Best of Sparta & Mani

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Sparta & Mani

In ancient Greek times, Sparta was known as a powerful warrior state for its fierce army. Today, the city is home to an archaeology museum, crumbling ruins, and the famous King Leonidas statue, all of which tell the story of Sparta's impressive military past. From Sparta, you can hike on nearby Mount Taygetos, the highest peak in the Peloponnese, or take a day trip to the southeast coast to wander the medieval castle town of Monemvasia.

Just 3 miles (5 km) west of Sparta lies UNESCO-listed Mystras, once the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Visit to explore its well-preserved castle, monasteries, and archaeological ruins that lie scattered across a steep mountainside, dating back to 1249 CE. You'll spot real-life artifacts that inspired objects in the "Game of Thrones," such as dragon glass and original goblets that were replicated as props for the TV series.

Sparta also serves as the gateway to the wild Mani peninsula in the southern Peloponnese, where you can sail through underground lakes in the Diros Caves. Continue to the southernmost harbor of mainland Greece, Cape Matapan, which is home to the mythological Gates of Hades, the entrance to the underworld.

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Sparta & Mani Essentials

Top Cultural Experiences in Greece

Greece is a country of ancient history, refreshing gastronomy, vivid art, and scenic landscapes. All of these characteristics play an essential role in Greek culture. Explore rural villages and learn how the Greek islands functioned before tourism hit. Discover the secrets behind locally sourced cheeses, olive oil, and liqueur, and learn why marble is such a staple throughout the country. Go beyond the beaten path and delve into Athens' unique neighborhoods, Santorini's authentic villages, and the fascinating history of Naxos.

Villages and Seaside Vistas of the Peloponnese

Best Things to Do in the The Peloponnese

Although not as touristy as the rest of Greece, the Peloponnese region abounds in history, culture, and gastronomy. For over 3,000 years, this jagged peninsula was the heart of Ancient Greece. Visit some of the country's most historic spots, like Ancient Olympia where the Olympic Games started, the impressive theater of Epidavros, and the fortified stone village of Monemvasia. Relax on the scenic Mani Peninsula, explore the popular coastlines, and climb the castle of Nafplio, all while noshing on local cuisine like the country's famed Kalamata olives.

Explore Greece's World-Famous Food Culture

Top Culinary Experiences in Greece

Greek gastronomy is known worldwide as one of the freshest and healthiest cuisines, with its signature Mediterranean diet featured in numerous countries. Learn the secrets behind the country's staples with wine and cheese tastings, city food tours, farm visits, and meals with locals. Take a cooking class or visit a winery and learn about Greece's ancient farming and winemaking techniques. There's a reason why the flavors are so pronounced in Greek gastronomy, and tradition has a lot to do with it!

Sparta & Mani Itineraries

Greek History, Nature, and Culture for Families: Athens & the Peloponnese - 7 Days

Take a week getting out into nature in the Peloponnesian peninsula with this itinerary designed for older kids and teenagers. Start in Athens, where you'll juxtapose Classical myths with modern street art. Then head to the historic warrior city of Sparta to explore its ancient castles before you finish your trip in the seaside city of Nafplio with a kayak tour over a sunken city.

Hidden Gems of Mainland Greece - 12 Days

This dynamic road trip takes you through some of mainland Greece's best kept secrets, starting with a mythology tour of the Acropolis in Athens and a visit to the wineries in Nemea. Then head into the picturesque Peloponnese Region where you'll discover the ancient ruins in Sparta, the medicinal tales of Ascelpius, and the charms of historic Mani villages. Visit the birthplace of the Olympics in Olympia, hike to an alpine lake for a swim, and visit a family-operated olive farm to learn all about the production process and to taste different varieties.

Drive along Greece's pristine coast on this 16-day road trip

Mainland Greece Road Trip - 16 Days

On this 16-day road trip across Greece, you'll see historical sites, sample local flavors, and discover beautiful castles and monasteries. Spend a few days in the capital, learning about the Acropolis and enjoying the culinary delights of the modern era. Then, drive along the Peloponnese and Mani peninsulas to sample wine in Nemea, explore several archaeological sites, relax on pristine beaches, and discover picturesque villages before ending your journey back in Athens.

