Laconia is one of Greece’s most historic places. Taygetus, the biggest mountain to the West, is also known as the "male" mountain (highest peak: Profitis Ilias 2.407 m).
The other big mountain, Parnonas, is located to the East (highest peak: Megali Tourla 1.935 m). Between them flows the river Evrotas, and to the South the two peninsulas, Mani and Epidaurus Limira expand. The latter takes its name from the ancient city with the same name which is located near Monemvassia. The Laconian Gulf is bordered by these two peninsulas and enclose Elafonissos island in their midst. The city of Sparti is Laconia’s capital. Other small towns and villages are Skala with its lush orange groves, the crossing-point village of Molai, Kiparissi and Gerakas, two villages that served as operation bases for pirates during the medieval days and Plitra (Ancient Assopos), a part of which was submerged during the deadly earthquake of 375 a.D.
Archaeological researches state that Laconia has been inhabited since the Neolithic ages at the river’s delta south to Evrotas valley, and in Diros caves at the Western coasts of Mani and Elafonissos. During the Copper age, the area between Sparti, Molai and Githio is also inhabited. After this, the Dorians implement the most powerful military force of the era of Sparti, the city-state of the Lacedemonians. This is followed by decline at the end of the Classical age. After the Romans occupy the entire Peloponnese, Laconia experiences a renewed development under the Byzantines from the 13th century and onwards. Later, the Franks build Mistras and deliver it to the Byzantines. Mistras becomes the capital of the Moreas area. The medieval cities Geraki and Monemvassia are built at the same time. The three cities are filled with churches, monasteries and castles.
The island of Antikythera is located to the south-east of Kythera, approximately 22 miles from Kythera and 18 miles from Crete. It has 45 permanent inhabitants and is one of the smallest and poorest communities in Greece. More>>
Crete is located in south east of Kythera Island. An excursion trip in your holidays is a good idea. Visit the island of king Minos and if you ... borring Crete get back to Kythera!
