If you are near Areopoli the nearest place to swim is Limeni in Itylo Bay where you may well bump into a sea turtle. The nearest beach to Gythio is large and sandy and is called Selinitsa Beach and is also home to a shipwreck. There are however a few other wonderful beaches within striking distance of both towns, if you have your own transport.
Mavrovouni Beach
The long beach near the town of Mavrovouni is only ten minutes from Gythio, about half an hour by car from Areopoli. There a a few tavernas and sunbeds and lots of sand. It can get windy in the afternoon and is popular with windsurfers as a result although on my last visit the sea was as flat as a pancake. Mavrovouni is a sleepy village which does a have shell of a ruined castle that is worth a look if you like that sort of thing, [which I do].
Skoutari Beaches
Just twenty minutes away from Gythio and Areopoli are a few beachy delights! The village of Skoutari actually is blessed with several excellent beaches. Skoutari beach is split into two and with a couple of tavernas on site as well as a small Byzantine church which frustratingly always seems to be locked although the peeps at the taverna did try and locate the key for us, to no avail. There is ample free parking by the church on the road or in the olive grove to the left. These beaches are rarely busy and are worth seeking out if you want a little bit of beachy paradise.
Kalamakia is the largest of the beaches and is approached from the north on a different road. There’s plenty of free parking here too. All of the beaches are sandy and shingly and absolutely delightful. Our preference though is Skoutari beach with the church.
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