Sparta

The Bradt Guide to The Peloponnese rudely states that there ‘is no real reason to stay here’. So despite this, or as a reaction to this statement, my wife and I stayed here in 2019 for a night after a rather wonderful and slow drive through the Langada Pass. We had a great time, so there!

Ok, I do get the point, it’s not the most beautiful town but it has its charm and I wanted to avoid tourists heading for Mystra. Staying here did the trick, we did not see or hear any foreign tourists, just Greek locals who seemed very pleased to meet us.

The Main Square

The streets are wide and the Main Square is large, with a large choice of bars and restaurants, and the place had a pleasant sleepy feel to it which was perfect for us.

Accommodation and eating.

On our first visit in 2019 we stayed at the sizeable and comfortable Maniatis Hotel which is centrally located with free parking nearby and it was easy to find. It was closed when we returned to Sparta in August 2020 so we opted for the smaller Hotel Laconia which is just over the road from the Maniatis which was very pleasant.

3 different types of sausage and aubergine dip at Yiayia’s.

The restaurants and bars lining the Main Square are well priced which is unusual for establishments in a prime location. We had a lovely lunch at Yiayia’s Kitchen in 2019, sadly closed on our return- hopefully only a temporary measure. On our first visit there was a free concert in the square which was an added bonus and after a pleasant and quiet dinner at Diethnes Garden we headed back to the square to enjoy the entertainment. On our return in August 2020 we ate a pleasant [and rather substantial] meal at Restaurant Kexribari on the main square.