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Explore > Spiaggia > Tour del Peloponneso: itinerario in 7 tappe tra mare, storia e paesaggi lunari

Tour del Peloponneso: itinerario in 7 tappe tra mare, storia e paesaggi lunari

“Archeologia, cittadine dal passato bizantino, magnifici paesaggi lunari e l’incantevole Isola di Elafonisos: uno splendido tour del Peloponneso!

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Se parliamo di una terra ricca di storia, incredibili spiagge e bellezze naturali, di sicuro stiamo parlando della regione greca del Peloponneso. Il tour del Peloponneso che vi proponiamo è organizzato per tappe partendo da Atene. Per spiagge da sogno c’è l’incantevole Isola di Elafonisos, con le sue acque cristalline e la candida sabbia, mentre per un salto nell’antica storia dell’impero bizantino, visitate Mystra. Ci sono poi ancora un’infinità di luoghi mitologici da non perdere, come Olympia, sede dei primissimi giochi olimpici, oppure Micene, una delle città che fece da sfondo alla tragica guerra di Troia, e ancora il Teatro di Epidauro, nel nord della regione. Senza dimenticare la Penisola del Mani con le sue torri medievali, insolito scenario nella Grecia più classica.

### 1. Da Atene a Micene

Si parte alla scoperta del Peloponneso volando su Atene (1) , e muovendosi da qui noleggiando un’auto per raggiungere la prima tappa, Corinto (2) , a circa 80 km dalla capitale. Qui è possibile ammirare lo stretto a cui la città dà il nome, che collega il Golfo di Corinto al Mar Egeo, prima di proseguire alla volta di Micene (3) , città famosa grazie alla mitologia per essere la patria del re Agamennone, condottiero dei greci nella guerra di Troia. Alla Rocca di Micene, risalente al 1300 a.C., si accede attraverso la monumentale Porta dei Leoni, ingresso principale della città, inserita nelle mura ciclopiche. Poco distante dalla Rocca è possibile visitare anche la Tomba di Agamennone, chiamata Tesoro di Atreo, una struttura a tholos , sale a cupola spesso interrate.

### 2. Da Micene a Nafplio

Da Micene si prosegue per Nafplio (4) , una città greca dalle origini antichissime: anche Nafplio rientra nei racconti mitologici essendo il porto a cui fa ritorno Menelao terminata la guerra di Troia. Prima ancora di entrare in città ci si imbatte nel Castello di Palamidi, costruito durante il secondo dominio veneziano tra la fine del 1600 e l’inizio del 1700, mentre nel centro cittadino passeggiate sulla Piazza della Costituzione, e ammirate gli edifici storici che vi si affacciano. Poco distate potrete raggiungere il sito archeologico del Teatro di Epidauro (5) , risalente al IV secolo a.C., uno dei più grandi esempi di architettura greca, nonché di eccezionale acustica.

### 3. Da Nafplio a Tripoli

Percorrendo una cinquantina di km, da Nafplio si arriva a Tripoli (6) , cittadina nel cuore della regione Arcadia. Qui potrete visitare la bella Piazza Areos, e partire in esplorazione del paesaggio circostante. Ad Est della città e della strada E65 si snoda un percorso, intorno alle Gole del Lousios, che attraversa alcuni paesini medievali. La lussureggiante vallata ai piedi delle gole è attraversata dal Fiume Mylaon, dove è possibile organizzare escursioni e trekking, e praticare attività come rafting o kayak, o dirigersi verso i villaggi di Stemnitsa (7) e Dimitsana (8) per visitarli.

### 4. Da Tripoli a Mystra

A Sud del Peloponneso si trova la splendida città bizantina di Mystra (9) , un imperdibile museo a cielo aperto, che ha visto l’arte e l’architettura bizantina fiorire durante secoli. Nella Città Alta, oltre ad ammirare un paesaggio mozzafiato, si possono visitare la Chiesa di Agia Sofia e il Palazzo dei Despoti. Mentre scendendo verso la Città Bassa, si incontra la Porta di Monemvasia prima di giungere al Convento di Pantanassa, che racchiude i veri gioielli artistici: gli splendidi affreschi bizantini.

### 5. Da Mystra a Monemvasia

Guidando da Mystra per un’ora e mezza circa si raggiunge Monemvasia (10) , villaggio medievale che deve il suo nome al fatto di avere una sola porta di accesso. Monemvasia si trova in realtà su un’isoletta – legata al resto della regione da una sottilissima lingua di terra – ed è schiacciata verso il mare dal promontorio che domina l’intera isola. Suggestive le stradine e le piazze, da cui godersi il panorama sul mare e sulla Grecia: su Piazza Dzamiou si affaccia una delle poche chiese sopravvissute, la Chiesa del Cristo Elkomenos (Cristo Trascinato). Per dominare tutta la vista sulla città salite fino alla Rocca seguendo il percorso fortificato.

### 6. Da Monemvasia a Elafonisos

Dopo tanto viaggiare in lungo e in largo per il Peloponneso, un po’ di meritato riposo è d’obbligo: quindi la nostra meta è l’incantevole Isola di Elafonisos (11) , al largo delle coste sud-orientali della regione. L’aeroporto di riferimento è quello di Kalamata, che dista quasi quattro ore di macchina – e un piccolo tratto in traghetto – dall’isola, che però ricordiamo è un vero paradiso terrestre. Una volta arrivati, quelli che cercano la tranquillità di un piccolo paesino, ottimo pesce freschissimo, lunghe spiagge di sabbia finissima e il mare più bello del Mediterraneo, non rimarranno delusi.

### 7. Da Elafonisos alla Penisola di Mani

Si termina il tour del Peloponneso nella bellissima Penisola di Mani , raggiungendo come prima tappa il capoluogo Areopoli (12) , che prende il nome da Ares, il dio greco della guerra. La città è caratterizzata dai tipici edifici di pietra, come quelli che si affacciano su Piazza Athanaton, nel centro storico. Da visitare il Museo Pikoulakis, e la chiesa principale con la sua altissima torre campanaria. Per scoprire tutta la penisola, proseguite per Vathia (13) , un villaggio costellato di torri medievali, da dove si può godere di uno strepitoso panorama, oltre che ammirare da vicino queste strane costruzioni; e raggiungete poi Gerolimenas (14) , un delizioso villaggio di pescatori, dove gli edifici in pietra si affacciano sul mare, facendo una sosta a Porto Kagio (15) , un villaggio di poche case affacciato su una baia protetta.

#### Photo credit

Foto di copertina: Il Ponte Rion Antirion, chiamato anche ponte Charilaos Trikoupis, attraversa il Golfo di Corinto tra le città di Rion, nel Peloponneso, e Antirion, nella Grecia continentale – Tour del Peloponneso in 7 tappe – By Eusebius, via Wikimedia Creative Commons

LEGGI ANCHE: 5 escursioni da fare a Santorini! **”

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La Grecia è una delle mete turistiche per eccellenza. Più o meno chiunque avrà pensato di trascorrere le sue vacanze estive in una delle splendide isole di questo paese. Creta, Rodi, Santorini, Mykonos, Paros ... infinite e una più bella dell'altra.

Spesso, però, si sottovaluta il Peloponneso , quella mano greca protesa nel Mediterraneo, culla di antiche civiltà e terra del mito, bagnata da una mare paradisiaco.

Un viaggio nel Peloponneso è la scoperta di una Grecia meno inflazionata, è un tuffo nel passato che vi conquisterà.

" Tra tutti i popoli, i Greci sono quello che ha sognato nel modo più bello il sogno della vita. "

johann wolfgang goethe

itinerario del viaggio di 15 giorni nel peloponneso

3 giorni | penisola del mani

2 giorni | elafonissos

5 giorni | nauplia e i siti arecheologici

4 giorni | methoni e la messenia

| itinerari alternativi

| dove dormire

| il viaggio nel peloponneso in breve

Questo viaggio nel Peloponneso vuole unire la scoperta di siti, paesi e città che parlano della storia greca dall'antichità all'epoca contemporanea, alla possibilità di rilassarsi godendo di un mare spettacolare.

la storia della grecia

Se si parla di storia è ovviamente Atene a venire subito in mente, ma il Peloponneso nasconde siti archeologici spettacolari che regalano davvero emozioni . Micene, Epidauro, la piccola Nemea, l'eterna Olimpia per poi arrivare ad Antica Messene , così recente e così splendidamente conservata.

La storia in Grecia non si è però fermata all'epoca classica. Il Peloponneso è stato terra di forti battaglie e contese tra bizantini, veneziani e ottomani. La sua posizione strategica nel Mediterraneo ha fatto sì che fiorissero castelli e roccaforti difensive ancora visibili e visitabili come a Nauplia , Methoni, Pylos e Monemvasia.

Nonostante vari invasori si siano alternati nel controllo delle Grecia, un popolo non ha mai davvero ceduto e cessato di bramare la propria indipendenza: il popolo maniota che ancora oggi abita la splendida Penisola del Mani . Un lembo di terra, il dito centrale del Peloponneso, da visitare in auto scoprendone i piccoli paesi così lontani dal concetto di Grecia a cui siamo abituati.

tra le spiagge più belle del mediterraneo

Come detto questo viaggio nel Peloponneso non vuole essere un tour de force, ma anche un modo per potersi rilassare godendo di spiagge spettacolari, tra le più belle del Mar Mediterraneo .

Già nella Penisola del Mani, i piccoli paesi si affacciano su un mare cristallino che invoglia a tuffarsi direttamente dai porticcioli di pescatori.

C'è poi Elafonissos , isola tanto piccola quanto selvaggia dalla quale non vorreste più venir via. Eppure fatelo perché vi aspettano Voidokilia e Methoni lungo la costa messenica, posti splendidi e tranquilli dove rilassarsi. Perché alla fine le vacanze servono anche a quello.

Fai questo viaggio nel peloponneso se...

• cerchi un posto dove godere di un mare meraviglioso ma non troppo turistico.
• ti interessano siti archeologici antichi.
• hai bimbi piccoli e voglia di riprendere a viaggiare.

non fare questo viaggio nel peloponneso se...

• soffri la macchina. Le distanze sono brevi, ma le strade molto tortuose.
• vuoi vedere più cose possibili senza perdere un secondo di tempo.

| Voidokilia e Gerolimenas posti diversi, molto diversi tra loro eppure uniti dalla bellezza di un mare a dir poco meraviglioso

| itinerario di 15 giorni nel peloponneso

Giorni 1 - 2- 3 | la penisola del mani.

Questo viaggio nel Peloponneso comincia atterrando nel piccolo aeroporto internazionale di Kalamata. Giusto il tempo di assestarsi, fare una bella spesa e dare un'occhiata alla città delle olive che si comincia a scendere verso la Penisola del Mani, sovrastata dal profilo cupo e imponente del Monte Taigeto.

Il Mani è un angolo di Grecia unico come il suo popolo. I manioti si considerano eredi degli spartani e sono da sempre un popolo burbero, belligerante e fortemente indipendentista. Ovviamente queste caratteristiche vengono sempre meno con l'aprirsi alla modernità e al turismo, ma nella Penisola del Mani scordatevi case bianche dai tetti blu: qui ci sono torri, centinaia di torri.

Il primo giorno si parte da Kalamata, si passa dalla pittoresca Kardamili e si giunge ad Areopoli, la capitale maniota. Limeni, il piccolo porto, è una gemma da visitare al tramonto che impreziosisce una giornata davvero spettacolare.

Il secondo giorno ci si inoltra sempre più in quello che gli inglesi chiamano "Deep Mani". La penisola si assottiglia, la vegetazione è sempre meno presente e si arriva a Gerolimenas, paesino di pescatori affacciato su un mare pazzesco. Poi si sale verso antichi villaggi, alcuni ormai disabitati come Vathia, da cui si gode di panorami mozzafiato. Porto Kagio è l'ultimo avamposto prima di Capo Tenaro, antica porta dell'Ade ed estremo meridionale di tutta la Grecia. Tre taverne, un'insenatura e qualche barchetta.

approfondisci | mani, viaggi nel peloponneso

| Le immagini della Penisola del Mani, terra insolita e particolare. Vathia, Limeni ed Areopoli luoghi simbolo di questo viaggio nel Peloponneso

la penisola del mani

Un viaggio in una Grecia insolita e unica. Un viaggio nel Peloponneso tra piccole paesi sconosciuti affacciati su un mare da capogiro. Questa è la Penisola del Mani.

giorni 4 - 5 | elafonissos

Elafonissos di sta da Areopoli solo 120 chilometri, ma per farli ci vogliono almeno 3 ore. Siamo tra le dita meridionali del Peloponneso, la terra si alza e si abbassa con montagne e colline che arrivano a lambire il mare. Si passa da Gitéo (Γύθειο) e dalla incantevole spiagga di Glyfada, il cui mare appare cristallino persino dal punto panoramico situato ad un'altezza di un centinaio di metri. Verrebbe voglia di scendere dalla macchina e buttarsi in acqua.

La strada porta fino a Pounta (Πούντα) dove si prende il traghetto che in 10 minuti porta finalmente ad Elafonissos. Questi due giorni sono di puro relax su un'isola piccola, selvaggia e paradisiaca . Simos Beach è stata eletta varie volte come spiaggia più bella del Mediterraneo ed è facile capire perché. Sabbia bianca, mare indescrivibile e natura quasi incontaminata. Raccontarla a parole ha poco senso.

Se proprio volete fare gli alternativi e provare qualcosa di diverso, le altre spiagge di Elafonissos sono meno note, ma a noi sono sembrate comunque perfette.

Oltre a rilassarsi in un mare unico Elafonissos ha poco da offrire, il paesino è minuscolo e senza particolari fronzoli come le taverne dove si mangiano cose essenziali.

| Ad Elafonissos scoprirete il paradiso, un'isola abbastanza selvaggia con un mare pazzesco. Non amiamo crogiolarci al sole, ma qui non abbiamo resistito.

elafonissos, un'isola selvaggia e un mare da favola

Elafonissos è una perla di rara bellezza. Pochi posti nel Mediterraneo possono vantare un mare simile. Il posto perfetto dove rilassarsi durante un viaggio nel Peloponneso.

giorni 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 | nauplia e i siti archeologici

Dopo due giorni di puro mare, questo viaggio nel Peloponneso vi porta a scoprire la storia. La giornata di trasferimento da Elafonissos a Nauplia prevede una deviazione per visitare l'incantevole Monemvasia . Si tratta di un piccolo borgo medievale costruito su uno sperone di roccia immerso nelle acque del Mar Mediterraneo e collegato al continente da un ponte.

Nauplia è stata la prima capitale greca ed è una cittadina da sempre importante da un punto di vista strategico. Bizantini, Veneziani e Ottomani se la sono contesa a lungo lasciando tracce visibili delle fortificazioni medievali. Nauplia è anche il suo centro storico, ordinato, colorato e vivace, che si dipana da Piazza Syntagma. Molto piacevole da visitare, offre infinite possibilità per mangiare fronte mare o nascosti tra i vicoli.

Nei 4 giorni pieni a disposizione c'è anche tempo per uscire dalla città alla scoperta di siti archeologici importantissimi. Micene, Epidauro e Nemea sono tutti distanti all'incirca mezzora da Nauplia e sono molto piacevoli da visitare anche solo per la loro posizione tra le colline del Peloponneso che consente passeggiate immerse nella natura.

Tra una visita e l'altra a Nauplia potete anche rilassarvi in spiaggia. Quella di Karathona, distante 5 minuti di auto dal centro città, è perfetta per tutti. Sicuramente non sarà il mare più bello di questo viaggio nel Peloponneso, ma gli standard sono comunque ampiamente sopra la media.

| Nauplia è una cittadina graziosa ed un punto di riferimento per la visita di luoghi pieni di storia come Epidauro, Micene o Nemea.

