Mystras & Lakonia

Discover the beauties of Southern Greece

Experience Cultural Sights and Magnificent Landscapes

Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Lakonia, where ancient wonders and modern luxury converge. Discover Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its stunning Byzantine architecture and captivating ruins. Visit Sparta, renowned for its legendary warriors and historical significance. Lakonia offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, historical landmarks, and cultural experiences, inviting you to immerse yourself in the timeless allure of this extraordinary region.

During your stay in Mystras, you can enjoy year-round activities such as cycling and exploring the captivating trails of Mount Taygetus, which will elevate your spirit and allow you to discover the natural beauty of the area.

Mystras

Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a stunning medieval town nestled on the slopes of Mount Taygetus in Laconia, Greece. Known for its well-preserved Byzantine architecture, Mystras boasts a rich history and an array of fascinating sights. Visitors can explore the impressive Mystras Castle, the beautiful churches adorned with frescoes, and the grand Palaces of the Despots. Wander through the ancient ruins and experience the timeless beauty of this historic gem.

Archaeological site of Mistras

Tickets
Full: €12, Reduced: €6

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Sparta

Sparta, a legendary city-state in ancient Greece, is steeped in history and myth. Renowned for its formidable warriors and military prowess, Sparta offers visitors a glimpse into the ancient world.
Explore archaeological sites such as the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia and the Acropolis of Sparta, where the echoes of its illustrious past still resonate. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of this iconic city, where stories of valor and honor continue to inspire.
Don’t miss the Archaeological Museum of Sparta, where artifacts and exhibits chronicle the city’s illustrious history, providing further insight into its legendary past.

Sights

Archaeological Museum of Sparta

Museum visitors have the opportunity to admire unearthed material from the most significant prehistoric sites of Laconia, sculptures from the Archaic to the Roman periods, originating from various regions of the prefecture, as well as artifacts from rescue excavations, among which sections of mosaic floors from the Roman era from Sparta hold a prominent position.

Manousakeio Museum

Visitors will have the opportunity, through representations of indoor spaces, exhibitions, and multimedia presentations, to visit and “taste” aspects of the family and social life of another era, of the people who created and inhabited the new city of Sparta.

Museum of Ecclesiastical Art

Located opposite the imposing metropolitan church of Evangelistria (=Our Lady of the Annunciation),the museum houses an impressive collection of icons (including some rare Russian icons from the17thand 19thcenturies), exquisite silver and gold jewellery, rare manuscript codes and several written canons.

Coumantaros Art Gallery
Sparta

The Coumantaros Art Gallery of Sparta is the first Annex of the National Gallery outside of Athens. The Annex was founded in 1982 after a donation of the neoclassical building and the art collection of Ioannis Coumandaros by his children, Dolly Goulandris and Georgios Coumandaros.

More Destinations

Monemvasia – 86 Kilometers, 1 Hour 15 Minutes

Monemvasia is a historic town on a small peninsula off the east coast of Lakonia. Known for its medieval fortress and well-preserved Byzantine architecture, the town offers a glimpse into its storied past. Visitors can explore the narrow, cobblestone streets lined with stone-built houses, churches, and mansions. The ancient castle, perched atop a rocky hill, provides breathtaking views of the surrounding sea. Monemvasia’s unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it a captivating destination for travelers seeking to experience the charm of Greece’s past.

Gytheio – 42 kilometers, 37 minutes

Gytheio is a picturesque coastal town. Known for its charming harbor lined with colorful neoclassical buildings, Gytheio serves as a gateway to the Mani Peninsula. The town is famous for its fresh seafood, inviting beaches, and the small islet of Kranai, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway and features a lighthouse and a historic tower. Rich in history and natural beauty, Gytheio offers a delightful blend of traditional Greek culture and serene seaside charm.

Aeropoli (Mani)- 59 kilometers, 53 minutes

Areopoli is a quaint town located in the Mani Peninsula . Known for its traditional stone houses and narrow alleys, Areopoli offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture. Just a short drive away are the Diros Caves, an awe-inspiring natural wonder. These caves feature stunning stalactites and stalagmites, and visitors can take a boat tour through the underground river to marvel at the breathtaking formations. Together, Areopoli and the Diros Caves provide a unique and captivating experience for travelers exploring Lakonia.

Neapoli – 103 kilometers, 1 hour 35 minutes

Neapoli is a picturesque coastal town situated in the southeastern part of the Peloponnese, in Lakonia. Known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere, Neapoli serves as a perfect getaway destination. Nearby, the Kastania Cave offers a spectacular natural attraction. This cave is renowned for its impressive array of stalactites and stalagmites, creating a stunning underground landscape. Visitors to Neapoli can enjoy the serene seaside charm of the town and the awe-inspiring beauty of Kastania Cave, making for a memorable and diverse experience in Lakonia.

Elafonisos – 101 kilometers, 1 hour 50 minutes

Elafonisos is a small, idyllic island located near Neapoli and Monemvasia. Renowned for its pristine beaches, particularly the famous Simos Beach, Elafonisos boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft, white sand. The island’s relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty make it a perfect destination for a peaceful getaway. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the charming village with its quaint tavernas and friendly locals. Elafonisos offers a slice of paradise, embodying the serene and unspoiled charm of Greece’s lesser-known gems.

activities

Hiking

From Trypi:

A) Stroll to the springs of Magoulitsa, enjoying the crystal-clear waters that gush from the rocks.

B) Descend through the old cobblestone path and the ruins of watermills to the stone arch bridge of Magoulitsa with the picturesque chapel of St. Vlassios.

Duration: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

From Parori: (Terra Nova)

A) Traverse the small but impressive gorge to the chapel of Sotira with a small detour to visit the cave church of Panagia Laggadiotissa.

Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 40 minutes

B) Enjoy the stunning view after a short but steep ascent to the old monastery of Zagouna.

Duration: 60 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate

From Terra Nova Luxury Villa:

A) Mountaineering excursion to the summit of Taygetos starting from the EOS Sparta refuge. Excursions are scheduled based on weather conditions and the state of the terrain (snow-free or snowy).

Duration:
1 hour, Terra Nova to Taygetos refuge by car
2 hours & 45 minutes, refuge to Taygetos summit
Difficulty: Difficult

B) Hiking trail around the hill of the castle town of Mystras.

Duration: 1 hour & 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Some of the above routes can be combined to meet the needs of more experienced and physically fit hikers.

Examples:
Agios Ioannis – Anavryti – Monastery of Faneromeni – Zagouna – Parori
Agios Ioannis – Anavryti – Monastery of Faneromeni – Sotira – Parori Gorge – Parori
Parori – Parori Gorge – Sotira – Monastery of Faneromeni – Zagouna – Parori

Cycling

In the Orchards of Sparta

Enjoy a ride through paved, low-traffic agricultural roads in the orchards, orange groves, and olive groves of the areas of Parori, Agios Ioannis, and Sykara.

Exploring the Byzantine Churches of Magoula

Ride through Magoula and visit the old riverside church in the center of the area and the church near Sainopouleio.

Ride to Agios Ioannis and Hiking Exploration of the Old Quarries

Cycle to the small chapel where you leave your bikes and then, after a gentle 10-minute hike, reach the old quarries. During the winter months, a small lake forms at this spot.

Starting from Terra Nova Luxury Villa, the route follows: Parori – Mytaras – Sparta – Agios Ioannis – Parori – Terra Nova.