Hotel Pyrgos of Mystra: Local info

Setting off from the Tower of Mystras, travelers can explore and enjoy Taygetus' unique nature by whatever means is preferred, including climbing, trekking or mountain bike. One-day excursions to near-by areas can also be arranged.

• Paths (to Pikoulianika, Taygeti, Agios Ioannis ton Vouvalon, the famous paved path leading from the fortress state to Magoula, to Panagia Lagadiotissa and the Monastery of Faneromeni, to E4 refuge and to the Lagada Climbing Park).
• Mountain refuge. Location: Varvara. Altitude: 1550 m. Sleeping Capacity: 24 persons. Kitchen: Fully organized. Access: from Sparta- Anogeia-Palaiopanagia-Poliana- source of river Maganiaris (22 km of asphalt roadway) and thereof signposted path leading to the refuge (duration: 1,30 h.). Enquiries: Mountaineering Society of Sparta, tel: 27310-22574).
• Lagada Climbing Park. Located a few kilometers after the small village of Trypi, at the 15th km of the Sparta-Kalamata road. It is outstandingly beautiful but with a high degree of difficulty and appeals to climbers who wish to encounter high-level climbing problems. Best time for climbing is from mid-May to mid-October. Enquiries: www.taygetus.com
• Olive Museum. Unique throughout Greece.
• Botanical and Geological Museum in Anavryti.
• The fountains of Trypi.
• Gytheion. Folk museum, ancient theatre.
• Monemvasia. Museum, Byzantine churches, the famous Rock, the house of the great Greek poet Yiannis Ritsos.
• Limeni. The famous fish-taverna of Takis.
• Mani. Towers, Byzantine churches, beaches of unparallel beauty.
• Diros Caves. Among the most spectacular lake caves in the world.

• Greek mountaineering club of Sparta: www.taygetus.com
• Municipality of Mystras: www.mystras.gr
• Municipality of Sparta: www.sparta.gr
• Prefecture of Laconia: www.laconika.gr
• Ministry of Tourism: www.gnto.gr
• Weather report: www.meteo.gr
• Ministry of Culture: www.culture.gr