So you want to visit Ancient Greece. Sparta has to be on the list, right? Well, it was worth a visit, but I’m here to tell you like it is, so you can travel as well-informed as possible: There isn’t much here! Ancient Sparta is not often included in organized tours of Greece, unless it’s specifically requested, or directly applies to the group. However, it is possible to visit, though I highly recommend that you do so with a guide so you know what you’re seeing! Here is your ultimate guide to a day trip to Ancient Sparta from Kalamata.

The Location

Ancient Sparta is located south of the middle on the Peloponnese Peninsula. It’s not particularly “close” to any major cities, and it does not have an airport nearby, but it is accessible by highway. For reference, here are some drive times:

• From Athens: 4 hours with no toll; 2.5 hours using the toll highways
• From Kalamata: 1.5 hours through the mountains (which we actually do recommend); 1 hour on the toll highways (which we took on the way back)
• From Patras: 3.5 hours with no toll; 2.75 hours on the toll highways

Keep reading: What to Know Before You Visit Greece

Archaeological Ancient Sparta

If you’re interested in the archaeological process, this is a worthwhile stop for you. Archaeologists are uncovering more and more of Ancient Sparta, but you’ll need to use a lot more imagination than you might in Athens, Olympia, or Philippi. We highly recommend going with a guide, which you can arrange in advance. The Spartans lived very differently than anyone else in Greece. They were trained as warriors practically from birth (males and females), and women had the same rights as men in every way. It was a warrior society, but more than any other region in Greece. In fact, there were no walls around Sparta at all because could defend themselves–they were not afraid of an outside attack! Ruins include an ancient theatre, temples, and even a Byzantine church. Talk about your layers of history!

Also worth visiting: The Best Day Trip from Kalamata to Ancient Olympia

Statue of Leonidas

Don’t miss your chance for a photo with King Leonidas, just around the corner from Ancient Sparta’s Archaeological Site. You really can’t miss him! When he was king, Sparta was one of the two largest and most powerful cities in Greece (the other was Athens). Spartans were known as the fiercest warriors, and his reign was one of the reasons why.

Where to stay: What It’s Like Staying at the Grand Hotel Kalamata

Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil

Since you’ve made the trip, you should really stop into the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil. I don’t even like olives, but even I was interested in the history, the processing, and the many uses of olives and olive oils through the years! They say Greek olive oil is of the highest quality in the world, but you’ll have to visit and evaluate that for yourself! The museum is relatively small, so you should be able to breeze through in about 30-45 minutes. But don’t miss the outdoor area where you can see some of the action–pictured below!

Keep eating: The Foods You Must Try in Greece

Want more? Get all the best info on my dedicated Greece Page!

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