travel guide to sparta greece

Climatic Data

Source: National Observatory of Athens / meteo.gr

Unique Experiences

This is Sparta

Excursions around sparta.

Visit the mystical   tower town   of Mystras, located olny six klm NW of Sparta, and let yourself be captivated by this destination’s medieval splendour.  Wander around the castle city and sense through the silence the city's sheer grandeur: the Palace of the Despots (Anaktora), the Houses of Laskaris and Frangopoulos, the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Dimitrios and the impressive Monasteries of Our Lady Pantánassa, and of Οur Lady Perivleptos.  Take the opportunity to explore the   breathtaking tower town of   Monamvasia ,  this   mystical stone-built settlement, nestled at the edge of a big rock by the sea, and immerse yourself in a unique medieval atmosphere! Peer into the history of the fortress –the so-called “Gibraltar of the East” –, which was occupied by the Byzantines, the Crusaders, the Venetians, and the Ottomans in the past.

The caves of Diros

Get inspired.

Top 10 Hidden Gems of the Peloponnese

The Peloponnese is a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, yet some of its most captivating sites remain hidden from the mainstream tourist radar. However, there are also many hidden gems tucked away in this picturesque region that are off the beaten path and waiting to be explored.

Winter Vacation in Greece

Greece is so much more than just a summertime destination! Choose Greece for your winter holidays and enjoy the possibilities that open up before you!

Top gorges in Greece

UNESCO Monuments in the Peloponnese

Significant monuments such as archaeological sites, Byzantine churches and impressive castles, dating to various historical periods, make the Peloponnese the ideal place for the visitor...

Other destinations

A Guide to Sparta, Greece

Sparta is the second most famous city in Greece after Athens. And with good reason! Home to the renowned Spartan warriors of ancient times, Sparta is also in the heart of some of the best and rarest olive oil-producing olive tree groves.

With history and tradition intertwined, gorgeous scenery, and imposing mountains, Sparta is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in history, folklore, good food, and breathtaking vistas.

Thanks to its strategic location and its historical fame, there are many things to do in Sparta, from hiking and mountaineering to food tours and crafts making, as well as exploring the abundance of archaeological sites surrounding the modern city.

Sparta can offer flexibility in your vacation planning, and offers something for every taste, whether you want to relax and recharge or go adventuring! This guide has everything you need to know to make the most of your Sparta vacation and create unique, amazing memories with your loved ones.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.

Enjoy the food

How to get to Sparta

Sparta is located on the southeastern side of the Peloponnese, in the region of Laconia. Sparta is called “Sparti” in Greek, so expect to read that name frequently when you’re on your way there. Depending on when you wish to travel to Sparta, there are more or fewer options.

If you intend to travel there in the summer, you can fly most of the way to the airport in Kalamata. Kalamata’s airport is international, so you can book a direct flight there from abroad, but it only operates during summer. From Kalamata, you will then take the bus, taxi, or car to Sparta.

If you take the bus from Kalamata to Sparti, you need to book your seat with KTEL Messinias. Tickets range from 5 to 7 euros, and the bus ride there lasts roughly two hours. If you take the taxi from Kalamata to Sparti, the ride lasts only one hour, but the taxi fare will set you back around 44 to 55 euros.

If you plan to explore the surrounding area of Sparta anyway, it is a good idea to have a car waiting for you at the airport! It’s best to rent your car well in advance as during high season you may not have a lot of range of selection or even a car available for you. A good way to secure the car you want is through Discover Cars , where you can get a good deal and reliable service exactly the way you need it.

If you first land at Athens airport, when you enter Greece, you will need to catch a bus or taxi to get you directly from Athens to Sparta. To take the bus, you will need to go to KTEL’s Kifissos Station and take the KTEL Lakonias bus to Sparta.

The fare is around 20 euro and the trip lasts roughly four hours. To get to Kifissos station you can take a bus from Omonoia Square in central Athens (specifically bus line 051) or take a taxi if you want to go there faster.

You can also get a taxi from Athens to Sparta. The trip lasts around three hours, but it can be more expensive. Take the time to research taxi services, however, as there are shuttle taxi services and minivan taxi services that turn the trip into a tour!

You can book in advance and have a set, fixed price on the fare, and enjoy some of the most picturesque routes getting to Sparta, as well as some of the most iconic rest points for the locals, like the Isthmus of Corinth!

Another option is to visit Monemvasia on an organized custom trip. We visited Monemvasia with Jayway Travel, a boutique tour operator specializing in custom tours to Europe for the US and Canadian markets. If you are interested in an organized trip to Greece or Europe for you, your family, or a group of friends you can request a trip plan here .

Mythology of Sparta

According to Ancient Greek mythology, Sparta was a princess, and daughter of King Eurotas who was the king of Laconia. She married Lacaedemon, who was the son of Zeus from the nymph Taygete. Together, they ruled over Laconia.

Lacaedemon gave his name to their realm and the city-state that was the seat of his power was named after his wife, Sparta. So, according to legend, Sparta was founded by the offspring of Zeus. Later on, Spartans also claimed a direct lineage to the hero Heracles (Hercules), as his twin sons Eurysthenes and Procles conquered Lacaedemon and ruled for several ages.

Sparta is also very famous through the myth of Helen of Troy, or “Beautiful Helen” as she is referred to in Greek. According to the legend, Helen was the most beautiful woman in the world. She was the daughter of Zeus and Leda.

She was married to King Menelaus of Sparta. Through the influence of the goddess of love Aphrodite, she eloped with the Trojan prince Paris and left for Troy, effectively triggering the Trojan War and the destruction of Troy.

Brief History of Sparta

Sparta rose to prominence in the early Archaic period. Originally a colony of the people of Boeotia, Sparta established itself as a powerful city-state thanks to its strict militaristic regime and lifestyle.

Through constant military training, Spartans were able to keep an iron fist over the other peoples of Laconia and their abundance of slaves.

It is characteristic of its two kings that would rule, its unusual approach to women and their elevated status in its society, as well as its fighters’ bravery, prowess, and determination to never flee before the enemy.

It features prominently in the accounts of the Trojan War through the story of Helen of Troy and King Menelaus as presented in the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Later on, during the Persian Wars, Sparta was lauded for its king Leonidas and their clever yet desperate last stand against the Persians in Thermopylae in 480 BCE.

It is said that this defeat and the legends around it rallied the Greeks from the other city-states and especially Athens to retaliate against the Persians and win over them at the Battle of Salamis and, a year later, at the Battle of Plataea.

Sparta’s peak influence and political power was reached during the Peloponnesian Wars when it finally defeated Athens, the only other political rival of Sparta during Classical Greece. However, that didn’t last long as the Spartans were soon defeated by the city-state of Thebes.

After that, the rise of the city-state of Macedon ended any chance of Sparta regaining a hold as the leader of the Greek city-states.

Despite its decline, Sparta maintained its independence and self-determination, refusing to join Alexander the Great and the rest of the Greek city-states in his campaign in Asia. During Roman times and Byzantine times, the city was inhabited without interruption.

Its natural fortifications thanks to the mountain Taygetos and the river valley made the Byzantines build a fortified citadel nearby, which they called Monemvasia.

Things to do in Sparta

There is a wide range of exciting things to do and see in Sparta. This is a short list of what you shouldn’t miss as well as some of the most unique experiences you could have on a vacation:

Explore the Acropolis of Sparta

The Acropolis of Sparta is considered the most important archaeological site in the entire Peloponnese. It is a complex of buildings and has been excavated on and off since the turn of the century when it was discovered in 1902.

Surrounded by picturesque olive trees that will provide you with much-needed shade, the Acropolis features several monuments you must see:

The ancient theater with the red and white marble slabs is considered the biggest of its kind in Ancient Greece. It was built in the early Roman times and would seat 16,000 spectators. A big part of it remains preserved for you to enjoy.

The Temple of Athena Chalkioikos is considered Sparta’s most important temple. It’s right over the ancient theater and its name implies that it was once lined with copper sheets engraved with ancient scenes. This account is brought to us by Pausanias who documented it as very little of the temple stands today. However, it is connected to Sparta’s mythical origins and its prominent legislator Lykourgos who established the system of governance Sparta is so famous for.

The mysterious Circular Building the use of which is still unknown today! It is in the agora, in the southeastern part of the Acropolis, and it baffles scholars as to its use.

The Basilica is the mark of the Byzantines in the archaeological site. A magnificent church built sometime in the 6 th or 7 th century CE with a complex of other supportive buildings surrounding it shows that this church, dedicated to Jesus Christ, must have been the region’s cathedral at the time.

Visit the Archaeological Museum of Sparta

This is one of Greece’s oldest museums, built-in 1847. Housed in a beautiful neoclassical building, it holds several collections and artifacts excavated from the surrounding areas and especially from various sites in Ancient Sparta.

The exhibits range from the prehistoric to the Roman eras. Make sure you see some of its unique exhibits, such as the collection of amphorae with relief decorations, several pieces and items from the temples of Artemis and Apollo, and a 6th-century BCE stele featuring Menelaus, Helen, Clytemnestra, and Agamemnon.

See the Statue of Leonidas

This is probably the most photographed spot in all of Sparta! The dramatic statue of Leonidas, the Spartan King, was created in 1969 and stands impressively in Sparta’s most central street. You will easily find it by directing yourself towards the Municipality building. It is a beautiful piece of Greek post-war sculpture and the trademark landmark of the city!

Visit the Tomb of Leonidas

Also called Leonideion, the Tomb of Leonidas is in the north of the city. Under the shadow of huge pine trees, you will see an ancient structure like a cross between a temple and a tomb. According to the traveler and historian Pausanias, that is the location where the bones of Leonidas were transported and interred.

Though there is no further indication of who is buried in the structure, it is abundantly clear that the peoples of antiquity firmly believed that it was where the hero of Thermopylae was buried and so do modern ones!

Explore the Archaeological site of Mystras

Mystras was a Byzantine castle town that was built in the 11 century CE. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important medieval sites of Greece. Mystras was also called “the wonder of Morea” and was very prominent and important to Byzantine emperors at the time.

It is located 5 km from the center of Sparta and is the closest you can get to a time machine back to that glorious historical era. Walk through the streets of Mystras and visit the gorgeous Palace of the Despots, take in the stunning views, and enjoy the parts of town that have been reconstructed and are currently in use.

There is a little village of Mystras with a lot of refurbished and renovated traditional castle mansions and buildings you can stay in near the archaeological site. While in Mystras, enjoy its Byzantine churches with beautiful frescoes, the monastery of Panagia, and more. Tickets are 12 euros and 6 euros for the reduced one.

Visit the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil

The Peloponnese and especially the valleys with olive tree groves in Laconia and Kalamata are associated with some of the world’s best quality olive oil. There are several varieties of Olive Oil that enjoy international acclaim and awards that are made in these regions. And it’s not surprising, as the olive, the olive tree, and olive oil are intimately intertwined with the Greek heritage and culture, especially in the Peloponnese.

This powerful connection that yields what is called Greece’s “liquid gold” is what is celebrated in the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil. The museum itself is surprisingly fascinating, with a large variety of exhibits and demonstrations.

You will get to see fossilized olive trees more than 50,000 years old, the first archaeological evidence of the olive tree’s cultivation and significance in neolithic times, and how the olive tree became central in the development of Greek mythology, heritage, customs, and identity.

You will also be treated to different displays of how olive oil is made through the ages, from the prehistoric olive presses to the modern ones!

Visit the House of Mosaics

At the junction of Dioskourou and Palaiologou streets in Sparta, you will find the House of Mosaics. It’s a modern, neoclassical-inspired building that houses two of the most gorgeous mosaics discovered in Roman buildings in the area, during 19th-century excavations. You will see the mosaic floors showcased individually within.

One is the Rapture of Europa mosaic and the other is Orpheus Charming Animals with his music. The mosaics date from the 3rd and 4th centuries CE. Admission is free!

Make your own mosaic

Invest three hours from your vacation to make a unique souvenir as you acquire the basics of one of the most ancient art mediums- mosaics! In the center of Sparta, there takes place the one-day workshop on Mosaic Art .

You will be provided with all the tools and stones necessary to create your own stone mosaic, as you learn the ancient techniques, including how to tint and glue your pebbles (the tesserae) together.

Once you’re done, you’ll be offered a treat and will walk away with the art you created and all that you learned delivered to your email inbox! The lesson is taught in English and takes place in a beautiful garden to serve as further inspiration.

Try the local beer

Sparta is also recently known for its quality local beer! Sparta Beer by Lakoniki Brewery is a microbrewery beer that produces Lager and American Pale Ale varieties. They are made with water from the springs of Mt. Taygetos and locally grown malts.

Both versions have a rich color and powerful flavor with a slightly bitter aftertaste that singles them out from other Greek labels. Ask for it whenever you sit down for a meal or a refreshment!

Visit a fish farm

It’s worth driving 20 minutes from Sparta to Kastori in Laconia, for a unique treat! Visit the fish farm G-Fish, where you can get a tour of how salmon and trout are raised before tasting the delectable, unique products of the farm, such as fresh salmon, smoked trout and salmon, top-quality caviar, and more!

Enjoy the gorgeous view of Taygetos’ river, and Aghios Mammas, and walk the picturesque paths of Kastori village. Return home with some of the finest quality fish and caviar products you will ever taste.

