There are many attractions near Valtaki Beach. The Gythio Lighthouse is a 25-meter-high, octagonal-shaped lighthouse that was built in 1873 as a significant landmark. The lighthouse serves as an important navigational aid for ships traveling through the Aegean Sea, helping to guide them safely through the rocky coastline and into the harbor of Gythio. Gytheio is a small coastal town, offering a unique insight into the rich cultural heritage, maritime history, and traditional lifestyle of the community. It was once a significant port and shipbuilding center for the ancient Spartans, and it played a key role in maritime trade. The town is famous for its ancient ruins of Roman structures, including an ancient theater and a public bath, beautiful beaches, local markets, traditional taverns, and a bustling port. The Diros Caves consist of three main caves, Vlychada, Alepotrypa, and Katafygi, each offering a unique experience of underground beauty and historical significance. Vlychada Cave is known for its subterranean landscape filled with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites, whereas Alepotrypa Cave is not just a natural wonder but also an important archaeological site that has traces of Neolithic settlements and burial sites. Visitors can take a boat ride that allows them to glide through its waterways and marvel at the intricate formations that have developed over thousands of years.
The Cultural Center of the Municipality of Eastern Mani hosts a variety of art exhibitions, cultural festivals and events, workshops, educational programs, and theater performances, including both classic Greek dramas and contemporary plays that provide insight into the cultural heritage of the Eastern Mani region. If you are looking for another nearby attraction, Kelefa Castle is a historical structure perched on a hilltop that was part of the network of fortifications constructed by the Ottomans to control the rebellious Mani region and protect their trade routes. Visitors can explore the ruins of the fortress, including the walls, towers, and remnants of the internal structures that offer an insight into the turbulent past of the region, and enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
