by Beverly Smirnis
People who haven’t travelled to Greece before tend to go to the most visited spot on the Greek mainland–the Parthenon in Athens. And some make the trip to Delphi. Then they’re swiftly on their way to the Aegean islands to find the whitewashed buildings with blue domes depicted as Greece on the postcards.
And yes, the islands are even better than the postcards depict. But first, it’s worth taking at least a few more days on the Greek mainland to explore other magical places off the beaten path for most American tourists. In these places, you’ll find mostly European tourists because they travel often to Greece. You could call Greece their Florida. Enjoying the best of both worlds by exploring the Greek mainland and then hopping between islands creates a well-rounded Greek adventure.
The mainland of Greece reflects a rich tapestry of architectural styles, each contributing to the country’s cultural and historical identity. The coexistence of ancient ruins, Byzantine churches and monasteries, and Venetian fortifications across the Greek mainland is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. Indeed, there are many directions you could go from Athens to explore diverse landscapes, scenic coastal areas and picturesque villages. But if we had to choose one, it would be heading south to the Peloponnese region.
Head South on the Greek Mainland to the Peloponnese Region
A drive to Mystras will take under three hours from Athens. And there is much to see on the way. Some may want to plan a stop in Corinth, where the Apostle Paul established one of the earliest Christian communities. And history buffs will relish that our destination is just outside of Sparta, today a modern town closest to the archeological sites at our destination.
The fortified town served as an important center during the Byzantine and Frankish periods. In the 20th century, efforts to preserve and restore the medieval ruins of Mystras earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. offering a captivating journey through Byzantine history and architecture.
The Mystras Grand Palace Resort & Spa, opened in 2021, mirrors the area’s historical architecture. Nested on the hillside of Mount Taygetos, below the Byzantine castle of Mystras, it sits on 25 acres set in a large expanse of evergreen olive groves.
The hotel has 72 rooms of various sizes exquisitely finished with features including stone walls, and vaulted wood beamed ceilings. Expansive verdant gardens adorn the property and surround its three pools. The resort also offers a modern tennis center with four hybrid clay courts, a fitness center and spa.
The resort’s main restaurant serves an incredible breakfast spread, and dinner is a superb experience. The finest local ingredients create its delectable dishes. The gracious staff considers themselves members of the extended Kaloidis family, and makes sure the guest do as well.
The hotel complex was envisioned by the late Dimitrios Kaloidis and his wife Georgia. It has indeed put Mystras on the tourist map as a 5-star destination. Mr. Dimitrios immigrated from this area to Boston and wanted to return in his retirement. His main objective was creating jobs for the people in his native region on the Greek mainland. Sadly, before it was finished in 2021, he passed away. It was completed and remains operated by his wife.
Euphoria Retreat is the First Wellbeing Destination Spa in Greece
We recommend basing yourself out of the Mystras Grand Palace Resort & Spa and treating yourself to a visit to the Euphoria Spa Retreat, also in Mystras. Or add on an extra night, as we did, to stay there. Euphoria is firmly established as one of the most ambitious yet embracing spa hotels in Europe.
Open in July 2018, its unique architectural design, also inspired by Byzantium, adds modern style notes evoking a distinct Zen atmosphere. Euphoria draws visitors from across the globe. And some stay for extended periods to partake in physical, spiritual and emotional wellness programs and retreats.
The remarkable spa includes a Sphere Hydrotherapy indoor-outdoor swimming pool, relaxation area, tepidarium, Byzantine Hammam, Waterwell Kneipp Therapy, Experiential Showers, Outdoor California Hot Tub, Yoga & Meditation Hall, Finnish Sauna, Steam Room, Speleotherapy-Salt Room and Cold Plunge Pool. And the menu of spa services is unlike any we’ve ever seen before.
Inspired by her own recovery from cancer, Euphoria is the fulfilled vision of owner Marina Efraimoglou. ‘Euphoria Methodos’ converges varying healing philosophies and marries East and West, ancient Greek and Chinese health approaches and science with naturalism.
Τhe overnight suites are spacious and elegantly decorated with exclusively designed furniture and textiles. Bathrooms are adorned in luxurious Onyx marble. And the restaurants specialize in scientifically proven healthy Mediterranean diet-inspired cuisine. Before or after a day at the spa, guests can hike on your own or take part in a guided trek through the property’s private forest overlooking a colorful citrus valley.
Next Up, Take a Scenic Drive to Monemvasia
The small medieval fortress town of Monemvasia is located on a rocky island off the southeastern coast of the Peloponnese peninsula of the Greek mainland. It’s about a 90-minute drive from Mystra. The town is often referred to as the “Gibraltar of the East” due to its strategic location and fortress-like appearance overlooking the stunning Aegean Sea. The well-preserved medieval atmosphere with narrow cobbled streets combined with the stunning coastal setting makes Monemvasia a captivating destination for visitors interested in history and architecture.
Read our previous article on a place we can’t resist returning to anytime we are fortunate enough to go back to Greece.
Now to the Islands…
The closest airport is the Kalamata International Airport. Or you can drive back to Athens International airport and do a round trip if you’re departing from there for your journey back home. Another option is using Greece’s ferry system. Gythio in the Peloponnese offers ferry service to Crete. And once you’re in the islands, hopping from one to another by ferry is easy!
Steve and Beverly Smirnis travel often back to Greece to visit Steve’s family and have toured most corners of their favorite European destination.
Steve’s mother grew up in Sparta and his father is from the northern part of Greece that was formerly Macedonia. Steve speaks both the Greek and Macedonian languages.
