Start your cultural immersion by visiting the Acropolis of Sparta. This ancient fortress served as the city's military and religious center and offers stunning views of the area. Make sure to visit the Archaeological Museum of Sparta nearby to see artifacts from ancient Sparta.
Learn about the Byzantine era in Sparta by visiting the Byzantine Museum of Sparta. The museum features intricate mosaics, frescoes, and religious artifacts from the Byzantine period. Don't miss the museum's impressive collection of Byzantine icons.
Take a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mystras, an abandoned fortified town that was once the capital of the Byzantine Despotate of the Morea. Walk through the rich history of this preserved medieval city, admiring its churches and palaces, and enjoying the stunning views of the valley.
Explore Greek olive oil's importance and production methods at Kalamata's museum of Olive and Greek Olive Oil. The museum offers tastings of various olive oils, explaining how they can affect foods. Bring home some olive-based products at their shop.
Visit the Ancient Messene, another well-preserved city-state ruins. This site offers impressive theaters, temples, and marketplaces. At the ancient stadium, you can still unleash your inner Olympian with a footrace.
Drive north to the Temple of Apollo at Bassae, one of the best-preserved classical Greek buildings. Its stunning Corinthian order temple's architecture and scenic mountain road access are awe-inspiring.
Visit Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Stroll through this impressive site and visit the Archaeological Museum of Olympia that keeps many historic artifacts from the place.
Travel to the Kalavrita Ski Center for winter activities and enjoy the skiing fun. Take a brief stop at the Holocaust Memorial Museum, to pay respects to the massive injustices inflicted during WWII.
Take a guided boat tour in Diros Caves, the most extensive cave complex in Greece. Admire the crystal-clear waters near Gytheio, located on the Mani peninsula.
Visit the stone tower houses in Vathia village, an essential part of Mani's history. You'll discover traditional local customs and experience the mani lemonade.
Travel to Monemvasia, a well-preserved Byzantine fortified town. Explore its narrow streets and stone buildings, which date back to the 12th century.
Take a ferry trip to Elafonisos Island and relax on its beaches, which offer crystal clear turquoise waters, and minimal crowds. You'll feel the calm and peacefulness of nature here.
Visit the UNESCO-protected heritages of theater and archaeological site of Epidaurus. You'll witness the ancient perfection of the theater's amphitheater acoustics, constructed over 2,500 years ago. The adjacent ancient stadium and medical center's ruins are worth visiting too.
Explore Nafplio's charming old town and Venetian fortress, which served as Greece's first capital. Relax on the many beaches, shop on the Greek-style streets, and end your evening at a fish tavern filled with Greek local music.
Finish your trip with cultural sightseeing in Athens. Climb the Acropolis to see the Parthenon and the ancient theater of Dionysus, visit the new Acropolis Museum and Plaka's shopping neighborhood, and enjoy Athens' vibrant nightlife.
Driving a car is the optimal way to go around Sparta, its sites are well-spread-out.Car rental is around €30-50/day plus gas. Tip: Roads can be narrow and winding, so drive cautiously. Alternatively, you can take intercity buses with modern facilities and routes to all major tourist destinations.
Airports: Sparta's nearest airport is Kalamata International Airport (KLX) with enough airlines connections. Alternatively, Athens International Airport (ATH) is also accessible as a departure airport.
For any ancient sites, we strongly recommend wearing comfortable clothing and good walking shoes because paths can be rocky and uneven. Have sunscreen, hats, and water ready because Greece's summers can be blistering. Having a pocket map with GPS can also be helpful to ensure getting to see all the highlights.
Kalamata International Airport, KLX, is located about 45 km (28 mi) southwest from Sparta, with available taxis, private or shared, as well as car rentals.