8 cose da vedere a nauplia

Ecco quelle che secondo noi sono le principali cose da fare e vedere a Nauplia, città nel cuore del Peloponneso, perfetta per ogni tipo di esigenza.

giorni 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 | methoni e la messenia

Si lascia Nauplia per tornare verso sud, ripassare da Kalamata e addentrarsi nella Messenia. Per andare da Nauplia e Methoni ci vogliono circa 2h e 30 minuti. Volendo potete allungare un pochino il percorso di circa 90 minuti passando per i paesini di Dimitsana e Stemnitsa nascosti tra le montagne dell'Arcadia.

Methoni o Modone è una cittadina oggi minuscola e tranquilla con una spiaggia meravigliosa all'ombra di una roccaforte veneziana medievale. Sullo sfondo le isole di Sapienza e Schiza dominano l'orizzonte. Qui ci si può rilassare in un mare davvero incredibile facendo delle piacevoli passeggiate in acqua fino ai piedi del castello.

Methoni è anche un'ottima base per scoprire la Messenia . A meno di 10 minuti di auto ecco Pylos (Navarino) con il suo castello. Altri 30 minuti più a nord ecco la spiaggia di Voidokilia , una mezzaluna di sabbia tra il Mediterraneo e la laguna di Gialova. Un vero e proprio paradiso naturale che contesta a Simos Beach il titolo di mare più bello di questo Viaggio nel Peloponneso.

Anche in Messenia la storia non manca e oltre ai castelli medievali già indicati vi consigliamo di organizzare una gita ad Antica Messene , il sito archeologico meglio conservato di tutta la Grecia. Si trova solo a poco più di un'ora di auto.

scopri di più | antica messene, un viaggio nel tempo

| La Messenia è la vera sorpresa di questo viaggio nel Peloponneso. Un gioiellino Methoni, una meraviglia i resti di Antica Messene.

methoni e la costa navarino

ìA Methoni ci siamo sentiti a casa. Un paesino di pescatori dove trovare tutti i comfort senza resse turistiche. Un posto dove rimanere settimane a crogiolarsi al sole o spostarsi continuamente per scoprire nuovi tesori

| viaggio nel peloponneso - itinerari alternativi

Il nostro itinerario di viaggio nel Peloponneso è pensato per unire mare e storia anche considerando le esigenze di una bimba di 2 anni. Fossimo stati soli avremmo ridotto di un giorno rispettivamente le tappe di Nauplia e Methoni per aggiungere le seguenti soste.

una tappa nell'elide per visitare olimpia

Il sito archeologico di Antica Olimpia è probabilmente secondo solo al Partenone di Atene come fama mondiale. Ancora oggi qui si tiene la cerimonia di accensione della fiaccola olimpica. Il sito di Olimpia è di dimensioni davvero notevoli dato che un tempo rappresentava uno dei centri nevralgici della civiltà ellenica e qui si trovava il principale santuario di Zeus.

Sicuramente una visita completa richiede diverse ore e una notte da passare nelle vicine Katakolon, Pyrgos o Kaiafas.

scopri di più | antica olimpia

mystras, antica città bizantina

Nonostante sia patrimonio Unesco, l'antica città di Mystras non è tra le location greche più note. Eppure questa città arrivò ad essere la seconda per importanza dopo Costantinopoli nell'Impero Bizantino. Situata a pochi chilometri da Sparta, Mystras è un vero e proprio museo a cielo aperto diviso in due zone: la parte alta e quella bassa.

Numerose sono le cose da vedere e la visita richiede per questo diverse ore.

scopri di più | mystras

| Lo spettacolo del Peloponneso: natura selvaggia, mare pazzesco, siti archeologici unici al mondo e un flusso turistico che lascia vivere in ogni periodo dell'anno.

| viaggio nel peloponneso - dove dormire

Abbiamo fatto questo viaggio ad inizio Settembre e siamo rimasti molto colpiti dalla disponibilità di strutture di ottima qualità a pezzi assolutamente onesti. Abbiamo selezionato appartamenti con angolo cottura per garantirci totale autonomia per i pasti della piccola.

le nostre strutture

Kalamata - Bayview Guesthouses

Pyrgos Dirou (Mani) - Pandora Boutique Hotel

Elafonissos - Element Hotel

Nauplia - Kanathos Pigi

Methoni - Kalypso Residence

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GRAZIE PER IL TUO SUPPORTO!

| la grecia non finisce qui

Questo è solamente l'itinerario del viaggio nel Peloponneso. Ora vieni a scoprire tutte e le magie che questa terra nasconde, da Nauplia ad Antica Messene, da Elafonissos a Micene, dalla Penisola del Mani alle gole di Lousios.

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2 Risposte a “Viaggio nel Peloponneso: 15 giorni tra storia e spiagge”

Siamo appena tornati da un viaggio nel Peloponneso insieme alla ns bimba di un anno e mezzo (anche lei Bianca!). Vi ringraziamo per i vostri preziosi consigli che ci hanno prima di tutto convinto a scegliere questa metà e confermiamo la bellezza di questi luoghi lontani dal turismo di massa. A chi dovesse leggere il commento mi permetto di consigliare anche di visitare Monemvasia, piccola perla sulla strada per Elafonissos. Ciao!

Ciao Alessia, bentornata e grazie 1000 per questo commento che ci riempie di gioia. Concordiamo con te su Monemvasia, bellissima anche se l’abbiamo vista un po’ di corsa.

Siamo proprio contenti vi sia piaciuto il Peloponneso!

Ciao e grazie ancora!

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One Week in the Peloponnese: The Perfect Itinerary

The Southern Peloponnese - Land of Mountains, Castles and Coasts

Ferne Arfin

Take seven days to explore the riches of the Peloponnese on this week-long itinerary and you'll be well rewarded with lasting memories of stunning drives, amazing views and a chance to visit places where some of our most enduring legends began.

In these days of package holidays and instant vacations, the Peloponnese is less well known and less visited than other parts of Greece. Yet this place is a cauldron of ancient history and legends. This is where Paris wooed Helen and triggered the Trojan War , where the god Pan frolicked in Arcadia, where Hercules slew the Nemean Lion and where some of the most the gruesome and bloody revenge stories in Greek literature are set. Even if you've never been exposed to the texts in school, you have probably seen films and television series based on these stories.

It's also where the historic Athenians and Spartans battled it out in two Peloponnesian Wars and where the Spartans were finally defeated by Thebes.

The region is generously dotted with precariously perched castles and ancient settlements on mountain ranges that run north south, through the region like bony fingers. Along the coasts between — and beneath — fortresses, ancient monasteries and Byzantine churches there are beautiful, secluded beaches and fragrant walks through olive groves. Byzantines, Venetians and Ottoman Turks all left their marks on this southernmost part of Greece. 

Where Is the Peloponnese?

Look at a map of Greece and you will see a roughly hand-shaped body of land to in the South West of the country. It looks a bit like a thumb and three fingers of an up-turned hand. It is completely separated from mainland Greece by water but linked by bridges at Corinth and Patras. The narrow Corinth Canal connects the Saronic Gulf (south) and the Gulf of Corinth (north). The canal, where the Peloponnese officially begins, is just over an hour of motorway driving from Athens. The region occupies about one third of mainland Greece and, at 8,300 square miles, is just a bit bigger than Wales.

Know the Challenges Before You Go

This is an itinerary for people who love to drive. If you are planning a motor tour of the Peloponnese you need to be aware that:

• Although modern motorways connect several of the cities and larger towns, traveling to most of the interesting sites involves driving on narrow, unlit mountain roads with frequent hairpin turns at least part of the way. It takes much longer to get from place to place than you might think.
• The terrain is scarred by rugged mountains — Mt. Taygetos at about 7,000 feet being the highest — and travel involves either long motorway journeys around them or occasionally hair-raising drives across them, west to east. East–west distances in the southern Peloponnese are not well served by motorways and national roads.
• Because of this region's history of wars and local blood feuds, ancient Greek, Medieval, Byzantine and Ottoman villages are invariable perched on top of mountains or dug into steep hills. Streets can often be composed of long flights of irregular stairs paved with very rough-hewn cobbles.

That said, if you are energized by this kind of driving and hiking, you will enjoy this region for its endlessly unfolding vistas, amazing feats of ancient architecture, beautiful Blue Flag beaches and links to lots of familiar stories.

If you think independent travel in this sort of terrain is not for you, there are a number of coach tour companies that can deliver you to several of the key sites on day trips or short breaks. And if you have accessibility issues, you should consider traveling with a specialist tour company because little is done here to cater for travelers with mobility problems. 

Modern Conveniences 

Compared to just a few years ago, the modern essentials we have all come to expect when traveling in Europe, are here. There are plenty of gas stations — on the motorways and the outskirts of most towns — and you can usually pay with credit cards. ATMs are easy to find, though in very rural areas you may have to seek out the biggest towns. Satellite navigation devices work well in most places and 4G data services for mobile phones are widespread. So, thankfully, is free wi-fi, though it may be slow in some places.

This 7-day itinerary assumes an early start from Athens International Airport. After arrival in Athens, consider an overnight at the Holiday Inn Express or another hotel near the airport so you can get on the road quickly and avoid city traffic in Athens itself. Motorways in Athens are toll roads but the tolls are inexpensive compared to fees in the U.S. and France. Keep €1 and €2 coins handy for frequent tolls of between €1.80 and €2.50 that occur about every 20 minutes when traveling at the local speed limit.

Day One: From Athens to Acrocorinth and Nemea

8 a.m.:  Breakfast early at your hotel and try to be on the road by 8:30 a.m. for the drive to Acrocorinth via two motorways - the E94 and the E65 and local mountain roads. Wear sturdy shoes and a hat and carry a bottle of water (good advice for all the excursions and attractions in this itinerary). Acrocorinth is about 7 miles southwest of the center of Corinth. When you first see it, gleaming like white teeth atop a monolithic rock at nearly 1,900 feet, you are bound to wonder how on earth anyone built something so massive up there. That's just how they do it in Greece.

The drive from Athens is about 75 miles and takes about an hour and a half.Approach the citadel from the site of Ancient Corinth in the city. A winding mountain road with sharp, hairpin turns takes you to the parking area at the first of three Byzantine gates into the site.

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Enter the gates of Acrocorinth and explore the site. It has been continuously occupied since the Greek Archaic period (800 to 480 B.C.) and may have been a fortress even earlier. It was fortified by the Romans and the Byzantines, occupied by the Venetians, held by Frankish Crusaders and, until the Greek War of Independence in the 19th century, was a base for the Ottoman Turks.

There is evidence of all these occupiers but, as is typical of many Greek archaeological landmarks, not much information at the site. Nevertheless, there is plenty to explore as you climb the combination of steep marble path and irregular steps to the castle at the summit. The views from the top, where there are remains of a shrine to Aphrodite, extend right across Greece. They say that on a clear day, you can see the Acropolis in Athens from here. After your visit, head for Nemea, about half an hour on the E65 Tripoli road, for lunch. 

Alternative: If the climb up the slippery marble path is not for you, stay within the city of Corinth and visit the site of Ancient Corinth, at the northern base of the hill of Acrocorinth. Excavations here have revealed occupation from as early as 6,500 B.C. The Temple of Apollo at the site (seven tall Doric columns) is one of the largest and earliest Doric temples in Greece. The Pirene Fountain, sacred to the muses, was said to be the favorite watering hole of the flying horse Pegasus. There is a small museum at the site which illustrates the occupiers of Corinth from Prehistory to the 19th century with finds from the archaeological digs.  

12:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. : A hefty climb should be rewarded with a hearty lunch. Danaos & Anastasis (Efstathios Papakonstantinou 38, Nemea 205 00, Tel: +30 2746 024124) is popular with travelers for its grilled meats and salads, roast pork and potatoes. Line your stomach before heading out to the wineries for some sampling.

2:45 p.m. to - 5 p.m.: Visit some Nemean wineries. Nemea has an important place in history — it was the location of the Nemean Games, part of the cycle of Panhellenic games that also included the Olympics. And in mythology it was the location of the first of the Six Labors of Hercules, the killing of the Nemean Lion. According to the story, the lion scratched the hero and some of his blood fell on nearby grapes, turning them red and creating the region's famous Agiorgitiko wines. Today this is the largest vineyard zone and one of the most important AOC wine regions in Greece. There are 45 wineries, several of which can be visited. Try Domaine Bairaktaris , Lafkiotis Winery , near the site of ancient Nemea, and the organic vineyards of the  Papaioannou Estate , right beside the Temple of Nemean Zeus. The Nemean vines spread across the Elissos river valley and most vineyards are near each other so you should be able to visit and sample at a few. Most require that you book or at least telephone ahead but will always welcome you to taste and can usually arrange a vineyard tour on short notice. 

5 p.m. – 5:40 p.m.: Drive to the lovely Venetian town of Nafplio , your base for the next two nights.

6 p.m. and beyond:  Stroll the waterfront at the base of the old town. There are usually one or two small cruise ships to ogle as well as a good selection of yachts and excursion boats. The Bourtzi, a small mini-castle on an island in the middle of the harbor, was built by the Venetians and once housed the town executioner and his family. It's now abandoned but very scenic. Have a drink at a beachside taverna before heading up to Syntagma Square in the old town to look for a likely taverna for your evening meal. Nafplio has lots of eateries, especially between Bouboulinas, the beachfront road, and Syntagma Square. Relax and take your pick, but don't let the restaurant touts pressure you into choosing theirs. And if you aren't too tired from your daytime excursions, you can party into the small hours in the bars and cafes of this part of town.

Total Driving Today:  124 miles or 2 hours and 40 minutes on the road.

Overnight:  Finish today at Nafplio, a charming Venetian harbor town overlooked by two castles with a third, mini-castle on an island in the middle of the bay. Unless you fancy dragging your luggage up streets that are really lengthy flights of irregular and stony steps, resist the lower priced boutiques in the old town (save your energy for exploring it at leisure instead) and pick a moderately priced place along the waterfront. We like the relatively modern, yellow brick Amphitrion Hotel or the neoclassical Grande Bretagne. Both are within easy walking distance of the old town and the beachfront cafes and both have excellent views of the Bourtzi, the mini-castle in the bay.

Day Two: Nafplio, Mycenae, Epidavros and Back to Nafplio

Today is all about two amazing World Heritage sites. The driving on the plains of Argolis is relatively easy and there's plenty of time to enjoy a bit of museum going and retail therapy.

8:30 to 9 a.m.: Breakfast at your hotel before leaving for the modern village of Mikines, the site of Mycenae. The Greeks don't make much of a meal of breakfast and you can waste a lot of time looking for anything more than coffee and bread in most tavernas. It's easier to take advantage of your hotel offering before hitting the road. 

9 to 9:30 a.m.: Drive to Mycenae and park in the free parking at the site. Mycenae is almost due north of Nafplio along the EO Nafplion-Korinthou road. It's a well marked national road and an easy drive to the village of Mikines. After you pass the small commercial center of the village, turn right toward the archaeological site. It's sign-posted and the parking is at the end of the road.

9:30 a.m. to noon: Explore ancient Mycenae . There's a lot to see at this ancient citadel overlooking the olive-strewn plains of Argos. Some finds indicate it was occupied as early as 6,000 B.C. but the climb through ancient passages and between cyclopean walls probably dates from 1500 to 1300 B.C. This is a place where history fades easily into myth. Enter through the lion gates of the House of Atreus , the earliest representational monumental sculptures in Europe, and let your imagination run wild. The stories of war, revenge and death connected to the house of Atreus may have been recorded Homer, but the Bronze Age tales of murder, cannibalism and human sacrifice are every bit as gory and thrilling as the latest B-movie horrors.There's also a very good museum, included in the price of admission. 

12:15 to 1 p.m.: Return the way you came to the village of Mikines for lunch. The small village has a few souvenir shops and cafes. The unpretentious Alcion Tavern (ΕΟ68, Argos Mykines 212 00, Greece, +30 694 885 3606), run by English-speaking Maria Mitrovgeni and her mother, offers a friendly welcome and the best souvlaki we sampled in the Peloponnese.

