Travel guide

Mavrovouni

At a glance

Name: Mavrovouni
Periphery: Laconia
In a few words: small village ideal place for revitalising
Population: 500
Postal code: 23200
Tel. prefix: 27330
Distance from beach: 0 Minutes
Distance from Athens: 272 Km
City highlight: the beach of Mavrovouni

Useful tips

General info

Welcome to Mavrovouni Lakonias...

Mavrovouni is located at the southern part of the Peloponnese, only 2 km from Gytheio, and 44 km. from Sparta, which is the capital of the Prefecture of Laconia, away. With approximately 500 inhabitants, traditional small houses and one of the most beautiful beaches of the region, Mavrovouni is an ideal place for revitalising and enjoying the nature. The tradition wants the place to be built not by some simple mortals, but by the gods. According to the legend, Paris and the Beautiful Helen found refuge here before their journey to the city of Troy.

 

In the past…

During the Peloponnesian War, Gytheio was the naval port of Sparta. The Athenians managed to occupy Gytheio in 456 BC, followed by “Epaminondas from Thebes” in 371 BC after the battle in “Elektra” and the victory of Thebes over Sparta. But the Spartans regained Gytheio both times. The ancient theatre in the old town and the ruins of a temple of Dionysus on the hill behind Gytheio are preserved and still stand there since the ancient times. During the Roman period (195 BC - 297 AD) Gytheio comported independently from Sparta and became the capital of the Ccommunity of Free Lakonians (Spartans), adorned with marble palaces and temples. It also became an important commercial and industrial center as it exported many different things primarily porphyry. In 395 AD Gytheio was conquered by the Goths and eventually was ravaged. The area was named “Marathonisi” (fennel island) from the herb fennel (marathon in Greek) that grew on the opposite island named “Kranai”, and the surrounding mainland. During the Turkish domination, the citizens of Gytheio moved away to the mainland, avoiding that region due to malaria and predatory invasions of pirates. Since the late 18th century, Gytheio became the political centre of Mani and at the 23rd of March in 1821, the family “Grigorakis”, started the revolution against the Turkish invaders.

 

Nowadays…

Mavrovouni, one of the most famous villages of the municipality of Gytheio, offers an unimaginable variety of experiences: Island atmosphere combined with the wild, “maniatiko” landscape, unique monuments of architecture and wonderful sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. The village offers a variety of hotels, rooms to rent, and campings in order to satisfy even the most demanding guests.

 

 

Sight seeing


If you happen to come by or stay in this beautiful city, then
you can visit:

 

  • the beach of Mavrovouni which is the most famous attraction of the region. Almost five kilometres of coast, laying with thick sand, along the beach Caretta- Caretta turtles have their nests, and a station of the Club “Achelon” is established there, for their protection

  • the “Palace” of the “Grigorakis family” where the ruins of a huge castle-formed house witness the long history of the region

  • the Church of “Tris Ierarches” and “Parthenou Mary” and the monasteries “Zermpitsas” and “Giatrissas”

  • The beautiful city of Gytheio which is located a breath away from the beach of Mavrovouni. There you will meet magnificent neoclassical buildings and one of the most scenic harbours in the country

How to go

By Car:

Mavrovouni is located at a distance of 272 kilometres from Athens. Once you get on Attiki Odos towards Elefsina, continue your trip on the national highway Athens-Corinth for approximately 80 km. After Corinth, follow the way to Tripolis (attention to road signs in order not to miss the exit). Once you have reached the city of Tripolis exit the national road (Tripoli “node”) and follow the road signs towards Gytheio. Finally, follow the road signs which will lead you to Mavrovouni (it is located just 2 km away from Gytheio).

 

Total travel time : 190 – 210 minutes

 

By Bus:

There are daily itineraries from Athens to Mavrovouni. The departure point is at the main bus station of Athens. (KTEL Busses Kifisos - Kifissou 100, on the national road of Athens).

 

For more information please call:

KTEL Busses Athens : ☎  (+30) 210 5124910

KTEL Busses Mavrovouni (Gytheio) : ☎  (+30) 27330 22228

 

By Train:

For more information and itineraries, please visit the following websites:

www.proastiakos.net and www.ose.gr

Useful telephones


Police Station Mavrovouni : ☎  (+30) 27330 22271


Taxi Station Mavrovouni : ☎  (+30) 27330 23400


Health Center Mavrovouni : ☎  (+30) 27330 – 22001, 22002


Drugstores Mavrovouni : ☎  (+30) 27330 – 22566, 22219, 22566


Post office Mavrovouni : ☎  (+30) 27330 22285


Agrotiki Bank Mavrovouni (Gytheio) : ☎  (+30) 27330 22901


National Bank Mavrovouni (Gytheio) : ☎  (+30) 27330 – 22316, 51293


Citizen Service Centre (KEP) Mavrovouni : ☎  (+30) 27330 29037


Municipality Offices Mavrovouni : ☎  (+30) 27330 22210


Fire Department Mavrovouni : ☎  (+30) 27330 22199


Port of Gytheio : ☎  (+30) 27330 22262

Distances

From the city of Mavrovouni to:

Athens

259 km

Thessaloniki   

750 km

Piraeus

263 km

Larisa

600 km 

Volos

574 km 

Ioannina

514 km 

Zakynthos

292 km 

Pylos

148 km 

Kalamata

103 km

Nafplio

166 km 

Patras

275 km 

Sparti

46 km 

Corinth

180 km 

Igoumenitsa

580 km

Pyrgos

213 km