Mystras as a Day Trip

Driving on the Peloponnesean Peninsula can be challenging. I would stop at Mystras en route to Monemvasia. We really enjoyed exploring Mystras..

I was really hoping to avoid visiting it on the way to Monemvasia as I've read visiting Mystras can take 1/2 a day as there is so much to see. Based upon what I've seen and read I'm inclined to believe it to. So, were I to leave Nafplio at 8-9am, then drive about 2 hours to Mystras, I'd arrive there around 10-11. Assuming it's a 3-4 hours to visit Mystras + throw in lunch. It's mid afternoon by the time I was back on the road to Monemvasia. It's another 2 hours to Monemvasia...so that puts to at around 5-6 in the afternoon. Plus factor in that its early to mid-October...so the daylight will be waning by that time. So basically, my one night in Monemvasia will be mostly spent visiting Mystras. :(

Was just curious if others have done Mystras as a day trip from Kardamyli or Nafplio. Since I'm in Nafplio for 4 nights and Kardamyli for 3 nights I figured either of those would make more sense. But I've not travelled the Mani before...so I was hoping to learn from others travels in that region.

Could you go on your way to Kardamyli then? According to goggle maps, it adds 30 minutes to your trip. That seems better than backtracking.

I planned to stop in between Nafplio and Kardamyli, but we ended up visiting from Kardamyli instead, since it was a drizzly day and we planned on outdoor activities while in Kardamyli. So, while not ideal, it is doable, especially from someone who does not like long day trips.
It is well worth any effort made to visit.
I found google maps driving estimates fairly reliable, of course round up a little.
The only road that made me wince was the one out of Kardamyli, but I’m a bit of a wimp.

The advice I see here a lot is to consider Nemea and ancient Mycene as replacements for Olympia, which I found to be good advice.

When we were in Greece in May 2022, we spent 5 nights in Nafplio. We visited Mystras as a daytrip from Nafplio. It was about a 1.75 hour drive each way. Mystras was well worth the drive. It is spectacular! One of my favorite places. I would visit again in a heartbeat. It was fine as a daytrip from Nafplio.

We didn't go any further than Mystras on this trip, so I can't say whether or not you would be better off visiting Mystras from Kardamyli.

Just thought I'd add that my wife and I did day trip to Mystras from Nafplio and I give it a thumbs up as a day trip from Nafplio. However, if one is staying in Monemvasia for at least two nights, then I suggest dropping by Mystras on the way.

I will add though, my wife and I both did not like Nafplio at all. Not for us in the least. It's a very loud and touristy place. I'd suggest overnighting in Mystras as an option.

I will add though, my wife and I both did not like Nafplio at all. Not for us in the least. It's a very loud and touristy place. I'd suggest overnighting in Mystras as an option.

Just out of curiousity, where did you stay in Nafplio? We stayed in a smaller pension up on the hill, near Grand Sarai, and it was very quiet.

Some of the guest houses near Mystras look absolutely lovely, especially ones with a mountain view. I think we will do that next time - we mostly visited Messenia and Argolida this year and are saving Mani & Arcadia for another trip

Is it feasible to visit Mystras on the drive from Nafplio to Kalamata? Or better to do it as a day trip from Kalamata?

Thanks.

pam, I planned to stop at Mystras en route from Nafplio to Kardamyli, so it is certainly possible en route to Kalamata (an easier, shorter drive) if it fits into your plan best that way. We had timed it out, we just changed our minds spur of the moment. If it is winter and you don't want to be driving in the dark, that might affect your plan.

Thank you valadelphia. I am considering it for this week and sunset isn't until 7:30, so should be able to get to Kalamata before it gets dark. The only thing that gives me pause is the 90F forecast in Sparti area. Doesn't seem like a good day to be spending time out in the ruins in heat. I am assuming most of Mystras sights are outdoors? By the way, did you take the direct/shorter route from Mystras to Kardamyli or did you go via Megalopolis?

Hi Pam,
Mystras is all outdoors and lots of hill up and down climbing. So wear hiking shoes and loose clothing. My suggestion for hot weather is get there early and enjoy the shade that does present itself via from buildings and trees. There should be plenty of opportunities for it. Just do best to arrive early to mid morning.

Also, driving between kardamyli and Mystras is 2 hours pretty much any direction you come from. All roads are good...just if you elect to drive scenic mountain gorge route...driving will be slow...but quite pretty.

Last...there is an excellent restaurant near the top of Mystras....you'll have to drive or walk up the hill...but it was once of my best meals in Greece!!!

Also. Yes you can drive to Mystras as a stop between Nafplio and Kardamyli. The area around Mystras is quite lovely. You'll not regret stopping to visit Mystras.

Thank you, bergsbakend. How long did it take you to drive to Mystras from Nafplio? Which route did you take (toll hwy or the other one skirting the bay near Nafplio)? Do you remember the name of the restaurant at the top of Mystras? I'd like to check it out for a meal.

We are at Ktima Skreka Restaurant. It was very nice and very quiet which we loved. Very nice setting and service and food. Highly recommend.

As for route to take from Nafplio, we took the non toll road to Mystras from Nafplio and it took 1.75 hours. We took the toll road back and took about the same time. It'sore twisty turny on the non toll road but it's also more scenic. My wife sometimes gets anxious on twisty turny roads or when the folks like to try to pass you on the rural roads so we usually do one non toll and then one toll road.

Thanks again, bergsbakend. I see the restaurant is on the way to Langada Pass route between Kalamata and Sparti. I do want to drive over that pass for the views. Lonely Planet says that there is a site north of the gorge where the Spartans left to die those babies too weak or deformed to become good soldiers. Ruthless...