The 5-kilometre stretch of sand south of Gythio at Mavrovouni is one of the longest unbroken beaches in the southern Peloponnese, and an internationally protected nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) — between June and October a local volunteer group monitors the nests and runs evening turtle-watching tours.
The beach is mostly undeveloped: a few small hotels and tavernas at the northern end, then unbroken sand and tamarisk groves for several kilometres south. No sun loungers for hire on most of the stretch, which is part of the appeal. The sand is fine but darker than typical Mediterranean beaches (the name Mavrovouni means "black mountain" — the volcanic basalt of the local cliffs gives the sand its grey-brown colour). Half-hourly bus from Gythio in summer.