Laconia

Laconia, or Lakonia, is a historical region and modern regional unit in the eastern part of the Peloponnese, Greece. It covers the southern portion of the peninsula and features a rugged interior with mountains and a coastline along the Laconian Gulf. The name derives from Lacedaemon, the ancient designation for the region. The area is traditionally associated with the city-state of Sparta, and the modern administrative center is the town of Sparti. The Mani Peninsula forms part of its eastern coastline, with notable towns including Gytheio and Monemvasia.

Historically, Laconia was the heartland of ancient Sparta, a dominant military power in classical Greece. The region is rich in archaeological and historic sites, such as the fortress town of Monemvasia and the Byzantine town of Mystras, a UNESCO-listed site near Sparti. Its coastline hosts several ports and resorts, and the regional economy relies on agriculture—especially olives and citrus—as well as tourism.

Other uses: Laconia also refers to a city in Belknap County, New Hampshire, United States. Laconia, NH sits on Lake Winnipesaukee and hosts the annual Laconia Motorcycle Week, attracting visitors from across New England. The name’s use in the United States reflects classical geography, while in Greece it denotes a distinct historic and administrative region with a rich cultural heritage.