Go hiking at Mt. Taygetos

Mt. Taygetos is the tallest mountain of the Peloponnese and one of the most impressive, imposing, and picturesque ones in Greece. It is perfect for those who love hiking and going along gorgeous trails with stunning views and surprising vistas, and those who love adventure and challenge. Many of the trails you will be guided to are ancient ones, used by the ancient Spartans themselves as they imposed their rule in all of Messinia.

There are many peaks and many trails, which offer a wide variety of difficulty trails and lengths. You can go on trails that last less than an hour or more than a day! It all depends on you. There are experienced guides to prepare you and guide you to the Taygetos refuge, various beautiful springs, and the gorgeous chapel of Profitis Elias (Prophet Elias) no matter what your skill in hiking and backpacking.

If you are especially adventurous, you can also go climbing! Just make sure you do your research, book your place in various hiking teams, or get assigned a guide, and you’re all set!

The traditional dishes of Sparta and Laconia will bring a smile to your face just by smelling their aroma. Made with local products and with recipes that were defined and refined by Sparta’s unique history through the ages, you are in for one of the tastiest culinary journeys available. While there are many dishes to enjoy, here are a few to start with in any tavern:

Syglino : This is a unique, fragrant cured meat that originates from Mani. It is made with pork packed tightly with salt and a vast array of aromatic local herbs. It is then smoked over fragrant wood to give it its distinctive aroma and taste. You will find it in many traditional recipes where it adds that extra boost to every bite.

Maniatiki salad : This salad from Messinia is different from what you might expect! It is made with boiled potatoes, hardboiled eggs, oranges, olives, fresh onions, and aromatic herbs. On many occasions, you will also find chopped-up syglino. The salad is drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. The balance of tastes is perfect, with the richness of the potato and the egg evened out with the oranges and onions.

Sausage with orange : This type of sausage is characterized by the tiny pieces of orange found within the pork-cured meat it is made of. There are also many herbs included, making for an extremely tasty sausage you can have on its own over the grill or fried in oil and doused with lemon. You will also find it in many local dishes.

Pitaroudes : These are local thin pies, filled with herbs and spinach or other greens and vegetables. They are crispy and filling an excellent snack or breakfast food.

Bouzopoula : This is a piglet that has been cooked in the oven for several hours, with crispy, tasty skin and fragrant, tender meat that melts in the mouth.

Where to stay in Sparta

While there are many options for accommodation in Sparta, if you’re looking to pamper yourself and get the full experience of Messinian luxury, then you should opt for the 5-Star Mystras Grand Palace.

Situated between Mystras and Sparta, at the perfect location for quick access to all the sightseeing you will want to do, this hotel is a retreat in Sparta’s medieval heritage. Suites are built in the castle town style and furnished traditionally but with full modern amenities and services.

There are also assorted spa services such as a beauty center and a sauna and jacuzzi spa center. There are also high-quality bars and restaurants on-site, and the gorgeous environment of the Laconian Valley and orchards for you to enjoy.

Where to eat in Sparta

While it’s part of the adventure to discover the various tavernas and restaurants in Sparta and the surrounding areas, here are a couple of excellent places to eat and start your food adventure:

Tsipouradiko To 50 : This is a restaurant in Sparta with a gorgeously traditional environment. Stepping inside feels like traveling back in time in Greece during the 50s or the 60s. There is also a gorgeous garden to relax in as you enjoy 50’s amazing food.

Every dish is made with local fresh produce and the recipes span from the timeless traditional dishes to new iterations and new flavors. It’s indicative that the place is popular with the locals too, and people from all over Greece make sure to stop here to eat if they’re passing through Sparta.

Ktima Skreka : Ktima Skreka has been around since 1935 and it shows in its gorgeous setting and its family-run heritage. This is a taverna that has been thriving under the direction of three generations of the same family.

Here you will find all the traditional, slow-cooked dishes with incredible flavors and love, and history that make them unforgettable. The produce is homegrown at Stima Skreka’s own field, and there are high-quality products you can buy if you give them a heads up.

Sharing is caring!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Must-see attractions in Sparta

Museum of the Olive & Greek Olive Oil

This beautifully designed museum initiates you into the mysteries of the olive from its initial appearance in the Mediterranean in 60,000 BC to the…

Ancient Sparta

Though few buildings are standing that date back to the height of Sparta's greatness, it's an atmospheric stroll around this hillside, where the acropolis…

King Leonidas Statue

The King Leonidas statue stands belligerently in front of a football stadium. When the Persians attacked at Thermopylae and told the Spartans and their…

Archaeological Museum

In a park, this likeable old-style archaeological museum hosts artefacts from Sparta’s illustrious past. Look for the votive sickles of the kind that…

Koumantarios Gallery of Sparta

Part of the National Art Gallery, the quaint Koumantarios holds a rotating permanent collection plus wonderful temporary exhibitions. It's definitely…

More destinations you need to see

Ancient Sparta

Sparta was a prominent city-state in ancient Greece famous for its powerful military. Throughout ancient Sparta a prominent militaristic culture pervaded with citizens’ lives centred around war.

2 Mar 20 · 4 mins read

The History and Culture of Ancient Sparta

By Marco Stojanovik

Sparta was a prominent city-state in ancient Greece famous for its powerful military. Throughout ancient Sparta a prominent militaristic culture pervaded with citizens’ lives centred around war. Its military prowess allowed the city-state to grow to a dominant land-power around 650 BCE entering a legendary period of hegemony peaking with its defeat of Athens in the Peloponnesian War (431 – 404 BCE).

This article is to assist you in your Greece visit and tour of Sparta. It explores Sparta’s militaristic history and culture from its beginnings as an ancient Dorian Greek State, through its rise to hegemony in the Peloponnese and Southern Greece, to its decline and eventual incorporation into the Achaean League under the Roman Republic in 146 BCE.

The Beginning of Spartan History

The original founders of the city of Sparta were the Dorians who invaded the area from the north to become the dominant ethnicity in the Peloponnese after the fall of the Mycenean civilisation around 1100 BCE. Archaeological evidence suggests that ancient Sparta began to be built sometime around 950-900 BCE as surrounding Dorian tribes merged together.

A strong military tradition developed as Sparta expanded its rule over the region called Laconia by 800 BCE due to a need to secure land and resources to keep animals. In the late 8th century BCE the Spartans marched into the rich plains of Messenia for more territory and after 20 years of war successfully conquered the region more than doubling their amount of land.

The Messenians were ruthlessly oppressed reduced to the class of helots – agricultural slave labourers on Spartan-owned estates. In 685 BCE the helots rose in revolt but were eventually subdued after 17 years of brutal fighting.

Military Prowess

The Messenian Wars had greatly militarised the Spartans who then went to great extremes to ensure the helots wouldn’t rise again. The Spartans would devote their entire life to warfare . Arts, philosophy, and literature were neglected as a culture developed centred on loyalty to the state and military service.

At age 7 Spartan boys would leave their family to enter a rigorous state education, military training and socialization system that emphasised duty, courage, and discipline. Schooling continued until age 20, when a Spartan graduated into military service where he would stay until retirement at age 60. The Spartan’s entire purpose in life was war as a professionalised soldier. Although not soldiers, Spartan women were educated in the same austere virtues with their mission to grow strong sons for the city of Sparta and its army. All agriculture and other duties were left to their helots.

Establishing Hegemony

Following the Messenian Wars Sparta had become the largest and most powerful city-state in the Peloponnese with only Argos rivaling their political and military hegemony. It would then go on to establish ultimate hegemony and broaden its horizons by forming the Peloponnesian League (c. 505 – 365 BCE) eventually consisting of all Peloponnesian states except Argos and Achaea. All members swore to ally with Sparta against its enemies and provide the Spartan army with troops during times of war. In return they received the protection of all of Spartan’s powerful army – the professional and formidable soldiers probably the best and most feared in Greece.

They fought with distinction during the Persian Wars playing important roles in key battles at Thermopylae and Platea to allow a victory for the Greek city-states over the Achaemenid Empire . During these wars Sparta’s leading position was acknowledged by all.

The city-state’s hegemony then extended over Southern Greece after defeating its rival Athens in the Peloponnesian War (431 – 404 BCE). Although the Spartans were losing in the early stages of war, with the offer of Persian help they were able to destroy the Athenian fleet in 405 BCE sieging Athens. Starvation and disease spread within the walls of the city forcing the Athenians to surrender in 404 BCE. The city was subsumed by the Spartan system.

Decline of the Spartans

Sparta’s supremacy did not last long . Involvement in Persian civil wars and the subsequent occupation of the Theban citadel, Cadmea, overextended their power. In 371 BCE they suffered a disastrous defeat to the Thebans at the Battle of Leuctra , followed by a crushing defeat in their homeland again to the Theban army in 369 BCE. The Messenian Helots were set free and all Spartan men now had to take care of their farmlands with less time for military training.

Sparta gradually declined over the next century to a second-rate power. When the Romans conquered Greece in the 2nd century BCE, Sparta was absorbed into the Achaean League . A long period of further decline followed, especially in the middle Ages, when many Spartans moved to Mystras. The city’s history of glory and military supremacy would never be repeated.

Articles on Greece published by Odyssey Traveller.

• Questions About Greece
• Dawn of Greek Civilisation
• Exploring Ancient Cities
• Greek Islands & Cyprus
• Bronze Age Civilisations of the Eastern Mediterranean Islands
• Creating Athens

External articles to assist you on your visit to Greece.

• Sparta – History
• Ancient Spartan Culture
• Spartan System of Government
• Peloponnese Archaeological Tours
• Fortresses and Sanctuaries of the Peloponnese

Related Tours

Greece small group escorted history tour

Visiting Greece

Our 21 day s mall group tour explores the land of great philosophers , myths, and legends. We will learn about the culture and heritage of modern Greece whilst exploring and learning Athens, which only found independence in its uprising from the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century.

From A$12,250 AUD

Join 22,383 like-minded travellers receiving our weekly newsletter.

Spárti (Sparta) and around

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• the-peloponnese
• sparti-sparta-and-around
• Travel guide
• Itineraries
• Local Experts
• Travel Advice
• Accommodation

The central core of the Peloponnese is the luxuriantly spreading Mount Ménalo; but due south, in the Lakonian Evrótas valley, are Spárti and its Byzantine companion, Mystra, both overlooked and sheltered from the west by the massive and astonishing wall of the Taïyetos mountain ridge. Spárti had a big role in the development of ancient Greece, while Mystra, arrayed in splendour on its own hillside, is one of the country’s most compelling historical sites.

A Spartan upbringing

Tailor-made travel itineraries for greece, created by local experts.

10 days  / from 2657 USD

The Historical and Mythological Cyclades islands

The Cyclades islands include two of the most famous Greek Islands: Mykonos and Santorini. Visit these and some of the smaller, quieter, islands. With white washed houses, narrow cobbled streets, blue domed roofs and stunning beaches, they are what Greece is all about.

9 days  / from 2246 USD

A secluded villa stay on Mainland Greece

Stay in a secluded private villa with magnificent views to the sea and explore this beautiful corner of Mainland Greece with your own rental car. Under the impressive Mt Taygetos in Southern Peloponnese, the region of Mani will give you a snapshot of authentic Greece.

10 days  / from 2030 USD

Along the Coast of Crete: from Heraklion to Platanias

As Greece's largest island, Crete's culture and atmosphere is distinctly different from mainland Greece. Thousands of years of unique culture and rich history complement the island's untamed natural beauty. Explore Crete at your own pace with this unique self-drive trip!

Tailor-made trips for   Greece

As the blood-spattered 2007 film 300 would seem to confirm, the famously tough Spartans can still stir the imagination. In part this stems from their legendary upbringing. Under a system known as the agoge, Spartan boys were rigorously trained by the state to develop physical toughness, loyalty and cunning. Babies judged unlikely to make the grade were left exposed on the slopes of Mount Taïyetos. Other boys were taken from their families at the age of seven to live in barracks. They were habitually underfed, so that they would learn to live off the land. At the age of twelve, they were required to form a sexual bond with a young Spartan soldier, who would act as their mentor. At eighteen, they would become provisional members of the army until the age of thirty, when it would finally be decided if they were worthy of Spartan citizenship. At this point they were expected to marry and produce offspring. The system was much admired in the ancient world, and boys from other city-states were sometimes sent here for their education.

Despite lying on the site of the ancient city-state of Sparta, modern SPÁRTI, capital of Lakónia, has few ancient ruins, and is today merely the organizational centre of a huge agricultural plain. Spárti’s limited appeal is its very ordinariness – its pedestrianized side streets, café-lined squares, orange trees and evening vólta. The reason for coming here is basically to see Mystra, the Byzantine town, 5km to the west, which once controlled great swaths of the medieval world.

Brief history

Commanding the Lakonian plain and fertile Evrótas valley from a series of low hills just west of the river, ancient Sparta was at the height of its power from the eighth to the fourth century BC, a period when its society was structured according to extremely harsh laws (see A Spartan upbringing). The ancient “capital” occupied more or less the site of today’s town, though it was in fact less a city than a grouping of villages. Lykurgos, architect of the warlike Spartan constitution and society, declared that “it is men not walls that make a city”.