1 to 1:40 : Rejoin the EO Nafplion-Korinthou road to the EO 70 Isthmou Archaias Epidavrou Road for the drive to the Ancient Theater of Epidavros and the Sanctuary of Aesclepius. This is an easy drive on well paved national roads through farmland and olive groves. The attraction, as you near it, is well sign-posted.

1:45 - 2:30 p.m. Explore the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus , a UNESCO World Heritage site and the best preserved ancient theater in the world. The theater was actually part of a sort of ancient health spa, dedicated to Aesclepius, the god of medicine and his sanctuary is considered the birthplace of medicine. It's still used for performances in the summer months. You'll probably share the experience with busloads of other tourists but it is still worth going, if just to stand on the stone marking the center of the amphitheater and whisper to your companions high up on the top row - the acoustics of this theater are said to be perfect.

2:30 - 3 p.m. : Return to Nafplio via the EO 70.

Total Driving Today - 60.3 miles or 1 hour and 40 minutes on the road

Afternoon and evening:  Get in some retail therapy and   photo ops in Nafplio's old town. The streets and alleys closest to the waterfront and around the marble-paved Syntagma Square are the most rewarding for little shops, galleries and souvenirs. If you are energetic — very energetic — you could try the climb to the top of Palamidi , an 18th-century Venetian fortress that overlooks the town and is reached by a legendary 999 steps.Those less energetic can drive up on a road that starts just to the east of the town (Od. Nafplio - Frouriou Palamidou). 

For dinner, try Alaloum (beside Agiou Nikolau Square, about a block into the old town from the waterfront, Tel +30 2752 029883). It specializes in seafood and traditional Greek cooking.

Day Three - Kalamata and a Dip into the Mani

9 to 10 a.m. :  Before leaving Nafplio visit its Archaeological Museum in Syntagma Square. It's housed in a Venetian mansion, circa 1713, that is said to be the best example in all of Greece. Among the highlights are Stone Age finds from a nearby cave that include a beautiful ceramic bowl about 8,000 years old and a suit of bronze armor from about 1600 B.C.

10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.:  Drive to Kalamata via the E65 motorway (also confusingly designated the A7, but in fact the same road).

12:15 to 12:30 p.m.: Have a quick walk around Pl.23 Martiou –  23rd of March Square and the tiny, 11th century Church of the Holy Apostles. The modern Greek republic was born In this relatively unmarked and unheralded place. This church is where the Greek Declaration of Independence was first signed, on March 23, 1821, marking the start of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Turks. To find it, take Artemidos (the main route from the A7) to Neodontas. Park on Neodontas and walk into the pedestrian area.

12:30 to 1:30 p.m . : Lunch at Kalamaki (19 Amfias Street  241 00, Tel: +30 698 117 5302), which runs off the square from just behind the church. This is a street lined with little cafes. We liked the friendly welcome, good quality meze and original salads for reasonable prices. Try the cheese doughnuts.

2 to 5 p.m. : Enough driving — it's time for the beach. You can swim in beautifully clear waters without even leaving the city of Kalamata. Navarino Bay, on the south side of the city, is rimmed with pebble beaches that have great views of Mt Taygetos. Travel about 10 miles further south, along the coast road to Mikri Mantineia for more beaches under the mountain. This town is organized for tourism so there are plenty of beach bars and cafes. Continue south through the built up area for quieter beaches and plenty of free parking.

Total Driving Today: 100 miles or two hours and ten minutes.

Overnight: There are loads of small hotels and guest rooms along the beach road in Mikri Mantineia, but for a true taste of the Mani, head into the hills to a tower house. Venetians, Franks, Ottomans, Greek rebels, bandits and feuding families built themselves fortified towers, high in the foothills of Mt. Taygetos well into the late 19th century. Today the towers, many of which are listed historic monuments, are also guest houses and small hotels. We stayed at the Villa Vager Mani, a 19th-century fortified tower house converted into luxury B&B suites above the tiny settlement of Megali Mantineia. It's about two miles south of Mikri Mantineia and high enough above the coast for good views of Kalamata and the entire sweep of Navarino Bay and the Gulf of Messinia. Once you drive up the mountain road, you are not going to want to come down for dinner. Luckily the village has a decent restaurant, Taverna Anavriti, a short walk downhill from the villa. George, the "majordomo" of the hotel will show you the way.

Day 4: Mystras

6 to 7:30 a.m.: Hit the road early for the drive to Mystras , a huge Medieval and Byzantine ghost town on a steep slope of Mt Taygetos, a few miles northwest of and 2000 feet above Sparta. Take along a backpack for lunch.There are two routes from Kalamata — a hair-raising, 43-mile mountain drive over Taygetos on the Kalamatas Spartis Road or a more relaxing motorway drive of 72 miles via the A7 and A71 national toll roads.  Interestingly, both routes take about an hour and a half. The motorway route is less taxing and you'll want all your energy for Mystras today. You'll also want to arrive early enough to miss the main heat of the day and the coach-loads of tourists in the lower town. Wear hiking shoes, carry a sturdy walking stick, and carry your lunch and water in a backpack.

7:30 to 8:15 a.m.: Arrive in the modern village, also known as Neo Mistra. Pick up a few things for lunch. Technically, you are not allowed to picnic on the site, but if you are discreet and clean up after yourself, you won't have any problems finding a quiet, shady spot to rest. Park your car in a safe place and find a local taxi to take you to the highest entrance gate.

8:30 a.m. to the afternoon:  How long you spend at Mystras is up to you and your stamina. From the highest gate, walk to the top, the Frankish castle build in 1249 by the prince of Achaia, William II of Villehadouin. Within about 20 years, the castle had fallen to the Byzantine Empire. Walking down hill from there you pass through centuries of history. The site was the seat of the wonderfully named Byzantine kingdom — the Despotate of Morea. The last Byzantine Emperor was crowned here in the 15th century. Then it was occupied by the Ottomans and, in 1821 it became the first castle to be liberated in the Greek War of Independence.

The recently restored Palace of the Despots, down hill from the Castle, is considered the finest example of royal Byzantine architecture left in Europe. There are several Byzantine churches; some in ruins but others still holding onto icons and iconographic wall paintings. The Pantanassa Monastery, where you will probably be able to refill your water bottle, still has a convent; plan to cover up modestly if you visit the nuns.

This is an enormous site with plenty to see and amazing views over olive groves and citrus orchards, as well as the city of Sparti (the modern town associated with ancient Sparta).

Afternoon to early evening: Relax and refresh in one of Neo Mystra's nine tavernas. Then explore the village, soak up the atmosphere in the town square and, perhaps, soak your aching feet in a spring near the town square.  This is a good place to indulge in the Greek pastime of drinking coffee, eating sweets and watching the world go by.

Total Driving Today: Either 43 or 72 miles, depending on your route, but an hour and a half on the road either way.

Overnight:  Make your way to the Mystras Inn , a budget priced but atmospheric stone hotel built on the village's central square. Have a traditional home cooked meal in their taverna,  O' Ellinas , where the olive oil is pressed from their own trees. Then allow yourself a lazy night watching old movies dubbed into Greek on the hotel's digital telly or catching up with email via the free wifi.

Day 5: Agrotourism and Beaches in the Eastern Peloponnese

9:45 a.m. to noon: Sample Greek agrotourism at Eumelia Organic Farm. New highway connections have made the fertile plains between the Tagetos and Parnonas mountain ranges much easier to visit than in the past. Here olives, citrus, herbs and vegetables thrive in fields of red earth on farm estates that have been producing oil and wine since Biblical times. It's about 50 minutes southeast of Sparta near Gouves on the E961. Let them know you're coming and you might be able to take part in a cooking class or a yoga session or partake of a farm to table lunch. At the very least, taste some of their prickly pear liqueur or cold pressed olive oil and stroll among the 2,000-year-old olive trees. Eumelia has rustic self-catering accommodations that are worth checking out for a future farm stay when you can join in an olive harvest, press grapes for wine or host a unique eco-wedding.

12:40 to 2:30 p.m.: Wash the red earth from your feet at   the beach at Plytra on the Gulf of Laconia. It's about half an hour from Gouves. Plytra is a well-organized beach resort popular with Greek families. It's one of the few sandy beaches on the southern Peloponnese, with calm, clear waters and clean changing facilities. Crowded with vacationers during the summer months, it is quieter and still a pleasant place to stop for lunch and a swim in spring or autumn. Try Asopitan Plaz, right on the beach, for coffee, cold drinks and octopus if you're lucky.

Total Driving Today: 88 miles or two hours and 45 minutes.

Overnight:  Finish your travels today with a luxury treat at an 18th century fortified mansion in the hills above Monemvasia. Hotel Kinsterna - named for the Byzantine cistern the house surrounds - is a 5 star resort set amid vineyards, olive groves and fruit orchards with amazing views over the Gulf of Argolis and the Aegean Sea. Relax for the afternoon, saving your energy for a big day tomorrow. There's plenty to do, from a swim in the hotel's glorious pool, a spa treatment or a wander around the grounds picking pomegranates, quinces and sweet green lemons as you pass. Blow the budget on dinner in the hotel's fine dining restaurant where familiar European cuisine gets a local treatment with Greek flavours such as mastic and quince.

Day 6 - Monemvasia

Noon to late: After a late breakfast, have a swim or a hike uphill through the pomegranates for the view and to see the hotel's ancient spring. Then leave the car behind and take a taxi into Monemvasia "city" for lunch. Taxis from Kinsterna to the town cost €12.50 in 2018 and make sense when it is easy to lose your way driving up the mountain road to the hotel after dark.

Alternatively, check into the Aktaion Hotel on the waterfront so you can stay late in the town enjoying the bars and the vibe. It's basic and cheap but friendly and clean. The cafe, a good place to have lunch, is popular with locals, and British and European expats. And its location, at one end of the bridge/causeway to the castle, offers the best views of Greece's version of the Rock of Gibraltar.

About Monemvasia

Locals refer to the village at the mainland end of Monemvasia's causeway as "the city" though it probably only has a few thousand inhabitants. The massive rock offshore, connected to the mainland by a short causeway and bridge, is known as "the castle" or "the Kastro." Out of sight of land, surrounded by walls and accessible through only one gateway is the most complete medieval settlement in Greece and possibly the most intact Byzantine village in the world. 

It's a one mile walk across the causeway and along the road around the rock to reach the gates of the hidden village. But if you don't fancy the walk or the weather changes for the worse, there's a bus that leaves from the newsstand at the base of the bridge about every 20 minutes. It costs €1.20 and takes about five minutes. Inside the walls, there are:

• One or two main "roads" paved with rough boulders
• Several Byzantine churches including Christos Elkomenos in the main square, the largest medieval church in southern Greece
• Lots of shops selling local handiwork - olive wood carvings, olive soaps, textiles
• Restaurants, bars and cafes.

Once you escape the main commercial area, the streets are a series of staircases that wind their way up toward the plateau at the top of the rock.  If you make it all the way, there are the remains of a Crusader castle built by a Frankish prince at the top.

Overnight: Dine at one of the many cafes and tavernas on the rock, then return to the mainland for a session of Greek wine or ouzo drinking before making your way back to your hotel.

Day 7: The Corinth Canal

Return to Athens or Athens airport via motorways through Sparta. The coast road is a narrow, mountainous journey that could easily take you seven to eight hours instead of the four to four and a half via the motorways.

If you leave early enough, you should arrive at the Corinth Canal that separates mainland Greece from the Peloponnese in time for lunch and a chance to enjoy a 19th century engineering marvel.

The four-mile long, narrow and steep-sided canal separates the Gulf of Corinth, to the north, from the Saronic Gulf to the south across the Isthmus of Corinth. It was built between 1880 and 1893 and today is used mostly for small cruise liners, large yachts and super yachts.

The best place to see the comings and goings of ships through this ultra narrow canal is at the southern end, near the town of Isthmia. If you are lucky you will see the operation of the submersible bridge. The road bridge over the canal at this point submerges when ships pass through. On its way back up, you're likely to see a lot of fish making their escape from the shallow water across the rising roadway.

To get there, leave the E94 motorway at Exit 10 toward Loutraki then follow signs toward the EO Gefiras Isthmiou – Isthmion, the road with the submersible bridge. It's quite close to the motorway; just search for the Floating Bridge of Isthmia on Google maps. There are cafes on either side of the bridge where you can lunch and watch the shipping traffic.

From here, you are just 65 miles, or an hour and ten minutes, from Athens Airport.

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Peloponnese travel guide

Peloponnese Tour

Travelling in the villages is a unique way of understanding the everyday life in Greek country. No matter whether you will travel to Peloponnese by car, motorcycle all an alternative transportation option such as local buses or a boat, making a plan of your tour will be really useful and will save you from effort, money and time. Organize Peloponnese Tour in advance, define the areas that you would like to visit, find the most interesting spots of each place, schedule your transportation, arrange your accommodation and experience authentic Greece to the maximum!

Handcrafted Peloponnese Tours

We have created handcrafted tour selections for you, to help you get the most of your trip to Peloponnese. Combine the tours, choose the suggestions that you prefer and create your own mythical Peloponnese Tour!

North-Eastern Peloponnese – 2 days tour

From Corinth to Nafplio The North-Eastern Peloponnese is the ideal place to start exploring the peninsula. Full of beautiful towns, glorious history, and archaeological sites, Corinthia and Argolis are the perfect places for an introduction to Peloponnese. 1st Day Day first and it is essential to wake up early in the morning and after having a tasty and full breakfast take a deep breath of the morning breeze that smells trees, flowers and the saltiness of the water that is so close everywhere you turn. Corinthia, like the most of the regions in Greece, has its own history for you to learn with a visit to the Acrocorinth castle and the monuments near it in ancient Corinth town. Built in possibly 7th-6th century BC in a cliff so high that you can have an amazing view of the sea and the fields below, the castle has its stories to tell and its mysteries to hide as always happens in such places with a long, heavy past. If you are feeling energetic and fearless you can try bungee jumping to the Corinthian Canal with a little help from the experts of Zulu Bungy well known for their professionalism and the many years of […]

South-Eastern Peloponnese – 2 days tour

From Sparta and Mystras to Monemvasia and Mani The region of Lakonia is located in the South-Eastern Peloponnese and it is highly privileged to have the cities of Monemvasia and the biggest part of Mani district into its borders. Lakonia is a peninsula full of sights, monuments, and places of a great interest,  so you probably need at least 2 days to travel between villages, cities and all the other attractions. 1st Day On the first day begin your journey from the capital of Laconia, Sparta. To load some extra strength have a coffee at a traditional “kafeneio”, which is simply the coffee shop in Greece and ask for something local for food like an omelet or another dish. This legendary city in the ancient times used to be a city-state and not just another city of Greece. Huge enemy of Athens, Sparta was the city that gave birth to many mythical and mighty heroes and played a tremendously big role to the political situation in Greece. You should better make a little extra research by yourself before you visit Sparta and so you will be able to understand more about the importance of the city. The  Archaeological Museum of Sparta is a place full […]

South-Western Peloponnese – 2 days tour

From Kalamata and Koroni to Pylos and Voidokilia Another especially interesting part of Peloponnese is the southwest region with the cities of Kalamata and Pylos and other historical towns. The peninsula of Messinia is for many people the most naturally beautiful part of whole Peloponnese. You will need approximately two days in order to see the main attractions and to relax a bit within the rich, natural environment. A perfect time of the year to travel to this place is summer, so you can enjoy all of the amazing beaches and the waterfalls and the rivers as well as the paths among the various forests and all the outdoor activities offered. 1st Day You can start on the first day in the morning from north of Oitilo village and straight to Kardamili city, which is situated in the middle of the southern part of Peloponnese by the sea. On your way there, and if you follow the seaside road, you will pass by many stunning beaches like Stoupa, Kalogria, and northern Foneas beach. Except for Kalogria, the others are not organized so you have to supply all necessary things like towels, maybe a sun umbrella and water. All in all, […]