Mainland Greece Road Trip - 17 Days

Take a drive through the scenery and history of mainland Greece with this 17-day itinerary. Begin in Athens, then make your way through the seaside towns, vineyards, scenic castles, and historic sites of the Peloponnese.

The view from Navarino Castle overlooking Pylos Bay

Mainland Greece Road Trip - 12 Days

Immerse yourself in history and culture on this 12-day trip encompassing Athens and the Greek countryside. Learn about Greek mythology straight from the source at the Acropolis before heading west to the Peloponnese. Go wine tasting at the vineyards of Nemea, visit Byzantine castles, and stroll the streets of traditional villages. See where Helen of Troy lived and where the Olympics were born, and consult the oracle at Delphi before ending your road trip back in the capital.

Monastery of Panayia Pantanassa at Mystras

Mainland Greece Road Trip - 7 Days

Take a week to drive through the mythological territory of mainland Greece with this itinerary. Your seven days will start and end in Athens, covering the historical sites and sprawling castles of the Peloponnese along the way.

Mainland Greece Road Trip - 13 Days

In just under two weeks, you'll see traditional villages, fascinating historical sites, and beautiful views on this road trip around the Greek countryside. Begin in Athens, where you'll delve into ancient mythology and enjoy a culinary tour before setting out for the Peloponnese. As you make your way around the hilly landscape, you'll go wine tasting, visit castles, stroll the streets of old fishing villages, and see some of Greece's most famous ancient sites.

Mainland Greece Road Trip - 14 Days

Take in the sights and flavors of the countryside on this two-week road trip around mainland Greece. Starting in Athens, you'll explore the Acropolis and sample local delicacies before making your way to the Peloponnese. Here you'll encounter traditional villages, ancient castles, beautiful Byzantine architecture, and fascinating archaeological sites. Go wine tasting in Nemea, consult the oracle at Delphi, and see the birthplace of the Olympics along the way.

View from the archaeological ruins at Mycenae

Mainland Greece Road Trip - 8 Days

In just over a week, this itinerary will take you from the Acropolis in Athens to the Byzantine ruins of Mystras to the hills of Delphi. Along the way, you'll visit important archaeological sites, stroll the pretty streets of towns brimming with history and culture, and enjoy unforgettable views.

Historic Peloponnese and Zakynthos - 15 Days

Travel across both the Peloponnesian peninsula and Greek history with this 15-day itinerary. After a brief start in Athens, you'll go down to the sea to visit Nafplio and neighboring mythical Mycenae, then over to the castles of Mystras and Monemvasia. Set sail for the quintessential Greek island of Zakynthos to end your journey on its turquoise shores before returning to Athens for one final temple sunset.

Byzantine church and the ruins of Mystras

Mainland Greece Road Trip - 15 Days

Travel from Athens to the vineyards, castles, and archaeological sites throughout the Peloponnese with this itinerary. After exploring the Acropolis and the local delicacies of the capital, head to the countryside, where you'll discover Byzantine castles and monasteries and ancient palaces, and sip on wine worthy of Dionysus. You'll see where the Olympics were born and where Helen of Troy lived and consult the oracle at Delphi along the way.

The Island of Poros and Peloponnese Mountains

Greek Odyssey: Athens, Saronic Islands, & the Peloponnese - 10 Days

Explore Greece's ancient wonders on this adventurous 10-day tour. Starting in the vibrant capital of Athens, you'll spend a day discovering the mysteries of Delphi before setting sail across the Saronic Gulf, mooring at the spectacular islands of Aegina, Poros, and Moni. Back on land, set off on a self-guided exploration of the Peloponnesian Peninsula, visiting the Bronze Age ruins of Mycenae, the fairytale carved village of Monemvasia, and the Byzantine mountain monasteries of Mystros.

Mainland Greece Road Trip - 9 Days

Visit fascinating archaeological sites and enjoy the beauty of the Greek countryside with this 9-day itinerary. Starting in Athens, you'll learn about ancient mythology at the Acropolis before heading for the historic seaside town of Nafplio. Go wine tasting in Nemea, discover the Byzantine ruins of Mystras, consult the oracle at Delphi and more on this road trip adventure.