The Spartans famously defeated Athens in the Peloponnesian War between 431 and 421 BC and later established colonies around the Greek world. They eventually lost hegemony through defeat to Thebes. A second period of prosperity came under the Romans – for whom this was an outpost in the south of Greece, with the Máni never properly subdued. However, from the third century AD, Sparta declined, as nearby Mystra became the focus of Byzantine interest.

The annual September Spartathlon, a 246km run from Athens to Spárti, commemorates the messenger Pheidippides who ran the same route in 490 BC: the current course record is 20 hours and 25 minutes.

Ancient sites

There are a few ruins to be seen to the north of the city. From the bold Statue of Leonidas, hero of Thermopylae, at the top of Paleológou, follow the track around and behind the modern stadium towards the old Acropolis, tallest of the Spartan hills. An immense theatre here, built into the side of the hill, can be quite clearly traced, even though today most of its masonry has gone – hurriedly adapted for fortification when the Spartans’ power declined and, later still, recycled for the building of Byzantine Mystra. Above the theatre a sign marks a fragment of the Temple of Athina Halkiakou, while at the top of the acropolis sit the knee-high ruins of the tenth-century Byzantine church and monastery of Ósios Níkon.

Out on the Trípoli road (Odhós-ton-118, just past the junction with Orthias Artémidhos), a track leads to the remains of the sanctuary of Artemis Orthia. This was where Spartan boys underwent gruelling tests by flogging. The Roman geographer and travel writer Pausanias records that young men often perished under the lash, adding that the altar had to be splashed with blood before the goddess was satisfied. Being addicts of morbid blood sports, the Romans revived the custom here – the main ruins are of the spectators’ grandstand they built.

The archeological museum

All moveable artefacts and mosaics have been transferred to the town’s small archeological museum on Áyios Níkonos. Among its more interesting exhibits are a number of votive offerings found on the sanctuary site – sickles set in stone that were presented as prizes to the Spartan youths and solemnly rededicated to the goddess – and a fifth-century BC marble bust of a running Spartan hoplite, found on the acropolis and said to be Leonidas. There is a dramatic late sixth-century BC stele, with relief carvings on both sides, possibly of Menelaos with Helen and Agamemnon with Klytemnestra; the ends have carved snakes. There are fragments of Hellenistic and Roman mosaics, and numerous small lead figurines, clay masks and bronze idols from the Artemis Orthia site.

The Museum of the Olive

At the southwest corner of town is the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil, at Óthonos & Amalías 129, worth a visit for its informative displays covering the primordial history, uses and production technology of the olive.

MYSTRA is one of the most exciting and dramatic historic sites that the Peloponnese can offer – a glorious, airy place, hugging a very steep, 280m foothill of Taïyetos. Winding up the lushly vegetated hillside is a remarkably intact Byzantine town that once sheltered a population of some 20,000, and through which you can now wander. Winding alleys lead through monumental gates, past medieval houses and palaces and above all into the churches, several of which yield superb if faded frescoes. The overall effect is of straying into a massive unearthing of architecture, painting and sculpture – and into a different age with a dramatically different mentality.

In 1249, Guillaume II de Villehardouin, fourth Frankish prince of the Moreas, built a castle here – one of a trio of fortresses (the others at Monemvasiá and the Máni) designed to garrison his domain. The Franks, however, were driven out of Mystra by the Byzantines in 1262, and by the mid-fourteenth century this isolated triangle of land in the southeastern Peloponnese, encompassing the old Spartan territories, became the Despotate of Mystra. This was the last province of the Greek Byzantine empire and, with Constantinople in terminal decay, its virtual capital.

During the next two centuries, Mystra was the focus of a defiant rebirth of Byzantine power before eventual subjugation by the Turks in 1460, seven years after the fall of Constantinople. Mystra remained in Turkish hands until 1687 when it was captured, briefly, by the Venetians. Decline set in with a second stage of Turkish control, from 1715 onwards, culminating in the destruction that accompanied the War of Independence, the site being evacuated after fires in 1770 and 1825. Restoration begun in the first decades of the twentieth century was interrupted by the civil war – during which it was, for a while, a battle site – and renewed in earnest in the 1950s when the last inhabitants were relocated.

The Upper Town and Kástro

The Kástro, reached by a path direct from the upper gate, maintains the Frankish design of its original thirteenth-century construction. There is a walkway around most of the keep, with views of an intricate panorama of the town below. The castle itself was the court of Guillaume II de Villehardouin but in later years was used primarily as a citadel.

Following a course downhill from the Kástro, the first identifiable building you come to is the church of Ayía Sofía (1350). The chapel’s finest feature is its floor, made from polychrome marble. Its frescoes, notably a Pandokrátor (Christ in Majesty) and Nativity of the Virgin, have survived reasonably well, protected until recent years by coatings of whitewash applied by the Turks, who adapted the building as a mosque.

Palatáki and the Despot’s Palace

Heading down from Ayía Sofía, you have a choice of routes. The right fork winds past ruins of a Byzantine mansion, one of the oldest houses on the site, the Palatáki (“Small Palace”; 1250–1300), and Áyios Nikólaos, a large seventeenth-century building decorated with unsophisticated paintings. The left fork is more interesting, passing the fortified Náfplio Gate, which was the principal entrance to the upper town, and the vast, multistoreyed, Gothic-looking complex of the Despots’ Palace (1249–1400; closed at the time of writing, undergoing extensive rebuilding and restoration). Most prominent among its numerous rooms is a great vaulted audience hall, built at right angles to the line of the building; its ostentatious windows regally dominate the skyline, and it was once heated by eight great fireplaces. Flanking one side of a square, used by the Turks as a marketplace, are the remains of a mosque.

The Lower Town

At the Monemvasiá Gate, which links the upper and lower towns, there is a further choice of routes: right to the Pandánassa and Perivléptos monasteries or left to the Vrondohión monastery and cathedral, all very clearly signed. If time is running out, it is easier to head right first, then double back down to the Vrondohión.

Pandánassa convent

When excavations were resumed in 1952, the last thirty or so families who still lived in the lower town were moved out to Néos Mystrás. Only the nuns of the Pandánassa (“Queen of the World”) convent have remained; they have a reception room where they sell their own handicrafts and sometimes offer a cooling vyssinádha (cherryade) to visitors. The convent’s church, built in 1428, is perhaps the finest surviving in Mystra, perfectly proportioned in its blend of Byzantine and Gothic. The frescoes date from various centuries, with some superb fifteenth-century work, including one in the gallery that depicts scenes from the life of Christ. Other frescoes were painted between 1687 and 1715, when Mystra was held by the Venetians.

Perivléptos monastery

The diminutive Perivléptos monastery (1310), a single-domed church, partially carved out of the rock, contains Mystra’s most complete cycle of frescoes, almost all of which date from the fourteenth century. They are in some ways finer than those of the Pandánassa, blending an easy humanism with the spirituality of the Byzantine icon traditions. The position of each figure depended upon its sanctity, and so upon the dome the image of heaven is the Pandokrátor (the all-powerful Christ in glory after the Ascension); on the apse is the Virgin; and the higher expanses of wall portray scenes from the life of Christ. Prophets and saints could only appear on the lower walls, decreasing in importance according to their distance from the sanctuary.

Laskaris House

Along the path leading from Perivléptos to the lower gate are a couple of minor, much-restored churches, and, just above them, the Laskaris House, a mansion thought to have belonged to relatives of the emperors. Like the House of Frangopoulos, it is balconied; its ground floor probably served as stables. Close by, beside the path, is the old Marmara Turkish Fountain.

The Mitrópolis or cathedral, immediately beyond the gateway, is the oldest of Mystra’s churches, built between 1270 and 1292. A marble slab set in its floor is carved with the double-headed eagle of Byzantium, commemorating the 1448 coronation of Constantine XI Paleologos, the last Eastern emperor; he was soon to perish, with his empire, in the Turkish sacking of Constantinople in 1453. A stone with red stains is said to mark where Bishop Ananias Lambadheris was murdered in 1760. Of the church’s frescoes, the earliest, in the northeast aisle, depict the torture and burial of Áyios Dhimítrios, the saint to whom the church is dedicated. Opposite are frescoes illustrating the miracles of Christ and the life of the Virgin; more intimate and lighter of touch, they date from the last great years before Mystra’s fall. Adjacent to the cathedral, a small museum (included in main admission charge) contains various fragments of sculpture and pottery.

Vrondohión monastery

The Vrondohión monastery, a short way uphill, was the centre of cultural and intellectual life in the fifteenth-century town – the cells of the monastery can still be discerned – and was also the burial place of the despots. Of the two attached churches, the further one, Odhiyítria (Afendikó; 1310), has been beautifully restored, revealing startlingly bold, fourteenth-century frescoes similar to those of Perivléptos.

Néos Mystrás

This pleasant roadside community has a small square with several tavernas, crowded with tour buses by day but low-key at night, except at the end of August when the place buzzes with live music during the week-long annual paniyíri (fête).

The Mystra renaissance

Throughout the fourteenth century and the first decades of the fifteenth Mystra was the principal cultural and intellectual centre of the Byzantine world, attracting the finest Byzantine scholars and theologians and sponsoring a renaissance in the arts. Most notable of the court scholars was the humanist philosopher Gemisthus Plethon, who revived and reinterpreted Plato’s ideas, using them to support his own brand of revolutionary teachings, which included the assertions that land should be redistributed among labourers and that reason should be placed on a par with religion. Although his beliefs had limited impact in Mystra itself – whose monks excommunicated him – his followers, who taught in Italy after the fall of Mystra, exercised wide influence in Renaissance Florence and Rome.

More tangibly, Mystra also was home to the final flourish of Byzantine architecture, with the building of a magnificent palace for the despots and a perfect sequence of churches, multi-domed and brilliantly frescoed.

Discover more places in Greece

• Travel Guide Morocco
• Travel Guide Namibia
• Travel Guide South Africa
• Travel Guide China
• Travel Guide India
• Travel Guide Indonesia
• Travel Guide Japan
• Travel Guide Laos
• Travel Guide Malaysia
• Travel Guide Myanmar (Burma)
• Travel Guide Nepal
• Travel Guide Philippines
• Travel Guide Singapore
• Travel Guide South Korea
• Travel Guide Sri Lanka
• Travel Guide Taiwan
• Travel Guide Thailand
• Travel Guide Australia
• Travel Guide Fiji
• Travel Guide New Zealand
• Travel Guide Belize
• Costa Rica Travel Guide
• Travel Guide Cuba
• Travel Guide Guatemala
• Travel Guide Honduras
• Travel Guide Jamaica
• Travel Guide Nicaragua
• Travel Guide Panama
• Travel Guide Puerto Rico
• Travel Guide Trinidad and Tobago
• Travel Guide Albania
• Travel Guide Austria
• Travel Guide Belgium
• Travel Guide Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Travel Guide Bulgaria
• Travel Guide Cyprus
• Travel Guide Czechia (Czech Republic)
• Travel Guide Denmark
• Travel Guide England
• Travel Guide Estonia
• Travel Guide Finland
• Travel Guide France
• Travel Guide Germany
• Travel Guide Greece
• Travel Guide Hungary
• Iceland Travel Guide

The Rough Guides to Greece and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find even more inspiration here

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 27.04.2021

Ready to travel and discover Greece?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Travel advice

THE 10 BEST Sparta Tours & Excursions

Sparta tours.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Private Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Ancient Sparta Ancient Corinth Private Tour from Athens/ Nafplio

2. Sparta, Mystras & Limeni Traditional Village Private Day Tour

3. Full Day Private Tour to Monemvasia Medieval Fortress Town and Sparta

4. 2 Day Private Tour of Sparta, Mystras & Monemvasia - Overnight

5. Sparta private day tour from Athens lunch included

6. Ancient Sparta & Mystras Private Day Tour from Athens

7. One day mosaic workshops in the Southern Peloponnese

8. 5-Day Best of Peloponnese Private Tour: Nafplio/Olympia/Mycenae/Epidaurus/more

9. Climb Up Mountain Taygetos

10. Climb Up Mountain Taygetos 2 day

11. Best of Greece: 7-Day Tour to Real Greece of the Peloponnese, Delphi and Meteora

12. 8 Days Peloponnese: Sightseeing, Historical & Tasting Private Tour from Athens

13. BEST 7-Day CLASSICAL GREECE: Corinth Olympia Delphi Meteora more!

14. 4 Days Classical Private Tour/ Corinth,Mycenae,Nafplio,Sparta,Olympia,Delphi

15. 9 Day Private Tour Ancient Peloponnese and Meteora

16. 6 Day Private Tour Peloponnese & Meteora to Mythical Paths

17. Hydra Island & Mythical Full Peloponnese Private 9-Day Tour

18. WIne & Olive Oil Tasting in an Organic Farm in Laconia, Greece!

19. Sparta Full Day Tour

20. Sparta Tour

21. Full-Day Small-Group Hiking and Cycling Tour from Taygetos to Sparti

22. 4 Days Private Tour: Argolida – Olympia & Sparta

23. 5 Days Private Ancient Cities Tour of Greece from Athens

24. 3-Day Private Peloponnese Tour from Athens to the medieval city of Monemvasia

25. 2 Days Private Tour: Sparta - Mystras - Mycenae - Epidaurus & Corinth

26. 2 Day Tour To The Best Places Of Peloponnese

27. Greece cultural tour 12 days from Athens; Greece mainland UNESCO places.

28. Argolis-Sparta-Monemvasia-Olympia-Delphi & Meteora Six Day Tour

29. Glorious Sparta & Mystras Private Sightseeing

30. Full-Day Hiking Mount Taygetos Summit with Picnic

What travelers are saying.

