The small island of Kranai, also known as Marathonisi Island, in Gythio has a greater reputation compared to its size. There, according to Homer, Paris and the beautiful Helen hide when he decides to leave King Menelaus and before leaving for Troy! Legend has it that the island takes its name from the helmet that Paris forgot (in their panic). And that’s how Kranai was born, apart from a great love.
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Kranai Island: Great history in a few square meters
Why is it worth visiting, since you have, of course, reached Gytheio? Certainly, what Homer mentions is a motive, but it is not the only one, as from the island of Kranai the traveler can get a panoramic taste of the beauty of Laconia, but also visit the tower Tzannetakis Grigorakis, which today operates as a museum
Tzannetakis Grigorakis Tower: Its History
The Tower of Tzannetakis Grigorakis is a traditional building dating back to 1829, with an area of 875 sq m. It has been declared a listed monument as it was the residence of the chieftain and third bey of the Bey of Mani, Tzannetakis Grigorakis. He took part in the Revolution of 1821 and led his army in the reconquest of Monemvasia. Today, the Museum of Mani is housed there.
The bridge, lighthouse, and church
Since 1898, Kranai has been united with the city of Gythio by a narrow strip of land 150 meters long. On the island of Kranai, the lighthouse of Gythio is located. With a height of 23 meters and built in 1873, it transports the visitor to other eras. If you walk on the islet, you will find the small church of Saints Peter and Paul.
Stop at Monemvasia
Going to Gythio or returning from the beautiful city of Laconia, it is worth making a stop at the castle town of Monemvasia. The traveler will have the opportunity, even within a few hours, to walk in the alleys of the special city and promise himself that he will return there soon. See our detailed travel guide to Monemvasia.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Kranai Island, also known as Marathonski Island, is famous from Homer's accounts as the place where Paris and Helen hid after she left King Menelaus. According to legend, the island is named after Paris's helmet that he forgot during their escape. The island is located in Gythio, Greece, and holds significant historical importance despite its small size.
Since 1898, Kranai Island has been connected to the city of Gythio by a narrow strip of land that is 150 meters long. This makes the island easily accessible to visitors traveling to the Gythio area in Laconia, Greece.
Visitors to Kranai Island can explore several notable attractions including the Tzannetakis Grigorakis Tower (built in 1829), which now houses the Museum of Mani, the historic Gythio lighthouse built in 1873 with a height of 23 meters, and the small church of Saints Peter and Paul. The island also offers panoramic views of the Laconia region's natural beauty.
Tzannetakis Grigorakis was a chieftain and the third bey of the Bey of Mani who lived in the 19th century. He was an important figure in the Greek Revolution of 1821 and led his army in the reconquest of Monemvasia. His historic tower residence on Kranai Island, built in 1829 and spanning 875 square meters, has been declared a listed monument and today operates as the Museum of Mani.
The Gythio lighthouse on Kranai Island was built in 1873 and stands 23 meters tall. It is a historic structure that transports visitors to other eras and serves as a notable landmark for the region. The lighthouse remains an important navigational feature and tourist attraction on the island.
