The Gold Book of Sparta | Page 57

THE HIDDEN GEM OF LACONIA… At a distance of just 4 km from the deserted Byzantine castle state of Mystras that silently gazes at the waters of Evrotas, and only 9 km away from Sparta, there is a tiny, low profile but especially picturesque little village. Pikoulianika, a traditional settlement “climbing” on the slopes of Taigetos mountain, at an altitude of 600 meters, is the best “balcony” in the region, with an unending view to Taigetos, Parnonas, and, of course, the unique castle-state of Mystras. Beyond its impressive view, the settlement, with a few houses scattered among the vegetation, enchants us with its picturesque imagery, its rare architectural physiognomy, its beautiful stone-paved paths and its few but quality choices in stay, food and coffee. 57