• Ancient Sparta Ancient Corinth Private Tour from Athens/ Nafplio
• Sparta private day tour from Athens lunch included
• Full Day Private Tour to Monemvasia Medieval Fortress Town and Sparta
• Ancient Sparta & Mystras Private Day Tour from Athens
• Sparta - Bred for Battle! The legendary period!
• Laconia Travel
• Spartans Legacy (Peloponnese)
• Spartan Routes - Tours by a local
• Embracing Our Monuments in Sparta
• Sparta Beer

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Greece Travel Guide

Last Updated: March 12, 2024

It’s also super affordable.

You can travel around Greece for a fraction of what you’d spend in Western Europe, which is just one of the many reasons why I absolutely love visiting Greece.

I’ve been to Greece four times and have spent months exploring this country. I cannot say enough good things about it.

Visiting Greece is always the highlight of my summer European travels. There’s just something magical about this country. There’s an energy in the air and you can’t help but think, “Maybe I should never leave?” It sucks you in.

And, while the Greek islands get the most attention, the interior of the country — with its small towns, historic ruins, and mountain hikes — is too often overlooked and underappreciated.

So, while you may have a strong desire to stick to the islands, try to get to some of the places in the interior if you can. You won’t regret it.

This Greece travel guide combines all my knowledge and experience to help you plan an epic, affordable trip!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Greece

Click Here for Island and City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in greece.

1. Visit the Acropolis

Located in Athens , this magnificent hilltop complex from the 5th century BCE includes ancient buildings and ruins like the temple to Athena and the famous Parthenon. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is an excellent place to learn about the city’s history. You’ll also get to enjoy an expansive view of the skyline and the nearby ruins. During the summer, it’s swarming with tourists so get there early. Admission is 20 EUR, or for 30 EUR you can get a 5-day combined ticket that includes many other archaeological sites in Athens. For a guided tour, Athens Walking Tours runs guided tours for around 50 EUR (including admission) that skip the line.

2. Discover historic Crete

Crete has a long, long history. It was once home to the ancient Minoan civilization (which predated Greek civilization), and you can still visit the Bronze Age ruins of Knossos, the ancient capital of the Minoan empire (also considered the oldest city in Europe). The island is the largest in all of Greece and has beautiful beaches (including a beach with pink sand), plentiful hiking, quaint towns, and delicious food and wine. It’s affordable and because of the island’s size, you can still escape the summer crowds. Don’t skip this island!

3. Hike up Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus is the legendary home of the Greek gods. Any climb to Mount Olympus starts from the town of Litochoro, 150 kilometers (93 miles) south of Thessaloniki. At 2,917 meters (9,570 feet) high, it’s the tallest mountain in Greece. The hike up is both strenuous and mystical. As you climb, it becomes abundantly clear why Greeks thought it was this mountain from which the gods ruled!

4. See Meteora’s monasteries

Meteora is famous for its monasteries that sit atop sheer rock mountains . They are a stunning sight to see and worth the steep trek up to the top. The monasteries date back to the 9th-10th centuries when Orthodox Christian hermit monks isolated themselves on the cliffs and in the many caves in the area. In the 12th century, the monastic community became more organized and in the 14th century the Great Meteoron Monastery was constructed (one of the ones that you can visit today). Although more than twenty monasteries used to perch on these sandstone cliffs, only six remain today. They are still active, with around 50 nuns and 17 monks living here. It’s a 3 EUR entrance fee per monastery.

5. Explore the islands

Other things to see and do in greece, 1. learn some history.

Greece is where western civilization began and everywhere you turn you’ll find ruins that are thousands of years old. Start in Athens with the museums, the Acropolis and surrounding ruins in the Agora, and then set off to explore the ruins of Delphi, Sparta , Corinth, and Crete . There are also great archaeological museums everywhere to see artifacts up close and learn even more. This country is a history lover’s dream!

2. Explore Sparta

Sparta was the ancient rival of Athens and known for its fierce warriors (the entertaining but historically-inaccurate film 300 was based on the Spartans). The city has a long history and plenty of ruins to explore. There is no shortage of things to do , museums to visit, excursions to take, and places to eat when you visit the city. It’s an often-overlooked city even though it’s only a 2.5-hour drive southwest of Athens. It’s a great place to learn some history without the crowds.

3. Attend the Athens Epidaurus Festival

Every summer, the Athens Epidaurus Festival hosts concerts and performance theater, including reenactments of famous Greek plays. Started in 1955, it’s one of the country’s top cultural events and runs for the whole summer (May-October). If it coincides with your visit, you’ll see just how proud the Greeks are of their past. Tickets for each performance cost as little as 10 EUR.

4. Soak up the sun in Corfu

The Cyclades Islands may get all the press but sunny Corfu on Greece’s west coast is also a good place to enjoy the beach too. It’s a popular destination for young backpackers, but once you get out of the main town, you can avoid them and their partying ways and get the island to yourself! There are plenty of quiet beaches, ancient ruins, and beautiful villages to explore. You’re just a stone’s throw away from Albania too.

5. Explore the Delphi Ruins

Delphi was a place of spiritual significance to the ancient Greeks. Located around 2.5 hours northwest of Athens, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is where the omniscient Oracle would contact the god Apollo and give his advice to those seeking good fortune. Although the eternal flame no longer burns inside the temple, a visit to the Temple of Apollo is obligatory if you’re nearby. Admission is 12 EUR and includes entry to the museum as well as the archaeological site itself (which includes far more than just the Temple of Apollo).

6. Explore Melissani Cave

This otherworldly cave grotto can be accessed by a short yet postcard-worthy boat tour. Located on the island of Kefalonia on the western side of Greece, here you can admire the seemingly magical ultramarine waters and the monumental walls that envelope you as you make your way through this hidden underground landscape. Admission is 8 EUR and includes the boat ride.

7. Hike the Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge in beautiful Crete is one of Greece’s National Parks and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is considered one of the best hikes in Greece. While it isn’t the shortest or easiest trek (it’s 16 kilometers/10 miles), the gorge does promise beautiful landscapes, fantastic photo opportunities, and a great workout. Make sure you bring water, sunscreen, and a hat as the heat can be overwhelming. The views are worth it though!

8. Experience the Patras Carnival

Every year in mid-January, the city of Patras (located 2.5 hours west of Athens) hosts what is basically a month-and-a-half-long party that starts on January 17th and runs to the beginning of Lent. There’s a slew of events both major and minor, increasingly crazy weekends, treasure hunts, and various costume parades (which even feature floats). It’s a lively time and as the largest such festival in Greece, attracting tons of revelers. If you want to attend, it’s a good idea to make hotel reservations well in advance as things fill up.

9. Tour the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

The number one attraction in Crete , this museum also happens to be Greece’s second-largest archaeological museum (the museum in Athens is the largest). There is a stunning collection here that highlights the Cretan civilization (dating back from Neolithic times through to the Roman empire), with ancient pottery, jewelry, sarcophagi, colorful frescoes from Knossos, and more. Its Minoan collection is the most extensive in the world. You could easily spend hours here — especially if you love history like me. Admission is 12 EUR in the summer and 6 EUR in the winter.

10. Party on Ios

Ios has the wildest nightlife out of all the Greek islands. It is the summer party island where days are spent hungover on the beach and the nights are spent eating cheap food and drinking. If you don’t want to do that but still want to see Ios, it’s best to go to the eastern part of the island where it’s quieter. Don’t let Ios’ party reputation deter you from visiting though, it’s a beautiful, rugged island (and home to the grave of Homer, who wrote The Iliad and The Odyssey). It’s only busy from June-August so you can visit in the shoulder season to escape the party crowd.

11. Visit Thessaloniki

With more than 1 million inhabitants, Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city after Athens. Although it dates back to 315 BCE, a lot of the city was destroyed by fire in 1917 and then by bombing during World War II. The result is a combination of more modern European city urban planning alongside Early Christian, Roman, and Byzantine monuments. In fact, Thessaloniki has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites (15!) than any other city in Europe. Be sure to visit the White Tower, the Rotunda, the Arch of Galerius, and Galerius Palace as well as the many churches (such as the Hagia Sofia and Hagios Demetrios). There are also several great museums here, including the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Byzantine Culture, the Jewish Museum, and the Olympic Museum.

12. Go to Zakynthos

Just south of Kefalonia in the Ionian Sea is Zakynthos , one of Greece’s most popular islands. With its soft, sandy beaches and charming villages, it’s easy to see why this island is a fan favorite. It can be busy, particularly in the summer, so head away from the main tourist area (go north, west or inland) or visit in the off-season to escape the crowds. Zakynthos is also a breeding area for loggerhead turtles and you can see them on Lagana Beach or on Turtle Island but take care to do so responsibly. Other activities include seeing the Blue Caves, Marathonisi Islet, and Shipwreck Beach (you’ll need to take a boat tour to get there). There are also tons of churches, monasteries, and ruins to check out too.

13. Visit Monemvasia

Monemvasia is a medieval castle town in Laconia, around 90 kilometers (56 miles) southeast of Sparta . It’s a spectacular island to visit as it is built into the side of a huge rock! Monemvasia’s a quiet town perfect for relaxing on the beach before dining under the stars at seaside taverns or on cobbled streets in the town. If you’re into hiking, there are some trails that will take you past chapels and settlements up to hilltops to admire the view or down to secluded beaches.

14. Explore Ioannina

Next to Lake Pamvotida in northwestern Greece, Ioannina is a castle town that is bursting with museums. Don’t miss the Byzantine Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, the Archaeological Museum, and the Silversmithing Museum (the area is well-known for its beautiful jewelry). Head to the castle at sunset for a peaceful end to your day. You can use the town as a base for exploring the nearby Pindus National Park, the Tzoumerka mountain chain, the Cave of Perama, and the Byzantine town of Arta as well. You won’t need more than a couple of days here but it is well worth stopping if you are passing through.

15. Go wine tasting

While Greece isn’t as internationally renowned for wine as other European countries such as France or Spain, it should be. The Greek wine-making tradition goes back at least 6,500 years and is still going strong. Wine regions are spread across the country, but Crete has one of the oldest wine-making traditions (and over 30 wineries to visit around the island), while the wineries of Santorini make for an interesting tour due to the way that grape vines must be grown here (to protect against harsh winds). Wine tours generally are around 85-125 EUR for a full-day tour.

16. Take a cooking class

Greek food is legendary. If you’re a foodie like me and want to learn more about the cuisine and culture behind it, try a cooking class . Bring a taste of your trip home by learning how to make some traditional recipes (including favorites like tzatziki and moussaka) while learning about the importance of each dish directly from a local chef. Cooking classes generally last 3-4 hours and cost 90-120 EUR.

17. Take a boat tour

A boat tour is one of the best ways to see the islands, especially as some beaches are only accessible by water. Most tours also have stops for snorkeling and lounging on the beach, and many include drinks and lunch. Half-day tours start at 50 EUR, while full-day tours are around 100 EUR.

18. Go diving

Diving has become increasingly popular in the Greek Islands. On Mykonos , Paradise Reef has a large variety of marine life, including sponges, barracuda, octopus, and starfish. Ios is popular with beginners due to its crystal-clear waters and relatively calm waves. On the other hand, Santorini has less marine life but tons of shipwrecks. Shore dives are generally 40-50 EUR, while a two-tank dive on a boat is 90-120 EUR. You can also take a beginner discovery course for 55 EUR or a variety of PADI courses starting at 280 EUR.

19. Tour an olive oil farm

  For more information on specific destinations in Greece, check out these guides:

• Athens Travel Guide
• Corfu Travel Guide
• Crete Travel Guide
• Ios Travel Guide
• Mykonos Travel Guide
• Naxos Travel Guide
• Santorini Travel Guide
• Sparta Travel Guide

Greece Travel Costs

A room in a budget hotel that sleeps two can be found for 40-60 EUR (expect much higher prices — up to 50% higher — during the summer). Amenities at these hotels typically include free Wi-Fi, TV, a private bathroom, AC, and sometimes breakfast as well.

On Airbnb, you can find private rooms for 25-45 EUR in many cities and entire homes (including studio apartments) start at around 70 EUR per night.

Food – Greece is known for its food. Think seasonal vegetables (like olives), seafood, grilled meats, bread, feta cheese, and yogurt — all the staples of a fresh Mediterranean diet. To eat cheap, stick with eating gyros, souvlaki, and kebabs. These cost 2-5 EUR and easily fill you up. If you’re on a budget, you can live off these for as little as 10 EUR per day.

At a casual restaurant that serves traditional cuisine, expect to pay around 8-12 EUR for a main dish like moussaka and about 2-4 EUR for a glass of wine. A Greek salad costs between 6-8 EUR. Fish is more expensive, costing around 17-22 EUR for the catch-of-the-day.

Most restaurants charge for bread. The price is between .50-1.50 EUR. A bottle of water is about 2 EUR.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 7 EUR for a combo meal. A large pizza costs 8-10 EUR while Indian/Middle Eastern/Chinese food can be found for around 6 EUR for a main dish.

