Sparta is mainly worth visiting as a base for places nearby that are better than Sparta itself.
Mistra — six kilometres west, the UNESCO-listed Byzantine ghost city on the steep flank of the Taygetos. The fortified medieval town of the Despots of Morea: ruined palaces, intact frescoed churches, a Frankish castle on top, an active convent halfway up. Half a day minimum; ideally a full day.
Mani Peninsula — the rocky middle finger of the southern Peloponnese, an hour and a half south by car, with the tower-house villages of the inner Mani, the dramatic west coast and (further down) the spectacular Diros caves. Better as an overnight than a day trip.
Monemvasia — a small fortified Byzantine town built into a tied island on the south coast, about an hour and a half east. One of the most striking medieval sites in Greece.
Gythio — the small port at the head of the Mani gulf, an hour south. Calm fishing village, decent beaches at Mavrovouni, and the gateway to Mani.
Langada Pass — the dramatic mountain road over the Taygetos to Kalamata, 60 km and ninety minutes one way. A scenic drive in its own right.