Western Peloponnese – 2 days tour

The place where Olympics were born A different aspect of Peloponnese is presented in the Western part of Peloponnese, this full of miracles peninsula that is divided into magnificent smaller regions and each and every one offers to the guests a completely unique experience. In the Ilia region, you will visit the legendary Ancient Olympia, where the first Olympic Games were settled. Until today the Olympic Flame starts its journey in Ancient Olympia to travel through the countries and announce this global event of peace and athletic spirit. 1st Day On the first day, you begin from Kakovatos beach. An exotic, sandy beach with turquoise waters very long to explore and bright enough so you never feel that it is crowded. Start with a refreshing swim in the sea and it would be a nice tip to grab your breakfast with you and to enjoy it on the beach taking your time and appreciating all of the magical images the place offers. Then, after spending a couple of hours there, take the road to Andritsaina village. It is a well-known village Greeks and famous for the picturesque houses and the stone made squares and buildings around. If you would like to […]

North-Western Peloponnese – 2 days tour

Patra and the Achaia In the North-Western part of Peloponnese, the visitor has the opportunity to combine the advantages of being in a city whereas at the same time to know an incredibly beautiful location full of green forests and picturesque villages in low hills and higher mountains. The capital city of Achaia region is Patra. To start your tour choose as your starting point this city and see the differences from one place in the same area to another and a unique way of everyday life. 1st Day Day first and before you begin is important to know that it is better to reach Patra by car in order to make as many stops as you like and to do smaller trips in the wider area around the city. If this though it is not an option then, by bus it can be easily reached as well. If you start your trip early in the morning you will probably enter the city before noon so it is better to have yourself checked in in your hotel if possible and then continue touring and observing around. A really nice option is Maison Grecque Hotel in the center of Patra. A neoclassical building turned to […]

Central Peloponnese – 2 days tour

Arcadia The central Peloponnese consists of one big region, the Prefecture of Arcadia. This special region is so big that can combine equally great mountains and the marvelous Aegean sea. It stands right in the middle of Peloponnese and it is very famous to Greeks all year round and especially in winter time due to the snow center in Menalon mountain. Full of green valleys and forests of unparallel beauty, Arcadia has a long history through the ages. It is known as it is the hometown of many heroes and important people in Greece. Whatever season of the year you choose to visit this region, the only thing for sure is, that you will not be bored and you will probably return soon to discover more. Craving to have the same feeling of warm hospitality and the wildness of the landscape it is possible to find yourself planning the next visit to this ancient land soon enough. 1st Day On day first, start by choosing the place that you are going to spend your two nights in Arkadia. The mountainous village of Vytina, well known for its beauty, it could be a very nice choice since it is a picturesque small town. The Seleni […]

Peloponnese Attractions

Peloponnese Beaches

Peloponnese Experiences

Peloponnese hotels, peloponnese restaurants, travel to peloponnese.

Peloponnese Tour is a trip that needs to be well organized. How many days should one spend in every destination? Which are the best hotels ? Which are the nicest restaurants? Which are the best beaches where should one swim? In PeloponeseTour we have collected the most useful information in order to make sure that your experience will be unique.

Browse peloponnesetour.com’s pages and dig into a magical destination with multiple faces; crystal clear sea, sandy beaches, snowy mountains, tiny villages and busy cities create a magnificent bunch of experiences to enhance your trip to Peloponnese.

In the heart of Mainalon, in Kolokotronis hideouts, Falanthos city was inspired and made the idea reality, creating the Mainalon Forest History Museum.

Chrysovitsi, Arcadia

Mainalon Forest History Museum

In the Guesthouse Theonimfi you will find the art of genuine hospitality, the atmosphere of a bygone era, the essence of relaxation, the pleasure of taste and the truth of human contact!

Dimitsana, Arkadia

Guesthouse Theonimfi

To the south, on the Kyparissiakos golf, there are over 45 km. of exotic beach called Kakovatos, which starts from Epitalio village and ends at Kalo Nero village.

Kakovatos, Ilia

The Stymphalia Environment Museum, which seeks to demonstrate the interdependence of man and nature, focusing on the harmonious coexistence in Stimfalia basin.

Stymphalia, Corinth, Greece

Stymphalia Environment Museum

Peloponnese.

The Castle of Mouchli is one of the largest forts of Peloponnesus and was one of the most important cultural and military centers of the Byzantine army during medieval times.

Achladokampos, Arkadia

On the southeastern edge of the hill of Mystras, at Kato Poli, next to the steep cliff, is the Monastery of Perivleptos, dedicated to Virgin Mary.

Mystras, Lakonia

Monastery of Perivleptos

Explore Peloponnese Tour and choose among our handpicked suggestions, your own best hotel in Peloponnese. If you travel experience includes a road trip then you may choose your beloved hotel in every area that you will visit. Combine hotels by the sea and hotels at the mountains and enjoy the multiple images and landscapes of Peloponnese.

Hotel Anagennisis is housed in a neoclassical mansion in the center of Pyrgos, built in 1886 and it was the residence of one of the “prominent families” of the city.

12 Patroklou, Pyrgos

Hotel Anagennisis

Welcome to the most “green” guesthouse in Arcadia and one of the few energy class A in Greece, Guesthouse Gortis, which opened its doors in August 2011, in an old family mansion of 1900’s, in the heart of Elliniko Village.

Elliniko, Arkadia

Guesthouse Gortis

Almira Hotel is located in a beautiful little gulf in Ilia region in Peloponnese. It is a boutique hotel that is facing the Ionian Sea and almost all of rooms have a view to this marvelous picture.

Arkoudi, Ilia

Almira Hotel

Peloponnese Gems

Nafplio the first capital of the modern Greek state, is one of the most beautiful towns of Greece. Located in eastern Peloponnese. Having a beautiful architecture and an imposing castle, Nafplio is one of the most picturesque destinations to visit during your tour in Peloponnese.

An impressive castle-town that dominates a huge rock, Monemvasia is a destination that you definitely need to include in your Peloponnese Tour plans. A magnificent settlement of Byzantine architecture, this marvel of the man and nature looks like a “stone vessel” – as per the verse in a poem of Yiannis Ritsos, that “travels you to the world”.

Explore Peloponnese restaurants in the pages of Peloponnese Tour. Gourmet restaurants usually need to be reserved in advance, while meze places and tavernas usually don’t accept reservations and you have to visit them earlier than others in order to find a table.

In Tripoli the 50’s, in the heart of Arcadia, the family grandfather George Papadopoulos created a restaurant offering authentic tastes of the time and his generation, Sto Kioupi. Tradition maintained and continued his father Kostas until his retirement …

Palyvos restaurant is located on the central square of the village Kleitoria in Peloponnese, in the region of Achaia. This unique traditional, Greek tavern is a real revelation for the guests visiting the area.

Kleitoria, Achaia

Palyvos restaurant

The delicious color in Kokkina Pitharia has given the traditional cuisine with many tendencies towards creative and many Mediterranean recipes in full metamorphosis for beautiful tasty trips.

Vitina, Arkadia

Kokkina Pitharia

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Road Trip in the Peloponnese – the Ultimate 2-Week Itinerary

Last Modified: February 7, 2024 //  by  Anda //   4 Comments

Want to spend 2 weeks in Greece but can’t decide on an itinerary? We’ve been through that, so I can understand your dilemma. Greece is a country like no other: it’s large, diverse, and visually stunning. A captivating mixture of serene islands, soaring mountains, bustling cities, and impressive archeological sites. There are so many places to visit, but having too many options can sometimes be overwhelming. After many deliberations, we decided that a road trip in the Peloponnese would be the best choice for itinerary. And here is why:

Table of Contents

Why Choose a Peloponnese Itinerary for Your 2 Weeks in Greece

Best time to visit the peloponnese, greece, visa requirements for greece, how to get from the mainland to the peloponnese, renting a car in greece, driving in greece, about this peloponnese road trip itinerary, days 1 to 3 itinerary – athens, day 4 itinerary – delphi, day 5 itinerary – akrocorinth & mycenae, day 6 peloponnese road trip – nafplio, day 7 peloponnese itinerary – argos & epidaurus, day 8 peloponnese road trip – kalamata & koroni, day 9 peloponnese road trip: messene & methoni, day 10 itinerary – mystras & sparta, day 11 itinerary – gythio & monemvasia, day 12 itinerary – tegea & mantinea, day 13 itinerary – astros & ano doliana, day 14 itinerary – return to athens.

Peloponnese is the heart of the ancient Hellenic culture, home to a myriad of important archaeological sites that tell the story of Ancient Greece. Over the millennia many powerful states and empires inhabited this land, from the Spartans and the Romans, to the Franks, Venetians and the Ottomans. All these people left their legacies in the temples, castles, and the cities that you see today. 

Where else can you walk in ancient agoras following the steps of great people like Socrates and Aristotle? Or stand on the rock from where the Apostle Paul first preached to the people of Athens about the one Creator God?

Where else but in the Peloponnese can you visit the birthplace of the Olympic Games? Or wander through the wilderness where the horned god Pan and his nymphs once danced? Wherever you go in this region of Greece you’ll have paths to explore and hidden treasures to discover.

But a road trip through the mainland and the Peloponnese is not only about discovering archeological sites, sunken cities , and Venetian castles. It is also about walking on blissful beaches, visiting quiet monasteries, tranquil seaside towns, and endless olive groves.

Unlike the Greek islands which constantly swarm with tourists, you’ll find plenty of space to breath in this part of the country. So if you are looking for the perfect Greece itinerary, you can’t go wrong with a road trip in the Peloponnese.

Useful Information for Planning a 2-Week Greece Itinerary

The best time to visit the Greece depends a lot of what you want to see and do while there. If you are planning a road trip in the Peloponnese, the best time to do it is in spring or fall. Greece is beautiful in October , April and May, when there is very little rain and the weather is not too hot.

In April and May, or in late September and October the weather is pleasant, with comfortable temperatures (60ºF – 75ºF) and very little rain. This is a great time for hiking or visiting the archeological sites. Besides, in late May and sometimes till early October you may be even able to swim.

Winters on the other hand are chilly and wet in Greece, therefore not a great time for planning a 2-week itinerary. From November through mid-March you’ll see more rainfall and even some snow up in the mountains, so places like Meteora will be very cold. This is not a great time to visit Greece, as many hotels may be closed for the season.

Summers can be brutal in Greece, with temperatures reaching 100°F/40°C. That’s especially true for the mainland and the Peloponnese, where the scorching temperatures and the severe drought often trigger devastating wildfires.

From mid June to mid September it’s almost impossible to walk outside during the day, or climb up the endless steps of the archeological sites. Summer may be a good time for the islands, but not for the Peloponnese.

Citizens of the European Union can travel to Greece with only a valid ID. No passport or customs formalities are required.

Citizens of the USA, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada only need a valid passport to enter Greece. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Citizens of some countries may need a visa to enter Greece, so to learn if you need one you should contact the Greek Embassy in your country.

The best way to travel to Greece is by plane. There are only 2 small airports in the Peloponnese (Patra and Kalamata) which run mainly in summer. So unless you are headed for the Greek islands, you’ll most likely land in Athens.

Athens Airport (ATH) is the largest and busiest international airport in Greece and is a hub for Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Ryanair, Volotea and Sky Express. The airport is located about 30 km (19 miles) east of the city of Athens and is very well connected to the city center.

To travel to the Peloponnese from Athens, you can take the train, the bus, or the ferry from Piraeus Port (which is close to Athens). However, the best way to visit the Peloponnese is by car.

Greece was meant for exploring, and not just by bus or by boat. Visiting Greece by car gives you not only more comfort, but also a lot of flexibility with your 2-week itinerary.

We rented a car at Athens airport upon arrival. Although we didn’t use it in Athens, renting it for the entire time proved cost effective since we didn’t have to pay for a cab to or from the airport.

It is also possible to rent the car in Athens, after you finish exploring the city. There are some car rental agencies in the city center, but their prices are higher than the ones at the airport. But no matter where you rent your car, just make sure you opt for a small and fuel-efficient one that is easy to drive and park on narrow roads.

If you are planning a 2-week road trip itinerary in the Peloponnese, you probably have a lot of questions about driving in Greece. How challenging is it? Are Greek drivers aggressive? How about unmarked roads, or highways signs written with Greek characters only?

Well, when compared to driving in Sicily touring the Peloponnese by car looks like Heaven! The main roads are well maintained, smooth and easy to navigate. Also, except for very few remote places, all roads are marked with Latin alphabet as well. Sometimes even in the tiniest villages!

There are also many toll roads in the Peloponnese, so we used them often as they are less crowded and more convenient. That being said, we also came across winding mountain roads and narrow streets, like in many parts of Europe.

As for the Greek drivers, they are fast but not aggressive. On the contrary, we found them to be very considerate to others. Whenever we reached someone from behind, they always moved over to the right side so that we can pass. 

Our 2 weeks itinerary took us on a loop of all the popular sights throughout the Peloponnese, starting and ending on Greece’s mainland, in Athens. Depending on how much time you have available, you can adjust this itinerary by extending or reducing the route.

Itinerary Summary:  Athens → Delphi → Corinth Canal → Akrocorinth → Mycenae → Nafplio → Argos → Epidaurus → Kalamata → Koroni → Gytheio → Mystras → Sparta → Monemvasia → Messene → Methoni → Arcadia → Mantinea → Tegea → Astros → Ano Doliana → Athens

We designed this 2-week Greece itinerary in such a way that you won’t have to move around unnecessarily. We chose 3-4 towns as a home base from where we took day trips. The sites we visited were within a 50 to 80 km radius (45 minutes – 1.5-hour drive).

Greece Mainland & Peloponnese road trip itinerary

Our 2 weeks road trip itinerary started in Greece’s mainland and continued in the Peloponnese. We spent the first 4 days in Athens, from where we also took a day trip to Delphi . That gave us 3 full days in Athens . This was enough time for visiting the archeological sites, the main museums, and get a glimpse of Athen’s most popular neighborhoods.

Important Sites to Visit in Athens

Despite being kind of a mixed bag, we enjoyed Athens a lot. There are a few important sites that you definitely shouldn’t miss if you visit the Greek capital. They include the Acropolis archeological site and Acropolis Museum, the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, Ancient Agora, the National Museum of Archeology and Lycabettus Hill.

There are of course many others to visit if you like history and archeology. Also don’t miss the picturesque neighborhoods of Plaka and Anafiotika, as well as the city’s two famous squares – Monastiraki and Syntagma.

Where to Stay in Athens

If you are a visitor to Athens you should aim to stay in one of the walkable neighborhoods like Syntagma, Monastiraki, Plaka, Psirri, or Koukaki. While you won’t be able to walk quite everywhere in Athens, staying close to the City Center will give you easy access to the Acropolis, Agoras, and many of the museums.

• Best 5-Star Hotel in Athens :    Hotel Grand Bretagne
• Best mid-range Hotel in Athens:  Herodion Hotel
• Best Budget Hotel in Athens:  Phaedra Hotel
• Our recommendation : Astor Hotel (clean, centrally located, views of the Acropolis from many rooms, rooftop terrace, reasonably priced)

Delphi was an important ancient religious sanctuary dedicated to the god Apollo. According to Greek mythology, Apollo killed the massive  snake  Python at Delphi. Following his victory, the Greeks erected a temple and an oracle on this site.

The oracle was very famous in Ancient Greece. Pilgrims from all over the Mediterranean would visit it to receive the prophecies of Apollo, delivered through the words of Pythia, the high-priestess of his temple.

Delphi is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in all of Greece, next only to the Acropolis of Athens! For this reason people make it a point to spend a couple of days here, or at least visit it as a day trip from Athens .

After 4 days on the mainland, our road trip itinerary continued across the Corinth Canal into the Peloponnese. We spent the fifth day visiting the Canal, and the archeological sites of Ancient Corinth and Mycenae.

The Corinth Canal

The Corinth Canal, which was inaugurated in July, 1893, is an artificial canal cut through the isthmus of Corinth. The Canal links the Ionian Sea with the Aegean, effectively turning the Peloponnese peninsula into an island.

