Separated from the southernmost section of mainland Greece by the Corinth Canal, the Peloponnese, a large peninsula, has everything a dream destination should offer, from snow-crested mountains to great beaches and valleys of citrus groves.
The south is better known for its beaches and beautiful scenery while the north has well-known archaeological sites. Those seeking a quieter time will enjoy the warm seas in September and the hot and dry climate in late spring. Partygoers should head to Patras during carnival season at the start of the year.
The south is better known for its beaches and beautiful scenery while the north has well-known archaeological sites. Those seeking a quieter time will enjoy the warm seas in September and the hot and dry climate in late spring. Partygoers should head to Patras during carnival season at the start of the year.
Peloponnese beaches
The best beaches are along the western coast. Sun worshippers consider them among the best in Greece as they are undeveloped, clean and very pretty. There's a six kilometre stretch of sand bordered by pine forests at Kalogria, close to Patras, while along the Gulf of Corinth are beaches with picture postcard views of the opposite shore.
Head a bit further away from Cornith to find sand rather than pebbles on the shore. Resorts such as Porto Heli are popular with waterskiing and jetski enthusiasts.
The best beaches are along the western coast. Sun worshippers consider them among the best in Greece as they are undeveloped, clean and very pretty. There's a six kilometre stretch of sand bordered by pine forests at Kalogria, close to Patras, while along the Gulf of Corinth are beaches with picture postcard views of the opposite shore.
Head a bit further away from Cornith to find sand rather than pebbles on the shore. Resorts such as Porto Heli are popular with waterskiing and jetski enthusiasts.
Peloponnese sightseeing
There are more classical ruins in the northern Peloponnese than anywhere else in the world. Ancient Corinth, Ancient Nemea, Mycenae, Argos, Tiryns and Edipauros are all within easy reach, close to Nafplio, the first capital of Modern Greece and one of the most beautiful towns on the island. Head to the old hill towns in the heartland such as Karytena, Stemnitsa and Dhimitsana or experience a classic Greek railway trip with the journey inland from the north coast at Dhiakofto to Kalavryta.
The Peloponnese is still a fairly conservative area, so save your skimpy bikini for the beach. Many churches have signs at the entrance asking visitors to dress modestly.
There are more classical ruins in the northern Peloponnese than anywhere else in the world. Ancient Corinth, Ancient Nemea, Mycenae, Argos, Tiryns and Edipauros are all within easy reach, close to Nafplio, the first capital of Modern Greece and one of the most beautiful towns on the island. Head to the old hill towns in the heartland such as Karytena, Stemnitsa and Dhimitsana or experience a classic Greek railway trip with the journey inland from the north coast at Dhiakofto to Kalavryta.
The Peloponnese is still a fairly conservative area, so save your skimpy bikini for the beach. Many churches have signs at the entrance asking visitors to dress modestly.
Peloponnese family attractions
With a Mediterranean climate, many families love to head to the sandy beaches of Stoupa in the south or enjoy the mineral springs at Kyllini. There are masses of places to explore and lots of holiday clubs for the children. Those who enjoy activities will love learning to sail and windsurf on these warm waters.
With a Mediterranean climate, many families love to head to the sandy beaches of Stoupa in the south or enjoy the mineral springs at Kyllini. There are masses of places to explore and lots of holiday clubs for the children. Those who enjoy activities will love learning to sail and windsurf on these warm waters.
Peloponnese day trips
There are magnificent ruins in the ancient city of Olympia, where you can see the Temple of Zeus and the remains of the Olympic stadium where the Games were first held almost three millennia ago. In the south, spend a day touring the ruined buildings and colourful frescoes of the Byzantine city of Mystras and Ancient Messene, which dates back to the 4th century.
There are magnificent ruins in the ancient city of Olympia, where you can see the Temple of Zeus and the remains of the Olympic stadium where the Games were first held almost three millennia ago. In the south, spend a day touring the ruined buildings and colourful frescoes of the Byzantine city of Mystras and Ancient Messene, which dates back to the 4th century.
Peloponnese eating
You'll find British favourites in resorts but eating is virtually a national pastime with masses of local tavernas and simple restaurants serving lots of Greek home cooking and fresh fish with favourites such as avgolemono soup (chicken, egg and lemon), Stifado (beef with onion), arni psito (lamb on the spit) midia saganaki (mussels in tomato sauce), octopus and thick, creamy yoghurt.
The ham here is excellent too, and Greek food is ideal for vegetarians with plenty of tomatoes, aubergines, zucchini fritters and tzatziki (the dip made with yoghurt, cucumbers, dill and garlic). Wash it all down with a glass or two of retsina.
You'll find British favourites in resorts but eating is virtually a national pastime with masses of local tavernas and simple restaurants serving lots of Greek home cooking and fresh fish with favourites such as avgolemono soup (chicken, egg and lemon), Stifado (beef with onion), arni psito (lamb on the spit) midia saganaki (mussels in tomato sauce), octopus and thick, creamy yoghurt.
The ham here is excellent too, and Greek food is ideal for vegetarians with plenty of tomatoes, aubergines, zucchini fritters and tzatziki (the dip made with yoghurt, cucumbers, dill and garlic). Wash it all down with a glass or two of retsina.
Peloponnese nightlife
With evening meals typically eaten at around 10pm, nights are typically social affairs with masses of people heading out to eat and bar hop until the early hours. The seaside city of Patras is full of life, with excellent bars and clubs, restaurants and street entertainers.
With evening meals typically eaten at around 10pm, nights are typically social affairs with masses of people heading out to eat and bar hop until the early hours. The seaside city of Patras is full of life, with excellent bars and clubs, restaurants and street entertainers.
Peloponnese shopping
There are absolutely masses of souvenir shops around offering everything from T-shirts to replica antique woodcarvings and museum reproductions. Look out for hand woven and naturally dyed woollens, cotton and silks, brightly coloured rugs, deep blue glassware and beautiful jewellery.
There are absolutely masses of souvenir shops around offering everything from T-shirts to replica antique woodcarvings and museum reproductions. Look out for hand woven and naturally dyed woollens, cotton and silks, brightly coloured rugs, deep blue glassware and beautiful jewellery.
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