I'm wondering if anyone is familiar with Xirocamp(b)i? Looking for somewhere to "settle" in for two nights. Coming from Monemvasia in the a.m. and would like to visit Mystras. This will be at the 1/2-way point of our trip and we will will need to do some laundry etc. (Found an airbnb that would suit our needs - also some in Gytthio). Would like to be somewhere for two nights where we can soak up the local ambience, not need to get in the car for meals, etc. Hoping for somewhere pleasant to walk around while taking a day to re-group before heading back to Athens and off to the islands. I know they are vastly different but having trouble choosing between Xirocampi and Gythio. I would love to hear about experiences and welcome all advice..
Posted by
Brighton, UK
1421 posts
I don’t know Xirokambi so can’t compare. We’ve stayed a couple of times in Gythio which is a pleasant enough place with a handful of reasonable tavernas. Other than that there isn’t much there.
The major downside, from our point of view, is that it’s very much strung out along the main road between the bluff and the coast. You can’t really get inland to walk so any walking is along the road. That may not be a problem if you just want a quiet restful couple of days.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thanks for your feedback!
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
273 posts
Last spring we stayed 5 nights in Gythio at the Pantheon City Hotel. We used Gythio as a base for day trips by car (Monemvasia, Diros Caves, Kalamata, etc - the drives were part of the experience). We found several good restaurants and bakeries, some interesting stores, and good local walks. No lack of friendly and interesting locals. Very relaxing stay. Mystras was a high light of our weeks in Greece.
Posted by
NH (USA)
1228 posts
I spent 5 nights in Gythio early October and found it a wonderful town.
Nice long waterfront, good options for shops, markets and tavernas, ancient small ampitheater, great local food if you get off the main waterfront street.
I used it as a base to explore the Mani, Mystras, Monemvasia and other areas.
It's not solely dependent on tourism so still has a nice Greek vibe.
Check out my photos of a trip to the Peloponnese which includes a lot of Gythio most near the beginning.
Click on a photo to get a caption, not all photos have captions.