This is SPARTA! -One of the Best Motorcycle Routes Worth Visiting in Greece

Modern day Sparta is a vibrant city of roughly 16,500 inhabitants located in the Peloponnese of Greece.  Built next to where ancient Sparta was originally located, Sparta not only boasts a rich cultural heritage- from when it's ancestors fought and defeated the Persians, (remember 300?), thus saving western civilization from its destruction, but it also boasts having some of the most scenic and best biking roads in all of Greece.  

Located in between the cities of Sparta and Kalamata are the imposing Taygetos Mountains which stretch 61 miles from the center of the Peloponnese to Cape Matapan, its southernmost extremity.  These mountains have a peak elevation of 7,890 feet and provide massive amounts of fresh snowmelt water which empties into the main river of Sparta, Evrotas, and into the Messinian Gulf on it's western side.  In addition, the mountain pass from Sparta through these mountains which brings you to the city of Kalamata, will leave you breathless.  The road is narrow and winding however it is every bit worth the trip.  Total distance is 58 kilometers and the average time to drive it is a little over an hour.  Always make sure before heading on a trip to that your motorcycle is in tip top shape, you don't want to get stuck on the mountain as this road is not travelled as much anymore due to a brand new more modern highway built only a few years ago.  Safety flares, like ours, are a must have if you break down at night, as they can be seen up to a mile away and also provide a very bright LED flashlight as well.  Adjust the mirrors on your motorcycle, check your wheels and tires, and better yet carry a mini air compressor with you.  Strap on your goggles and off you go!

Route 82 is the name of the route. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely worth the trip.  It is a winding, wildly road with overhanging rocks, tunnels carved into the rock, and the occasional mountain goat running up the steep cliffs keeping an eye on the visitors that pass through.  

The first town the road passes through is the town of Magoula and as you pass through, you come to the town of Tripi, which in Greek, comes from the Greek word for "hole", - named so because of the large hole or cavern located in the side of the mountain in the village.  Legend has it that this cavern, which is called "kaiadas" in Greek, was where the ancient Spartans would throw undesirables to die, however this has been proven false as it was ancient propaganda disseminated by Sparta's enemies at the time.  The cavern spans for miles underground and if you stand near the hole, you will notice the cold air coming out of it, even on a hot summer's day-no air conditioning needed!  It is quite a wonder, and definitely worth stopping to see, conveniently located on the side of the road in the town.  

(Kaida located in the village of Tripi, Laconia Greece)

As you slowly ride up the mountain you will pass through the village of Lagadas, Agios Vasilios, and the large village of Artemisia.  Make sure you stop in and take advantage of some of the great taverns which offer local foods, wine, and culinary dishes.  

Next is the small village of Theotokos, and from here on, you can start enjoying the serenity you will experience as you won't pass through another town for a while.  The scenery here is breathtaking as the road leads up and down the mountain eventually bringing you to your destination, the vibrant city of Kalamata.  Being the second largest city in the Peloponnese, Kalamata has a plethora of things to do, see, and experience.  First class hotels, restaurants, and a beautiful boardwalk.  Enjoy the route, it will be a ride you will always remember!