If you’re going out for dinner at a traditional taverna, expect to spend between 12-20 EUR depending on how much food you get. After that, the prices go up depending on how fancy the restaurant is!

Beer is 2-4 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is 3-4 EUR. Bottled water from the supermarket is 0.50 EUR.

If you cook your meals, expect to pay 30-50 EUR per week for groceries including pasta, vegetables, chicken, and other basic staples. It’s easy to eat on the cheap in Greece.

Backpacking Greece Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Greece, my suggested budget is 40-60 EUR per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel, eating cheap food, cooking some of your meals, doing only free activities like hiking and relaxing on the beach, limiting your drinking, and using local transportation to get around. If you’re visiting the Greek islands or traveling during peak season, expect to spend on the higher amount of that. If you plan on drinking, add 5-15 EUR per day to your budget.

On a mid-range budget of 100-130 EUR per day, you can visit some museums and ruins, stay at a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out more, enjoy some drinks, take the occasional taxi, and rent a bike or scooter to get around.

If you keep your drinking and costly activities down, you can easily do this closer to 100 EUR per day. On the other hand, if you’re staying on one of the more expensive islands like Mykonos or Santorini and drinking a lot, expect to spend closer to 150-180 EUR.

On a “luxury” budget of 235 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink as much as you want, do paid tours and more expensive activities (like diving), rent a car to get around, and generally enjoy the finer things in life! This is just the ground floor for luxury though. Expect to pay upwards of 50 EUR more per day on the islands.

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Greece Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Greece is affordable. Sure, islands like Santorini and Mykonos are expensive but, for the most part, if you are “keeping it local” you aren’t going to spend a lot of money here. Here are my favorite ways to save money when you travel to Greece:

• Use the Greek salad/bread rule – If the bread cover is .50 EUR or a Greek salad is less than 7 EUR, the restaurant is cheap. If the cover is around 1 EUR and a salad is 7-8.50 EUR, the prices are average. Anything more than that and the place is expensive. use this rule to figure out how to eat at cheap restaurants.
• Eat super cheap – Gyros and other street snacks only cost a few euros and can keep you full for 10 EUR per day if you’re on a tight budget.
• Rent a moped – It’s cheaper than a car and a fun way to see the various towns and cities — especially on the islands. You can usually rent a moped for around 15 EUR per day. Just drive carefully as Greek drivers tend to be aggressive.
• Get off the beaten path – Greece is a cheap country and even cheaper when you get away from the touristy islands or popular destinations. Head off the beaten path and you usually see prices drop by 30% or more.
• Book overnight ferries – Greece’s inter-island ferries can get expensive if you are visiting a lot of islands. Taking the overnight ferries can save you up to half off the normal price. Plus, it saves you a night of accommodation. Moreover, if you book the ferries around two months in advance, you can save up to 25% off the cost of your ticket.
• Get a ferry pass – Eurail has a ferry pass that has 4- and 6-trip options. The only caveat is that you can only take Blue Star and Hellenic Seaways ferries. Those tend to be the larger, slower ferries and, depending on the islands, might require you to connect somewhere. You’ll need to research routes in advance to see if the pass is worth it. I would search routes on FerryHopper to see if it works for you. You can purchase your pass on Eurail (non-EU residents) or Interrail (EU residents).
• Take public transportation – Buses, while sometimes running on inconvenient schedules, are the best way to get around Greece. Taxis are very expensive so minimize their use whenever you can and stick with the buses.
• Visit in the off-season – July and August are the most expensive months, so skip the middle of summer if you’re on a budget. Prices will be significantly cheaper.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is a great way to get a free place to stay and meet locals. There are a ton of hosts throughout the country (I stayed with one in Athens) and it’s my favorite way to get to know the “real” Greece.
• Buy wine at the store – You can buy a great bottle of wine for around 4 EUR at the store. It’s a lot cheaper than drinking at the bar.
• Have an ISIC Card – To save on the cost of admission to museums and other tourist attractions, be sure to present a valid student card. The ISIC is typically accepted in places where a foreign student ID is not.
• Go to museums on their free admission days – Most museums have some days when admission is free. Check the Odysseus Culture website for details as they vary from museum to museum.
• Get combined tickets – Historical attractions in Greece are often priced so that it’s always a better deal to buy a combined ticket. If the sites you are going to offer one, buy it. It will save you money.
• Use points if you can – If you have points that can be used for cash, using them to book accommodation can save you a ton of money. This post has more information on how to start collecting and using points and miles
• Rent a car – Car rentals can be incredibly cheap in Greece. Prices start at just 20 EUR per day when booked in advance. Drivers need to be at least 21 and have had their license for one year. An International Driving Permit is also required.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is generally safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Greece

Greece has something for everything and you can often find small family-run operations on the islands. It’s not hard to even find budget accommodations with nice extra like pools either! Here are my suggested places to stay in Greece:

• Selina (Athens)
• Athens Hawks Hostel (Athens)
• BedBox (Athens)
• Athens Hub (Athens)
• Studio Eleni (Mykonos)
• Caveland (Santorini)
• Fira’s Backpacker Place (Santorini)
• Bedspot Hostel (Santorini)
• Asterolithos Hotel (Santorini)
• Youth Hostel Plakias (Crete)
• Rethymno Youth Hostel (Crete)
• Cocoon City (Crete)
• Intra Muros (Crete)
• The Pink Palace (Corfu)
• Angelica’s Backpacker’s Hostel (Corfu)
• Francesco’s (Ios)
• FarOut Beach Club (Ios)
• FarOut Camping (Ios)
• Castle View Camping and Bungalows (Sparta)
• Lakonia Hotel (Sparta)

How to Get Around Greece

Buses – KTEL is the main bus operator in Greece. You can look up schedules and prices online, but their website is pretty outdated and you’re better off booking tickets at the actual bus station. Getting from Athens to Sparta takes around 3.5 hours and costs around 20 EUR, while Athens to Thessaloniki takes around 5.5 hours and costs around 35 EUR. Thessaloniki to Ioannina takes 3.5 hours and is just 13 EUR.

Trains – Train travel in Greece isn’t great. Trains are unreliable and slow and there are only a few routes in the country between Athens and other major cities, like Thessaloniki and Patras. You’re better off driving or taking the bus. However, if you do get the train, a trip from Athens to Thessaloniki takes about 4.5 hours and costs at least 20 EUR.

Ferries – Because Greece has a lot of islands, you have to deal with taking ferries to get around. Expect to spend an average of 35 EUR per trip, though you could spend as little as 12 EUR if the islands are really close together. From Athens, most ferries to the Cyclades cost around 70 EUR.

Taking the overnight ferries can save you up to half off the normal price plus save you a night of accommodation so if you’re not in a rush, book those!

There are many different ferry companies, and most are created equal. High speed ferries or catamarans cost a lot more (book in advance). You can research routes and ticket prices using FerryHopper and gtp.gr .

If you’re ok traveling on the slower ferries and your routes match the available routes, the Eurail/Interrail ferry pass is worth considering as you’ll get discounts with this pass. Search routes on FerryHopper to see if it works for you.

Flying – Flying is a quick and affordable way to get around Greece and between islands (though not all islands have airports). A one-way flight from Athens to Santorini or Mykonos takes less than one hour and costs around 25-35 EUR. Flights can dip to as little as 10 EUR when booked in advance.

Scooter/Quad rentals – Renting a scooter or ATV is a really popular way to discover many parts of Greece, particularly the islands. It lets you explore at your own pace and is quite affordable. Scooter rentals cost between 15-25 EUR per day depending on the location and if it is peak season or off-season. ATVs cost around 30-45 EUR per day.

Car rental – Car rentals here are super affordable, starting at just 20 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. Expect manual transmissions. Drivers need an International Driving Permit before renting as well and need to be at least 21 years old. For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars

When to Go to Greece

Peak season in Greece is from June-August. Temperatures hover around 33°C (92°F) and popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos experience a huge influx of visitors. Prices increase during this time as well. But the overall atmosphere and weather are great during this time, so it’s still worth visiting during peak season.

Personally, I think the best time to visit Greece is shoulder season (March-May and September-October). It’s still warm during these times but there aren’t as many crowds and prices are cheaper. It’s also easier to meet locals during this time. Overall, it’s a particularly great time to hang out in the Mediterranean.

Winter is from November to February. It gets cold and tourist crowds thin out considerably. Temperatures vary quite a bit from north to south, with it sometimes dropping to 11°C (52°F) in some places (Athens sometimes gets snow). Many of the islands — particularly Santorini and Mykonos — almost shut down entirely during the off-season. In short, I’d skip a winter visit unless you’re only planning to visit museums.

How to Stay Safe in Greece

Greece is very safe for backpacking and solo travel. Violent attacks are uncommon. Petty crime is about the worst that could happen to you, specifically pickpocketing in Athens, where it is prevalent. Fortunately, Greek police have really cracked down on perpetrators. Nevertheless, be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables out of sight when you’re in markets, on busy streets, or when using public transportation.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

You won’t find a lot of travel scams in the country but read this article on common travel scams to avoid if you’re worried about getting ripped off.

If you go out hiking, always check the weather first. Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat. It can get incredibly hot here!

Be careful when driving as Greek drivers tend to be on the aggressive side and some of the roads aren’t very well maintained.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Greece Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Ferry Hopper – If you’re looking to book your ferries, this website is an easy way to search the various companies, piece together routes, and book your tickets.
• Take Walks – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of Greece.

Greece Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Greece travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Athens

The 6 Best Hostels in Athens

Where to Stay in Athens: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The Best Walking Tours in Athens

Traveling Greece: How Much Does It Cost?

Fulfilling Childhood Dreams in Crete

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

• 1 Understand
• 3 Get around
• 9.2 Mid-range

Sparta is the administrative capital of Laconia Prefecture, Greece .

Understand [ edit ]

At the decree of King Otto of Greece, the present day city of Sparta was built in 1834 near the site of the original city in Ancient Greece . With its wide, tree lined boulevards, the city was designed to be a paragon for all Greek towns.

The modern town still reflects this original vision, and is a very pleasant and green city set before a backdrop of lush hills. The city is in the valley of Evrotas River, to the east of Mount Taygetos (210 m).

Get in [ edit ]

Sparta is served by KTEL intercity buses . The 37.07657 22.43756 1 city terminal is in the east end of Lycurgus Str.

• Athens - Sparta: 9 daytime buses that run for 4 hours
• Kalamata - Sparta: every day at 09:15 (except Saturday & Sunday) and 14:30

By car, Sparta is 1 hour away from Kalamata.

Get around [ edit ]

See [ edit ].

• 37.08154 22.42661 2 The Acropolis of Sparta . Remains of the temple of Athena Chalkioikos on the top of the Acropolis and a large Byzantine Basilica dated to the 10th century AD. On the south side of the acropolis lies an ancient theater dated to the early imperial period. It preserves the orchestra and part of the cavea. Excavations carried out by the British Archaeological School of Athens gave evidence of decorated shops that served people attending theatrical performances. ( updated Mar 2016 )
• 37.0706 22.4263 3 The Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil , 129, "Othonos-Amalias" Str. , ☏ +30 2731 089315 . Mar 1-Oct 15: daily (except Tuesdays) 10:00 - 18:00; Oct 16-Feb 28: daily (except Tuesdays) 10:00-17:00 . The history of the olive oil production from prehistoric times to the early 20th century. Standard entrance fee: €3 . ( updated Mar 2016 )

Do [ edit ]

Buy [ edit ], eat [ edit ], drink [ edit ], sleep [ edit ], budget [ edit ].

• 37.0774 22.4298 1 Apollon Hotel , 84, Thermopylon Str , ☏ +30 27310 23936 . 2-star hotel ( updated Mar 2016 )
• 37.077 22.429 2 Cecil Hotel , 125, K. Paleologou Str , ☏ +30 27310 24980 , fax : +30 27310 81318 , +30 27310 24980 , [email protected] . 1-star hotel ( updated Mar 2016 )
• 37.0748 22.4298 3 Lakonia Hotel , 89, K. Paleologou Str , ☏ +30 27310 28951-2 , fax : +30 27310 82257 , [email protected] . 2-star hotel ( updated Mar 2016 )
• 37.0766 22.4277 4 Sparta Inn Hotel , 109, Thermopylon Str , ☏ +30 27310 21021-3 , +30 27310 20421-3 , fax : +30 27310 24855 , [email protected] . 2-star hotel ( updated Mar 2016 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 37.0746 22.4303 5 Maniatis Hotel , 72-76, Kon. Paleologou Avenue & Lykourgou Str , ☏ +30 27310 22665 , +30 27310 29991 , fax : +30 27310 29994 , [email protected] . 3-star hotel ( updated Mar 2016 )
• 37.0756 22.43 6 Menelaion Hotel , 91, K. Paleologou Avenue , ☏ +30 27310 22161 , fax : +30 27310 26332 , [email protected] . 3-star hotel ( updated Mar 2016 )

Go next [ edit ]

• Kalamata , coastal city one hour away by car, going through the villages Artemissia and Trypi .

