Laconia is a land of history, tradition and natural beauty. Sparta is the capital and one of the most beautiful cities of Greece, a place that is worth visiting more than once in a lifetime. A simple town, built in the middle of the Evrotas river valley, in the same site where the ancient city stood. Mani is a barren land full of rocks, stone walls and prickly pears. It boasts of stark hills along with bays and coves, which have been torn by the elements of sea and wind. It does have several mountain villages stone towers. The small coastal town of Gythio (the capital of Mani) is located on the port of Sparta. Old houses dot the seashore, which overlooks a lighthouse on the tiny island of Marathonissi. Several tavernas and shops line the seashore to Perivolaki Square. Known as the octopus capital of Greece, the seaside cafes serve this tasty delicacy. Itillo offers deserted beaches for solitary walks. Across, you will discover the ruins of the Kelefa fortress. A little further on, beneath a steep cliff lies the little harbour with blue green waters and the picturesque fisherman's village of Limeni. The Mavromichalis mansion houses the Limeni Museum. Vathia, accessible by car, is a sight worth seeing with its cluster of remarkable towers, many of which have been converted by the Greek National Tourist Organization into guesthouses. Kokala with its beautiful bays is the anchorage of fishing-boats. Here traditional stone houses dot the shore. Kiparissi is a charming coastal village, which has recently developed into a resort attracting those who like to "get away from it all". It has three marvelous stretches of beach lining three successive coves. Mistras offers a jaunt up hill to a yet another castle, which you can explore. Monemvassia, on its rocky cliff offers castles, mansions and churches. Neapolis is where you will find a seaside market, along with beaches, caves and walnut trees. There are also taverns and cafes to enjoy to your heart‘s content. The islet of Elafoniss offers many sport activities, such as swimming and fishing. The island of Kithira you will show you her ancient temples, churches and monasteries, castles, caves, villages, beaches, green hills and countless birds. In Pirgos Dirou, you will find towers everywhere. The most famous of all is the one belonging to the Sklavounakos family. Just as famous are the Diros Caves. They are part of an underground river on which gondoliers steer their boats through the narrow passageways and around beautiful stalagmites and stalactites figures. Their various hues of colours, created by rainwater penetrating the calcium carbonate in the rock are awe-inspiring. The sea-enclosed beach of Simos is the most beautiful and fascinating beach in the Mediterranean. The sandy hills, gorgeous crystal blue waters, and tall cedar trees form a breathtaking picture. Ageranos (Vathi) is also one of the most beautiful beaches in Laconia. Arhangelos is a small town full of beauty with many small beaches surrounding the village. Two miles out of the port town of Monembassia, you will find one of the most beautiful spots of the Peloponnesian coast. Travel over a narrow stone causeway to the "Gibraltar of Greece" and before you stands an ancient Byzantine village covered in an array of beautiful flowers. The quaint village is vehicle-free and there are cafes and souvenir shops that you can enjoy exploring for treasures. On top of the hillside is the Aghia Sophia church. Below you is the crystal clear Aegean Sea, which you can reach by traversing the paths that corkscrew down the hill. Come to Laconia and spend your days and nights within the embrace of the sea, sun, moon and sea breezes, for a vacation of a lifetime. |