The first chills of winter have arrived, but instead of spending the whole winter season on your couch, why don’t you opt for a trip instead? With so many wonderful places Greece has to offer, a winter trip will definitely not disappoint. Among neglected cities, we would dare to say, but truly shocking for its wealth and beauty is Sparta. A jewel of the Peloponnese, Sparta uniquely combines natural beauty with historical sights, making it an ideal destination for your winter getaways. At every step, its glorious historical legacy meets the magic of nature, creating a captivating scene and experience.
Sparta and historical sights
A tour of Sparta and its surrounding sights must begin with the Archaeological Museum. It is the first museum established in a provincial town in Greece. Its exhibits, dating from antiquity to the Roman era, reveal the splendor of the past. Here, you’ll find sculptures, ceramics, mosaics, and architectural fragments, with the highlight being the bust of Leonidas, embodying Spartan ethos and virtue.
Following the steps of history, you'll encounter the Leonidaion, a unique monument built to honor King Leonidas. In the area of the Ancient Agora, Sparta’s Acropolis impresses with its monuments: the Roman theater, the Sanctuary of Chalkioikos Athena, and the ruins of a Byzantine basilica. The view from the Acropolis, with Mount Taygetus in the background, is breathtaking.
Another iconic site is the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia, where young Spartans were trained. A little further, the Menelaion, dedicated to Menelaus and Helen, offers a unique view of the Eurotas Valley. For the adventurous, the legendary Kaiadas awaits exploration of its storied past.
Culture and art
In Sparta, art and culture are everywhere. The Koumantareios Art Gallery, a branch of the National Gallery, houses oil paintings by Western European artists and intriguing temporary exhibitions. The Museum of Olive and Greek Olive Oil offers a unique experience, showcasing the history of the olive tree and the evolution of olive mills through rare exhibits.
For folklore enthusiasts, the Manousakeio Museum of Folk and Urban Life presents life in Sparta from the 19th century to the present through exhibitions, recreations, and multimedia. Additionally, the Museum of Photography in Mystras fascinates with one of the largest collections of cameras in the world.
Mystras, a Byzantine jewel
Just 5 kilometers from Sparta, Mystras stands proud, exuding the grandeur of its Byzantine glory. Explore its impressive Byzantine churches, such as the Pantanassa and Saint Demetrios, where the last Byzantine emperor, Constantine Palaiologos, was crowned. Don’t miss the Despot’s Palace and make your way to the top of the Villehardouin Castle for a view that will leave you breathless. Mystras becomes a museum of history, art, and culture for those who dedicate time to exploring every aspect of it.
Natural beauty and activities in Sparta beyond the sights
Sparta boasts breathtaking natural wealth besides the sights it possesses. Taygetus, with its fir and black pine forests, is a paradise for nature lovers. Its hiking trails offer unforgettable scenes etched in memory, while the springs with crystal-clear waters at Magganiaris provide moments of refreshment and tranquility. For the more daring, the climbing field of Lagada awaits.
On the other hand, Mount Parnon impresses every nature lover. With dense forests, picturesque trails, and chapels emerging from the landscape, the mountain offers countless opportunities for exploration, cycling, or relaxation.
Nestled on the slopes of these two mountain giants are traditional villages with welcoming residents, local taverns, and a delightful atmosphere that embody the essence and charm of Sparta.
Where to stay?
For those seeking an unforgettable stay, Kyniska Palace is the perfect choice. Located in Parori, Laconia, just 10 minutes from Sparta and a few minutes from Mystras, the hotel offers luxurious 5-star accommodations while maintaining traditional Laconian aesthetics. Here, every guest’s experience is taken seriously. From the moment of arrival to check-out, every detail is meticulously arranged to ensure an impeccable and enjoyable stay. To further enhance the guest experience, the hotel complex features an indoor pool, a spa, and the top-tier Myles restaurant, where you can savor traditional delicacies. To explore Sparta and its sights, Kyniska Palace promises an experience that will remain unforgettable.
Sparta and its sights, present in every corner, await you this winter to discover the authentic side of Greece, where history, nature, and luxury meet in perfect harmony.
Sparta and historical sights
A tour of Sparta and its surrounding sights must begin with the Archaeological Museum. It is the first museum established in a provincial town in Greece. Its exhibits, dating from antiquity to the Roman era, reveal the splendor of the past. Here, you’ll find sculptures, ceramics, mosaics, and architectural fragments, with the highlight being the bust of Leonidas, embodying Spartan ethos and virtue.
Following the steps of history, you'll encounter the Leonidaion, a unique monument built to honor King Leonidas. In the area of the Ancient Agora, Sparta’s Acropolis impresses with its monuments: the Roman theater, the Sanctuary of Chalkioikos Athena, and the ruins of a Byzantine basilica. The view from the Acropolis, with Mount Taygetus in the background, is breathtaking.
Another iconic site is the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia, where young Spartans were trained. A little further, the Menelaion, dedicated to Menelaus and Helen, offers a unique view of the Eurotas Valley. For the adventurous, the legendary Kaiadas awaits exploration of its storied past.
Culture and art
In Sparta, art and culture are everywhere. The Koumantareios Art Gallery, a branch of the National Gallery, houses oil paintings by Western European artists and intriguing temporary exhibitions. The Museum of Olive and Greek Olive Oil offers a unique experience, showcasing the history of the olive tree and the evolution of olive mills through rare exhibits.
For folklore enthusiasts, the Manousakeio Museum of Folk and Urban Life presents life in Sparta from the 19th century to the present through exhibitions, recreations, and multimedia. Additionally, the Museum of Photography in Mystras fascinates with one of the largest collections of cameras in the world.
Mystras, a Byzantine jewel
Just 5 kilometers from Sparta, Mystras stands proud, exuding the grandeur of its Byzantine glory. Explore its impressive Byzantine churches, such as the Pantanassa and Saint Demetrios, where the last Byzantine emperor, Constantine Palaiologos, was crowned. Don’t miss the Despot’s Palace and make your way to the top of the Villehardouin Castle for a view that will leave you breathless. Mystras becomes a museum of history, art, and culture for those who dedicate time to exploring every aspect of it.
Natural beauty and activities in Sparta beyond the sights
Sparta boasts breathtaking natural wealth besides the sights it possesses. Taygetus, with its fir and black pine forests, is a paradise for nature lovers. Its hiking trails offer unforgettable scenes etched in memory, while the springs with crystal-clear waters at Magganiaris provide moments of refreshment and tranquility. For the more daring, the climbing field of Lagada awaits.
On the other hand, Mount Parnon impresses every nature lover. With dense forests, picturesque trails, and chapels emerging from the landscape, the mountain offers countless opportunities for exploration, cycling, or relaxation.
Nestled on the slopes of these two mountain giants are traditional villages with welcoming residents, local taverns, and a delightful atmosphere that embody the essence and charm of Sparta.
Where to stay?
For those seeking an unforgettable stay, Kyniska Palace is the perfect choice. Located in Parori, Laconia, just 10 minutes from Sparta and a few minutes from Mystras, the hotel offers luxurious 5-star accommodations while maintaining traditional Laconian aesthetics. Here, every guest’s experience is taken seriously. From the moment of arrival to check-out, every detail is meticulously arranged to ensure an impeccable and enjoyable stay. To further enhance the guest experience, the hotel complex features an indoor pool, a spa, and the top-tier Myles restaurant, where you can savor traditional delicacies. To explore Sparta and its sights, Kyniska Palace promises an experience that will remain unforgettable.
Sparta and its sights, present in every corner, await you this winter to discover the authentic side of Greece, where history, nature, and luxury meet in perfect harmony.
new!