It’s astonishing to realize that this narrow waterway with rocky walls saves ships a nearly 400-mile journey around the tree leaf-shaped cape!

Ancient Corinth & Akrocorinth

The archeological site of Ancient Corinth is just within a short drive from the Canal. In ancient times, Corinth was one of the richest and most powerful cities in the Mediterranean.

The most striking monument you’ll see here is the Apollo Doric Temple, which dates back to around 500 BC. Looking at it you can only imagine how magnificent Corinth must have been in those times!

But the most interesting site to visit in Corinth is actually the Akrocorinth, which is only 10 minutes away from the Ancient Corinth. Here, standing high up on a rock, you’ll see the largest and most important fortification in Greece.

The archeological site of Mycenae holds a lot of history! During the Early Bronze Age this was home to one of the greatest civilizations of Greek prehistory – the Mycenaean civilization. According to legend Mycenae was the capital of  Agamemnon , the ancient Greek king who conquered the city of Troy. 

Not much has survived from the Mycenaean civilization though. The two structures still standing today are from the 14th century B.C. One is the Lions’ Gate , at the entrance of Mycenae’s citadel.

The other is the Tomb of Agamemnon – a beehive burial chamber built up of overhanging blocks of masonry. But despite the name, little is known of the persons who might have been buried in this tomb.

Nafplio is the most beautiful seaside town in Greece’s mainland, totally worth including in your 2 weeks itinerary. Nafplio has everything you could want in a coastal town: beautiful beaches, walkable streets, buzzing squares, a vibrant port, an offshore island fort and two hilltop castles. 

We spent 3 days here, which seemed very little considering how beautiful this town is. From Nafplio we took day trips to Argos and Epidaurus and spent a full day to visit the town’s attractions.

Nafplio is home to three important fortresses: the imposing Palamidi castle, the fortress of Acronafplia and Bourtzi Castle. There is also has a lovely seaside promenade worth seeing, very similar to Croatia’s famous Lungomare . This lovely costal alley carved in rock connects the town’s small port with the beach of Arvanitia.

Where to Stay in Nafplio

The Old Town is the most romantic part of town and one of the best places to stay in Nafplio. We also recommend the hotels in the port area, which are just a few steps away from the Old Town.

• Best hotel for those on a budget: Hotel Byron
• Near the Marina: Carpe Diem Boutique Hotel
• Best Old Town location: Aetoma Hotel
• Best luxury hotel: Nafplia Palace Hotel
• Our recommendation : Amphitryon Hotel (boutique hotel with stunning water views, excellent location, convenient parking and within a few steps from the port, the beach and the Old Town).

Argos claims to be the oldest city of Greece. There is indeed evidence of an old settlement in this area that dates back to the Neolithic (around 5000 BC). This town is just a short distance away from Nafplio (12 Km) and it’s really worth visiting.

The top attractions to visit in Argos include the Archeological Site of Fort Larissa, the Ancient Theatre of Argos, and the Byzantine Museum of Argolis.

Downtown Argos is also nice to stroll if you want to see the Statue of Hercules, near the old town hall. This is exact copy of the statue created by the ancient Greek sculptor Lysippos.

Another beautiful stop on our 2 weeks Greece itinerary was the ancient city of Epidaurus, famous for its perfect-acoustics theater. This UNESCO’s World Heritage Site is part of the  Sanctuary of Asclepius , the Ancient Greek god of medicine. 

But few visitors know that just a little beyond the renowned Theater there is an ancient sunken city . Although not a huge site, the underwater city of Epidaurus is fun and easy to explore. The ruins are very close to the shore and just 2 meters below the sea level.

If your trip through the Peloponnese takes place in summer, when the water is warm enough to swim or snorkel, you should make it a point to visit this site. 

From Nafplio, our road trip itinerary continued to Kalamata, another town that we used as a home base for our day excursions in the Peloponnese. We stayed here for 4 days and visited the towns of Koroni, Gytheio, Mesene, Methoni, Mystras, Sparta, and Monemvasia.

The town of Kalamata is mostly famous for being home to the best olive type in the world, the ‘ Kalamata Olives ‘. There is not a lot to see here, other than the port area, the old town, and the ruins of a small castle.

The Castle of Kalamata sits up on a hill overlooking the historic center. The structure that you see today was built by the Franks in the 13th century, on the ruins of a Byzantine fortress.

Within the castle walls there is a small chapel devoted to Virgin Mary which dates back to the 6th century A.D. Also, at the top of the hill there is a water reservoir which contains the ruins of an ancient temple. 

Where to Stay in Kalamata

There is a good range of accommodation in Kalamata. You can choose from small hotels and Airbnb apartments, to elegant hotels and resorts. As far as the best area, it depends on the purpose of your visit. The old town has better food choices, while the seafront is nicer and closer to the beaches.

We stayed at Grecotel Filoxenia , a mid-range hotel with a private beach. This hotel is also very close to the highway, which makes it easy to get in and out of town. That’s extremely convenient if you are using Kalamata as a home base for taking day trips in the Peloponnese.

Koroni is a small and unassuming beach town with a nice waterfront and sheltered harbor, full of colorful fishing boats. What made us add it to our itinerary was actually a picture of its hilltop citadel that we saw in a Greece Travel Magazine. And we did not regret visiting it.

This impressive fortification existed since the 7th century AD. But the structure of Koroni castle that you see today was erected much later by the Venetians (13th century). A series of wide, paved steps lined with white-washed houses lead to the main gate of the castle.

Inside the castle you’ll see the church and cemetery of Agios Haralambos and the interesting “old-calendar” monastery of Agios Ioannis. Next to the monastery are the ruins of Agia Sophia, a beautiful Byzantine church built in the 12 th  century over the remains of an ancient temple.

On the 9th day of our itinerary we drove to Messene and Methoni, two of the major sites in the Peloponnese.

Ancient Messene is often overlooked by tourists, although it’s one of the most impressive archeological sites in Greece. The only explanation is that probably not many people know about it, although the site is quite large and extremely well preserved.

Messene is set in a stunning location and includes a a great deal of structures. There is a small theater, several temples, a large stadium, the Sanctuary of Zeus Ithomatas, a basilica, the restored Saithid Mausoleum, a grave monument and several mosaics.

The sea-castle that dominates the small village of Methoni is still one of the most most beautiful castles in Greece. The castle – actually a fortified city – was built by the Venetians around 1209, on a rock that penetrates into the sea.

Access to the castle is by a stone bridge built over a moat. Inside the fortification are the ruins of the houses where the Venetian lords lived, paved streets, remnants of a Turkish bath, and a Byzantine church. While the majority of the site is in ruins, you can still get a sense of the once majestic structures. 

The highlight of the castle is undoubtedly the Bourtzi , an octagonal tower that you will arrive at after walking through the castle interior. Another interesting feature to look for are the carved winged lions, a symbol of the Venetians’ power.

Mystras (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is by far one of the most spectacular sites we visited in the Peloponnese. There is a reason why they named it ‘ The Wonder of Morea .”

Mystras was a major center during the late Byzantine empire and its remarkable architecture and religious artwork attest to its importance.

The site is really big, so you should try to arrive here early. Also be prepared for some serious hiking. In addition to the castle, there is a wonderful collection of churches in Mystras. Some are collapsed ruins, but others are intact and showing their age beautifully. There is also a functioning convent.

The nearby archeological site of Sparta is another important destination in Greece worth adding to your 2-week Peloponnese road trip itinerary. The kingdom of Sparta was famous for its military discipline, which gave it strong advantage over other Greek city states.

Unfortunately, the site was already closed when we arrived. From all we could see from outside the gate, there is not much left of Sparta’s days of glory. Even so, if you are in the area I encourage you to visit Sparta.

Gytheio (or Gythio) is a pretty coastal town with a very authentic atmosphere, great tavernas and long sandy beaches. While Goth may not be a major site in the Peloponnese, we added it to our road trip itinerary for two reasons.

One was the tiny island of Cranae , which you can easily reach on foot by crossing a small pier at the southern part of town.

The island is closely associated with the Greek mythology. According to legend, Cranae was the place where Paris of Troy  brought Helen after abducting her from her husband, King Menelaus of Sparta. The two lovers spent their first night together on this island before departing for Troy, thus igniting the  Trojan War .

The second reason to visit Gythio is the Agios Dimitrios shipwreck , an imposing cargo ship from the 20th century that lies abandoned near Valtaki beach.

There are some stories that connect the ghost ship to some illicit trade and cigarettes contraband. But in reality, the cargo ship docked in an emergency in the port of Gythio as the captain fell ill.

Due to financial problems, the owners basically abandoned the freighter in the port, from where a storm swept it away. Eventually the abandoned ship washed up on the beach of Valtaki, where it has been since 1981.

Monemvasia was one of the most memorable places we visited during our 2 weeks in Greece, so I wish I planned more time for it on our itinerary. This is a breathtaking medieval castle-town surrounded by crystal-clear waters and unforgettable views.

The main attractions in Monemvasia are the medieval town inside the castle walls, and the crumbling ruins of the ancient Byzantine fortress perching on the very top of this huge iceberg-shaped rock. Monemvasia was once a very powerful city in Greece, and all these remnants are a proof of that.

In the lower section of Monemvasia the buildings are still intact and inhabited by locals. The narrow streets are paved with cobblestone and lined with souvenir shops and tiny eateries. There are a couple of nice churches to visit in this section.

To reach the upper part you’ll have to climb up many steeps stairs, some of which are literally hanging on the walls of the fortress. But the effort is well worth it.

In this part of town you’ll discover the beautiful church of Agia Sofia, as well as many old structures that have been abandoned but are still in good shape.

We spent the 12th day our our 2-week Greece itinerary visiting the beautiful region of Arcadia. Surrounded by mountain ranges, Arcadia is an idyllic haven for nature lovers, history buffs, and foodies alike.

This part of the Peloponnese is home to many beautiful villages and small monasteries, like Kaltezon monastery in the village of Valtesi.

The monastery was the site where the Greek revolutionaries met before fighting the Ottomans at the Battle of Valtesi.

 If you are interested in ancient Greek history, archaeology and architecture, a visit to Tegea is worth the effort. Tucked into a quiet residential area, the Tegea archeological site includes the remains of the Sanctuary of Alea Athena.

We also stopped for a wine-tasting tour at Tselepos Winery , famous for their sparkling wine of light lemon-green color and delicate aromas of citrus flowers.

READ NEXT: Ithaca, Greece: the Island of Unspoiled Beaches and Myths

One of the places you shouldn’t miss when visiting Arcadia is the unusual Greek Orthodox Church of Agia Fotini , in Mantinea.

This is a very strange looking church, kind of a hodge-podge of styles. However, we found very interesting and unique, unlike any other Christian churches we’ve ever seen. There are beautiful pebble mosaics on the floor and red-brick walls and ceilings.

Right across from the church is the archeological site of Mantinea which is not very big, but it’s worth seeing if you are there already.

Tegea and Mantinea are only an hour away from Kalamata, you can easily visit them on a day trip. But if you decide to stay here overnight, a good place to stop is in Tripoli, the first capital of Greece and the current capital of the Peloponnese region. The area around Tripoli is so stunning that it has been nicknamed “The Switzerland of Greece.”

For dinner we recommend Villa Incognito , an awesome restaurant in Tripoli’s old town. You absolutely need to visit this restaurant if you appreciate fine dishes and awesome greek wine!

Astros is another beautiful beach town in the Peloponnese with friendly and hospitable locals, clean, calm waters and a nice Greek village atmosphere. Located just a 25-minute drive from Nafplio, Astros has a lovely harbor, several tavernas, a few shops and beautiful beach for sunbathing.

Up on the adjacent hill, you can hike to the ruins of Paralio Astros Castle from where you get beautiful views of the town below and the entire gulf.

It was pretty quiet in May when we were there, but would imagine gets pretty busy in high season. Would be a good base to stay and explore the area.

Another beautiful town to visit in this area is Leonidio , just 29km away from Astros. We didn’t include it in our itinerary for time reasons, but it’s also a nice seaside destination if you are close by.

Monastery of Loukou

Another interesting place we visited on this road trip was the historic Monastery of Loukou, one of the most picturesque in the Peloponnese.

The monastery is famous for its marvelous 16th century frescos, but also for its scenic location on a spot surrounded by woods and olive groves. Close to the monastery are also the remains of a Roman villa that belonged to the Roman senator Tiberius Claudius. 

Ano Doliana

One of the lesser know destinations in the Peloponnese is the lovely mountain village of Ano Doliana. The village, which was entirely built out of stone, sits at an altitude of 1000 meters (3280 feet.

In the old times, Ano Doliana was primarily inhabited by shepherds who pastored their herds around the open areas of the land. Nowadays only a handful of people reside in the village full time. Most of the residents come here only in summer and for the rest of the year move down in Kato Doliana, which enjoys a milder climate.

In 1821, during the Greek War of Independence, Ano Doliana was the scene of the Battle of Doliana. To this day, the villagers still celebrate every year the victory of the Greek revolutionaries against the Ottomans at the Battle of Doliana.

If you visit Ano Doliana don’t miss the small Historical and Ethnographical Museum which has a beautiful collection of artifacts. There are also a few nice nice churches in town, an ancient marble quarry, and a beautiful old school/turned hotel ( En Dolianis Hotel ), where we stayed for one night.

Our road trip in the Peloponnese ended in Athens, so on our 14th day we drove from Ano Doliana to the airport. The drive is only 2.5-3 hours long, but since this was the day of our departure we weren’t in the mood for more explorations. We planned a 2 week long and extensive itinerary that covered many wonderful sites in Greece’s mainland and the Peloponnese.

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Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Reader Interactions

William Ingersoll

October 20, 2023 at 4:05 pm

Thanks for putting this together. Outstanding trip. You have me hooked. One question, was there a reason that you skipped Olympia?

October 21, 2023 at 10:14 am

We didn’t enough time to visit both Olympia and Mesene, so we chose Mesene because it’s a way more impressive archeological site. Olympia it’s mainly famous for being the site where the Olympic games started, but there not must left of it today.

June 13, 2023 at 9:23 pm

What an incredible trip! Thank you for this thoughtful and detailed itinerary. And your photos are stunning, Anda!

June 13, 2023 at 9:37 pm

Thank you, Priscilla. I appreciate your thoughts.

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Peloponnese Islands Tours & Trips from Athens

An adventure starting in Athens is a great way to see Peloponnese Islands. We have 69 tours that range from 3 days up to 17 days. The most popular time for tours from Athens is October, which has the most tour departures.

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69 peloponnese islands tours from athens with 158 reviews.

• In-depth Cultural

Grand Classical Tour Of Greece plus Mani and Monemvasia (Small group - In depth culture/Historical/Nature/Culinary guided tour)

My husband and I did the 10-day Grand Classical Tour of Greece as a private tour and loved it. With George as our guide, and Christos as our driver, it was one of our most memorable trips. George is incredibly knowledgeable and Christos a great driver. We learned so much about Greek history, mythology and culture. Greece is an amazing country - so the tour was really engrossing. We tried all sorts of Greek food- food is a big part of the experience. George knew all the best places to eat! Because my husband and I are physically active, George made sure that each day included a nice amount of walking - around archaeological sites, up to ancient castles, etc. (I think this level of activity may have been somewhat customized to us). Epos was very easy to book with- they were responsive, accommodating, and very knowledgeable- we really appreciated the personalized attention from Dionysis during the booking process. By the end of the tour, saying goodbye to George and Christos felt like saying farewell to family. Thank you George, Christos and Dionysis for a wonderful tour!

