How to Get There
Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos
Your journey will start in Athens. Whether you do it at the start or end of your trip, do not leave without spending a day or two in this historic city.
For a Taxi in Athens, call Giorgos:
+30 6930 0425 272
Rent a Car
The easiest way to get to Areopolis from Athens is to drive. Greece has an exceptional highway system and the scenery alone makes the trip worth it. You will drive through the Corinth Canal and Sparta on the way!
A few things to keep in mind:
- The drive is just over three hours and has about 10 euro in tolls, each way
- Unless you can drive manual, be sure to request automatic when reserving your rental car, as the default in Greece is manual
- We have found Kayak and Discover Cars to have the best rental car rates.
KTEL Bus
If you do not feel comfortable making the drive, you can take the bus from Athens to Gytheio. From Gytheio, take a taxi (or call us!) to your hotel.
A few things to keep in mind:
- All buses depart from the Kifissos KTEL Bus Station. There's only one bus station in Athens, so say it to any taxi driver and they will get you there
- Taxis use meters and while some have card readers, it's best to keep cash on hand
- The bus ticket to Gytheio is under 30 euro each way and you can purchase online or in person
- Gytheio is also translated in English to Gythio, so do not be thrown off when you see an alternative spelling
Caves of Diros
Inhabited during Neolithic times, an earthquake caused it to collapse onto itself, creating a subterranean cave you explore by boat and foot. The website is in Greek, so be sure to turn the translating function of your browser on.
Gytheio
Port of the Ancient Spartans, today, Gytheio is the largest town in Mani. It is also home to Yianni's Papou! It's really picturesque and ideal to spend an evening getting dinner and drinks by the sea. Connected to Gytheio by an isthmus, the small island of Cranae is where Paris and Helen spent their first night together.
Kythira
Located between the mainland and Crete, myth tells us Kythira was the birth place of Aprodite, the Greek goddess of love. There are ferries that leave from the Port of Gytheio to Kythira every Wednesday.
Kardamyli
Kardamyli is a stunning seaside village filled with tiled roofs, seaside cafes and so many beautiful beaches. We went here last Summer and fell in love. If you get a car, you must make a trip here!