Discover Kyparissi, an «island-like» village-gem on the northeastern coast of Laconia, that retains its color and picturesque charm.
The region of Laconia is an inexhaustible destination, ideal for year-round holidays and full of enchanting places waiting for you to discover them. One of its most beautiful corners lies on the northeastern coast, where Mount Parnon meets the azure waters of the Myrtoan Sea. We are talking about Kyparissi, a secluded seaside village that gives you an island feel.
Kyparissi (88 km from Sparta) lies between Leonidio and Monemvasia and is one of those places that have not been altered by mass tourism. Until the 1970s, this traditional settlement was accessible only by sea or on foot, via a steep mountain path. Today, the village stands out for its traditional character and lovely beaches and is ideal for quiet holidays.
Kyparissi, Laconia: A village for holidays like in the old days
Kyparissi is about 4 hours from Athens and the route there - although beautiful- is not the easiest you can take. The place, however, will reward you for the small adventure until you arrive. Arriving in Kyparissi you feel as if time has stood still. It is no coincidence that in 2021 this village served as the filming location for the ERT television series «Vardianos sta Sporka», an adaptation of the eponymous novella by Alexandros Papadiamantis.
Kyparissi consists of three settlements: Paralia (the one that features in most photos), Mitropoli and Vrysi. The whitewashed houses with their tiled roofs and colorful doors and windows, which literally touch the sea, exude the atmosphere of an Aegean island.
Vrysi is the oldest settlement, about 100 meters above the sea, in a spot with dense Mediterranean vegetation of pines, carob trees and cypresses. It was built there for safety and protection from pirates, when they used to ravage the coasts of the Peloponnese.
The most important sights are the Asclepieion of Vrysi, the Byzantine Castle in the Kastelli area, and the ancient city of Kyphantes, which was one of the best-known healing sanctuaries of the ancient world. The area is also ideal for hiking excursions, both coastal (such as the one that leads to the chapel of Agios Georgios) and mountain routes, through forests and pristine natural landscapes.
Where to swim
The area boasts beautiful beaches. The most famous is Megali Ammos, a broad shoreline with white pebbles and crystal-clear waters, while for those who prefer tranquility there is the beach of Agia Kyriaki. Impressive is Fokiano beach, 20 km away from Kyparissi, which you can visit via the new coastal road.
