Tuesday 12 June: Skoutari to Gythio (12 miles)

Our shortest and flattest cycling day yet starts with a steep ascent to Skoutari village which requires pushing. My bike feels so heavy no wonder it is so hard to pedal uphill. Without too many hills and with a smooth road surface we reach the outskirts of Gythio in under 90 minutes and decide that we should stay at the beach for the day on the way. Mavrovouni beach is a long stretch of grainy sand interspersed with bedded areas. We find a comfortable spot, free sunbeds for the price of a Fredo Espresso and we are set for the day. We are getting quite adept at wiling away the hours reading, relaxing and swimming in the clear fresh sea. A short cycle takes us into Gythio itself, probably the largest town we have stayed in. Our hotel is on the seafront overlooking the harbour and there is quite a lively buzz about the place. Hundreds of restaurants line the streets with dried octopus hanging on display to encourage our patronage. We manage a cool beer before retsina on our balcony. I suppose that is pre pre drinks!