Two Passports

Never go on trips with anyone you do not love

A late-morning arrival at Gytheio, a taxi out to the sand, and grilled squid at a table by the water. The Peloponnese is a peninsula, incidentally, not an island.

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Beach Day and Creatures from the Deep in Gytheio

The ship came in late morning at Gytheio, on the southern edge of the Peloponnese. Converse to many people’s understanding, largely a result of clever tourist marketing, “the Peloponnese” is a peninsula and not an island. We decided to venture into the small port town and grab a taxi out to one of the nearby beaches, Mavrovouni, where the water was cool and the sand was hot (bring flip flops). The beach itself is mostly locals and fairly busy so do not plan on an idyllic serene getaway. As for the taxi, we had the best driver, she was Greek-Canadian and our best friend by the end of the return trip. She charged us 10 Euro and gave us her card for the return trip. We heard others paid 50 Euro. Always agree on a price before jumping in.

A Greek beach lined with rows of thatched straw parasols and sun loungers, bathers on the sand and flat blue sea beyond.
The beach at Gytheio

After some time in the sun and surf we retreated to the beach pub for a beverage and contemplated lunch. We opted to call the taxi and head back into town. On the drivers recommendation we settled in at one of the local spots next to the marina and enjoyed more squid and octopus.

A plate of grilled squid on a bed of rocket with a lemon wedge, on a taverna table.
Creatures from the deep

Following lunch we strolled the waterfront before settling in for a couple glasses of ouzo before making our way back to the ship for evening acticities.

A small bottle of Mini ouzo beside a tall glass packed with ice on a varnished wooden table.
The correct order

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