The Peloponnese is a a peninsula in the southern part of Greece connected to the mainland by the Isthmus of Corinth bridge between the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf.
The region is most famous for its 1,200 km coastline, home to hundreds beautiful sandy beaches, secluded coves, and coastal resorts some defined as the best in Greece and Europe.
The diverse landscapes, the traditional villages and small towns, the remarkable archaeological sites, and the beautiful beaches and coastal resorts, all makes the Peloponnese a highly popular traveling destination, either by itself, or as part of few days tour from Athens.
The inner Peloponnese is mostly forested mountains, with lakes and waterfalls, numerous rivers and deep canyons, and large and fertile plains especially in the west. There are Two groups of islands off the Peloponnesian coast, the Saronic islands in the east and the Ionian islands to the west.
From Prehistoric times the Peloponnese was the center of major historical events being the center of the Mycenaean civilization in Mycenae in the Homeric Bronze Age, through the classic period and the Olympic games in Olympia, and the rule of the Roman Republic.
Later the Byzantine Slavic have settled in the area to be followed by the the Ottoman and the Venetian, through to the modern independent Greece and its first capital in Nafplio. All these civilizations have left their mark in the region.
TheTjoy.com recommends visiting the following beautiful towns and attractions among others, including;
- The Archeological sites and ancient destinations of ancient Mycenae, ancient Olympia, the Epidaurus Amphitheatre, the Palace of Nestor, and the Temple of Apollo Epicurius.
- Explore the Medieval Castle Town Monemvasia, the monasteries and churches in Mystras, and many other beautiful destinations.
- Enter the Peloponnese through the beautiful Corinth Canal and travel the region’s northern part to enjoy Kalavryta mountain village, its great Ski Resort, the Odontotos rack railway journey, Lake Doxa, and rafting on the Lousios River.
- Traveling south, take a boat tour in the overwhelming Vlichada Cave, visit the lagoon of Gialova, the Polylimnio Waterfalls, and taste wine in the Nestor Winery.
Pylos
Corinth Canal
Olympia Archaeological Site
The major areas in which the great Peloponnese Beaches and Resorts are concentrated in are;
- Around Nafplio in the northeast
- Pilos and the Bay of Navarino in the southwest
- The beaches of Elafonissos and Monemvasia in the southeast
- The beaches around Stoupa, Gythio, and some more.
The Peloponnese have an array of Ports and Marinas, ready to serve from Cruise Ships through to small private Yachts, in ports such as in Katakolo, Kalamata, Nafplio, Porto Heli, and more.
The region offers also great opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, cliff climbing, paragliding, water sports, scuba diving, rafting, and beautiful Golf Courses such as those in Costa Navarino.
To reach the Peloponnese you can drive from Athens, take a ferry from Piraeus, or fly to the Kalamata int. Airport from numerous European capitals.
The Peloponnese climate is typically Mediterranean, with very warm weather near the coast and somewhat colder in the mountains in the summer, and milder weather in Spring and Autumn.
Spend your summer vacation in one of the beautiful Beach Resorts and have day trips to the nearby attractions, or enjoy a 5-7 day Road Trip through the island visiting interesting and beautiful destinations and attractions.
If time allows you can also consider a day or more visit to the Island of Zakynthos, one hour by ferry from the northwestern coast of the Peloponnese.
