Getting There

Athens to Sparti/Mystras is a 3-3.5 hour drive. The toll road is the most direct route, with plenty of rest stops along the way.

There are also direct buses that run around every four hours between Sparti and Athens, Leoforou Kifisou KTEL. You can find up-to-date schedules here and buy tickets online via the KTEL Lakonias website.

Where to Stay

Mystras Grand Palace
EO Sparti Mistra, Sparti 231 00
+30 2731 440980

Mazaraki Guesthouse
Pikoulianika, Mystras, 23100
+30 2731 020414

Pyrgos Mystra
3 Manousaki str., Mystras, 23100, Greece
Laconia, Peloponnese

Hotel Byzantion
Mystras 231 00, Greece
+30 2731 083309

Menelaion Hotel
Leoforos Konstantinou Palaiologou 91
Sparti, 23100
+30 2731 022161

Maniatis Hotel
Kon/nou Palaiologou 72- 76
Sparti 231 00
+30 2731 022665

What To See

Built in the sixth century, Monemvasia is one of the oldest continually-inhabited fortified towns in Europe and the site of a medieval fortress. Go to Matoula for lunch or dinner, and Malvasia Café for a drink or coffee. If you want to spend a night in the castle, we recommend the Byzantino Hotel.

Limeni is a picturesque village surrounded by stone houses, crystal-clear waters and rugged natural beauty. We recommend a visit to the other nearby waterside villages like Neo Itilo and Gerolimenas while you’re in the area. Kourmas is great for lunch or dinner in Limeni, and Mani Bella in Neo Itilo offers modern takes on traditional, regional dishes. There’s also the historic and beautiful Kyrimai Hotel in Gerolimenas that’s perfect for a night or two.

About 30-40 minutes away from Sparti, Gytheio is a picturesque seaport town with waterside restaurants and cafes. Stop by for dinner and dessert after a day at one of the nearby beaches. It’s also the site of a tiny island where, according to the myth, Paris and Helen went there before departing for Troy—a fun fact that Eleni’s yiayia would always tell her growing up.

Areopoli is the port of Limeni. It’s a charming and storied village with roots to the start of the Greek War of Independence. There are plenty of cafés, restaurants and bakeries to pop into while you explore. If you want to do some shopping, stop by Etsi Xafnika (it’s one of the first stores on your walk into town) for their unique selection and friendly owners!