Sparta

At the decree of King Otto of Greece, the present day city of Sparta was built in 1834 near the site of the original city in Ancient Greece. With its wide, tree lined boulevards, the city was designed to be a paragon for all Greek towns.

The modern town still reflects this original vision, and is a very pleasant and green city set before a backdrop of lush hills. The city is in the valley of Evrotas River, to the east of Mount Taygetos (210 m).

Sparta is served by KTEL intercity buses. The 🌍 city terminal is in the east end of Lycurgus Str.

• Athens - Sparta: 9 daytime buses that run for 4 hours
• Kalamata - Sparta: every day at 09:15 (except Saturday & Sunday) and 14:30

By car, Sparta is 1 hour away from Kalamata.

• 🌍 Archaeological Museum of Sparta, 71, Osiou Nikonos Str, ☏ +30 2731 021516. (updated Mar 2016)
• 🌍 The Acropolis of Sparta. Remains of the temple of Athena Chalkioikos on the top of the Acropolis and a large Byzantine Basilica dated to the 10th century AD. On the south side of the acropolis lies an ancient theater dated to the early imperial period. It preserves the orchestra and part of the cavea. Excavations carried out by the British Archaeological School of Athens gave evidence of decorated shops that served people attending theatrical performances. (updated Mar 2016)
• 🌍 The Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil, 129, "Othonos-Amalias" Str., ☏ +30 2731 089315. Mar 1-Oct 15: daily (except Tuesdays) 10:00 - 18:00; Oct 16-Feb 28: daily (except Tuesdays) 10:00-17:00. The history of the olive oil production from prehistoric times to the early 20th century. Standard entrance fee: €3. (updated Mar 2016)
• 🌍 Mystras. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. (updated Mar 2016)

• Kalamata, coastal city one hour away by car, going through the villages Artemissia and Trypi.