Travel guide

Areopolis

At a glance

Name: Areopolis
Periphery: Laconia
In a few words: preservable settlement, built on a rocky plateau
Population: 900
Postal code: 23062
Tel. prefix: 27330
Distance from beach: 15 Minutes
Distance from Athens: 274 Km
City highlight: the caves of "Dyros

Useful tips

General info

Welcome to Aeropolis...

The beautiful Aeropolis, capital city of West Mani, is located in the Prefecture of Laconia, in a distance of 72 km. from Sparta and 280 km. from Athens. It is a preservable settlement, built on a rocky plateau of 250 meters height, at the foot of the “Taygetos” - Mountain. Every single visitor in this city can enjoy the unique and impressive view to the Gulf of Messenia. Areopolis, among the most historical settlements of Lakonia, stands out of the rest because of the “maniatiko” landscape and architecture. The construction of the houses impresses as predominant materials are wood and stone. All the premises of the city look like small fortresses. The reason for that building method, was the protection of the inhabitants from several raids conducted in the past.

 

In the past...

The village was originally called “Tsimova”. The name Aeropolis (the city of Aris= Mars, God of War) came in 1836, by Decree of King Otto, a tribute to the martial virtues of Maniates (residents of Mani area). Aeropolis is the traditional cradle of family of “Mayromichalis”, which played an extremely important role in later Greek history. Having the members of this particular family as their leaders, Maniates raised the banner of the Greek revolution on 17 March 1821, and excelled significantly during the next years of struggle against the Turks in the name of Greek independence.

 

Nowadays...

In 1950 its population exceeded the 1,500 inhabitants. According to the 2001 Census they were reduced to fewer than half (approximately 900 residents). Areopolis has grown and gradually evolved into a significant commercial centre for the whole region. The proclamation of the old town of Aeropolis in a preservable settlement, the beautiful beaches of the region and the emergence of archaeological and pre-historical areas around Aeropolis helped in increasing the touristic trade. Very important pole of attraction for the tourists is also the caves of “Diros”, located approximately 10 km south of Aeropolis. In today’s Aeropolis, the castle-like buildings, the cobblestone pavements and traditional orthodox churches, meet good restaurants with Greek cuisine, taverns with Greek patent foods and modern Bars for the youngest, while the beauty of the landscape and the hospitality of people reward the visitor for the long and tiring driving.

Sight seeing

If you happen to come by or stay in this beautiful city, then
you can visit:

 

  • the Church of “Taxiarches” (the Archangels), the metropolis of Areopolis, in the historic square of 17 March 1821

  • the impressive multi-storey bell tower, which is the symbol of Areopoli 

  • the Holy Church of “Agios Nikolaos” (1807) with the twelve-sided dome

  • the double “Church of Panagia” (Virgin Mary) and “Agios Charalambos”, at the "Niarchakos" square, with frescoes dating back to 1869

  • the Church of “Agios Athanasios” located at the “Athanaton” square in the Centre of the city 

  • the caves of “Dyros” ( in a distance of approximately 10 km)

How to go

By Car:

Aeropolis is located at a distance of 274 Km from Athens. Once you get in Attiki Odos, you continue your trip to the national highway Athens-Corinth (approximately 80 km/40-50 minutes journey). Once you leave Corinth behind, continue your way to Tripolis (pay attention to the road signs in order not to miss the relevant exit). Continue your journey on the freeway for about 95 km (approx. distance 81 Km, duration 40 minutes). When you arrive in Tripolis leave the national road (Tripolis node) and follow the road towards Sparta-Gythio (approx. distance 58 km/ approx. duration 60 minutes). Once you arrive at Sparta, continue your trip in direction to Gythio following the road signs (approx. distance 42 km/ approx. duration 35-40 minutes). 10 km before you enter the town of Gythion, follow the signs to Aeropoli (Mani and Itilo/ Oitylo are also in the same direction. Approximately 80 km/60-70 minutes travel)

 

Total duration of journey : 220-230 minutes

 

By Bus:

There are daily itineraries from Athens to Aeropolis. The departure point is at the main bus station of Athens. (KTEL Busses Kifisos - Kifissou 100, on the national road of Athens).

 

For more information please call:

KTEL Busses Athens (Kifisos) : ☎  (+30) 210 2124913

KTEL Busses Prefecture Lakonia (Sparta) : ☎  (+30) 27310 26441

 

By Train:

For more information and itineraries, please visit the following websites:

www.proastiakos.gr  and  www.ose.gr

Useful telephones

Municipality offices Areopolis : ☎  (+30) 27330 - 51239, 51150


Police Station Aeropolis: ☎  (+ 30) 27330 - 51209, 51355


Fire Department Aereopolis : ☎  (+ 30) 27330 52199

 

Health Center Areopolis : ☎  (+ 30) 27330 51242, 51259


Pharmacies Areopolis : ☎  (+ 30) 27330 51370, 29510


National Bank (with ATM /24 hours) Areopolis : ☎  (+30) 27330 51293


Post Office Areopolis : ☎  (+ 30) 27330 51230


Taxi Station Areopolis : ☎  (+ 30) 27330 51442


Diros Caves Areopolis : ☎  (+ 30) 27330 52222 – 3


Neolithic Museum of Diros : ☎  (+ 30) 27330 52233


Byzantine Museum of Areopolis : ☎  (+30) 27330 29531

Distances

From the city of Aeropolis to:

Athens

272 km

Thessaloniki   

763 km

Piraeus

269 km

Larisa

614 km 

Volos

587 km 

Ioannina

527 km 

Zakynthos

276 km 

Pylos

132 km 

Kalamata

88 km

Nafplio

180 km 

Patras

289 km 

Sparti

60 km 

Corinth

194 km 

Igoumenitsa

593 km

Pyrgos

197 km