seaport in the ancient Greek city-state of Sparta, the town is now a vibrant seafront community characterised by its tangle of winding roads, tiers of pastel-coloured houses, and the wealth of cafes, bars and seafood restaurants that pepper the plazas and the promenade. Much of Gythion is built upon the pine-studded foothills that rise from the coast to Mount Koumaros to the west. At the bottom of these hills, along the edge of town, is the sparkling ultramarine waters of the Mediterranean bay. It’s a sweeping view best sampled from the rocky outcrop of Cranae island connected to Gythion’s coastline. The port of Gythion is found in the humming heart of town, on a section of the coast that overlooks an inlet of the gulf sheltered by a long pier. At the foot of this pier, where small yachts bob upon the gently lapping swell of the shallows, is the local ferry terminal. This small facility consists of little more than a departure point nestled between a cluster of alfresco restaurants. There are no dedicated passenger amenities at the terminal meaning that food, drink and other supplies can only be purchased in town before departure. Much of the south Peloponnese region that encompasses Gythion is comprised of rural land fed by very few major road routes. The town’s nearest roadway is the E039 which snakes north through the verdant countryside towards the city of Sparta under 30-miles away, a route that is regularly traversed by public buses leaving from stops near the harbour. A number of ferry services operate from the port on a limited schedule throughout the week. Lane Sea Lines offers three different routes south along the Mediterranean Sea to the small islands of Kythira and Antikythira as well as to the port-town of Kissamos on the larger island of Crete.

Kythira Guide

Kythira Ferry Port

The wonderful beaches and exciting contrasts of Kythira, a Greek island near the southern mainland, have transformed it into a popular destination for tourists looking for a relaxing time in the sun. Despite the fact that an airport lies on the island, the ferry remains the easiest and most convenient way to get to Kythira. Many of the major travel companies will not include the airport in their travel deals, causing flights to be relatively expensive. The island isn’t particularly close to any of the other well-known islands, as a result the best way to get to Kythira is by ferry from Athens. It’s also an ideal way to witness the stunning scenery and idyllic surroundings that belong the Greek islands. The island was a popular destination for Australians during the 20th Century, and many ended up emigrating there. Consequently, many visitors are surprised to hear the locals speaking English with a slight Australian twang in their accent. Many suggest the reason so many Australians ended up staying is because of the similar climate and landscapes – there are myriad of waterfalls and rockpools dotted around the island. As well as the waterfalls, there are many beaches that are prime for swimming in the crystal clear waters. The port, located in Diakofti, has undergone a recent renovation in an attempt to improve the infrastructure of the island, with a new road being built linking the rest of the town with the port. Unlike many of the Greek Islands, Kythira is relatively far away and the ferry routes can take up to three hours. The most common crossing is to the capital city of Athens, providing the gateway onto mainland Greece.