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• UNESCO tag to be fixed
• Has custom banner
• Has mapframe
• Has map markers
• Laconia (Greece)
• All destination articles
• Outline cities
• Outline articles
• City articles
• Has Geo parameter
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

Join Matt Barrett's Greece Travel Guides Group on Facebook for comments, photos and other fun stuff. If you enjoy this website please share it with your friends on Facebook. If you are appreciative of all the free information you get on my websites you can send a donation through Paypal or Venmo

Return to Peloponessos Index

TRAVEL GUIDE TO SPARTI

Find out everything about your holidays in Sparti on our travel guide! Located on the southeastern side of Peloponnese, Sparti is a small town with a famous history. Ancient Sparta was mostly a military city-state. The inhabitants believed that their only purpose in life was to become strong soldiers and protect their homeland even with their lives. A Spartan should be strong in body, healthy in mind and brave in character. They believed that the bravest death was death on the battlefield. The site of Ancient Sparta is located close to the modern city center, one of the few Greek towns built with architectural urban space. Tourism is limited in Sparti Greece and most visitors are passing by on their trip to other regions of Laconia.

Find out how to get there and some amazing photos !!

Sightseeing (3)

Things To Do (4)

Eat & Drink (9)

OUR TRAVEL SERVICES IN SPARTI

MORE ABOUT SPARTI GREECE

On the southern side of Peloponnese, there is the modern town of Sparti in Greece, constructed next to the location of Ancient Sparta. There is an interesting story regarding the modern foundation of this town. After ancient Sparta declined in the Roman times, another urban center was gradually formatted in the close location of Mystras and this center largely developed in the Byzantine times. However, after the liberation of Greece from the Ottomans, king Otto of Greece ordered in the 1830s the foundation of new Sparta to honor the ancient glory of the place. This new town was the first town in Greece to be constructed on an architectural plan. This town is found on the way to popular places, like Monemvasia, Elafonissos and Gythio.

Sparti Greece is a small town on the southeastern side of Peloponnese, in mainland Greece. Famous for its legendary history, Sparta was a military centered society, closed by mountainous boundaries from the rest of Greece. The remains of the ancient town can be seen in close distance from the city center. In the Byzantine times, the town of Sparti was neglected by the castle town of Mystras. However, after Independence, King Otto of Greece ordered the reconstruction of Sparti and this is among the few Greek towns built according to an architectural plan. Sparti is on the way to popular places of Laconia, including Monemvasia, Gythio and Elafonissos. This is why holidays in Sparti can be combined with visits to many beautiful Greek destinations and various things to do.

PHOTOS OF SPARTI / SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

Explore Sparti Greece through the lens of the talented members on Greeka community . Share your experience with us or tag us #greekacom on your favorite social media.

HIGHLIGHTS: BEST THINGS TO DO

Discover the best things to do in Sparti! From Sparti sightseeing to activities, we give you the best recommendations for the ultimate Sparti holidays experience!

Elafonissos

• Share this page on Facebook
• Share this page on Twitter
• Copy the URL of this page

Sign in to the Greeka Community.

Upload your best photos of Greece and interact with other Greeka members!

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Visit Sparta

• Sparta Hotel Deals
• Vacation Rentals in Sparta

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2023

Reviewed on Nov 12, 2023

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2024

Reviewed on Oct 16, 2023

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2023

Reviewed on Oct 21, 2023

Check Sparta hotel availability

Popular places to visit.

• Ancient Sparta

Find out about the history of Sparta when you take a trip to Ancient Sparta. Discover the mountain views in this quaint area.

• King Leonidas Statue

Learn about the local history of Sparta with a stop at King Leonidas Statue. Discover the mountain views in this quaint area.

• Archaeological Museum of Sparta

Rich with history, Archaeological Museum of Sparta is a cultural attraction worth visiting in Sparta. Take in the museums in this quaint area.

• The Menelaion

You can find out about the history of Sparta with a trip to The Menelaion. Discover the mountain views in this quaint area.

• Temple of Artemis Orthia

You can find out about the history of Sparta when you stop by Temple of Artemis Orthia. Discover the mountain views in this quaint area.

• Mistra Castro

Learn about the local history of Sparta when you spend time at Mistra Castro. Find some time to visit the temples or monuments in this quaint area.

Things to do

Cooking class with lunch in an olive grove in messinia, greece, navarino bay: sea kayaking with lunch, arcadia: experience nature, people and culture. day trip, reviews of sparta.

Sparta is a nice little city with great outdoor cafes and restaurants. The best Restuarant was in Mystras called O ELLINAS. Best Greek food I’ve had in years. All fresh home cooking. Sparta is only about 50 miles from a must see MONEMVASIA castle.

5/5 - Excellent

Nice town with lots of history in the area!

The best hospitality I have ever had and I’m From Texas where that goes along way.

• Cities near Sparta

• Places of interest
• Olive and Greek Olive Oil Museum
• Profitis Ilias
• Koumantarios Gallery of Sparta
• Kastora Canyon
• Vrisiotikos Canyon
• Ancient Pellana
• Louka Canyon
• Mavrovouni Beach
• Tyros Beach
• Diros Caves
• Almyros Beach
• Kalamata's Castle
• Mikri Mantinia Beach
• Ancient Messene
• Municipal Railway Park of Kalamata
• Astros Beach
• Valtaki Beach
• Fokiano Beach
• Paralio Astros Amphitheater
• Pantazopoulio Cultural Center

About Sparta, Greece , Greek Travel Guide

Visit the leonidas monument in sparta.

Written by Greek Boston in About Sparta, Greece , Greek Travel Guide Comments Off on Visit the Leonidas Monument in Sparta

About the Leonidas Monument

The Leonidas Monument is a huge three-layered limestone structure. The first layer has 60 fluted Doric columns with 18 on each side, the second one has 96 fluted Ionic columns with 22 on each side, and the last one has 16 Corinthian-style pillars with 8 on each side.

The magnificent monument stands at an impressive height of 35 meters tall. Also, it has a diameter of 30 meters at its base, and the top side is 17 meters wide. The Leonidas Monument was built on the site where Leonidas’ body was cremated after he died during the battle against Xerxes I of Persia. The monument looks very similar to the Parthenon in Athens, but it’s smaller in size.

Leonidas Monument is made of limestone, and the construction process started in 478-479 B.C., several years after Leonidas died. The monument was funded by the Peloponnesian League, an alliance that Sparta formed with other city-states during the fifth century BC.

What to Do at the Leonidas Monument

There are many things that you can do at the Leonidas Monument. Firstly, it’s important to visit this monument because of its rich history and its standing for more than 2,500 years. You can also take some nice pictures here or just admire its beauty. Inside the monument is a small museum where you can see pottery and other items that date back to the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC. You can also take a tour inside the monument and listen to an audio guide in English and French. It’s a fascinating tour that lasts about 30 minutes, and it starts every hour.

Also, you should definitely climb up to the top of the monument, where you get an impressive view of Sparta and the surrounding areas. You can also see some of the ancient structures that are still standing in Sparta and the Eurotas River.

Getting to the Leonidas Monument

The Leonidas Monument is located in Sparta, Greece, and you can easily get there by car or taxi. If you’re driving from Athens, it will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes to get there, and the driving distance is around 195 kilometers (121 miles). On the other hand, if you’re flying to Greece, then we suggest arriving in Athens. From there, you can take a taxi to Sparta, which will cost around 100 euros.

You can also get to Leonidas Monument by train or bus. However, these methods take much longer, and they’re not recommended unless you have a specific schedule. The best way to get around when in Sparta is by renting a car for the day. It’s relatively cheap and convenient, and you can visit Leonidas Monument and other attractions in Sparta at your own pace.

In conclusion, the Leonidas Monument in Sparta, Greece, is one of the most unique monuments in Europe. It has been standing for more than 2,500 years, and it commemorates a brave warrior who died during the battle. The next time that you’re in Sparta, don’t miss out on visiting this monument.

Categorized in: About Sparta, Greece , Greek Travel Guide

This post was written by Greek Boston

Share this Greek Travel Article:

Related Content You May Also Like In Traveling To Greece...

Nightlife You Can Enjoy in Leros, Greece

Things to Do When You Visit the Island of Kythnos

Visit Ancient Kameiros on Rhodes

Visit Monastery of Panagia Atros on Kefalonia

The Best Time to Visit Sparta, Greece for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

The best times to visit Sparta for ideal weather are

April 9th to June 10th

September 17th to december 2nd.

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

Sparta Travel Guide

Temperature.

• Perceived Temperature
• Rain and snow
• Humidity and wind
• The busiest and least popular months
• Overall travel experience by time of year

Other Sparta Travel Info

Weather in sparta.

Average temperatures in Sparta vary greatly. Considering humidity, temperatures feel very nice much of the year, but hot in the summer and cold in the winter with a very low chance of rain or snow throughout the year. The area is somewhat temperate — in the 57th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above . If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Sparta, the hottest months are August, July, and then June. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally mid to late August where highs are regularly around 92.9°F (33.8°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 67.1°F (19.5°C) at night.

Sparta Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

Sparta temperatures (celsius), “feels-like” temperatures.

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Sparta Perceived Temperature (F)

Sparta perceived temperature (c), average sparta temperatures by month.

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Show Fahrenheit

Show celsius, precipitation (rain or snow).

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Sparta are April, May, and then June. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around early January. For example, on the week of January 1st there are no days of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in late January and early February with an average of 1 days of significant precipitation the week of January 29th.

Chance of Precipitation

The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in Sparta.

Snow on the Ground

The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in Sparta (in).

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show inches, show centimeters, humidity and wind.

Sparta has some very humid months, with other moderately humid months on the other side of the year. The least humid month is July (48% relative humidity), and the most humid month is December (71.2%).

Wind in Sparta is usually extremely calm . The windiest month is July, followed by August and June. July’s average wind speed of around 4.6 knots (5.3 MPH or 8.5 KPH) is considered “a light breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in early to mid July where average top sustained speeds reach 11.9 knots, which is considered a moderate breeze.

Relative Humidity (%)

The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in Sparta.

The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.

Average Wind Speeds

Show wind speeds.

All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Show Relative Humidity by Month

Is it safe to travel to sparta.

Our best data indicates this area is generally safe. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are no travel advisories or warnings for Greece; exercise normal security precautions. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories . This advisory was last updated on Nov 30, 2023.

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in Sparta, Greece is June, followed by February and July. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Sparta in November. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

Most popular months to visit, overall sparta travel experience by season, spring (march through may).

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel moderate. Highs range from 80.5°F (26.9°C) and 62.3°F (16.8°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is extremely rare with 0 to 2 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do.

Summer (June through August)

The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. These months see the least precipitation with 0 to 1 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the busiest season for tourism in Sparta, so lodging and other accommodations may cost more than usual.

Fall (September through November)

Fall daily highs range from 87.5°F (30.8°C) and 67.2°F (19.6°C), which will feel comfortable given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a normal amount: 1 to 3 days per month. Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be affordably priced.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is too cold this time of year in Sparta to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 64.1°F (17.8°C) and 58.5°F (14.7°C). On average, it rains or snows a smalll amount: 1 to 2 times per month. These times of year are fairly slow with tourists.

Best Times to Travel › Greece › Sparta, Greece

Similar Destinations

• West Mani, Greece
• Kalamata, Greece
• Evrotas, Greece
• North Kynouria, Greece
• Peloponnese, Greece
• South Kynouria, Greece
• East Mani, Greece
• Tripoli, Greece
• Messini, Greece
• Oichalia, Greece

Popular Destinations

• Batam, Indonesia
• Da Nang, Vietnam
• Pattaya, Thailand

Peloponnese travel guide

Peloponnese Tour

Travelling in the villages is a unique way of understanding the everyday life in Greek country. No matter whether you will travel to Peloponnese by car, motorcycle all an alternative transportation option such as local buses or a boat, making a plan of your tour will be really useful and will save you from effort, money and time. Organize Peloponnese Tour in advance, define the areas that you would like to visit, find the most interesting spots of each place, schedule your transportation, arrange your accommodation and experience authentic Greece to the maximum!

Handcrafted Peloponnese Tours

We have created handcrafted tour selections for you, to help you get the most of your trip to Peloponnese. Combine the tours, choose the suggestions that you prefer and create your own mythical Peloponnese Tour!