• Christmas & New Year
• Wine tasting

Paradisial Peloponnese (All Inclusive & Guided In-Depth Tour)

As a mature couple Goerge encouraged us to choose Pic Tours of Greece's Paradisiacal Peleponnese tour. Just before the tour began, one of us developed some mobility issues and advised George we may have to sit out some activities. He reassured us that this tour would be able to accommodate our changed circumstances. We have just got back from the best tour we have ever been on. The standard and variety of accommodation was exemplary. George planned every lunch and dinner menu to ensure we had the highest quality, Greek, food and no lunch or dinner dishes were repeated during the whole tour. The food was amazing and plentiful. Vivy, our guide, was so well informed and had the gift of sharing her sense of awe and amazement as she patiently explained the importance of each monument and the archaeological sites we visited. There were three couples on our tour, none of whom knew each other prior to the tour and several of whom experienced mobility or other health issues along the way. ALL of our needs were met with kindness, patience and understanding and tailored adjustments were made to the itinerary to meet everyone's needs. We cannot recommend this tour more highly and huge thanks to George and Vivy for making this the best (of many) tour we have ever experienced.

• Food & Culinary

Greece Real Food Adventure

Wonderful journey into the heart of Greece. Great balance between cultural excursions and food exploration. The island visits were more touristy, but the visit to the mainland was amazing. The visits to the small producer, husband/wife or family business of wineries, olive oil farm, and honey farm were all educational and stomach-satisfying. Also touching hearing the stories of how they created successful businesses. Tour guide was like guardian angel watching over our group of travelers!

A Circular Tour around the Peloponense 10 days

We loved our tour!Beautiful historic sites,great Greek food,unique beautiful hotels and the chance to see sea caverns,waterfalls and even a resident sea turtle!It's a family run company and they are all very friendly and kind,they also are very knowledgeable about the history and mythology of the area..This was one of our favorite family vacations.

Three Days Classical Tour from Athens: Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi

Our three day tour was excellent, thanks in large part to our guide Marianna. She has a deep knowledge and passion for Greek history and culture. Her enthusiasm for sharing her knowledge was infectious. We were blessed with good weather. The accommodation was very good and wee enjoyed eating with our tour participants in the evenings. One thing that might be considered is that the tour is actually a composite of several tours. So we headed home on another bus after three days, while some departed after two days and others continued for a fourth. This meant we had to wait for an hour on our last day to trade buses, which wasn't a problem for us.

Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi Three Days Tour from Athens

This was a great tour with go tours. We saw heaps of ancient sites. Maria our guide was a wealth of information...thanks Maria. Costa was the best bus driver. The down side was when we left the main tour after and joined a one day tour on its way back to athes...the bus was unbearably hot at 51 degrees.. by the time we got to athens it had cooled to 37 I would recommend this tour accommodation excellent.

Spotlight on Greece (4 Days)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Mountain Hikes

Peloponnese and Saronic Islands

Radiant Peloponnese

9 Day Tour in Ancient Peloponnese at UNESCO’s sites & Meteora

Excellent driver Spirus. Punctual, professional and great driver what is very important in mountainous Greece. Also very helpful with suggestions on restaurants and other tips. Very pleasant person. Great tour, I would recommend. One suggestion for our tour to spend a day in Monenvasia which is charming place

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Sightseeing

6 Day Tour to Mythical Castles of Peloponnese, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora

Very interesting tours in the mistiming historical and cultural locations of Greece.

Saronic Sailing Luxury Adventure

Our captain Kostas and tour guide Danae were totally fantastic. We lived on board their Bavaria 49 sailboat for a whole week, and totally enjoyed everything. The fresh hand-prepared breakfast and lunch served each day was delicious and filling, with a nice variety. Our tour guide Danae arranged several fascinating tours on islands we visited. Kostas is a master sailor and also superb at the art of Mediterranean mooring, required at all the islands we stopped at. Most days we stopped midday and anchored for a swim, a real plus. Though wind was light and on several days we motored, we got some great hands on sailing on several of the days. Both Kostas and Danae were gracious, easy to talk to, and helpful in so many ways. it was an experience of a lifetime and one we will long remember!

• Hiking & Trekking
• Bike and Barge

Southern Greece: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Saronic Voyager

Cycling in Greece

Fantastic trip with a lot of local culture! Excellent food! The guides were wonderful and made for a very pleasurable trip. We had a group of 16 people from all different places.

What people love about Peloponnese Islands Tours from Athens

It was the first time my family of 4 travelled to Greece and we were looking for an immersive cultural experience. The Grand Classical Tour Of Greece plus Mani and Monemvasia organized by Epos Travel & Tours was a truly unforgettable tour, offering a deep dive into Greek culture, history, mythology, nature and culinary delights. I am a nervous passenger but our amazing driver Anastasios made me feel safe and comfortable. Our knowledgeable guide George, provided us with fascinating insights into Greek history and mythology. We visited iconic landmarks such as the Palace of Mycenae, the Temple of Zeus, the Tomb of Phillip II, and explored ancient ruins that brought the stories of the past to life. My personal highlights also included our stay and swim at Monemvasia castle and visit to Meteora Monasteries. These gems provided breathtaking views of surrounding landscapes and incredible sunsets. The private tour allowed for a more intimate and personalised experience with accommodation in prime locations and delicious traditional meals accompanied by local beer and wines. George was caring and went above and beyond to ensure we had a great experience - he even organized the recovery of wines and souvenirs we had forgotten at Monomvasia! By the end of the trip George and Anastasios felt like family ❤️ I highly recommend this 10-day epic tour with Epos Travel for anyone wanting to discover the wonders of Greece!

What a terrific tour! We explored Athens and its antiquities and many towns and sites off the beaten path on the Peloponnese peninsula. Some highlights included the Acropolis museum, wine tasting, spending a night in a medieval castle, the Diros caves, great food and hotels, and so much more. What made the tour so special was the tour guide, Athina, who was a walking encyclopedia of Greek history, culture and mythology., which enriched all of our experiences. George, the tour owner, was our driver and he added charm and color to the trip. Loved the group and highly recommend this tour.

Tours starting from Athens

• Athens to Athens tours (65)
• Family from Athens (45)
• Explorer from Athens (37)
• In-depth Cultural from Athens (23)
• Private from Athens (13)
• Sailing from Athens (9)
• Coach / Bus from Athens (6)
• Active from Athens (6)
• Self-Guided from Athens (5)
• Hiking & Trekking from Athens (5)

• Peloponneso

Una regione storica della Grecia con paesaggi diversi rispetto alla case bianche e cupole blu: questo è il Peloponneso, brullo con spiagge da sogno, siti archeologici e storia millenaria.

• Grecia Continentale

Il Peloponneso è un'area geografica della Grecia continentale situata nella parte meridionale della penisola ellenica. Si tratta di un'isola collegata alla terraferma della Grecia in due punti: il Canale di Corinto e il Ponte di Rio Antirio . Il Peloponneso è circondato dal mare e ha imponenti montagne nell'entroterra . Sin dai tempi antichi, è stata parte integrante della Grecia e il terreno di molte battaglie in tutta la storia greca.

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• Costa Navarino

• Penisola del Mani

• Elafonissos

Una meravigliosa regione da visitare tutto l'anno tra siti archeologi e antichi villaggi

Il Peloponneso è una regione meravigliosa e ricca di storia. Ha interessanti siti archeologici, villaggi tradizionali e spiagge favolose . Oltre a Olimpia, Epidauro e Micene che sono i siti archeologici più importanti della Grecia, le migliori destinazioni per le vacanze nel Peloponneso sono Nauplia, Monemvasia, Gythio e Pylos. Molti tour (giornalieri o plurigiornalieri) partono da Atene per il tour del Peloponneso. Sul lato meridionale della regione, ci sono due deliziose isole, Elafonissos e Kythira (che appartiene al gruppo delle isole ioniche). Monemvasia è probabilmente la città più impressionante del Peloponneso, in quanto è in realtà una città-castello scolpita interamente nella roccia e che offre una vista stupenda sul mare. Nafplion, Gythio e Pylos sono luoghi incantevoli con architettura medievale e belle località balneari. Un giro in auto ti porterà anche in villaggi appartati a Mani o nell'entroterra, attirando i visitatori con la loro bellezza autentica. Poiché la regione è anche un bel posto per le vacanze invernali , Kalavryta e i villaggi montuosi di Arkadia sono le destinazioni invernali più note.

Borghi marini e lunghe spiagge nel Peleponneso

Sebbene il centro del Peloponneso sia montuoso e piacevole per le vacanze invernali, la costa è costellata da numerosi borghi marinari e lunghe spiagge. Le spiagge più belle del Peloponneso si trovano a Elafonissos, una piccola isola a sud della prefettura della Laconia, con spiagge sabbiose e acqua cristallina. Anche la spiaggia di Mavrovouni a Gythio è molto frequentata grazie alla lunga costa sabbiosa e alle strutture turistiche.

Sul lato meridionale ci sono altre meravigliose spiagge del Peloponneso, come Voidokilia a Pylos, Methoni, Koroni e le bellissime baie di Messenia . Molto turistica è anche la prefettura di Argolide nel nord-est del Peloponneso. La località balneare organizzata di Tolo , vicino a Nauplia, è famosa per la lunga spiaggia di sabbia con strutture turistiche, mentre le località balneari di Ermioni e Porto Heli attirano molti visitatori.

Come arrivare nel Peloponneso

Gli unici aeroporti nel Peloponneso sono i piccoli aeroporti di Patrasso e Kalamata . Questi due aeroporti funzionano solo in estate e operano voli charter dall'estero. Essendo il Peloponneso così vicino ad Atene, è ben servito dall'aeroporto internazionale della capitale.

C’è un buon collegamento in autobus tra Atene e le città del Peloponneso. Gli autobus partono dalla stazione KTEL di Kifissos ad Atene , mentre ci sono autobus per il Peloponneso da molti altri luoghi della terraferma.

Da Atene è possibile prendere il treno per Patrasso, la più grande città del Peloponneso. Questo treno non è diretto. I passeggeri devono prendere la ferrovia suburbana (proastiakos) da Atene a Kiato e poi cambiano e prendono il treno normale da Kiato a Patrasso. Da Diakofto , c'è anche un treno a cremagliera turistico per Kalavryta. Questo treno a cremagliera funziona solo nei fine settimana e nei giorni festivi.

Ci sono poi molti porti nel Peloponneso. Il porto più grande è Patra che serve traghetti per i porti di Bari, Brindisi, Ancona, Venezia e Trieste in Italia e anche per le isole greche di Corfù, Cefalonia e Itaca. Il porto di Killini nel Peloponneso occidentale serve i traghetti per Cefalonia e Zante . Il porto di Neapolis nel sud del Peloponneso serve i traghetti per Elafonissos e Kythira, mentre il porto di Gythio serve traghetti per Kythira e Kissamos Creta. I piccoli porti di Ermioni e Porto Heli nel Peloponneso orientale sono collegati al porto del Pireo (Atene). 

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Cosa succede in Grecia?

• Aumento prezzi di musei e siti archeologici in Grecia 17 Gennaio 2024
• Vacanze in Grecia consigli per non spendere troppo 17 Giugno 2022
• Voli Grecia: la lista completa delle tratte Italia-Grecia, frequenza, costi 27 Maggio 2022

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• Folegandros
• Agathonissi
• Arki e Marathi
• Kastellorizo
• Antikythera
• Agios Nikolaos
• Agios Efstratios
• Monte Athos
• Atene aeroporto-Pireo
• Atene aeroporto-Rafina
• Atene aeroporto-Lavrio
• Isole con aeroporto
• Autobus e treni
• Santorini aeroporto-porto
• Mykonos aeroporto porto
• Aeroporti Grecia Continentale

Stampa Preventivo - Grecia365 by Karlitalia Tour Operator

• Destinazioni
• Pacchetti dinamici
• Pacchetti Grecia365

Mototour - Peloponneso "Tra storia e mare"

Departure by ship from the port of Ancona according to the confirmed times, night navigation and ship trip according to the chosen accommodation; I arrive in Greece in the morning the next day.

Arrival at the Port of Igoumenitsa, Preveza, Krioneri, Lepanto and Eleonas Diakopto We continue along the coast of Epirus, after Preveza and the Gulf of Arta we reach the village of Krioneri at the foot of Mount Varasovas, an impressive 1000 m high fortress. overlooking the sea! Free lunch (not included) in a typical fish tavern followed by a short visit to the historic Venetian town of Lepanto where on 7 October 1571 the famous battle between the Holy League and the Ottoman Empire took place. We set off again crossing the spectacular Rio-Antirio Bridge to arrive at Eleonas – Diakopto, a charming village overlooking the Gulf of Corinth. Dinner (not included) and overnight stay. Arrival in Igoumenitsa – Krioneri – Lepanto – Eleonas Diakopto km.300 (h.4:00)

Breakfast and departure for Nauplio and Leonidio Among orange and lemon groves here is the imposing Palamidi Fortress; from 1829 to 1834 Nauplio was the first capital of free Greece! Fortresses, neoclassical buildings, churches, mosques, ancient neighborhoods and large squares, elegant and elegant, Nauplio shows the clear signs of the various periods: Byzantine, Franco, Venetian and Ottoman. Free lunch (not included) and continuation along the east coast of the Peloponnese, a tortuous and spectacular road that leads us to Leonidio - Polytra, a picturesque village nestled between the sea and Mount Parnon with high reddish vertical walls that create a microclimate favorable to the cultivation of aubergines and tomatoes all year round! Dinner (not included) and overnight stay. Eleonas Diakopto – Nauplio – Leonidio km.220 (h.3:30)

Breakfast and departure for the ancient region of Lakonia. First stop: the ancient Monastery of Elona (14th century), located overlooking a rock at 650 meters above sea level. We then reach the quiet mountain village of Kosmas, 500 inhabitants at 1,200 meters of altitude for a coffee break. Between mountains and peaceful villages we arrive at the Limni Ieraka fjord for a lunch break by the sea (not included). Next we arrive at Monenvassia, a fortress city joined to the mainland by a small 400m isthmus founded in the VI° century during the government of Emperor Justinian, it is considered the oldest fortified city in Europe continuously inhabited until now! Free time to discover the most hidden corners of this medieval jewel of rare beauty, the place of origin of the Malvasia vine then exported to Sicily. In the evening arrival at Elea – Plitra, dinner (not included) and overnight stay. Leonidio – Eleonas Monastery – Kosmas - Monenvassia – Plytra Elea km.180 (h.3:30)

Breakfast and departure for the small island of Elafonissos. Stop in the dunes of Pounta where, at 4 m. of depth, there is the archaeological site of Pavlopetri, the oldest submerged city on the planet, dated 3000 years BC. The ferry then takes 15 minutes. takes us to the small island, 19 km2 with 600 inhabitants, a paradise that would be the envy of the Caribbean! Wonderful white-pink sand beaches such as Lefki, Simos, Katò Nisi, Kalogeras, Kontogoni, all surrounded by rare white lilies. Free lunch by the sea (not included); walk in the streets of the only town between taverns and shops, up to the church of S. Spyridon. In the late afternoon we take the ferry back to the hotel. Dinner (not included) and overnight stay. Elea Plytra – Elafonissos island – Elea Plytra km.110 (h.3:00)

Breakfast and departure for Kalamata. Near Gythio here is the wreck of the Dimitrios ship wrecked in 1981, always a fascinating sight! In Sparta we will find the statue dedicated to King Leonidas and a few kilometers later in Mystra, the statue of the last Roman emperor Constantine XI° The road begins to climb into the wild nature of the Taygeto massif whose peak of the Prophet Elias is almost 2,500 meters above sea level. Along the hairpin bends of the Langada pass (1,540 masl) lunch stop (not included) in a typical mountain tavern. Among spectacular views we reach Kalamata which with 70,000 inhabitants is the capital of Messenia and capital of the production of the most famous olives in the world! Dinner (not included) and overnight stay. Plytra – Gythio - Sparta – Mistrà – Langada Pass – Kalamata km.160 (h.4:00)

Breakfast, archaeological site of Ancient Messinia and departure for ancient Olympia. Morning dedicated to visiting Ancient Messenia (entry not included), an archaeological site with an exceptional state of conservation, with a Stadium, Gymnasium, Agora and a Museum which collects 12,000 finds. Free lunch stop (not included) and then arrive at the gulf of Kiparissia where, if the time permits, we will not fail to stop for a coffee or perhaps for a nice swim! In the late afternoon we reach the legendary Olympia. Dinner (not included) and overnight stay. Kalamata – Ancient Messinia – Ag. Theodora - Kyparissia – Olympia km.180 (h.3:30)

Breakfast, visit the Olympia museum and departure for the Kalogria dunes We are in the place where the first Olympics took place in 776 BC, morning to visit the beautiful museum where, among unique finds in the world, we also find the statue of Hermes, Praxiteles' masterpiece (entry not included). We continue and reach Kalogria, a site of EU interest (SCI) included in the European Natura 2000 network for its uncontaminated Mediterranean pine forest and its high sand dunes; free lunch and relaxation by the sea. Dinner (not included) and overnight stay. Olympia – Kalogria Dunes, Sea & Relax km.100 (h.2:00)

Breakfast, relaxing morning at the seaside and followed by departure for Patras We reach Patras in time to board the ship to Italy. Kalogria nature reserve – Patras, embarkation for Italy km. 50 (h.1:00)

Navigation to Italy and arrival at the port of Ancona where the tour will end.

