What’s the best way to visit Sparta? Here are 12 must-see things to do in Sparta, Athens’ ancient rival!
Sparta… Just the mention of the city inevitably takes us back to ancient history. Sparta was the great rival of Athens and the city that challenged the great Persian Empire. Its epic has been given a new lease of life with the release of the film 300, which tells the story of the 300 Spartans, led by Leonidas, who fought at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC.
Despite its tragic fate, the city still enjoys worldwide renown. However, unlike Athens, Sparta has lost none of the grandeur of the city it once was. There are still a few symbols here and there, notably of Leonidas, and a few ruins. But Sparta is still located in a magnificent region, close to Mistra, and a magical discovery.
Want to discover this region of the Peloponnese? Here are twelve must-see things to do in Sparta!
Byzantine Sparta
The most important site on the outskirts of Sparta, the city of Mistra, was founded in Byzantine times.
1. Mistra (Mystras) archaeological site
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the archaeological site of Mistra, also known as Mystras, is located a few kilometers from Sparta. It is one of the best-preserved Byzantine cities in the world. Founded in 1249 by the Franks, the marvel of Morea, formerly known as the Peloponnese, was quickly conquered by the Byzantines, who turned it into a small wonder.
Today, the ruins bear witness to the glorious past of the region’s great Byzantine city. Conquered by the Ottomans and Venetians, Mistra was not subjected to any architectural upheaval. Orthodox churches and monasteries are the best-preserved monuments. At the very top of the hill are the ruins of the Franks’ castle.
Abandoned in 1832, Mistra is a must-see in Sparta!
Ancient Sparta
If ancient Sparta is what most people dream of, sadly its gradual abandonment has left all its monuments in ruins. Today, the remains are few and far between. They can be seen in statues, a few stones and a museum.
2. Acropolis of ancient Sparta
To visit Sparta without visiting the rare remains of the ancient city would be sacrilege! Located to the north of the new town, the acropolis was rediscovered after excavations in the 1910s.
Despite the absence of major remains, the ancient theater and its distinctive shape are still recognizable. Archaeologists and historians have also been able to identify the temple of Athena at the summit. Inscriptions mentioning the Spartan kings are also present. However, to get an idea of the power of Sparta in its day, you need to close your eyes and imagine…
3. Sparta Archaeological Museum
Between the time these lines are written and your reading or visit, the museum may be closed for renovation. But, rest assured, it will be improved and will be much better than the current one! Indeed, while the Archaeological Museum remains a must-see in Sparta, it doesn’t do enough to showcase the treasures of the ancient city.
However, there are also many ancient artifacts, collected as archaeological digs progressed. With seven rooms, the museum is divided by theme. Its star attraction is the bust of Leonidas, dating from the 5th century BC.
4. Leonidas statue
You can’t visit Sparta without feeling the soul of King Leonidas! One of the symbols of the city is the imposing statue of Sparta’s greatest king. Built in 1968, it stands three meters high to the north of the city.
Its location is not random, as it stands right at the entrance to the city’s soccer stadium. A little like in ancient times, when huge statues marked the entrance to the amphitheatres. The statue also watches over the few ruins of ancient Sparta, located just behind the stadium.
5. Tomb of Leonidas
Today, it’s impossible to confirm whether this is the site of the mausoleum of Leonidas, who fell in battle against the Persians at the Battle of Thermopylae. Nevertheless, in the eyes of the Spartans, this is where the remains of the great king lie, at least in their symbolism.
For archaeologists and historians, this site is all that remains of the ancient city’s agora. The square is uncluttered, with plenty of benches and cafés around. Even if it’s not Leonidas’ tomb, it’s still a great place to visit in Sparta!
6. Menelaion
Five kilometers from Sparta, near the river Eurotas, you can see Menelaion. This is an ancient town close to Sparta, whose name would be Therapne.
Numerous excavations have been carried out, uncovering a number of ruins. While the archaeological site itself is not exceptional, its location offers a magnificent view of Mount Taygetos, famous since antiquity.
Modern Sparta
No, the modern city can’t replace ancient Sparta. Nonetheless, it’s a small, untouristy Greek town, with its own traditions, customs and local specialities!
7. Stroll through the city center
Founded in 1834 by King Otto, the modern city’s first inhabitants were those of Mistra, abandoned at the time. A visit to Sparta and its city center means discovering a typical Greek city, with its mix of traditional techniques and recent construction.
It’s easy to soak up the relaxed atmosphere. Visiting Sparta is no great feat, but you can still enjoy the ordinary: having a coffee or a drink in one of the city’s many cafés and bars, eating souvlaki and enjoying the atmosphere.
8. Sainopouleio Amphitheatre
Here’s a surprising place! While you might think it’s a reconstructed ancient site, this amphitheater is actually modern and has nothing to do with antiquity. During the summer months, it hosts numerous shows.
Located near Mistra, the Sainopouleio amphitheatre offers magnificent views of the surrounding hills. And a little moment of escape to be had in Sparta.
9. Local food
It’s impossible to visit Sparta without trying out the local specialities. By local, we mean the Laconia region, as there are no Spartan specialities to speak of. Apart from the belly kick, as film buffs would say!
Laconia is above all famous for its olive oil, which is produced to a high quality and exported. The other local specialty is syglino, a dish based on pork smoked with aromatic herbs. Other Greek specialties include moussaka and souvlaki.
10. Koumantarios Gallery
Among the things to do in Sparta, the Koumantairos Gallery is ideal for those in search of beautiful paintings. The gallery has been a branch of the National Museum of Greece since 1982. The building itself is a 20th-century neo-classical edifice.
Famous paintings by Greek artists are on display, and the gallery is a credit to the city of Sparta for the quality of the works it houses.
11. Greek Olive and Olive Oil Museum
A visit to Sparta means discovering the region’s greatest treasure, olive oil. The city has even dedicated a museum to it, and it really is a must-see in Sparta. It’s a quick visit, and you’ll learn all about the olive oil production process.
Traditional techniques, including cold extraction, are still in the majority, and you’ll be amazed at the complexity of the work involved. Of course, the tour ends in the store, where you can’t even count the number of bottles of olive oil on display!
How do I get to Sparta?
By plane
The nearest airport is Kalamata, around 1 hour from Sparta. In summer, it is normally served by Paris, Lille and Nantes. All year round, Sparta can be reached via a stopover in Athens.
Don’t hesitate to consult a flight comparator like Ulysse to find the right combination.
From Kalamata, you can take a bus from the airport to Sparta. However, it is advisable to rent a car to visit Sparta and the surrounding area.
By bus
This is the most classic means of transport, and by far the cheapest if you’re coming from Athens. There are several buses a day, with a journey time of around 3.5 hours.
Where to stay in Sparta
The new city of Sparta is a very small town, and it’s easy to find accommodation in the city center. Alternatively, you can choose a hotel or apartment in one of the neighboring towns, particularly near the archaeological site of Mistra.
To find your accommodation, don’t hesitate to consult a hotel comparator to find the solution that suits you best. Alternatively, you can always rent an Airbnb apartment for a more authentic experience.
Whatever your accommodation, Sparta is a wonderful discovery for lovers of ancient history and Greece in general. Enjoy your trip!
Map of hotels and accommodation – Peloponnese