Where to stay in Sparta: The best areas and 25 accommodations

Sparta is a city that many pass through in a hurry, on their way to Monemvasia or Mani, without realising how much it has to offer during their stay. The capital of Laconia, built at the foot of Taygetus with views that change with the time of day, it combines the everyday life of a provincial town with proximity to one of the most important Byzantine settlements in the country, Mystras.

Choosing accommodation here isn't just a matter of price, it's also a matter of pace. If you want to walk to the square in the evening and eat at a taverna with locals, you'd stay in the centre. If you're more interested in the archaeological site and tranquillity, you'd look for something closer to Mystras. And if you want something different, with fresh air and mountains all around, the mountain villages towards Taygetus, such as Vamvakou and Anavryti, offer an entirely different experience.

In this guide, you will find a detailed overview of the areas worth considering, each with its advantages and disadvantages, as well as specific accommodation suggestions, from simple city hotels to traditional towers and guesthouses in the villages.

What to see and do in Sparta

Modern Sparta was built in the 19th century with a neoclassical plan, featuring wide streets and squares, atop the ruins of the ancient city. Ancient Sparta, conversely, did not leave impressive monuments, as the Spartans did not invest in splendid architecture but in their military. You can, however, visit the archaeological site with its theatre and the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia, as well as the Archaeological Museum of Sparta in the city centre, with finds from across Laconia.

Mystras is the main reason many visitors spend two or three days in the area instead of just one. It is a Byzantine city, built at the foothills of Taygetus, with churches, monasteries, and the Frankish castle of Villehardouin at its summit. It requires at least two to three hours for a complete visit, ideally early in the morning before the heat sets in, as the route through the archaeological site involves many steps and uphill climbs.

The local gastronomy is based on products from Laconia: olive oil, olives, cheeses such as graviera, as well as meat from the mountain villages. In the centre of Sparta, you'll find tavernas with consistently good cuisine around Palaeologou Street, the city's main pedestrian thoroughfare, where most cafes are also located.

For those who wish to venture a little outside the city, Taygetus offers hiking, with trails leading to Profitis Ilias and villages like Anavryti and Vamvakou, the latter also known for the regeneration efforts made in recent years. Kaiadas, the gorge where, according to tradition, ancient Spartans abandoned weak infants, is also in the area, although visits are mainly external.

The sea is not right next to Sparta, but the Laconian Gulf and beaches such as those near Gytheio are about forty minutes away by car, so many visitors combine a stay in Sparta with a day trip there or to Monemvasia, which is about an hour and forty minutes away.

The best time to visit is spring and autumn when temperatures are milder both for exploring Mystras and for hiking in Taygetus. In summer, the heat in the plain can be intense, making the mountain villages a more attractive accommodation option.

The best areas for accommodation in Sparta

1. Sparta Centre, for walking around, dining, and easy access to everything

Sparta's city centre, around the main square and the pedestrian street of Palaeologou, is the most convenient base if you want to get around without a car in the evenings. Here you'll find most of the city's classic hotels, as well as tavernas, cafes, and shops. It's also the starting point for the archaeological site of ancient Sparta, which is just a few minutes' walk away, while Mystras is about a ten-minute drive.

Advantages:

• Everything within walking distance
• Many dining and coffee options
• Easier parking compared to larger cities

Disadvantages:

• Less quiet compared to the villages
• No particular view of the mountains or Mystras

Recommended accommodations:

1. Maniatis Hotel
A classic city hotel, a few minutes from the square, with simple rooms and consistent service. A good choice for those who want central accommodation without high demands.

• Average cost: approximately €55 per night

2. Menelaion Hotel
One of Sparta's most well-known hotels, with a long history in the city and a central location. Suits travellers who want comfort and easy access to everything on foot.

• Average cost: approximately €60 per night

3. Lakonia Hotel
A hotel in the city centre with functional rooms, suitable for short stays or business trips to Laconia.