Included in the price

• Itinerario esclusivo disegnato da Grecia 365
• Accompagnatore in moto Altrimenti On the Road per tutto il tour
• Guida esperta della Grecia con Van di supporto per assistenza e bagagli
• Accoglienza a Patrasso all’arrivo dei passeggeri
• Percorsi con Van di assistenza dotato di ampio bagagliaio a disposizione dei viaggiatori
• Viaggio in nave Ancona / Igoumenitsa & Patrasso/Ancona
• Sistemazione in nave con cabine doppie/singole con servizi privati e moto propria al seguito
• N° 2 pernottamenti a bordo
• N° 7 pernottamenti in hotel 3 | 4* accuratamente selezionati
• Trattamento di prima colazione durante tutto il tour
• Escursioni come da programma
• Per tutti i siti archeologici è prevista una riduzione del 50% agli over 65 anni
• Guide specializzate in italiano per le visite nei siti archeologici e musei da prenotare in anticipo
• Suggeriamo il servizio guida per i siti di Ancient Messenia, Mistrà e Museo di Olimpia (costo di 9 / 10 € a persona con un minimo di 15 partecipanti)
• Per Elafonissos island prezzi a tratta del traghetto: moto c.ca €5,00 / persone c.ca €5,00
• Eventuali visite in frantoio o cantine organizzate con degustazioni: c.ca 15€ a persona
• Pranzi e cene durante il tour costano mediamente tra i 15 e i 25 € a persona
• Nelle quote i biglietti nave sono calcolati con i prezzi attuali, in caso di aumento dovuto al caro carburante “Fuel surcharge” è possibile un adeguamento tariffario di c.ca 20/30€ a persona.
• Il tour verrà confermato solo al raggiungimento minimo di 16 partecipanti.

Additional charges

• Carburante, olio e pedaggi autostradali
• Colazione e cene durante il viaggio in traghetto
• Pranzi e cene durante il tour
• Biglietti di entrata per Musei / Siti Archeologici da fare in loco (12€ a persona, salvo aumenti)
• I biglietti dei traghetti interni previsti dall'itinerario (da fare in loco al momento)
• Tasse di soggiorno da pagare in loco nei vari hotel (c.ca 3,4 € a camera a notte)
• Tasse portuali Italia/Grecia 64 € a persona a/r (salvo adeguamenti legati al costo del carburante)
• Facchinaggio, mance, extra di carattere personale e tutto quanto non indicato alla voce “La quota include”
• Quota iscrizione € 40,00 a persona, include Assistenza On the Road h24 e assicurazione medico/bagaglio

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Viaggiando per il mondo con gli occhi di un bambino. Family Travel blog

Itinerario del Peloponneso: due settimane in viaggio

Un itinerario del Peloponneso on the road è capace di conciliare il desiderio di mare con entroterra affascinanti e ricchi di storia. Il nostro viaggio è  nato un po’ per caso cercando una meta Europea che potesse soddisfare i nostri interessi. Ci siamo da subito resi conto, però, che il Peloponneso aveva da offrire tutto quello che stavamo cercando, e molto altro. 

Con un rapido volo su Atene, siamo atterrati in terra Greca e risolte le pratiche aeroportuali dell’ “era Covid” , ci siamo avviati verso la nostra Panda bianca che ci ha dignitosamente accompagnato per quasi 2000 km.

All’aeroporto di Atene, ci ha accolto un cielo grigio e uno spesso strato di nuvole che non ha esitato a trasformarsi in temporale poco dopo il ritiro dell’auto. Non proprio un tempo greco, come ci ha detto la signora che ci ha consegnato le chiavi. Ma non ci siamo persi d’animo e navigatore alla mano, con i fulmini di Zeus a squarciare il cielo e una visibilità ridotta causa diluvio abbiamo iniziato il nostro On the road nel Peloponneso.

A chi consigliamo questo itinerario del Peloponneso :

• chi vuole scoprire angoli ancora incontaminati, chi apprezza la solitudine e il silenzio.
• chi non si spaventa a guidare per ore lungo strade a volte tortuose, ma che ripagano con scorci incredibili.
• chi ama la Grecia, quella autentica, lontanissima da musica, frastuono e aperitivi a tutte le ore.
• chi apprezza una Mythos, ghiacciata, guardando il mare.
• chi cerca le radici storiche di un popolo senza tempo. Resta affascinato dal continuo intrecciarsi tra mito e realtà. Si stupisce della maestosità di ciò che resta, potendo solo immaginare lo splendore del passato.

TAPPA 1: NAUPLIA

Da Atene, ci siamo diretti verso la prima tappa del nostro Itinerario del Peloponneso, ovvero Nauplia.

Nauplia si trova ad un paio di ore di auto da Atene ed è un’ottimo punto di partenza per esplorare la regione dell’Argolide , ricca di siti archeologici e di fascino .

Lei stessa secondo noi merita una visita più approfondita poiché il centro storico racchiude punti di interesse e alcune taverne tipiche dove gustare piatti locali.

Da sempre contesa tra le potenze straniere, che hanno lasciato più di una traccia al suo interno, con l’indipendenza greca ottenuta nel 1821 è diventata la prima capitale della Grecia moderna . Questo primato destinato a durare poco lasciando poi il titolo ad Atene, l’ha resa però decisamente interessante agli occhi del turista straniero ma soprattutto dei greci che ne hanno fatto una meta ambita di villeggiatura.

Passeggiando sul lungomare, una miriade di locali si alternano pacatamente e senza invadenza: ma è il centro storico che propone la migliore offerta culinaria. Al termine della passeggiata, l’isolotto di Agiou Theodorou ospita la fortezza di Boùrtzi.

Questo piccolo forte, costruito dai veneziani nel 1943 su un isolotto in mezzo al mare a pochi minuti di traghetto dalla costa, controllava la via navigabile nel periodo dei veneziani.

In seguito, ha conosciuto diverse destinazioni: fu ad esempio una prigione, la casa del boia e un hotel di lusso.

Lo potete raggiungere passeggiando sul lungomare alla fine del paese, da dove partono le piccole imbarcazioni per andare a visitarlo.

TIPS per chi viaggia con bambini : subito prima della fine della passeggiata sul lungomare, sulla sinistra, c’è un area gioco gratuita, ottima soluzione per fermarsi un momento e guardare il tramonto sul mare mentre i bimbi giocano.

Altro punto di interesse da non perdere a Nauplia, la Fortezza Palamidhi . Questa fortezza costruita come vedetta dai veneziani intorno al 1700, è raggiungibile con una scalinata panoramica di circa 1000 scalini , che regala scorci vista mare molto gradevoli. Leonardo è riuscito da solo, prendendola come una sfida personale, a salire fino in cima camminando e arrampicandosi lungo tutta la scalinata. Quindi se ve lo state chiedendo, è fattibile anche per i più piccoli!

Se non siete particolarmente atletici o volete risparmiarvi la fatica, un’altra soluzione è arrivare con la macchina al parcheggio superiore. Seguendo le indicazioni per la fortezza segnalate sui cartelli stradali dal paese vi permetterà di parcheggiare proprio nel parcheggio antistante l’ingresso.

Il passaggio dei Veneziani si può notare con i molti leoni impressi nella pietra sopra le porte e i bastioni. Qui fu imprigionato Kolokotronis, eroe della guerra d’indipendenza.

Un buon posto per mangiare è  Taverna Vyzantio . Una Taverna adagiata sotto rami di bouganville in un piccolo vicolo. Propone cucina autentica greca. Assolutamente consigliata.

Per dormire abbiamo scelto  Anemos Rooms & Apartments   che propone appartamenti nuovi, ma ad alcuni minuti a piedi dal centro della città. Comunque forniti di tutto il necessario.

Ci siamo fermati a Nauplia 2 notti e da qui abbiamo visitato Micene ed Epidauro, tra i siti archeologici più interessanti della Grecia Classica.

Se vuoi approfondire non perderti il nostro articolo: “ Siti Archeologici del Peloponneso: la Grecia Classica “ .

TAPPA 2: MONEMVASIA

Monemvasia è stata la seconda tappa del nostro itinerario del Peloponneso.

Questa splendida fortezza Bizantina, si stacca dalla terra a cui resta connessa con un piccolo lembo che funge da ponte per raggiungerla. La parte antica della città, è interamente pedonale e ospita splendide sistemazioni per trascorrere la notte.

Ci siamo fermati 2 notti a Monemvasia per godercela un po’ la mattina presto e la sera, quando la maggior parte dei turisti “in giornata”, vanno via.

Se il tempo a vostra disposizione non è molto, potete fermarvi una sola notte invece che due. Noi abbiamo preferito prendercela comoda e alla fine, si è rivelata una scelta corretta visto che il primo giorno una pioggia estiva ci ha tenuto compagnia per diverse ore facendoci rimandare al giorno seguente la camminata verso la chiesa di Agia Sofia, da cui si può ammirare uno dei panorami più belli della zona.

Se vuoi approfondire non perderti il nostro articolo: “ Monemvasia: La città fortezza del Peloponneso “ .

TAPPA 3: ELAFONISSOS

Abbiamo salutato Monemvasia subito dopo colazione e ci siamo diretti a sud ovest, direzione Pounta , per proseguire il nostro viaggio nel Peloponneso. Da questo piccolissimo porto, partono i traghetti per l’Isola di Elafonissos, terza tappa del nostro itinerario del Peloponneso.

Il biglietto del traghetto si può fare direttamente al porto, è possibile imbarcare l’auto e con soli 15 minuti di traversata , arriverete in questa minuscola isola dai colori turchesi.

L’isola di Elafonissos ha solo 3 spiagge , di cui una probabilmente, tra le più famose della Grecia: la spiaggia di Simos . Su quest’isola vi è solo una strada che la percorre lungo tutto il suo perimetro e conduce alle sue tre spiagge, indubbiamente molto belle.

Il motivo per cui ci siamo fermati solo 2 notti a Elafonissos è che il nostro modo di viaggiare, è solitamente itinerante. Non amiamo fermarci nelle stesse spiagge per più di una volta e di conseguenza, 3 giorni per questa isola sono secondo noi, più che sufficienti.

Raccomandiamo una visita nei periodi di bassa stagione . Durante i periodi di maggior affluenza come luglio e agosto, il numero e la dimensione delle spiagge non sono assolutamente adatte ad accogliere il gran numero di turisti che la raggiungono.

Se vuoi approfondire non perderti il nostro articolo: “ Elafonissos: l’isola incantata del Peloponneso “ .

TAPPA 4: MANI

Lasciata l’Isola di Elafonissos, tornati sulla terra ferma, ci siamo diretti verso la nostra quarta tappa del viaggio nel Peloponneso: La Penisola del Mani , precisamente vicino ad Areopoli, dove abbiamo soggiornato per 4 notti. Questa zona, merita senza dubbio anche qualche giorno in più. La penisola del Mani è un lembo di terra che ci era sconosciuto prima della pianificazione del viaggio nel Peloponneso.

E’ una zona ancora relativamente poco turistica, brulla e con strade spesso deserte, soprattutto nelle ore calde quando i turisti sono in spiaggia e i locali a prendere fresco all’interno delle loro abitazioni. Ha una storia affascinante alle spalle, che potete approfondire nel libro di uno dei primi esploratori della zona, Patrick Fermor – Mani, Viaggio nel Peloponneso (Adelphi). Agli inizi del 1900 con un solo zaino, poco più che 18enne, partì dall’Inghilterra per esplorare questa penisola e ne rimase affascinato cosi tanto da rimanere qui a vivere il resto della sua vita, stabilizzandosi a Kardamili.

Non abbiamo fatto fatica a comprendere le scelte di Patrick Fermor. I paesaggi e le sfumature della sua terra, il suono delle cicale e i colori delle acque che bagnano questa penisola, sono motivi molto più che validi per tornare e scoprirne angoli sconosciuti.

Come accennavamo, 4 notti sono il minimo necessario per esplorare il Mani. Seppur le distanze non sono cosi grandi, non sempre gli spostamenti saranno cosi rapidi. Le strade sono tortuose e spesso percorribili a velocità contenute.  Una soluzione secondo noi, può essere quella di dividere le notti facendo una parte di soggiorno al nord e una parte al sud verso Capo Tenaro cosi da ridurre i chilometri percorsi durante il giorno, se non amate stare troppe ore in auto.

Sia la costa est che quella ovest hanno calette e piccoli borghi da esplorare e numerose taverne per gustare la cucina maniota. La fama scontrosa dei suoi abitanti, è confinata alla prima impressione. Non lasciatevi ingannare!

Se vuoi approfondire non perderti il nostro articolo: “ La Penisola del Mani: il cuore del Peloponneso “ .

La nostra recensione su Arapakis Historic Castle & Pandora Hotel strutture da noi scelte nel nostro itinerario del Peloponneso con uno speciale sconto del 10% per i lettori di Che Il Viaggio Abbia Inizio.

TAPPA 5: MESSENIA

Abbiamo lasciato il Mani a malincuore diretti verso la nostra quinta tappa , la Messenia . Lungo la strada avevamo però un appuntamento con una delle città bizantine meglio conservate della Grecia classica: Mistra .

Questa città del 1200, incastonata in una verdeggiante collina nell’entroterra, ha ospitato nei suoi tempi gloriosi, fino a 20.000 abitanti. Ad oggi conserva molto bene alcune delle sue chiese con affreschi originali e nel suo punto più alto, un monastero attualmente abitato da cinque suore che se ne prendono cura.

Proseguendo il nostro viaggio, abbiamo raggiunto la Messenia , dove ci siamo fermati per 3 notti soggiornando in una posizione ottimale, vicino Gialova. La Messenia, famosa per la sua incredibile Baia di Navarino, è meta prediletta per chi ama spiagge selvagge e poco frequentate. Durante il nostro soggiorno, abbiamo visitato anche le sue principali città costiere come Koroni e Methoni.

Tips per chi viaggia con Bambini : Abbiamo scelto una struttura per dormire, consigliatissima, con piscina privata per i pochi ospiti. Questa scelta si è rivelata funzionale perchè eravamo a fine vacanza, tutti abbastanza stanchi e con più di 1500 km percorsi e al rientro dalla spiaggia, potersi rilassare tutti qualche ora in piscina è stato provvidenziale. Noi viaggiando a giugno, eravamo gli unici ospiti, quindi avevamo la piscina solo per noi!

Nel link che segue troverete i contatti della struttura dove abbiamo dormito

Se vuoi approfondire non perderti il nostro articolo: “ Messenia: l’estremità Ovest del Peloponneso “ .

TAPPA 6: CORINTO

Dalla Messenia avremmo potuto raggiungere direttamente Atene per riprendere l’aereo che ci avrebbe riportato a casa (sono poco più di tre ore di macchina). Ma la stanchezza iniziava a farsi sentire e abbiamo preferito spezzare il viaggio e trascorrere una notte ad Antica Corinto per visitare i siti archeologici e il loro pezzo forte: le sette colonne del tempio di Apollo perfettamente conservate.

