Once an ancient military outpost, this site in the center of the Peloponnese Peninsula is an extraordinarily complete example of a Byzantine city.
The last Byzantine emperor's headquarters, Mystra has fine Byzantine relics and architecture—allow several hours. Not as much remains in Sparta, though, except a deep sense of the history of the city-state. Also nearby are the Diros Caverns and the lovely village of Githion.
85 mi/140 km southwest of Athens.