Pass through the Lion Gate at Mycenae, said to have been the home of Agamemnon

Mainland Greece Road Trip - 10 Days

Get ready for gorgeous views and a healthy dose of history on this 10-day self-drive tour of Athens and the Peloponnese. You'll learn about ancient Greek mythology at the Acropolis, visit the home of Helen of Troy, and see where the Olympics were born. Along the way, you'll sample wines at the vineyards of Nemea, explore the Byzantine castle of Mystras, and consult the oracle at Delphi.

Greek Mainland & Saronic Islands Sailing Trip - 10 Days

Discover the storied heart of Ancient Greece in this 10-day escorted journey. Begin your trip in Athens before taking an idyllic sail around the Saronic Islands. Spend three days island-hopping, enjoying small seaside towns, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed ambiance. Once back on land, head to the Peloponnese peninsula, home of the original Olympic Games and the famously warring cities of Sparta, Corinth, and Argos. Your journey ends where it began, with a bike tour through the iconic capital city.

Mainland Greece Road Trip - 11 Days

Get an in-depth look at the Greek countryside on this 11-day road trip around the Peloponnese. Begin in Athens, where you'll learn about ancient mythology at the Acropolis. Then head west to the wineries of Nemea and the ruins of Mycenae, Pylos, Mystras, and more. Top it all off with a visit to the oracle at Delphi before ending your tour back in the capital.

Historic Peloponnese and Zakynthos - 14 Days

Take two weeks to cross the stories of the Peloponnesian peninsula with this 14-day itinerary. Start with the classics on the Acropolis, then make your way down through to the site of the kingdom of Mycenae, ancient vines of Nemea, and stadium at Olympia. Top it off with four days of shipwrecks and sea turtles on the island of Zakynthos before you return to Athens and thank Poseidon for your journey.

Mainland Greece Adventure Trip - 15 Days

Spend just over two weeks discovering Greece's stunning mainland, from the clifftop monasteries of Meteora to the tranquil waters of the Peloponnese to the historical shores of Nafplio. You'll explore Athens by bike before hiking the hills and rafting the rivers of Zagori. Finish your journey with a kayaking excursion beneath imposing castles and an unforgettable sunset finale.

Explore some of Greece's most beautiful natural landscapes

Active Adventure in Greece: Hiking, Cycling, Swimming & Kayaking - 16 Days

Pack your gear and get ready for a 16-day active adventure across mainland Greece and the islands of Crete, Santorini, and Naxos. Spend a night in Athens, then head to Nafplio for an e-bike tour and Kardamyli for standup paddleboarding and snorkeling. In Chania, jump on a Trikke tour and hike through Samaria Gorge, then in Heraklion, join a 4WD safari along an ancient Minoan trail at sunset. Finish with a sea kayak in Santorini and, with the energy you have left, a trek up Mount Zas in Naxos.

Wander the ruins of Knossos Palace just outside of Heraklion

Historic Tour Through Mainland Greece & Crete - 16 Days

Immerse yourself in Greece's rich culture, history, and mythology on this 16-day trip across the mainland and Crete. Begin in Athens, where you'll explore the Acropolis, visit museums, and discover the city's Ottoman history. More archaeological wonders await in Nafplio, Olympia, and Delphi as you walk in the footsteps of ancient Greeks. Finally, visit the UNESCO-listed monasteries of Meteora before flying to Crete to explore Knossos Palace in Heraklion and ride a Trikke along Chania's Venetian harbor.

Other popular travel destinations in Greece
Athens · Greek Islands · Cycladic Islands · Santorini · Crete · Naxos · Mykonos · Chania · Peloponnese · Northern & Central Greece · Nafplio · Tinos · Heraklion · Meteora · Ionian Islands · Kalabaka · Zagori · Thessaloniki · Corfu · Nafpaktos · Paros · Olympia · Delphi · Syros · Mani Peninsula · Dodecanese & Northern Aegean Islands · Monemvasia · Rhodes · Milos · Rethymno · Kalamata · Corinth · Sparta · Saronic Islands · Sifnos · Sifnos Port · Gortynia · Messinia · Drama · Hydra

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