Sparta and Mystras

Trip Start Sep 01, 2005
1
21
28
Trip End Dec 31, 2005


Loading Map
Map your own trip!
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
shadow

Flag of Greece  ,
Monday, November 7, 2005

The trains in Greece are mostly old diesel, narrow guage ones that shake, rattle, roll, and smell! Bus is the way to go. The bus trip from Kalamata to Sparta was spectacular! It went through a narrow gorge, following the mountain folds, and winding up and down many, numerous switchbacks!

We enjoyed trucking around Sparta, looking at the few, remaining ruins and visiting the small local museums and art galleries. In particular, we found Greece's only olive oil museum to be very informative. Who knew there were so many kinds of olives?! There must have been 40 different varieties.

Only five km from Sparta, is ancient Mystras, placed strategically up on the side and top of a mountain. We spent several hours hiking up the winding, cobbled stone paths to the castle at the top. It afforded a 360 degree view of the countryside. There is a palace under restoration (didn't get to see inside it), several old byzantine churches, ruins of houses, and a monastery that is still used, today, by a group of nuns!
Slideshow Print this entry Sparta hotels