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Sparta: Saturday morning shopping by the central square. All the signs of a prosperous modern town: difficulties parking, fast-food Greek style, trendily dressed teenagers, internet cafes. But glance up to the skyline - the snow-fringed Taygetos mountain range |
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Mystras, church of St Theodori: the Byzantine city flourished as a centre of learning. Wealth from trading links around the Mediterranean endowed many churches richly decorated with frescoes. This is one of the restored churches across the hill-side archaeological site. |
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Gytheio: the small town on the Laconian Gulf served as Sparta's port from Mycenaean times, and fishing boats still line the quays. Waterfront fish-tavernas offer 'fresh fish', but when in Gytheio, grilled octopus is a must - choose your tentacle from the line ! |
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Monemvasia: Greece's Rock of Gibraltar, viewed from the aptly named Camping Paradise 4 kms down the coast which served as our base for our 3 days in SE Laconia. The fortified hilltop once was home to a city of some 50,000, but now only the overgrown ruins remain. |
