Marathonisi Islet


According to mythology, tranquil, pine-shaded Marathonisi, connected to Gythio by a thin causeway, is ancient Cranae, where Paris (prince of Troy) and Helen (wife of Menelaus of Sparta) consummated the affair that sparked the Trojan War. A small 18th-century tower sits in the centre of the island; it houses the Mani Museum. We've yet to see it open, but we live in hope.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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This beautiful little studio-museum-shop is run by personable local artist Giorgos Hassanakos. The small upstairs gallery pays homage to traditional…

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It may be compact, but this museum does a wonderful job of bringing to life the past residents of Gythio and the surrounding Mani. Themed rooms exhibit…

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Pretty sandy beach north of the main beach in Stoupa. The water is beautiful and clear; sunbeds clog up the shore in summer.

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