Travel time 3 hours

Mystras was from 1250 until 1450 the Byzantine capital of the Peloponnese. It was originally a fortress town built in 1249 by the Franks when they attempted to rule the area. The ruins survive to this day and are quite spectacular. The fortress and stylish churches and monasteries are decorated with marvellous frescoes where you can see that Mystras was once upon a time a magnificent city.

Mystras is one of the most exciting cities in the Peloponnese. Standing still in time, the dead city lies on the slope of the sheer hill with the fortress at its top.

The whole of Mystras is an open-air museum. A reminder of a glorious era of culture and power. Its fortifications and churches, its palaces and mansions, its roads and fountains, charm thousands of visitors daily and offers them valuable insights in the evolution and culture of the Byzantines.

For two centuries Mystras was at the forefront of developments and had a brilliant history full of glory, splendour and political, social and cultural contributions.

The Palace of the Despots is being restored but the only inhabitants now are a few nuns who live in the Pantanassa Monastery.

Mystras is one of the most visited places by tourists from around the world. It is certainly a sight to behold and is now listed as a world heritage site.

Approximately 6 kilometres east from Mystras is the now modern town of Sparta.

Travel time 2.5 hours

Vathia is probably the most dramatic traditional village in the Mani, a treasure of valuable cultural heritage.

At first glance, the cluster of remarkable majestic stone tower houses, which sit on the top of a hill, entice you along narrow paths up to the top with stone-built edifices on each side.

There are ravines and rough landscapes all around and in the background you can see the beautiful picturesque bays of Southern Mani.

The towers are certainly a sight worth seeing.

Legend says that this was a favourite pirate spot.

On your return visit the very pretty harbour at Gerolimenas. This village really has an end of the world feeling. There are a few tavernas and cafes along the waters edge with plenty of fresh octopus available. It has a small pebble beach overlooked by cliffs and is a great place to stop for a swim and something to eat.