North-Eastern Peloponnese – 2 days tour

From Corinth to Nafplio The North-Eastern Peloponnese is the ideal place to start exploring the peninsula. Full of beautiful towns, glorious history, and archaeological sites, Corinthia and Argolis are the perfect places for an introduction to Peloponnese. 1st Day Day first and it is essential to wake up early in the morning and after having a tasty and full breakfast take a deep breath of the morning breeze that smells trees, flowers and the saltiness of the water that is so close everywhere you turn. Corinthia, like the most of the regions in Greece, has its own history for you to learn with a visit to the Acrocorinth castle and the monuments near it in ancient Corinth town. Built in possibly 7th-6th century BC in a cliff so high that you can have an amazing view of the sea and the fields below, the castle has its stories to tell and its mysteries to hide as always happens in such places with a long, heavy past. If you are feeling energetic and fearless you can try bungee jumping to the Corinthian Canal with a little help from the experts of Zulu Bungy well known for their professionalism and the many years of […]

South-Eastern Peloponnese – 2 days tour

From Sparta and Mystras to Monemvasia and Mani The region of Lakonia is located in the South-Eastern Peloponnese and it is highly privileged to have the cities of Monemvasia and the biggest part of Mani district into its borders. Lakonia is a peninsula full of sights, monuments, and places of a great interest,  so you probably need at least 2 days to travel between villages, cities and all the other attractions. 1st Day On the first day begin your journey from the capital of Laconia, Sparta. To load some extra strength have a coffee at a traditional “kafeneio”, which is simply the coffee shop in Greece and ask for something local for food like an omelet or another dish. This legendary city in the ancient times used to be a city-state and not just another city of Greece. Huge enemy of Athens, Sparta was the city that gave birth to many mythical and mighty heroes and played a tremendously big role to the political situation in Greece. You should better make a little extra research by yourself before you visit Sparta and so you will be able to understand more about the importance of the city. The  Archaeological Museum of Sparta is a place full […]

South-Western Peloponnese – 2 days tour

From Kalamata and Koroni to Pylos and Voidokilia Another especially interesting part of Peloponnese is the southwest region with the cities of Kalamata and Pylos and other historical towns. The peninsula of Messinia is for many people the most naturally beautiful part of whole Peloponnese. You will need approximately two days in order to see the main attractions and to relax a bit within the rich, natural environment. A perfect time of the year to travel to this place is summer, so you can enjoy all of the amazing beaches and the waterfalls and the rivers as well as the paths among the various forests and all the outdoor activities offered. 1st Day You can start on the first day in the morning from north of Oitilo village and straight to Kardamili city, which is situated in the middle of the southern part of Peloponnese by the sea. On your way there, and if you follow the seaside road, you will pass by many stunning beaches like Stoupa, Kalogria, and northern Foneas beach. Except for Kalogria, the others are not organized so you have to supply all necessary things like towels, maybe a sun umbrella and water. All in all, […]

Western Peloponnese – 2 days tour

The place where Olympics were born A different aspect of Peloponnese is presented in the Western part of Peloponnese, this full of miracles peninsula that is divided into magnificent smaller regions and each and every one offers to the guests a completely unique experience. In the Ilia region, you will visit the legendary Ancient Olympia, where the first Olympic Games were settled. Until today the Olympic Flame starts its journey in Ancient Olympia to travel through the countries and announce this global event of peace and athletic spirit. 1st Day On the first day, you begin from Kakovatos beach. An exotic, sandy beach with turquoise waters very long to explore and bright enough so you never feel that it is crowded. Start with a refreshing swim in the sea and it would be a nice tip to grab your breakfast with you and to enjoy it on the beach taking your time and appreciating all of the magical images the place offers. Then, after spending a couple of hours there, take the road to Andritsaina village. It is a well-known village Greeks and famous for the picturesque houses and the stone made squares and buildings around. If you would like to […]

North-Western Peloponnese – 2 days tour

Patra and the Achaia In the North-Western part of Peloponnese, the visitor has the opportunity to combine the advantages of being in a city whereas at the same time to know an incredibly beautiful location full of green forests and picturesque villages in low hills and higher mountains. The capital city of Achaia region is Patra. To start your tour choose as your starting point this city and see the differences from one place in the same area to another and a unique way of everyday life. 1st Day Day first and before you begin is important to know that it is better to reach Patra by car in order to make as many stops as you like and to do smaller trips in the wider area around the city. If this though it is not an option then, by bus it can be easily reached as well. If you start your trip early in the morning you will probably enter the city before noon so it is better to have yourself checked in in your hotel if possible and then continue touring and observing around. A really nice option is Maison Grecque Hotel in the center of Patra. A neoclassical building turned to […]

Central Peloponnese – 2 days tour

Arcadia The central Peloponnese consists of one big region, the Prefecture of Arcadia. This special region is so big that can combine equally great mountains and the marvelous Aegean sea. It stands right in the middle of Peloponnese and it is very famous to Greeks all year round and especially in winter time due to the snow center in Menalon mountain. Full of green valleys and forests of unparallel beauty, Arcadia has a long history through the ages. It is known as it is the hometown of many heroes and important people in Greece. Whatever season of the year you choose to visit this region, the only thing for sure is, that you will not be bored and you will probably return soon to discover more. Craving to have the same feeling of warm hospitality and the wildness of the landscape it is possible to find yourself planning the next visit to this ancient land soon enough. 1st Day On day first, start by choosing the place that you are going to spend your two nights in Arkadia. The mountainous village of Vytina, well known for its beauty, it could be a very nice choice since it is a picturesque small town. The Seleni […]

Peloponnese Attractions

Peloponnese Beaches

Peloponnese Experiences

Peloponnese hotels, peloponnese restaurants, travel to peloponnese.

Peloponnese Tour is a trip that needs to be well organized. How many days should one spend in every destination? Which are the best hotels ? Which are the nicest restaurants? Which are the best beaches where should one swim? In PeloponeseTour we have collected the most useful information in order to make sure that your experience will be unique.

Browse peloponnesetour.com’s pages and dig into a magical destination with multiple faces; crystal clear sea, sandy beaches, snowy mountains, tiny villages and busy cities create a magnificent bunch of experiences to enhance your trip to Peloponnese.

Welcome to Trikala of Corinthia, the oldest settlement in the region, built on the slopes of Ziria. Here stands the restaurant Opos Palia, which means like the old times.

Mesea, Corinth, Greece

Three hundred metres from the castle gate, at the end of the stone-paved main street that runs through the town, is the Malvasia Hotel. The eastern section of the walls, the Myrtoan Sea and the open horizon unfold before it.

Kastro Monemvasías, Monemvasía, 23070, Greece

Malvasia Traditional Hotel

Seaside Boutique Hotel ‘Kyani Akti’ in Xilokastro is steps away from the sea, with a panoramic view of the Gulf of Corinth. Built in the early 1900’s, this charming Hotel was fully renovated in 2015 with new and modern amenities throughout. Situated by the sea in the heart of this beach and resort town, at Kyani Akti you will enjoy a most pleasant and relaxing stay; a soothing break from the ordinary. You have the option of selecting any Suite with a view of downtown Xilokastro, or any Suite with a seaside view of the ample Gulf of Corinth. The rest you can leave to us, and we will ensure a most comfortable stay. Hotel Kyani Akti offers Eight (8) Suites of which accommodate as follows: Six (6) Double Beds-These Suites each offer a King-Sized Bed Two (2) Triple Beds-These Suites each offer three (3) Single Beds, Oversized. Such beds can remain connected or separate, according to your preference. You are welcome to choose any Suite with either a downtown view or a seaside view: Seaside View Double Bed Suites overlook the Gulf of Corinth Downtown View Double Bed Suites overlook the retail and dining corridor of this beach town. […]

P.Tsaldari 68, Xylokastro, Peloponnese

Hotel Kyani Akti

The beach Salanti is just 5 km from the village of Didimon and is considered as one of the greatest beaches in Ermioni’s Municipality.

Salanti, Argolis

Peloponnese

The chapel of Agia Irini just before the end of the headland surrounded by the buildings of the old monastery, which is available on request for stay.

Cape Malea, Lakonia

The monastery of Malevi or the Dormition of the Virgin, is one of the three most important monasteries in the Kynouria province, together with Loukou and Elona.

Kastri, Arcadia

Monastery of Malevi

Antonopoulos Vineyards is a creation of Konstantinos Antonopoulos, a man who believed in the extraordinary quality of the Peloponnese soil and particularly the mountainous and semi-mountainous Achaia, giving an efford to make superior quality wine production areas.

Vasiliko, Achaia

Antonopoulos Vineyards

Explore Peloponnese Tour and choose among our handpicked suggestions, your own best hotel in Peloponnese. If you travel experience includes a road trip then you may choose your beloved hotel in every area that you will visit. Combine hotels by the sea and hotels at the mountains and enjoy the multiple images and landscapes of Peloponnese.

The Grove Seaside Hotel features an elegant Greek Restaurant and cosy Pool Bar that will sure delight the gustatory palates of all travellers. Whether wishing to enjoy breakfast in bed, lunch by the pool or dine under candle light in the hotel’s atmospheric restaurant, your wish is our command.

Drepano, Nafplio

The rooms and suites of the Theophano Art Hotel are decorated with various works of art and authentic antique furniture, offering to guests a pleasant stay, tranquility, and warmth, similar to the living tradition of the Byzantium.

Monemvasia Castle, Monemvasía

Theophano Art Hotel

The Hotel Petit Palais is a nicely preserved neoclassical building, located at the foot of Gerania Mountain in a unique section with amazing views of the mountains and the sea.

48 G. Lekka, Loutraki

Hotel Petit Palais

Peloponnese Gems

Ancient olympia.

Birthplace of the Olympic Games and the most well-known sanctuary of ancient Greece, the Ancient Olympia is one of the top attractions you must visit if you travel to Peloponnese. The Ancient Olympia is located in Ilia (Elis) in the western side of the Peloponnese peninsula, in the valley of Alphios river, at the foot of Mount Kronios.

An impressive castle-town that dominates a huge rock, Monemvasia is a destination that you definitely need to include in your Peloponnese Tour plans. A magnificent settlement of Byzantine architecture, this marvel of the man and nature looks like a “stone vessel” – as per the verse in a poem of Yiannis Ritsos, that “travels you to the world”.

Explore Peloponnese restaurants in the pages of Peloponnese Tour. Gourmet restaurants usually need to be reserved in advance, while meze places and tavernas usually don’t accept reservations and you have to visit them earlier than others in order to find a table.

Pina-Kothiki restaurant in Patra is located at one of the most picturesque locations of Patra, in Monodendri. It is a famous culinary destination that offers mediterranean cuisine. “PEINAKOTHIKI” changes the meaning of the word “pinakothiki” (in greek it means “art gallery”) since due to poetic licence, with the addition of the letter “E” (in greek “peina” means “hunger”), has gone down to the world’s consiousness, as one of the best express of traditional and modern cuisine and high quality of service for many years. We’ve “cooked” the word and gave it a new dimension so as to create a destination for all kinds of gastronomic demands. We have been cooking in the same way all the ingredients that Greek nature is offering us, giving TASTE a new dimension. The stone house with its traditional and cozy interior and the beautiful courtyard is a great choice to dine with both your friends and family. Homemade recipes and raditional stews made with the freshest ingredients of the greek nature are the main characteristics of the restaurant’s extensive menu. At Pina-Kothiki restaurant you will taste spicy calamari, baked mussels, linguini with shrimps, pork schnitzel, cuttlefish in wine sauce, swordfish steak and many more fresh and delicious specialities that you […]

76 Monodendriou, Monodendri Patron 250-02

Pina-Kothiki

Manually our “crank” is the fruit of love, inspiration and care a large “family” which enjoys co-shapes the favorite haunt. The “ManiVella” wants to be space of intimacy and pleasures, respect and taught by Mani tradition, to work with local producers who remain faithful to the traditional techniques and thus ensures excellent raw materials, limited production and unique quality to co- initiated by and with people to remain amateur, as a “lover of art” to embrace and be embraced by human encounters at every opportunity.

Neo Itilo 23062

Arapakos restaurant in Nafplio offers greek cuisine, fresh fish and seafood by the sea. It is a family business that maintains tradition through exceptional recipes prepared daily with the freshest ingredients. The place is comfortable with beautiful furniture and elegance that matches the restaurant’s haute gastronomy. Arapakos’ menu is a tasty feast of seafood and hearty main course recipes. Here, you will taste delicious mussels in wine sauce, the best fried cheese, grilled shrimps, grilled fresh fish from the bay of Argolis, special pasta with lobster or spaghetti with shrimps, crispy stuffed dumplings with cheese and ham and amazing homemade pecan pie with ice cream. The cellar will match all your dining options. For the best fish in Nafplio, the famous Arapakos fish restaurant guarantees top quality of food and excellent hospitality.

81 Bouboulinas St., Nafplio 211-00

Arapakos Restaurant

Dave's Travel Pages

Greek Island Hopping | Greece Travel Ideas | Bicycle Touring

Best Things To Do In Kalamata in Greece

Discover the best things to do in Kalamata in Greece. Explore the historic centre, relax at the beach, visit museums and don't forget those Kalamata olives!

Kalamata in the Peloponnese

If you want to visit an authentic, lively Greek coastal city, Kalamata in the Peloponnese of Greece is a great choice. Whilst you may associate the name of Kalamata with olives (more about those later!), there are of course plenty of other things to enjoy.

If you are exploring the Peloponnese, Kalamata is a great place to stay for a few days. It is built right on a very long, sandy beach, and gets quite lively during the evenings, especially in summer. There are also quite a few museums and attractions to keep you busy.

I've visited Kalamata three or four times now on my various travels around Greece. The last time, we spent 3 days in Kalamata at the tail-end of a road trip around the Mani region .

This Kalamata travel guide is designed to act as a quick introduction, and showcase the best things to do in Kalamata when there.

Where is Kalamata and how can I get there?

Kalamata is a coastal city in the region of Messenia in the southwest Peloponnese , about 240 km away from Athens. It is the second largest city in the Peloponnese after Patras , and has a population of just over 54,000 people.

While people coming from the UK or the US might best describe it as a small town, by Greek standards it’s a fairly big city! Unlike many Greek towns and cities, it's also pretty flat, meaning you can get to most places by walking if you so choose.

It takes just under 3 hours to get to Kalamata by bus or rental car from Athens. There are also direct flights from several European cities, so you can plan a tour of the Peloponnese beginning and ending in Kalamata.

I've got a full guide here: How to get from Athens to Kalamata

Short history of Kalamata

Kalamata’s history is quite old. Homer mentions an ancient city called Fares / Phara, built on the exact same spot. In ancient times, the city was under Spartan and Messenian rule and was apparently relatively unimportant.

