Located in the breathtaking landscapes of the Peloponnese in Laconia, the castle town of Mystras or Mistras is a rich haven of fascinating heritage, astounding views, and mesmerising hiking trails. This former Byzantine capital is filled with astonishing medieval ruins and boasts an exceptional hilltop palace ‘of the Despots’, beautiful Byzantine churches with intricate frescoes, and plenty of fascinating historic buildings. This town holds real historic importance as the place where the last Byzantine emperor was crowned, and, along with the sites, the Archaeological Museum provides exciting information about what happened here. The terrain, decorated with fertile orange trees and olive groves, is crisscrossed with a diversity of hiking routes, often leading to charming old chapels or other interesting sites.