The historic village of Skoutari is 18 km from Gythio and is built on a green hill, about 50 meters above sea level. The village, with its 150 permanent residents, is located along the road that connects Cape Tainaro with Gythio. To the east, the visitor can see the Gulf of Skoutari which is surrounded by rocks. According to local tradition, the village was founded by refugees after the Fall of Constantinople in 1453. Skoutari is the continuation of ancient Bordona that sank in the sea after a strong earthquake.
Skoutari flourished during the Byzantine era, during which it was given its name, derived from the Latin word "scutum", which means "shield", as its inhabitants protected the wider area of the Laconic Gulf. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Skoutari became a refuge for pirates competing with Itilo. It was, in fact, the base of pirate Barbarossa or Kokkinogenis. During the Turkish occupation, the village was the stronghold of Hellenism and a Turk could not enter its territory. Also, during World War II and the invasion of Greece by Germany and Italy, Skoutari was conquered by the enemy.
At Skoutari, the visitor can wander the narrow streets and admire the classic traditional Mani architecture. In the center of the village the tower of the Kalkandidos family (also known as "Paliopyrgos"), who were sacrificed here in 1780 facing the hordes of Hatzi-Osman, stands with pride. Also, the visitor meets several churches, such as the one-room church of Agios Ioannis Chrysostomos with frescoes of 1750 and the one-room vaulted church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary with frescoes of the 18th century. The Byzantine church of Agia Varvara stands out, which is located on the beach of the village.
