The Municipality of Smynos is located in south-western Lacedaemona, to the north of the Municipality of Gythion. Its headquarters is Aghios Nikolaos and it has aproximately 2000 inhabitants. The river Sminos flows through the Municipality on its way to the bay of Laconia. The dominant features of the landscape are hills, gullies, caves, forests and crystal springs.

The region seems to have been inhabited since ancient times. Later, groups of Slavs settled in the area and that was when the famous castle, the castle of Bardounia, was built at Aghios Nikolaos.

The economy of the Municipality is based on agriculture. The olive oil produced here is of excellent quality and so are the olives. It is worth noting that there are several areas of biological cultivations. In the area you can also visit the celebrated forest of Vasiliki on Taygetos, which is ideal for hiking. Ideal places for hikes are also those near the river towards Arna and the ravine with the picturesque bridges and the old water-mills, especially in the summer. The region of Petrina is a refuge for wild game, partidges, rabbits, thrushes and other animals.

The European Mountain Route E4 from north Taygetos to Mani goes through the lovely countryside of the Municipality, which has severla traditional settlements and has been included in a program of mild development.