• Average cost: approximately €50 per night

4. Dioscouri Hotel
A quiet option in the centre of Sparta, with comfortable rooms, suitable for both families and couples.

• Average cost: approximately €55 per night

5. Byzantion Hotel
A hotel with tradition in the city, close to Sparta's central points, with prices suitable for travellers on a moderate budget.

• Average cost: approximately €50 per night

6. Melies Hotel
A small hotel in the city, with personal service, suitable for those who prefer a more intimate environment than a large hotel.

• Average cost: approximately €55 per night

7. Kyniska Palace Conference & Spa
A larger hotel with conference rooms and a wellness area, suitable for business trips and for those who want a bit more comfort during their stay.

• Average cost: approximately €75 per night

2. Apartments in Sparta centre, for longer stays, families or self-sufficiency with a kitchen

In recent years, several new apartments have opened just a few steps from Sparta's square, most in renovated buildings. These are a good solution if you're travelling with friends or family and want a kitchen, more space, and the ability to cook, without sacrificing proximity to the centre. Most are located within a few minutes' walk from Palaeologou Street.

Advantages:

• More space than a hotel
• Ability to cook
• Good value for groups

Disadvantages:

• Usually no 24-hour reception
• Quality varies per apartment

Recommended accommodations:

8. Estrella Apartment
An apartment close to Sparta's centre, with basic kitchen equipment, suitable for couples or a small family seeking independence.

• Average cost: approximately €45 per night

9. H4 Art Sparta Apartment
A modern apartment with simple decor, a good choice for a short stay in the city.

• Average cost: approximately €45 per night

10. Z5 Sky Sparta Apartment
An apartment with ample space, suitable for couples who want something more than a simple hotel room.

• Average cost: approximately €50 per night

11. Vasiliki's apartment
A small apartment in a good location, convenient for two people wanting a central base.

• Average cost: approximately €40 per night

12. K6 Fashion Sparta Apartment
An apartment with modern furnishings, close to the centre, suitable for couples or solo travellers.

• Average cost: approximately €45 per night

13. C3 Modern Spartan Apartment
A comfortable apartment with a functional design, suitable for both short and slightly longer stays.

• Average cost: approximately €48 per night

14. Leonidas II Traditional House in Sparta
A traditional house in the city, with architectural elements reminiscent of old times, suitable for those who want something more unique than a typical apartment.

• Average cost: approximately €55 per night

15. Spartan Gem Apartment
An apartment offering good value for money, close to Sparta's central points.

• Average cost: approximately €42 per night

16. DORIEON 26 Sparti Lakonias
An apartment in a quiet part of the city, suitable for those who prefer a little distance from the hustle and bustle of the centre without losing proximity.

• Average cost: approximately €45 per night

3. Mystras, For those who want to stay next to the Byzantine settlement

The settlement of Mystras, a few kilometres outside Sparta, offers an entirely different accommodation experience, quieter and closer to nature. Here you'll find some of the area's most unique accommodations, from traditional towers to large hotels with wellness facilities. The views towards the plain of Sparta and Taygetus are among the main advantages, but a car is necessary for daily trips into the city.

Advantages:

• Views of the plain and Taygetus
• Very close to the archaeological site
• Quieter environment

Disadvantages:

• Car needed for Sparta
• Fewer dining options in the evening

Recommended accommodations:

17. Pyrgos Of Mystra
A traditional tower near the archaeological site, with stone architecture and a quiet environment, ideal for couples who want something different from a city hotel.

• Average cost: approximately €65 per night

18. Evoras Boutique Hotel
A small boutique hotel near Mystras, with elegant spaces, suitable for couples seeking peace and comfort.

• Average cost: approximately €80 per night

19. Euphoria Retreat
A large wellness resort near Mystras, offering relaxation and treatment programmes, mainly for those seeking a trip focused on rest and rejuvenation.