La sera sotto consiglio del titolare dell’appartamento dove abbiamo soggiornato, ci siamo avventurati nell’entroterra montano verso una taverna greca semi sperduta tra campi e pecore. I proprietari che parlavano solo greco, erano davvero stupiti di averci li come ospiti. Nemmeno a dirlo, eravamo gli unici turisti a cena.

Queste sono le esperienze per cui vale sempre la pena viaggiare e scoprire posti meno turistici. L’animo autentico della Grecia, la sua accoglienza, è tutto qui.

Informazioni tecniche per un Viaggio nel Peloponneso

Le domande che più frequentemente ci rivolgete quando torniamo dai nostri viaggi, sono spesso informazioni tecniche a carattere organizzativo. E così abbiamo deciso di riassumerle brevemente per facilitare l’organizzazione di un viaggio nel Peloponneso. Una buona pianificazione, inizia sicuramente dalla lettura di una guida, cartacea o digitale. Per le guide cartacee , noi abbiamo la nostra libreria di viaggi di riferimento , ovvero la “ On the Road ” (non a caso!) di Firenze. Ogni nostro nuovo viaggio, inizia qui . In questo piccolo angolo, curato in ogni dettaglio, Martina la libraria sa sempre consigliare la lettura migliore per iniziare a pianificare e scoprire la nostra nuova meta.

Per le guide digitali , ci piace cercare nel Web blog di viaggi e informazioni soprattutto sulla cucina locale che è una tappa fondamentale di tutti i nostri viaggi. Dopo aver orientativamente studiato la prossima meta, utilizziamo i portali per prenotare voli aerei e sistemazioni per dormire.

Per prenotare il volo aereo abbiamo utilizzato il portale Skyscanner che compara prezzi, orari e durata dei voli in modo chiaro e semplice. Per volare nel Peloponneso, ci sono due aeroporti disponibili : Quello di Atene , a est e quello di Kalamata a Ovest. Un’idea utile può essere quella di prendere l’andata su Atene e il ritorno su Kalamata cosi da non dover tornare ad Atene a fine viaggio. Ricordatevi sempre che a fronte di un guadagno sul costo del biglietto aereo, il noleggio auto potrebbe costarvi di più se noleggiate l’auto in un aeroporto e la riconsegnate in un altro ! Valutate questi aspetti e trovate la soluzione migliore per voi.

Per il noleggio auto, solitamente utilizziamo Rentalcars con possibilità di cancellazione gratuita entro 48 ore dalla data del ritiro.   Per il viaggio nel Peloponneso tramite questo portale abbiamo trovato un’opzione economica con Caldera Car . Questa compagnia ha la sede a circa 10 minuti dall’aeroporto di Atene, dove una navetta gratuita della compagnia vi attenderà agli arrivi per condurvi in sede a ritirare l’auto. Le condizioni delle strade sono ottime, non è necessario un 4×4 per la quasi totalità del percorso.

Quando andare nel Peloponneso

Chi ci legge da un po’ saprà che non amiamo viaggiare con la confusione tipica dell’alta stagione e che prediligiamo posti meno turistici e senza troppo affollamento. Infatti i nostri viaggi in Grecia si svolgono prevalentemente a Giugno o Settembre . Confermiamo anche per il viaggio nel Peloponneso questo trend. La maggior parte delle spiagge e delle sistemazioni sono più fruibili, hanno prezzi più bassi e un numero notevolmente inferiore di turisti. Se pensate di dedicarvi esclusivamente alla Grecia Classica, anche Maggio e Ottobre andranno benissimo.

Costi per un Itinerario nel Peloponneso

Un viaggio nel Peloponneso ha dei costi relativamente contenuti soprattutto se organizzato in periodi di “bassa stagione”. A Giugno e Settembre il clima è ottimale e sicuramente il risparmio sarà notevole rispetto a Luglio e Agosto. Prenotare con qualche mese di anticipo vi farà risparmiare ulteriormente. Il volo dall’Italia può costare orientativamente 80-100€ a persona comprensivi di un bagaglio a mano ognuno. Si può spendere anche meno se viaggiando con le low cost, riuscirete a contenere tutto in un piccolo zaino da riporre sotto il sedile.

Il costo per il noleggio auto può variare molto in base alla scelta della compagnia. Noi di solito preferiamo sceglierne una meno famosa, ma leggendo sempre prima le recensioni dei clienti che l’hanno utilizzata. Molte compagnie minori, hanno prezzi sensibilmente più bassi con un’attenzione al cliente comunque molto valida.

Per dormire, abbiamo speso una media di 130€ a notte (due adulti e un bambino) scegliendo mediamente strutture di fascia medio-alta, solo pernottamento. Il costo dell’alloggio può variare moltissimo in base alle vostre necessità. Noi ad esempio, scegliamo sempre strutture con angolo cottura cosi da poterci preparare in autonomia colazione, pranzo al sacco da mangiare al mare ed eventuale cena le sere in cui non abbiamo voglia di cenare fuori.

Utilizziamo per la prenotazione Booking o spesso Airbnb e a volte, dopo aver individuato le strutture che fanno al caso nostro, le contattiamo direttamente dai loro canali ufficiali cosi da ridurre le commissioni dei portali.

Pocket Guide Peloponneso

Per pianificare perfettamente un itinerario del Peloponneso può esserti utile una guida da avere sempre in tasca o sul tuo smartphone, una guida da poter sottolineare o dove aggiungere appunti. Per questo abbiamo pensato di creare la nostra POCKET GUIDE gratuita per tutti e scaricabile qui: se l’avete trovata utile, condividetela, consigliatela agli amici e non perdete gli aggiornamenti su Facebook ed Instagram dei nostri prossimi viaggi! E soprattutto, fatecelo sapere nei commenti e nei nostri canali social.

• Fai clic qui per condividere su Twitter (Si apre in una nuova finestra)
• Fai clic per condividere su Facebook (Si apre in una nuova finestra)

Potrebbe anche piacerti:

Viaggio a Cefalonia con bambini: quando partire, dove dormire e come muoversi

Elafonissos: l’isola incantata del Peloponneso

I Mercati di Istanbul: un giro tra spezie, tappeti e profumi d’Oriente

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• Food & drink

Itineraries

Peloponnese.

Explore Greece's Peloponnese: what to see, where to eat and where to stay

When you think of greece it's often the islands that spring to mind. but the peloponnese, a three finger-shaped peninsula that hangs from the mainland, offers all the romantic ruins, dramatic beaches and quiet hotels you've been dreaming of too., why go to the peloponnese.

If you’re looking for the real Greece, rent a car and drive around the leaf-shaped peninsula of the Peloponnese – it's proudly declaimed its Greekness since time immemorial.

Familiar names such as Olympia (the birthplace of the Olympics) and Mycenae evoke the Homeric legends of ancient Greece, yet it’s lesser-known towns like Monemvasia and Mistras that show the centuries’ Hellenic continuity.

Mountains are high yet benign and passes are spectacular, valleys are lush and fertile while the coastline is mottled with ports, fishing villages and arcs of fine sand. The best thing about it? The Peloponnese caters for Greeks who demand top value from their holidays. You’re sure to return.

READ MORE: How to plan a Greek island-hopping holiday

Nafplio and the Argolid

The port of Nafplio was the first capital of modern Greece from 1828 until 1834 when King Otto decided to decamp to Athens. We should be grateful for his move because it ensured that Nafplio retained its nineteenth-century charm. Today it ranks as one of the most delightful towns in Greece and competition is stiff on that front. Not content in being superbly sited under two castles – the Venetian fortress of Palamidi and the ancient acropolis of Akronafplia – Nafplio also claims a third: the photogenic fort of Bourtzi set on an island in the harbour.

Sparta and Laconia

Given that this region has bequeathed the words “laconic” and “spartan” to the world, it’s no surprise to find that the warlike Spartans didn’t leave much behind, so there’s not much to see in the modern capital of Laconia. Stay here for a range of sights nearby, most notably Mistras, reached by bus in half an hour.

This is a stunning, never-to-be-forgotten Byzantine ghost town complete with cobbled streets, frescoed churches, medieval mansions and Imperial palaces. Although the climate is perfect in spring and autumn, avoid high summer, as Sparta regularly clocks the highest temperatures in Greece.

Kalamata and Messenia

Kalamata, the capital of the district of Messenia, may be famed for its olives, but, once there, you’ll fall in love with the longest city beach in the whole of Greece spanning just under two miles. Kalamata also claims the only international airport in the Peloponnese, the gateway to Sparta and the Laconic coast, the Mani peninsula and the Messenian gulf resorts. Yet, before you set off, linger on for a bit to enjoy the city’s California-style unfussy disposition.

Famed Mani, the long middle “finger” of the three-pronged Peloponnese peninsula is dominated by imposing Mount Taygetus that gets a namecheck as far back as the Odyssey. Spectacular mountain passes, deep limestone caves, vast pelagic views, evergreen citrus trees and tall defensive towers dot the land of the Maniots, a tough mountain people who kept their autonomy even under the Ottoman occupation in 1770. Despite its ruggedness, tourism is well developed in resort towns such as Kardamyli, Stoupa and Gerolimenas.

READ MORE: Explore Athens

Patras and the North

If you’re arriving by ferry from Italy, then your first impression of Greece will be formed in Patras and it’s going to be a pleasant one. Greece’s third-largest city has much to commend it, including the ruins of a castle, a Roman Odeon, a museum with no fewer than 14 Roman mosaics and a 600-year old Turkish bath, the oldest in Europe still in operation. Plus, as the large university can vouch, it has a more than decent nightlife centred around a large, pedestrianised street grid.

What to eat and drink in the Peloponnese

The Peloponnese is one of the most fertile areas in Greece so you should expect gallons of freshly squeezed fruit juices along with kayanás (scrambled eggs with tomatoes) for your breakfast. Indeed, oranges are in such supply that they’re used to flavour sausages in Kalamata as well as syrupy sweets like portokalópita (orange pie). Olives and olive oil are plentiful and are used liberally in salads and in cooking, including delicious vegetable dishes called laderá.

Wine features heavily alongside olive oil. The plain of Nemea grows the famed Agiorgitiko variety (red, dry) while Mantinia in the interior produces Moschofilero (white, dry). The region around Monemvasia gave its name to malmsey wine – a corruption of “Malvasia”, itself a Venetian corruption of “Monemvasia” – which is currently making a comeback. The biggest wine region is, however, Achaïa, the department around Patras where you can taste aromatic white Muscats and sweet Mavrodafni reds.

READ MORE: Explore Rhodes

1. Best for history & romantic ruins

Athens-nafplio-mycenae-tiryns-epidavros.

Less than two hour’s drive from Athens, Nafplio welcomes Athenian families during weekends so try to come here midweek to beat the crowds.

Apart from its three magnificent castles, Nafplio also claims a wondrous worry-bead (“komboloï”) museum and Karonis one of a few ouzo factories on the mainland that you can visit for a tasting.

The town is also the perfect base to explore a slew of historic sites nearby. It's a short drive to two UNESCO World Heritage sites, both stemming from the era of the Iliad and the Odyssey: small but impressive Tiryns and unmissable Mycenae itself, the town that named that whole epoch. The ancient theatre of Epidaurus nearby is, remarkably, still in use and during the summer you can attend a concert or theatre performance under a balm evening’s moonlight.

You want to stay in the centre of Nafplio, so choose among inexpensive Family Hotel Latini , boutique Hotel Ippoliti , the only one in town with a pool, or swish, luxurious 3 Sixty Hotel & Suites in a converted neoclassical town house.

2. Best for wine lovers

Ferry to patras-kalogria-olympia.

Patras is in the middle of Greece’s largest wine area and the city is the headquarters of the giant Achaia Clauss winery , established in 1861 open for tours and tastings. In Patras stay at the elegant, modernist Olympic Star hotel between the castle and the pedestrianised centre but if you want a hotel close to the port try the bright-coloured Airotel Patras .

For a stunner of a beach, drive an hour west of the city on to the sand dunes of Kalogria that border Strofilia National Park and rest at Verde Al Mare , a boutique hotel whose range of activities is staggering.

About an hours’ drive from Kalogria lies Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympics. It’s a very evocative site that doesn’t disappoint: you can run on the exact track used by the ancient athletes, visit the temples they made offerings to and marvel at the marble statues in the museum, equal to the Elgin marbles in artistry and quality.

Do stay overnight in the adjoining new town; it’s worth it. Try Hotel Neda for its pool or Hotel Pelops for its food.

3. Best for beaches

Kalamata-koroni-finikounda-methoni-gialova -costa navarino.

If you lust after the archetypal Greek island vibe, then the Messenian coast offers resorts and beaches aplenty. Costa Navarino is the most developed with Caribbean standards of service but try also Gialova just below for a more intimate experience. Between the two lies one of Greece’s main birdwatching wetlands featuring a chameleon sanctuary and Voïdokoilia, a perfect semicircle of a beach.

Further south, Finikounda offers wide, wild stretches of sand, while the smaller towns of Pylos, Methoni and Koroni score high on charm with picturesque harbourfronts, medieval fortresses and small-scale summer laziness.

Your first choice here should be Westin Costa Navarino which is rather pricey but worth it – we’re talking two golf courses and five restaurants. The seaside, family-friendly Zoe Resort  by Gialova and the stunning boutique hotel Camvillia Resort Messinia inland from Koroni can hold their own against any luxury hotel in the Med, while the modern, self-catering Niriides Luxury Villas in Methoni is an American embassy favourite and gets block-booked by its employees during holidays.

4. Best for small towns and tiny islands

Kalamata-sparta-monemvasia-neapoli-elafonissos.

Fly into Kalamata and take the Langhada pass to Sparta, a dramatic 38-mile (60km) hairpin-rich road over Mount Taygetus and one of Greece’s great road trips. A few hours’ drive further on rises “The Gibraltar of the East”: the rock of Monemvasia. Joined by a small causeway with the mainland, the rock hides the medieval, fortified town of Monemvasia, a Byzantine time bubble if ever there was one.

A new road south takes you to the lovely fishing village of Neapoli, best known as a hop-off ferry point to the island of Elafonissos, whose long sandy beaches are legendary among the cognoscenti.  

In Sparta there are few hotels as comfortable as Menelaïon , a shiny modern converted neoclassical mansion right in the middle of town with an excellent breakfast. But the one hotel you must stay in lies on a slope opposite the rock of Monemvasia: Kinsterna Hotel occupies a centuries-old farmhouse with a restaurant, pool and spa is a destination in itself.

5. Best for crowd-free vistas

Kalamata-kardamyli-stoupa-gerolimenas-cape tainaron-areopoli-gytheio.

Stay in Kalamata long enough to enjoy its city beach and then slowly make your way to Cape Tainaron the European continent’s southernmost tip. Its bare and dry landscape feels like a setting for a spaghetti Western – maybe this is why the Ancient Greeks thought that it led to the Underworld.

A southern mountain pass leads via the austere stone-built town of Areopolis to Gytheio, a beautiful, unspoiled port facing the picturesque island of Marathonissi in the middle of the bay. The five-mile beach at Mavrovouni, outside Gytheio is one of the most remote sandy stretches in Greece; not even in high summer do the shoulder-to-shoulder campsites and hotels feel overcrowded.

In Kalamata stay either at central Elektra Hotel and Spa or at Hotel Filoxenia a resort at the end of the city beach.

Kardamyli boasts Hotel Kalamitsi , where novelist and travel writer Bruce Chatwin wrote his “Songlines”; his ashes are buried at Exohori, a village 6.2 miles (10km) up Mount Taygetus where he used to hike most evenings.

Finally spend at least one night at Hotel Kyrimai an old stone customs house now an atmospheric 5-star hotel, overlooking the tiny port of Gerolimenas if only for its gourmet dinner.

READ MORE: Explore Santorini

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