It’s no secret that Greece is a popular holiday spot for Brits – whether that’s summer holidays to Mykonos or Rhodes, or a long weekend to Athens.
But with popularity comes big crowds, and often eye-watering costs.
So, if you’re looking for a Greek getaway that’s a little more under the radar, we might just have the answer.
The Peloponnese is a large area on the southernmost tip of mainland Greece, an unspoiled region with a bit of everything: dramatic coastlines, ancient history, rugged mountains – and some seriously good food.
According to Lonely Planet it’s a must-visit for those who love themselves a bit of Greek mythology.
‘The Peloponnese is the stuff of legends. Literally,’ says Lonely Planet. ‘It is here that Hercules fought the Nemean lion and gods walked the earth’.
It also happens to be where the first Olympic Games ever took place way back in 776BC, where the famous towns of Sparta and Olympica are located, where Paris of Troy and Helen eloped from, and even where you’ll find the Gates of Hades.
We can see why CN Traveller called it ‘sacred ground,’ adding that the area is ‘wild and beautiful.’
And there’s no time like the present to book a trip, as this hidden-gem among tourists is slowly getting discovered. Earlier this month, EasyJet holidays chief executive, Garry Wilson, said they’ve noticed more interest in the region, as travellers want to visit new areas of a country they already know and love.
‘There’s a lot of investment happening in Greece,’ said Garry. ‘Some of the smaller, maybe lesser-known areas have become popular. Certainly the Peloponnese looks to be growing in popularity.’
So, if you want a getaway that’s fit for the Gods, look no further. Here’s everything you need to know about the Peloponnese.
How to get there
Getting to the Peloponnese is easier than you might think. The gateway to this region is Kalamata International Airport (yes, like the olives), which has direct flights from the UK and other major European cities – especially during peak season.
Currently, the cheapest flights to Kalamata are in October, for just £65 one way from London, according to SkyScanner, making it a great shoulder season getaway.
If you’re flying into Athens, it’s about a two-hour drive to the northern part of the peninsula, with plenty of scenic spots to break up the journey. You can also hop on a bus from Athens for €15-20, which takes around three hours.
For those who want to explore at their own pace, renting a car is a good shout. The roads are decent, and you’ll have the freedom to follow your own itinerary, at a pace that suits you.
What’s the weather like in the Peloponnese?
While it’s definitely a summer hotspot, the Peloponnese is ideal for the off-peak season, too. Think spring and autumn when the weather is still comfortably warm at around 20-25°C – but the crowds are shrinking.
Plus, if you’re after a bit of winter sun, it’s a top pick, too – the colder months hovering around a relatively mild 12-16°C, a good temperature if you prefer to stay active rather than melting under the sun.
Where should I base myself in the Peloponnese?
The Peloponnese is a large area, of about 8,278 square miles, just a little bigger than Wales, so there’s a lot to see and do. You may want to consider staying in different parts of the area during your trip, to avoid too many long journeys, and cut down on travel time.
However, if you’re looking for one base, the seaside town of Nafplio, in the east of the region, is possibly the most popular place to stay, and is popular among Athenians. Here, you’ll find chic boutiques, cafes, and beaches, and there’s plenty of day trips you can take from here too.
The western side of the Peloponnese is also where you’ll find the most famous tourist attractions, so it makes sense to say here.
However, the southernmost part of the region, the Mani is also very popular. Your best base here is the village of Lemeni, which is great for both exploring and relaxing – it’s less than 10 minutes to Areopoli, the capital of the Mani region.
What to do in the Peloponnese
Now for the good stuff: what to do in the Peloponnese. This is a large region packed with a bit of everything – so whether you’re into history, hiking, or just finding a quiet beach to kick back on, you’re sorted.
Explore the ancient sites
There’s so much ancient history to soak up. You’ve got Mycenae, home to the ruins of one of the most powerful cities of ancient Greece, and Epidaurus, with its famous theatre that still hosts performances today.
Entry to both is around €10-12 and they’re far less crowded than the Acropolis in Athens (we can hear sighs of relief). You can walk through centuries-old structures and picture ancient Greeks living their best lives.
Epidaurus is also home to the Sunken City, a small settlement about 45m from the shore and just 2m below sea level, which was only discovered in the 1970s due to a photo taken from a hot-air balloon. Snorkel, swim or kayak through the ruins, and check out the traces of an ancient port, walls and a few buildings.
If you got Olympics fever this summer, head to Olympia, home to the very first games. Believe it or not, the main stadium’s banks remain as they were. There are also ruins of the gymnasium, a VIP hotel and plinths for the winners. From November to March, entry to the site is at a reduced rate of just €6.
There’s also of course Sparta, the town famous for its soldiers, said to be direct descendants of Hercules. You can visit the archeological site of ancient Sparta (admission is free), as well as head to the Museum of Olive and Greek Olive Oil, which costs just €4.
There’s pretty much no end to the countless ancient sites and stories you can find in the region.
Hit the beach
If you hear ‘Greece’ you’re probably thinking of turquoise waters – so you’ll be glad to know the Peloponnese is a fab destination for a bit of vitamin sea.
In the Peloponnese, you’ll find quieter, pristine spots like Voidokilia Beach – a quaint bay with soft sand in Messinia, in the south west part of the region.
Now, to secure your seclusion, you have to sacrifice the beach bars and sunbeds – but it’s totally free and you can, of course, bring your own snacks and beverages.
Did you know?
- The Peloponnese region is shaped like a mulberry leaf, with three peninsulas that jut south into the sea. It’s said to have been called ‘Morias’ in ancient Greece, which may come from the Greek word for the mulberry tree.
If you’re after something a bit more lively, head to Stoupa, a village in the south, which is a bit more developed with tavernas and bars nearby – and renting a sunbed for the day will only set you back around €7.
Set off on a hike
If you’re up for a bit of an adventure, you can hike through the Lousios Gorge, a mountainous area in the west. It’s one of those rugged but stunning landscape views, with rivers cutting through cliffs and little monasteries nestled along the way.
The hike is about 5km – so pretty manageable for most – and you can reward yourself afterward with a meal at a local taverna (expect to pay about €10-15 for a hearty Greek feast).
If you’re into water sports, Nafplio is a great spot where you can try a bit of everything – from paddle boarding to windsurfing.
Got a sweet tooth?
No holiday is complete without a sweet treat. Diples or Thiples is adessert from the Peloponnese, made from very thin strips of dough. The dough is rolled into long, thin strips, and then fried. Then, for that extra bit of deliciousness, they’re dipped in a sugar, honey and finished with some walnuts. Yes please.
Their name actually comes from the Greek word for ‘fold’, as during the cooking process, you have to fold the pastry while frying.
They’re usually enjoyed as a treat during Christmas time.
Natural wonders
Mani, is the middle prong in the southern most part of the Peloponnese. It’s divided into two: the Outer Mani, with pretty coastal villages and The Deep Mani, even further south, known for its rugged coastlines.
The must-visit attraction here is the Diros Caves (€17 for a standard ticket), flooded caves with an entrance on the beach. You can go on a boat tour, gliding through it’s winding passageways, full of stalagmites and stalactites. It’s thought the caves were abandoned after an earthquake in 4BC, and weren’t rediscovered until the late 1800s – they’re still be explored to this day.
But while the caves might feel like the underworld, Mani is also home to Cape Tenaro, supposedly the entrance to Hades.
For something a little less, well, creepy, Mani also has hiking trails, as well as the main town of Areopoli and the mediaeval village of Vathia.
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