Ruga of Vamvakou
Ruga of Vamvakou
What does ruga mean?
What does ruga mean? Why is the guesthouse in Vamvakou named like this? Why do the rooms have female names and where do these come from?
Let’s start from the beginning! The word ruga stands for neighbourhood, quarter or mahalla. In the past, what was considered as a ruga was the main front yard of a house, the space between the house and the road or the road/space between houses where neighbours would gather.
There, women and men (mostly women) of all ages would get together and chat; they would “do a ruga” – an expression that is used till nowadays in the villages of Laconia. Grandpas and grandmas would tell children stories and narrate fairy tales, while, when it got dark and the conversation was not over, they would continue inside the house.
This was called nyxteri (from the Greek word nyxta for night). The heart of the neighbourhood would beat at the ruges of the villages – and especially of the small ones and the ones without a coffee house.
So, close to the clock tower square and just over the chapel of Saint Ilias, three fully refurbished buildings stand out among old or abandoned houses; they continue to fit into their surroundings, but, at the same time, give visitors the impression of revitalization, the sense of a new phase.
In fact, that was the goal: to revive one more part of Vamvakou, to create one more hub of life, to illuminate the front doors of three houses of the village, that were up to now abandoned; to breathe life into one more neighbourhood of the village, as part of the initiative for its Revival!
The stay in Ruga of Vamvakou is a journey to both the present and the past. A quarter that is being revived, a large yard that is inviting guests not just to stay, but to become one of us for a short while, one of the neighbours, in order to live and share the experience of Vavmakou, the experience of the Revival and of life in the countryside.
Each house and each ruga have their own hostesses, who make sure guests feel at home. Drawing inspiration from the past and desiring to honour all those hostesses of Vamvakou, each room of the guesthouse has taken a typical female name of Vamvakou. Vgena, Marigo, Stamo, Tsevoula, Annio and Potoula are waiting to accommodate you.
Tonight, we are staying at Marigo’s. You?
Gastronomy
Voureiko
Voureiko café-restaurant, located in the square of Vamvakou, is waiting to lure you in authentic Greek and Mediterranean flavours.
We have created a place that honours traditional Greek cuisine and brings back unique dishes of old times. We are looking forward to having you with us in our stone-built or domed space and in our paved square under the plane tree.
On the first floor of Voureiko, the atmosphere changes and takes us to a grandma’s salon.
This café was created with great passion to convey the feel of hospitality, the special scents and the coziness of an old mansion. Alternatively, step out onto the terrace to enjoy majestic views of nature.
Points of interest
Apart from the beautiful landscapes, the paved alleys, the cycling and hiking trails around the village, the tasty breaks at the square and the various educational and cultural activities and events realized within the framework of the Vamvakou Revival initiative by Vamvakou Revival, there are plenty of interesting choices to complement your travel experience.
A mountain, a small village… and what comes to mind is a secluded place.
Yet, Vamvakou on the slopes of Parnonas in Laconia can serve as your base to explore the Parnonas mountain range, Laconia, Sparta and not only. Are you ready, then, for short and longer excursions?
The Rouga guest house of Vamvakos was created as part of the Revival of Vamvakos initiative, with an exclusive donation from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation
Contact :
Phone : +30 27310 21900
Email : [email protected]
website : rugaofvamvakou.gr
Hotel Amenities
Wi-Fi
Breakfast
Parking
Restaurant
Potoula ( 2 to 6 people )
Potoula ( 2 to 6 people )
Each room of Ruga is unique and has its own story to tell. Potoula (Ruga suite with mountain view and fireplace) is a fantastic spacious suite of 40 sq.m. on the ground floor, accessed by the patio and suitable for people with special needs; ideal for 2 to 6 people.
A comfy and cosy place, with handmade wooden furniture, desk, fireplace and windows overlooking the patio, yard and forest. Particularly hospitable, thanks to a double bed (1.60x2m) and a living room with two sofa-beds (0.90x2m). The two sofa-beds have two extra pull-out beds underneath.
The room features: fireplace and wood, air-conditioning, LCD cable TV, mini bar, kettle, fridge, hair dryer, free Wi-Fi and safe box with code.
The safety systems include: locks with keys, smoke detectors and fire extinguishing system.
Moreover, our rooms are fully equipped with sleep systems by Media Strom, decorative fabrics by Greek Fabrics and bath amenities by Apivita, all creating a calm, traditional, natural and welcoming ambience.
Accommodation designed and decorated with special attention and respect to the environment and tradition of the area, with a contemporary feel of renewal by ETSI Architects.
Availability check rugaofvamvakouhomes.reserve-online.net
Annio ( 2 to 3 people )
Annio ( 2 to 3 people )
Each room of Ruga is unique and has its own story to tell. Annio (Village room with heating stove) is a great room of 26 sq.m. on the first floor, ideal for 2 to 3 people. A comfy and cosy place, with handmade wooden furniture, desk, wood-burning stove and windows overlooking the patio.
Particularly hospitable, thanks to a double queen-size bed (1.80x2m) or two single beds (0.90x2m) and a sofa-bed (0.90x2m).
