Sparta Σπάρτη Overview

This—is—Sparta. Built on top of the ancient city, modern Sparta’s gritty urban sprawl barely hints at its historic military past other than in the names of its streets. Most unfortunately, the modern city leaves only a few of the ancient ruins explosed for the curious traveler. Unless you have a burning desire to see the Spartan battle fields, explore the city’s well-advertised Museum of the Olive, or wrestle with wolves, don’t bother wasting time in Sparta; the time is better used by heading to nearby Mystras, a magnificent archaeological site.

• Orientation And Practical Information

Sparta’s main streets, Paleologou and Lykourgou, have most of the city’s services. They intersect in the center at the town hall. From there, the plateia is one block uphill along Lykourgou away from ...more

• Accommodations

It’s hard to find a bargain among the numerous mid-range hotels grouped on Paleologou. There are really no stand-out choices in the city, and you may find the accommodations lacking in quality and hospitality ...more

• Food

Sparta’s restaurants serve standard menus at reasonable prices. Supermarkets and bakeries fill the side streets of Paleologou, while cheap fast-food joints surround the main plateia. Elyssé Restaurant ...more

• Sights

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM. A beautiful, well-kept park hides a fountain, assorted ancient statuary, and the museum. Headless statues usher visitors into the museum, which features a large collection of everything ...more

• Nightlife

At night, the side streets off Paleologou swell with young people, while the plateia draws families and an older crowd that drinks away the hours at outdoor cafes. Due to the literally Spartan laws, nightlife ...more

• Daytrip From Sparta

Once the religious center of all Byzantium and the locus of Constantinople’s rule over the Peloponnese, Mystras lays dormant, a magnificent fortified city saturated with remains of Byzantine churches ...more