A small Christian church dedicated to Virgin Mary was built around the 6th-7th century AD. Not much is known about the city during Byzantine times, though it’s believed that fortifications were put in place to keep invaders out.

The city became more important after the 4th Crusade, in 1204 AD. This was when the Frankish lord Geoffroi of Villehardouin built a large castle over the remains of the old fortifications.

In the next centuries, Kalamata was successively occupied by several people. Greeks, Slavs, Franks, Florentines, Navarreses, Byzantines and Ottomans passed by the city. The castle was eventually destroyed by the Doge of Venice, General Morosini, in 1685.

If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Morosini was the person who bombed the Parthenon in the Acropolis ! The Venetians subsequently restored and extended parts of the castle.

The Kalamata castle was reoccupied by the Ottomans in 1715 and was released after the Greek Revolution in 1821. The city was actively involved in the Revolution, celebrating its liberation from the Ottomans on 23 March. Kalamata’s port was built towards the end of the 19th century, contributing to the city’s development.

In 1986, a major earthquake shattered Kalamata, leaving behind 22 casualties and lots of damage. In subsequent years, huge efforts were made to restore the city. Today, it’s a lively, beautiful coastal destination that’s absolutely worth a visit. It’s also becoming a popular weekend break for Athenians, and not only.

What are some things to do in Kalamata Greece?

Apart from being a great stop in any Peloponnese itinerary, Kalamata itself has lots to offer. Depending on what you are after, you could comfortably spend a few days, or a few weeks. 

Kalamata has a lovely beach, many tavernas, cafes and bars, and offers easy access to other areas of the Peloponnese. There are also events and festivals happening throughout the year. Here's a few suggestions on what to do in Kalamata.

1. Wander around Kalamata Old Town

Kalamata’s historic centre is located just beneath the castle. It is compact, easily walkable and truly lovely. This was one of our favourite parts of the city!

Wander around the tiny alleyways. If you look up, you will discover plenty of beautiful neoclassical houses. There are many shops, cute little cafes and a few crumbling buildings, that add to the overall ambiance.

Right in the middle of the old quarter, in March 23 Square, you will see the church of the Holy Apostles. It’s a small but impressive Byzantine temple, originally built in the 12th century and expanded during the Venetian rule.

This is where the Greek revolution was declared on 23 March 1821 – though people from Areopoli might disagree! The church was partly destroyed during the 1986 earthquake, but it was fully restored later on.

Just at the edge of the old town, you will see the much bigger Cathedral of Ipapanti. According to legend, a half-destroyed icon of Virgin Mary and Jesus was found in an older church, which had been destroyed during the Ottoman rule. The icon was discovered after a peasant had a vision about it – very similarly to Tinos island !

The icon was first placed inside a nearby church, and was moved to the Cathedral of Ipapanti upon its foundation in 1873. The cathedral was heavily damaged during the earthquakes in 1886 and 1986 and a fire in 1914, but was later restored. An important mass, followed by a big celebration, happens annually on 2 February.

2. Visit the Museums in Kalamata

Within the Old Town, you will discover a few museums. You could visit them all in the same day if you start early and work around their opening times and days.

The small Archaeological Museum of Messenia hosts a collection of findings from the Messenia area and beyond. It is very well laid out, and there are informative signs everywhere. The museum was built at the place of the old municipal market, which has moved right out of the old quarter.

The Folklore and History Museum will be of interest to people interested in Greece’s most recent history. It is home to various artifacts from the Greek Independence War in 1821, along with everyday objects used by locals in the past decades. You will also find an impressive collection of objects related to typography and bookbinding, as Kalamata was the first Greek town with a printing house.

Another museum focusing on Greece’s newest history is the Military Museum of Kalamata . Artefacts include uniforms, photos and other audiovisual material from the 1821 Independence War and later struggles. The Balkan Wars and Asia Minor catastrophe are covered, as well as WWI and WWII. The museum is free to enter.

The new Museum of Traditional Greek Costumes is another place of interest in Kalamata, and what a place it is! It was founded in 2017 by collector Victoria Karelia, and is run almost entirely through private initiative. The Karelias collection contains several Greek costumes and dresses from the past two centuries.

Many of the garments were painstakingly recreated or restored by local dressmakers. Subsequently, they were placed on custom-made mannequins with moving mechanisms. The amount of work that has gone into creating this museum is unbelievable. If you have time just for one of the museums in Kalamata, make it this one.

3. Explore the new city centre of Kalamata

If you have been to Athens, you may have noticed that there isn’t much in the way of wide pavements and boulevards. As a result, we were very impressed with the main square and streets in the centre of Kalamata!

The area around Aristomenous street and Vasileos Georgiou Square is one of the city’s liveliest. You will find plenty of shops and cafes where you can sit and watch the locals go by. Some of Kalamata’s most beautiful neoclassical buildings can be found in this area.

The more you walk around, the more you will discover. Look out for the lovely covered arcades, where you can sit for a coffee or a beer.

4. Visit Kalamata Castle

The Kalamata Castle is absolutely worth a stop, even if you are just interested in the lovely views. Depending which way you try to get there, finding the entrance might be a bit of a challenge!

Like mentioned earlier, the castle was first built in the 13th century. It was mostly destroyed by the Venetians, only to be rebuilt and expanded. Interestingly though, it wasn’t affected by the 1986 earthquake.

Today, you can walk up and admire the views, or sit on a bench and enjoy the sunset. When we were there, very few other visitors were around, and the place was wonderfully quiet.

There is also a theatre inside the castle, which is used for various performances, cultural events and concerts. The Kalamata International Dance Festival was once hosted here – more on this just below.

5. Check out the Kalamata International Dance Festival and other festivals

This is Kalamata’s biggest and most important annual event, taking place in summer. Apart from several dancing performances, there are numerous parallel events running for the duration of the festival.

You can find out more information here , a few weeks before the festival begins. If you are planning to visit Kalamata during the festival, make sure you book your accommodation well in advance.

However, this is not the only festival that Kalamata celebrates. If you are visiting in winter, check out the Peloponnese International Documentary Festival . The website is mostly in Greek, but you can use Google translate – or email them and hopefully they will get back to you.

Other local events are the carnival celebrations in Kalamata and Messene, happening towards the end of the carnival season. People who are interested in horse racing could plan their visit around Easter, and head to Plati village on Easter Monday.

6. Visit the food market in Kalamata and eat like a local!

For people who like olives, Kalamata is the place to be (I told you we'd get back to them)! The dark Kalamata olives are considered to be some of the best in Greece. However, this is not the only local product you will find in Kalamata.

When you are in Kalamata, make sure you visit the food market, which is located right outside the old town. You will find all types of local cheese, honey, nuts, olives and olive oil, along with other traditional products.

Look out for sfela cheese, and lalagia, a type of local fried dough delicacy. There are also sections with fresh fruit and veg, and shops selling meat and fish. The best day to go is Saturday, when more stalls are open.

Close to the food market, you can find an authentic, family-run taverna called Ta Rolla , which is almost 100 years old! The current owner, Giorgos, is the grandson of taverna’s founder. If you are lucky, you will also meet his sister Sylvia, who can tell you everything about Kalamata and the local cuisine. Needless to say that there’s always a mother in the kitchen!

This was one of the best places to eat in Kalamata, if not the entire Peloponnese, and we’ll definitely go back when we visit Kalamata again. The menu changes daily, so just choose the dish that looks the most appealing!

7. Look out for beautiful street art in Kalamata

Athens, where we live, has tons of street art, but so does Kalamata. We were impressed by some of the murals and other artworks all around the city.

One of the most popular street artists is a guy called Skitsofrenis – we loved his work.

8. Visit the Railway Park in Kalamata

The Municipal Railway Park is a pretty unique attraction, and it’s also ideal for children. It’s very close to the main square, at the south end of Aristomenous street . This open air museum is full of old railway vehicles and locomotives, and it gives you an idea of transportation in Greece 100-150 years ago. Entrance is free. It could do with some renovation though!

9. Take a slow stroll by the beautiful promenade, and hit the beach

One of the best things in Kalamata is its stunning sandy beach! Take some time to walk on the lovely promenade, Navarinou Avenue. This can take you a good hour, depending on your pace – or you can cycle along!

There are plenty of beach bars, cafes and tavernas right by the beach. Many of them are open until late at night, and the nightlife is quite intense.

If you don’t feel like driving outside the city to go for a swim, Kalamata’s beach is great. There are many sections with loungers, umbrellas and other facilities.

However, if you are after a quieter spot, head to the east, where there is a large, unspoilt sandy area. Just bring some shade, snacks and drinks, and enjoy your day.

If you prefer to get out of the city though, there are plenty of beaches just a short drive from Kalamata. Verga and Santova are some of the best choices. We visited Santova in late September and we were the only people on the whole beach!

Those who don’t mind driving can go further south to Kalamitsi beach, just next to Patrick Leigh Fermor House . This was one of our favourite beaches in the Peloponnese, and the house where the great British author lived is a very special place. If you want to visit, make sure you reserve your place in advance.

10. Day trips from Kalamata – Tour the Messenia region and the Mani peninsula

Even though Kalamata is a great standalone destination, it would be a shame not to tour the wider area. You could easily take a month in the Peloponnese, and you still wouldn’t see it all though!

Looking at a map of the Peloponnese, you can see Kalamata’s immediate area, the Messenia region. To the east, you will find Sparta and the Mani area, which is the middle peninsula. Both these regions are lovely and worth exploring, as is the rest of the Peloponnese.

Messenia has some great beaches, as well as some interesting castles and archaeological sites to explore. You shouldn’t miss Methoni and Koroni castles or the underrated Ancient Messene . In our opinion, it’s one of the most impressive archaeological sites in all of Greece. And by all means don’t leave out Mystras, the UNESCO Byzantine castle town , very close to Sparta in the Laconia region.

If you want to go somewhere quiet and off the beaten track, you will love the Mani area. Wild, untamed and seemingly cut off from the rest of the world, the Mani will enchant you. You can go all the way south, to Cape Tainaron , and also stay in Gythion for a couple of days. I can guarantee that you will want to return!

Also read: Best day trips from Kalamata

Where to stay in Kalamata

Kalamata has a wide selection of places to stay for travelers. From budget rooms and hostels to luxury hotels, the city has lots to offer.

As it’s quite compact, you can comfortably get around the city center on foot or a bicycle. That said, we would suggest staying in hotels in Kalamata either close to the beach, or in the old town.

Kalamata Hotels

Whether you want the best luxury hotels, or are looking for sea apartments, I highly recommend using the online travel platform Booking when looking for vacation rentals. You can check availability, choose places with an outdoor pool, and check out guest reviews.

Take a look at the map below to start choosing which hotel in Kalamata you'd like to stay.

Kalamata in Greece FAQ

People planning to visit Kalamata Greece often ask questions similar to:

Is Kalamata worth visiting?

Kalamata in Greece is definitely worth visiting for anyone that wants a good beach break in a fantastic setting. The town has a lot to see and do, and it is a good base from where to explore some of the surrounding area of the Peloponnese.

What is Kalamata Greece known for?

You might perhaps know the name Kalamata for a type of olive that grows in the region, which is well known throughout the world. As a town though, Kalamata is know for its student life, beaches, and relaxed atmosphere.

How far is Kalamata from Athens?

The distance between Athens and Kalamata is about 177 km. You can get there within a couple of hours driving on a good day.

Is Kalamata an island?

Kalamata is not an island. It is a town in the Peloponnese region of Greece.

Pin this Kalamata travel guide

So that’s it, these are some of the best things to see and places to go in Kalamata Greece. Have you been to Kalamata? Let us know if there was anything else you liked, and I'll add it to this Kalamata guide!

4 thoughts on “Best Things To Do In Kalamata in Greece”

Hi Dave, Love your website. So much great information. We’re a family of 4 adults, hoping to be there for 3 nights in July and will have one full day visiting the Kalamata old town and 2 days exploring areas outside (but nearby to) Kalamata. I’m wondering if you would have a preference of staying near the beach or the old town in this case? Is there free all day parking in either or both locations? Would you recommend driving in between locations, or travelling by public transport? Many thanks.

Hi Katherine, We’ve previously stayed on the edges of Kalamata town – parking is normally on the street with no real designated areas. Our focus was more on seeing the town than the beaches though. We found walking to the beaches was fine for us, but there were some parking areas (quite busy!). If you find designated parking on Google maps, keep in mind it’s more like a gravel area than anything you might be previously used to – and probably full as well! That said, I think a car is useful if you are planning to do some side trips from Kalamata – it’s much easier to drive than get public transport, especially if you want to see the castles of Koroni and Methoni.

Hi We are comming to kalamata Can you suggest us where to eat on a bugget? Is it possible to visit Athens in 1 day (Go to Athens and back, and visit the things in the capital?) thank you

Hi Rob – Eating on a budget – just go to any souvlakia place and get a wrap or two. They are filling, and prices are around 2.5-3 euro each. It might be technically possible to go to Athens on a day trip taking the earliest bus there and latest bus back, but wouldn’t leave you much time to sightsee. The Kalamata KTEL bus company website is here: https://www.ktelmessinias.gr/en/homepage-en/

Leave a Comment Cancel reply