The Peloponnese, the largest peninsula of Greece, is located south of the Greek mainland. Throughout the peninsula, you can find traces of an immensely rich history. Special cities such as Olympia and Mycenae, ancient temples, amphitheaters and idyllic small villages give a special touch to the mountainous landscape.
But also if you like sun, sea, and sand you’ll love it here because there are dozens of beautiful seaside resorts and long golden beaches on the west coast of the island. The charming town of Nafplion is one of them. It is just a 2 hours drive from Athens and a perfect place to explore the many historical sites and the rugged interior.
Mountain village Dimitsana (click on the picture to enlarge)
1. The ruins of Mycenae
The archeological ancient city of Mycenae had a significant role in the development of the classical Greek culture. Explore the ruins, see the Treasury of Atreus, walk through the door of the Lion’s Gate and along the royal tombs.
2. The amphitheater of Epidaurus
The world famous white limestone amphitheater of Epidaurus is built in the 4th century BC. The Epidaurus theater scene is a circle with a diameter of almost 10 meters. In summer, you can attend the performance of some classical dramas or listen to live concerts. The amphitheater is known for its exceptional acoustics. It is said that every sound from the stage is even audible in the upper ranks.
3. Wine from Nemea
Nemea, a hilly area south of Corinth, is the most famous wine-growing region of the Peloponnese. In ancient Corinth, wine was already consumed with great enthusiasm. Wine enthusiasts, can follow a wine route in the area and visit dozens of wineries to taste (and buy of course) some wine.
4. The mountain area of Arcadia
The wild Arcadia is characterized by mountains with high peaks and vast forests with luxuriant vegetation. It is an unspoiled area, full of surprises, and seems almost unchanged since ancient times. Visit the fascinating historical sites and the unique monasteries built in the rocks.
My tip, I recommend exploring the quiet picturesque mountain villages such as Dimitsána and Stemnitsa located in the Lousios Gorge in western Arcadia.
For some time now, you can also make here special hiking tours that bring you in 7 days along the various villages in the Arcadia mountains. This Menalon Trail is European certified and, if you ask me, a nice alternative to the Santiago de Compostela route
5. Rafting on the Louisos River
The bushy Lousios gorge owes its name to the spectacular river with crystal clear water, the Louisos River. The Lousios cove is almost 5 km long and up to 300 meters deep. A fantastic way to explore this rugged natural paradise is on the water. You can discover the Lousios river by canoe or kayak. However, real adventurers (like me!) go rafting along the impressive rock formations.
Tip: book your rafting trip with Explore Messinia and ask for Trifonas Douvris as your guide.
Rafting on the Louisos River
Yes, I did it!
On the steep cliffs along the banks of the river, you’ll find several medieval monasteries and churches, which are connected through marked trails. The Monastery of the Prodromos (Moní Timiou Prodromou) is the most spectacularly located; it is built against the cliff.
From the impressive gorge and extensive forests, rare wines and historic World Heritage Sites to the romantic Nafplion. Also at the waterfront, the Peloponnese has much beauty to offer.
Beautiful sunrise at the Arcadia mountains
How to get there?
Those who wish to travel by plane to the Peloponnese can fly to Athens or Kalamata. Direct flights are however only available during the summer. Kalamata is the capital of the district of Messinia, located in the southwest of the peninsula. From Athens, the center of Peloponnese is easily accessible by rental car (3 hours driving), train or bus.
Also, it is possible to travel through Italy. There is a direct ferry service from the Italian cities of Ancona, Brindisi and Bari to the Greek port of Patras, close to Athens.