Pikoulianika is a small settlement of Sparta nestled in the green embrace of the central Taygetos, at an altitude of 580 meters, opposite the castle of Mystras. Its name is unique, among the thousands of place names in Greece, unique is its unparalleled natural beauty, too. The best “balcony” of the area, with stunning and endless view of the plain of Laconia, Taygetos mountain, Parnonas mountain, Evrotas river and of course the unique castle town of Mystras. Beyond its impressive view, the settlement, has to offer an enchanting picturesque and rare architectural physiognomy, beautiful cobblestone paths and a few but of great quality choices in accommodation and food.
The place name came from the surname of the Pikoula family that dominated the area from 1700-1900. Before the appearance of migration and urbanisation the settlement was a dynamic one with agricultural and livestock economy and with a maximum population of 330 people. It had a primary school from 1891-1983 and a parish of Ag. Theodoroi from 1828.
In many places springs gush out with small or larger amount of water. The largest spring is located at the easternmost point in a location called “Kyparissi”. Close to the spring there are remnants of a building and there says the oral tradition created the legend “The Kyparissi (Cypress) of Mystras”.
West of the village dominates the mountain Latzinikos (1591 m), that carries a Slavic name, in antiquity it was called Evoras. From the center of the village starts a mountain trail to the peak Koufovouni 1850 m.
Ο πολιτιστικός σύλλογος έχει αναπλάσει τις τελευταίες δεκαετίες την πλατεία, διάφορες πηγές νερού, μονοπάτια και το παλιό δημοτικό σχολείο, που δεσπόζει στο κέντρο του χωριού και αποτελεί ένα μικρό μουσεία με την ιστορία του οικισμού.
During the recent decades, the local cultural association has redeveloped the square, various water springs, trails and the old primary school, which dominates in the center of the village and now operates as a small history museum.
Source: Πολιτιστικός Σύλλογος Πικουλιάνικων
Car
From Athens: 218 km, 2.5 hours
From Kalamata: 98 km, 1 hour
The route follows the A6 (Attiki Odos), A8 (Elefsina-Corinth) and A7 (Corinth-Tripoli) highways, and then the A71 (Lefktro-Sparti) highway.
Bus
From Athens: 226 km, 3.5 hours
From Kalamata: 102 km, 1 hour
KTEL Lakonia operates several daily routes to and from Athens. These routes also serve the Sparta-Tripoli and Sparta-Corinth lines.
From the airport
From Eleftherios Venizelos – Athens Airport: 248 km, 2.5 hours
From Kalamata airport: 96 km, 1 hour
The road transition from Kalamata to Sparta takes about an hour. The route follows the A7 highway (Kalamata-Tripoli) and then the A71 highway (Lefktro-Sparti).
For road access to the paths of the present study, the following road network can be used:
The Sparti – Logastra provincial road
The Spartis – Kalamata highway
The national road Spartis – Mystras
The Spartis – Gytheio national road
The Spartis-Mystra provincial road
Amykles-Kalyvia Sochas street
Kalyvia Sochas – Sochas street
Mystra-Pikoulianika street
Mystras-Taygeti street
Taygeti – Pergandaika street
The Mystras-Vlahochori street
Agios Ioannis-Anavrytis street
In addition to the above paved roads, there are a number of existing forest and rural roads, mainly dirt, which allow access to the existing paths.
Η περιοχή προσφέρει μεγάλη ποικιλία χώρων διαμονής για όλα τα γούστα. Μπορείτε να βρείτε πέτρινα παραδοσιακά σπίτια και ξενώνες, μικρά ξενοδοχεία, resorts πολυτελείας και ενοικιαζόμενα δωμάτια, στο Μυστρά, Παρόρι, στα Πικουλιάνικα, στην Τρύπη, στην Αναβρύτη και στην Ταϋγέτη.
Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες: https://www.exploresparta.gr/tourism/diamoni/
From the main local products of the Spartan land the following stand out: olives of the “Kalamon” variety & virgin olive oil, oranges, honey, wine with the typical Kydonitsa, Mavroudi, Roditis, Athiri and Agiorgitiko varieties, synglino, sausage, pasta, trout and salmon.
Some of the most typical traditional dishes that you can look for on your trip are: Bouzopoula, Kokoras bardouniotikos, Pitaroudes, Kayanas, Kolokythokorphades.
More info at exploresparta.gr
Hiking boots, hat, sunscreen, long pants, water at least 1.5 liters, food, compass, whistle, flashlight, knife or multi-tool, watch and baton. In winter, windproof jacket, waterproof and isothermal clothes.
We also suggest that you never walk alone and always have a first aid kit with you. A well-charged mobile phone will come in handy in difficult situations.
You can hike all year round, except in the winter months when snow may close some paths. Spring and autumn are considered the best seasons thanks to mild temperatures and colourful nature. Due to the altitude, the air can be strong and icy. In summer (July, August) it may be hot enough to walk.
It is important toBefore every hike we are informed about the weather conditions.
We do not stray from the boundaries of the path.
We use fireplaces and avoid fires.
We don’t leave trash. On the path we collect rubbish that may have been left by others.
We do not destroy the vegetation, we respect the historical monuments and the local populations.
We respect wild animals and do not feed them.
Source: trailpath.gr
In the past, there were large mammals that today have disappeared such as bears, deer, roe deer, wolves and even the lynx. Today, 19 mammals have been observed in the mountain fauna, including the fox, badger, ferret, hare and hedgehog. Wildcat and jackal have also been reported although the population status of these species is not well documented. The only large mammal that is often seen is the wild boar.
In the event of the appearance of snakes, as a preventive measure, the hiker can be careful where he steps and where he puts his hands. If you encounter a snake, stay calm and keep a distance of at least two to three meters without disturbing it. In the event that you are bitten by a snake, stay calm, call 166 or 112 and take no action at all, except go to the health center with the help of an attendant. We recommend that you never walk alone.