Visit Neapoli

I bet you’re already confused by the name, isn’t it? You may think I am trying to tell you to visit Napoli in Italy, but no. I am trying to tell you to visit Neapoli, a city located in the region of Laconia, in Peloponnese pensinsula of Greece.

Honstelly, I never heard about this city before going to Greece. Let’s be honest, it is not a touristic spot and are not many things to do here, as in other places. However, it does offer some main advantages.

First of all, it’s about the location. If you’re travelling by public transportation, this city is the main hub in the area. My intention it was to reach the island of Elafonissos, but there was no direct bus coming from Sparta. So, I had to come to Neapolis and reach the place from here.

I reached Neapoli very late in the evening and I didn’t knew how to reach Elafonisos on the next morning. Therefore, I decided to allocate a full day to visit Neapoli. And that’s how I discovered what the city has to offer and to tell you all about it!

City

Honestelly, I think Greece has so many beautiful places, that I wouldn’t particularly suggest to someone to pick up Neapoli for a holiday. On the other side, I realised it is a very popular destination among the Greeks, so I met no tourists at all! Which offers you a very authentic experience beeing surounded only by locals and admiring their daily life.

The city itself is really quite during the day, but very busy and lively in the evening when all the restaurants are open.

Beach

During the summer everybody is looking for a place to relax and enjoy the sun. Neapoli does have several beaches across the city, but even if they have different names, in my opinion is just a big long beach. Depending on the location, you can find quality sand and places to put your towel, private beaches offering umbrellas and sunchairs, or even more rocky stone beaches to the end.

The water is quite clear and nice. Are areas where is more suitable for children and non-swimmers. However, the sea may be quite powerful with big waves – depends on your luck.

Museum of Nautical Tradition

This is probably the only museum in the town (at least I didn’t saw any another one). But, when I went it was closed so I cannot tell you too much about it. It costs only 2€ the entry ticket, so if you have the chance to be around have a look and let me know what I’ve lost.

However, the view from the top (as the museum is located somewhere up) it offers a very beautiful picture over the city and the coast.

The Cave of Kastania

If you’re coming by car it will be a lot more easier for you to visit the cave of Castania. It is located 13 km away from Neapolis, on the other side of the peninsula, and it takes less than 30 minutes to reach the place. Unfortunatelly I couldn’t get there as there is no public transportation, but I saw in the town (too late) some agencies proposing a tour.

Check here on their official website more details and how to better prepare your trip. The entry ticket is 7€ for adults and 3€ for kids.

Geopark of Agios Nikolaos

Again, if you have a car, you can go and admire the petrified palm forest of Agios Nikolaos. Located about 15 km far from Neapolis, this places is free of charge and offers you a good lesson of geology and the power of the nature. Don’t forget your snorkelling set as you can swim around and see the miracles continuing underwater.

Sunset

One of the things I trully enjoyed all around Greece is the sunset. And of course, from anywhere is beautiful including from Neapoli. Combine it with a swimming in the warm water during the summer to finish your day in glory. Don’t forget to admire the small island of Elafonisos – just in front of you – or the island of Kithira – a bit more far away.

Food

For the food lovers or even better, for the seafood lovers, a visit to Neapoli won’t dissapoint. I tried several meals but the grilled octopus is absolutely delicious. Also, one of my favourite dishes was the grilled cheese – it leaves you speechless. As a tip, during the day have a walk in the city to check the hanged fresh octopus drying in the sun. It is fascinating seeing the octopus hanged like clothes on a clothline!

Transportation

You may want or not to visit Neapoli, but a stop you will do it for sure if you’re coming by public transportation. There are direct buses from Athens, Sparta and Molai, but check the schedule as are not many departures per day.

I personally came from Sparta by public bus and it cost me about 15€. The journey itself took about 3 – 3.5 hours. For a ticket to/from Athens you will pay about 35€, but it’s a longer journey, about 6-7 hours. If you intent to go to Monemvastia after, you need to get a bus to Molai (6.7€) and then change for Monemvastia (2.6€).

Neapoli is also a departure point to the island of Kithira (by ferry), so one more reason to make it very popular during the summer days.

Accommodation

My plan was to visit Elafonissos, but as the accommodation was expensive there (more than 100€ per person per night), I decided to stay in Neapoli. I didn’t booked anything in advance, on contrary, I started to look for a room around 11pm after arriving with the bus from Sparta!

Lucky me – were many people on the streets at that time (as mentioned before the seaside is full of bars and restaurants), so I got suggestions for where to try and ask for a room. I tried to several apartments & guest houses but full, so I ended up in Vergina Hotel.

I spent 90€ for 3 nights, jackpot! Huge room, kind size bed, huge balcony and terrace, breakfast included – one of the benefits visiting Greece during pandemic. Not many tourists, low price and big quality!

The end!

If you’re deciding to visit Neapoli or not it’s up to you. However, I hope now you have a better understanding of what to expect from the place. If you’ll have the chance to visit the locations I didn’t see, please let me know in a comment below to know what have I missed! Meanwhile, check more articles about the fascinating Greece and not only, here.