• Average cost: approximately €250 per night

20. Mystras Grand Palace Resort & Spa
A large hotel with a spa area and spacious rooms, a good choice for families or couples who want more amenities near the archaeological site.

• Average cost: approximately €100 per night

21. Acropolis Mystra Guesthouse
A small guesthouse with simple, clean rooms, close to the entrance of the archaeological site, convenient for those who want to start their visit early.

• Average cost: approximately €50 per night

22. Prytaneion
A traditional accommodation near Mystras, with stone elements and a quiet environment, suitable for those who desire the atmosphere of an old mansion.

• Average cost: approximately €60 per night

4. Mountain villages of Taygetus (Vamvakou, Anavryti), For nature, tranquility, and a different pace away from the city

The mountain villages towards Taygetus, with Vamvakou being the best known, have recently begun to attract visitors looking for something calmer than the city. These are small, elevated settlements with stone houses, clean air, and hiking trails. The distance from Sparta is about half an hour by car, so it suits those who don't need to go down to the city every day.

Advantages:

• Clean air and tranquillity
• Hiking trails in Taygetus
• Authentic mountain village experience

Disadvantages:

• Greater distance from Sparta and Mystras
• Few dining options in the evening

Recommended accommodations:

23. Traditional Guesthouse of Vamvakou
A stone guesthouse in Vamvakou, with simple but well-kept rooms, ideal for those who want to explore the village and its surrounding trails.

• Average cost: approximately €55 per night

24. Ruga of Vamvakou Homes
Renovated traditional houses in Vamvakou, suitable for families or groups who want more space and autonomy in the village.

• Average cost: approximately €70 per night

25. Ilaeira Mountain Resort
A mountain accommodation with views of Taygetus, designed for those who want a combination of comfort and contact with nature, away from the city's commotion.

• Average cost: approximately €90 per night

Practical tips before booking

• Book a car if you plan to visit Mystras and the villages. Public transport to Mystras and the mountain villages is limited, so a car makes getting around much easier.
• Start your visit to Mystras early. In summer, the heat within the archaeological site becomes challenging after 11 am, so it's best to go early in the morning.
• Try local cuisine on Palaeologou Street. Sparta's main pedestrian street has the most tavernas offering Laconian flavours.
• Combine with Gytheio or Monemvasia. If you're staying for two or three days, you can easily take a day trip to the Laconian Gulf.
• Prefer spring or autumn for hiking. Temperatures in Taygetus are more favourable then, while in summer the heat in the plain is intense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I stay if I only want to see Mystras?

If your primary interest is the archaeological site, a base near Mystras will save you time, though evening dining options are fewer compared to the city.

Do I need a car in Sparta?

Within the city, not necessarily, but for Mystras, the mountain villages, and seaside excursions, a car makes things much easier.

How many days are needed for Sparta and Mystras?

Two days are enough for a basic visit, three if you want to add hiking in Taygetus or a trip to the sea.

Is it worth staying in a Taygetus village instead of Sparta?

If nature and tranquillity appeal to you more than nightlife, then yes, villages like Vamvakou offer a different experience, with the disadvantage of distance.

What is the most central area for accommodation in Sparta?

The area around the square and Palaeologou Street is the most central, with easy access to food, cafes, and the archaeological site of ancient Sparta.

Are there accommodations near the sea from Sparta?

Sparta doesn't have its own beach, but Gytheio and the Laconian Gulf are about forty minutes away, so many prefer to stay in Sparta and take a day trip there.

Conclusion

For a first visit to Sparta, the city centre is the most practical base, with easy access to food and the archaeological site. Those seeking more space and independence can turn to apartments near the square, while couples and visitors who prioritise atmosphere will find more unique options in Mystras, with views and tranquillity. For those wanting something different, the mountain villages of Taygetus offer nature and cool air, ideal for summer or for a slower-paced stay away from the city.

See also our guides on where to stay in Veria and accommodation in Alexandroupoli.