Following the Battle of Pylos and subsequent failed peace negotiations a small contingent of elite Spartan hoplites found themselves isolated on Sphacteria. They would surrender only after a cunning deception by the Athenian politician Cleon.
Cleon sent a herald to the bloody and exhausted Spartans on the island asking them if they would like to surrender. In other circumstances this would have been met with contempt by every true Spartan but this was not just another day.
1. Hotel Sphacteria
The small island of Sphacteria is located at the entrance to the bay of Pylos (Navarino Bay). In ancient times it was the site of the Battle of Sphacteria in the Peloponnesian war. It is a natural harbor with crystalline blue waters, impressive rock formations and sandy beaches covered with a veil of tranquility.
Across from the EO9 road and overlooking the Bay of Pylos, this informal hotel offers a garden with mature cypress trees and a restaurant with sea views. Its rooms have polished concrete floors, and some feature balconies with vistas of the water. A sleek spa features a hot tub and a gym, while there’s also an outdoor pool and a beachside bar serving cocktails and snacks.
Polished rooms and suites offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars; some have private pools. Upgraded quarters have separate living and dining areas with kitchenettes. All have furnished balconies or terraces, and some have Jacuzzis. Room service is available 24/7. There’s a breakfast buffet, as well as a casual cafe and a restaurant with sea views.
On the eastern edge of the property is a scenic horseshoe-shaped beach, with clear waters and ruins of 13th-century castles. There’s also a rocky promontory with a Venetian castle, plus a small island that has battle memorials and a 19th-century lighthouse.
During the Peloponnesian War, which pitted Athens against Sparta, the Athenians besieged a number of Spartans on the small island of Sphacteria. After peace negotiations failed, the Athenians sent a force under Demosthenes to starve out the Spartans and eventually captured them. The victory gave Athens control of Messina and led to the creation of the statue of Nike at Olympia as a votive offering to honor the win.
A visit to the picturesque bay of Gialova will take you back in time. It is where the Battle of Sphacteria took place in 425BC, a major turning point in the Peloponnesian War. The bay also became famous for its role in the Battle of Navarino, a significant event in Greece’s war for independence from the Ottoman Empire.
2. Hotel Thermae
The hotel is well-suited for both tourists and business travelers, and has a number of amenities to ensure the comfort of each guest. It provides free private parking on site, as well as a spa area and outdoor swimming pool. In addition to a bar, there is a restaurant that serves breakfast every morning.
Rooms at Hotel Thermae are well-appointed and provide a refrigerator, tea and coffee making facilities and a flat-screen TV. They are also equipped with an en suite bathroom that includes a bathtub and shower.
There are a number of convenient features available to those staying at the hotel, including a concierge and a tour desk. It also offers meeting and event facilities. Its multilingual staff are able to help guests with any requests they may have.
Hotel Thermae is a popular choice among couples and families who are looking for a comfortable stay near the main attractions of Istiaia-Aidipsos. It is within a short drive of Kamena Vourla Hot Spring and Thermal Springs of Edipsos, making it the perfect place to discover this part of Greece.
The hotel is located just a short walk from Museum of Old Techniques and a brief car ride from Atomium. It is also a short bus ride from Grimbergen Stelplaats and provides guests with easy access to Knokke-Heist.
Those staying at the hotel can enjoy a range of premium amenities, such as an express check-in and checkout feature, a sauna and a fitness center. It also provides a bar/lounge, as well as 7 meeting rooms for those travelling on business.
A wide variety of dining options are available close by, with Restaurant Surin Thai Kitchen and eat by Fenikshof just a short stroll away. The hotel is also within walking distance of Groeneveldt.
During their stay, guests can use the discounted entrance rate to the wellness center at a reduced cost. The wellness centre is open from 17:00 hours. Hotel customers can purchase the ticket at reception or by calling the hotel directly.
3. Hotel Thermae
The hotel is situated close to the thermal spa. It offers good basic accommodation with a decent restaurant and a bar. The rooms are a little on the small side but clean and comfortable. Hotel guests receive half price admission to the Thermae. This is a very well located hotel which makes it easy to visit the town and explore the spa.
The Thermae is a popular destination for couples, offering many couples a romantic stay with great amenities and services. This includes free breakfast and parking, as well as an outdoor pool. The staff are very friendly and attentive. The spa area is also excellent, with many different treatments available.
Rooms at the Hotel Thermae are comfortable and feature modern decor. They are well-appointed with LED TVs and hairdryers, as well as private bathrooms with tubs or showers. Some rooms also have balconies. Guests can enjoy their meals at the hotel’s restaurant, which serves local cuisine. Alternatively, there are numerous restaurants in the surrounding area.
Guests can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge, and there is also an on-site fitness center. Other facilities include a terrace, a sauna and a business center.
There are 30 guestrooms at this Art Deco Ostend property, which all have LED televisions and digital television channels. There is also a refrigerator and a minibar in each room, as well as a private bathroom with a bath or shower. Guests can also make use of the in-room safes.
The hotel is in a great location, just a short walk from the main shopping district and the beach. There is a good selection of restaurants and bars nearby, and Hippodrome Wellington is only a 10-minute car ride away. There is free WiFi throughout the hotel. Guests can also enjoy the wellness centre, which is open from 10am until 7pm. The hotel offers a range of spa and massage treatments. These can be booked directly through the hotel.
4. Hotel Navarino
Located in the heart of Navarino Bay, Hotel Navarino offers spectacular views of the castles of Pylos and Neokastro, the palace of Nestor, the beach of Voidokilia and the Ionian Sea. It is also a great base to visit the Messinia Archeological Museum, and the Temple of Apollo Epikourios.
The hotel has 445 rooms and suites inspired by old Messinian mansions, springing from nature and creating an atmosphere of genuine hospitality. Rooms feature private infinity pools, smoke-free environments and Heavenly Beds.
There are also many amenities and services for guests to enjoy, including a fitness center, spa and beauty treatments, a range of restaurants and bars, and 3 championship golf courses. For those who want to get out and explore, there are also plenty of water sports to try, including kayaking, sailing, and snorkeling.
For some people, their accommodation is a real home away from home and they look for places that provide additional luxuries and exceptional hospitality. This can be particularly true when traveling with pets and those looking for pet-friendly hotels near Sphacteria will be pleased to find that there are options available.
These include the aforementioned Hotel Navarino, which is situated nearby to the village of Tragana. It also offers air-conditioned trendy studios and apartments that are well equipped with everything that visitors could possibly need during their stay. These include flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and more. Guests will also find that there is a games room and an on-site bar.
There is a lovely terrace that is perfect for enjoying drinks and meals and there are also plenty of opportunities for relaxing on the beach. For those who would like to explore the area further, there are a number of tours and activities that can be booked through the hotel.
A day trip to the old fortress is a popular option and this can be done either by car or on foot. It is also possible to take a boat cruise that takes in the sights of Navarino Bay, including Neokastro and the Palace of Nestor, as well as the small turtle-shaped island of Helonaki. This is a wonderful way to see the sights of the area and is something that many people will enjoy.