The Kontolina Monastery is a historic chapel, the only remnant of the Kontolina Monastery. The Monastery is literally nestled in the ravine, in a verdant area of chestnut and fir trees, in an environment that exudes a strong monastic tone. Only the catholicon, which has been repaired, has survived.
The Mazia Gorge
Nature and hiking lovers can cross the uniquely beautiful Mazia Gorge by taking a three-hour walk next to the stream among rare plants, huge rocks and plane trees. They can start from the Monastery of Kontolina and reach the carriage road that comes from Agios Andreas in the Dipotama area. In the wider area there is a game reserve (deer), but also very important flora. Of interest are the rare herbs that thrive in the area.
Prastos is the old and historical capital of Tsakonia from the Middle Ages to the pre-revolutionary times. It is 10 km. from Kastanitsa. Built amphitheatrically on a slope of Parnon, at an altitude of 750m. it is a picturesque settlement that charms with its traditional houses, tower houses and churches. It has been declared a traditional settlement.
Vamvakou: Vamvakou is a mountain village built at an altitude of 900 meters, NE of Sparta. It was built in the mid-15th century and was originally called Paleochora. In Vamvakou are the churches of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (the original building was erected in 1760, destroyed during the invasion of Ibrahim in 1826 and demolished in 1898), of the Holy Trinity and of Saint George, while in close proximity is the monastery of Saint Kyriaki.
Parnonas is a beautiful mountain with many peaks, most of which are over 1,500 meters. Its highest peak is Megali Tourla, which reaches an altitude of 1,936 meters. It is approximately 25 kilometers from Kastanitsa and the road is paved for 18 km, while the remaining 6-7 are dirt forest roads with moderate passability for small vehicles.
