Best of Sparta

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Sparta
In addition to its own history as the famous warrior state, Sparta is well-positioned for a visit to the unique Byzantine city of Mystras, one of the most important centers of the Byzantine Empire. Check out the historic stone villages of neighboring Mani and medieval Monemvasia, a village carved right into the rock, and Mount Taygetus, the highest mountain in the Peloponnese.

Previous kimkim travelers have explored these attractions under the watchful eye of a professional photographer to get their best angles, as well as the Camera Museum, home to one of the world’s largest private collections of cameras. Craft a mosaic along with a local artist or take an interactive Game of Thrones-inspired tour through Mystras. No filming took place here, but you can learn about the real-life history that inspired objects in the show like dragonglass and the original goblets that were replicated as props.
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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.

Hit the trail with your family
Map of Greek History, Nature, and Culture for Families: Athens & the Peloponnese - 7 Days
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.

Explore some of Greece's most beautiful natural landscapes
Map of Active Adventure in Greece: Hiking, Cycling, Swimming & Kayaking - 16 Days
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
Map of Historic Tour Through Mainland Greece & Crete - 16 Days
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 · Sparta & Mani · Olympia · Delphi · Mani Peninsula · Syros · Monemvasia · Dodecanese & Northern Aegean Islands · Rhodes · Milos · Kalamata · Rethymno · Corinth · Sifnos · Saronic Islands · Gortynia · Messinia · Drama · Hydra · Sifnos Port