The room features: traditional heating stove and wood, air-conditioning, LCD cable TV, mini bar, kettle, fridge, hair dryer, free Wi-Fi and safe box with code. The safety systems include: locks with keys, smoke detectors and fire extinguishing system.
Moreover, our rooms are fully equipped with sleep systems by Media Strom, decorative fabrics by Greek Fabrics and bath amenities by Apivita, all creating a calm, traditional, natural and welcoming ambience.
Accommodation designed and decorated with special attention and respect to the environment and tradition of the area, with a contemporary feel of renewal by ETSI Architects.
Availability check rugaofvamvakouhomes.reserve-online.net
Marigo ( 2 to 4 people )
.jpg)
Marigo ( 2 to 4 people )
Each room of Ruga is unique and has its own story to tell. Marigo (Ruga suite with mountain view and fireplace) is a marvelous suite of 30 sq.m. on the first floor, ideal for 2 to 4 people. A comfy and cosy place, with handmade wooden furniture, fireplace and large windows overlooking the woods.
Particularly hospitable, thanks to a double bed (1.60x2m) and a living room with two sofa-beds (0.90x2m). The amazing view of the forest from its little balcony is overwhelming.
The room features: fireplace and wood, air-conditioning, LCD cable TV, mini bar, kettle, fridge, hair dryer, free Wi-Fi and safe box with code. The safety systems include: locks with keys, smoke detectors and fire extinguishing system.
Moreover, our rooms are fully equipped with sleep systems by Media Strom, decorative fabrics by Greek Fabrics and bath amenities by Apivita, all creating a calm, traditional, natural and welcoming ambience.
Accommodation designed and decoratedwith special attention and respect to the environment and tradition of the area, with a contemporary feel of renewal by ETSI Architects.
Availability check rugaofvamvakouhomes.reserve-online.net
Vgena ( for 2 people )
Vgena ( for 2 people )
Each room of Ruga is unique and has its own story to tell. Vgena (Deluxe room with mountain view and fireplace) is a great suite of 20 sq.m. on the first floor, ideal for 2 people.
A comfy and cosy place, with handmade wooden furniture, fireplace, desk, large window overlooking the forest straight in front of the double bed (1.60x2m).
The amazing view of the woods and sunsets from the stone balcony with the masonry windows will blow your mind away.
The room features: fireplace and wood, air-conditioning, LCD cable TV, mini bar, kettle, fridge, hair dryer, free Wi-Fi and safe box with code. The safety systems include: locks with keys, smoke detectors and fire extinguishing system.
Moreover, our rooms are fully equipped with sleep systems by Media Strom, decorative fabrics by Greek Fabrics and bath amenities by Apivita, all creating a calm, traditional, natural and welcoming ambience.
Accommodation designed and decorated with special attention and respect to the environment and tradition of the area, with a contemporary feel of renewal by ETSI Architects.
Availability check rugaofvamvakouhomes.reserve-online.net
Stamo ( for 2 people )
.jpg)
Stamo ( for 2 people )
Each room of Ruga is unique and has its own story to tell. Stamo (Village room) is a beautiful room of 15 sq.m. on the first floor, ideal for 2 people.
A nice cosy place, with handmade wooden furniture, window overlooking the patio and forest, a double bed (1.60x2m), bathroom of special design and access to a balcony with view towards the village and the woods. Perfect accommodation for both winter and summer evenings.
The room features: air-conditioning, LCD cable TV, mini bar, kettle, fridge, hair dryer, free Wi-Fi and safe box with code. The safety systems include: locks with keys, smoke detectors and fire extinguishing system.
Moreover, our rooms are fully equipped with sleep systems by Media Strom, decorative fabrics by Greek Fabrics and bath amenities by Apivita, all creating a calm, traditional, natural and welcoming ambience.
Accommodation designed and decorated with special attention and respect to the environment and tradition of the area, with a contemporary feel of renewal by ETSI Architects.
Availability check rugaofvamvakouhomes.reserve-online.net
Tsevoula ( for 2 people )
Tsevoula ( for 2 people )
Each room of Ruga is unique and has its own story to tell. Tsevoula (Traditional arch suite) is a beautiful suite of 21 sq.m. on the ground floor, ideal for 2 people.
An old arch was transformed into a special room, extending on different levels. A nice cosy place, mainly decorated with stone and featuring handmade wooden furniture, desk, door/window overlooking the patio and double bed (1.60x2m).
The room features: air-conditioning, LCD cable TV, mini bar, kettle, fridge, hair dryer, free Wi-Fi and safe box with code. The safety systems include: locks with keys, smoke detectors and fire extinguishing system.
Moreover, our rooms are fully equipped with sleep systems by Media Strom, decorative fabrics by Greek Fabrics and bath amenities by Apivita, all creating a calm, traditional, natural and welcoming ambience.
Accommodation designed and decorated with special attention and respect to the environment and tradition of the area, with a contemporary feel of renewal by ETSI Architects.
Availability check rugaofvamvakouhomes.reserve-online.net
Hotel Amenities
Wi-Fi
Breakfast
Parking
Restaurant
