Description
A glorious past and a stunning base for hiking
Once a military city state, today Sparta – or Sparti in Greek – is a quiet town in the heartland of the Peloponnese that has a handful of secrets and attractions to offer. The most important is its Archeological Museum, with sculptures and finds from the greater area dating from ancient times to the Roman era. Another kind of museum, the excellent private Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil will take you back as far as 60,000 years to unveil how this ancient elixir evolved in Greece, its role in the economy and the customs associated with it.
A few minutes outside the city lies the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mystras. This abandoned city will intrigue you with its medieval buildings, town squares, artwork and holy sites. Set in gorgeous Laconian landscapes was a center of Byzantine power that was overtaken at different periods by the Ottomans and Venetians. For a more ancient whiff of history, you can visit the Menelaion, an archeological site dedicated to the cult of Menelaus and his wife, Helen of Troy.
Also near Sparti is Mount Taygetus, a formidable mountain range that is a hiker's paradise. Forests of fir and black pine, interspersed with amazing biodiversity, will appeal to all those who love nature. Another outdoor sports option is mountain climbing in the modest crag of Lagada, also not far from the city.
Sparti might be a landlocked town, but as everywhere in Greece, the sea is never far. Just 40 minutes away by car is the seaside town of Gytheion and its fabulous beach, Mavrovouni. And if you're into wine, you can visit the notable Theodorakakos Winery on the way for some wine tasting.
Other hidden attractions in the area are the quiet town of Xirokampi with its main square, historic stone bridge and delicious restaurants, as well as the nearby Monastery of Gola tucked away in forested hills and near a great hiking path. For a stay steeped in history, culture and nature away from the masses, Sparti is a very good bet.
