GUIDE TO PELOPONNESE

TRAVEL GUIDES TO BEST REGIONS IN PELOPONNESE

• Nafplion

  The seaside town of Nafplion is a popular holiday destination all year round. Lovely beach resorts surround Nafplion and get much frequented for family summer holidays. A walk around the Old Town of Nafplion will bring you to ample squares, paved streets and elegant mansions. Do not miss a visit to Palamidi Fortress and to the Castle of Bourtzi. Nafplion is also a convenient base for daily excursions and cruise trips to the Saronic islands.
  Why Nafplion: Picturesque town, History, romantic destination, Family destination, History, Architecture, Road trip.
  Highlights: Old town, Akronafplia, Palamidi, Beach promenade, Boat trip to Bourtzi, Tolo beach, Arvanitia beach.
  Tips: Suggested stay: 2 nights. Car is recommended. Day visits to Epidaurus and Mycenae.
  Where is Nafplion: Nafplio is in Peloponnese, in the region of Argolida.
  How to get there: You can reach Nafplio by car or bus. Frequent buses from Athens (Kifissos bus station).

• Olympia

  Olympia is known as the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The first ancient Olympic Games took place in 776 BC and they were dedicated to the cult of Zeus. In Olympia, you can see the temple of Zeus, the temple of Hera, the Ancient Stadium, the workshop of Pheidias and other constructions. The Archaeological Museum of Olympia is also among the most interesting museums in Greece.
  Why Olympia: History, Impressive Archaeological sites, Nature.
  Highlights: Ancient stadium, Temple of Zeus, Temple of Hera, Museum of Olympic games.
  Tips: Suggested stay: Day visit. Car is recommended. Road trips to Pylos, Kalamata & Kyparissia.
  Where is Olympia: Olympia is in Peloponnese, in the region of Ilia.
  How to get there: You can reach Olympia by car or bus. If you travel by bus from Athens (Kifissos bus station) you have to reach Pyrgos first and then make a bus connection to Olympia. Last but not least, there are day tours and private transfers to Olympia from Athens.

• Epidaurus

  Among the most popular archaeological sites of Greece, Epidaurus is located on the north eastern side of Peloponnese. Mostly famous for the Ancient Theatre with the amazing accoustics, this site is visited by thousands of visitors every year. The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus hosts important theatrical performances in summer.
  Why Epidaurus: History, Ancient Theatre, Festivals, Archaeology, Lush Nature.
  Highlights: Ancient theatre, Greek Festival, Ancient stadium, Archaeological museum, Small theatre, sanctuary of Asklepios.
  Tips: Suggested stay: 1 night. Car is recommended. The trip can be combined with Nafplion, Mycenae and Porto Heli.
  Where is Epidaurus: Epidaurus is in Eastern Peloponnese, in the region of Argolis.
  How to get there: You can reach Epidaurus by car or bus. There are also day tours from Athens.

• Porto Heli

  Although Porto Heli is mostly known to Greek tourists, its large port gets very busy in summer with many private yachts and fishing boats that moor there. The lovely beaches of the area attract many families looking for calm vacations. Porto Heli also serves as a good base for daily excursions in this part of Peloponnese and as a transport hub to Spetses island.
  Why Porto Heli: Family destination, Fancy hotels, Lush vegetation, beautiful beaches, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
  Highlights: Boat trip to Spetses, beautiful beaches.
  Tips: Suggested stay: 1 night. Car is strongly recommended. Continue your trip to Spetses.
  Where is Porto Heli: Porto Heli is in Peloponnese, in the region of Argolida.
  How to get there: You can reach Porto Heli by car or bus. If you travel by bus, you reach first Kranidi or Nafplio and then make a connection to Porto Heli. Alternatively, you can travel to Porto Heli by ferry from Athens (Piraeus).

• Mystras

  In the Medieval times, Mystras was the second most important town of the Byzantine Empire, after Constantinople. In fact, Constantinos Paleologos, the last Byzantine Emperor, was a governor of Mystras before his coronation. Today, the archaeological site of Mystras is surrounded by walls and has many Byzantine churches with interesting frescoes in the interior. On top of the hill, there is the Palace of the Despots.
  Why Mystras: History, Impressive Archaeological UNESCO World Heritage site.
  Highlights: Byzantine churches and frescos, Palace of Despots, Archaeological museum.
  Tips: Suggested stay: Day visit. Car is recommended.
  Where is Mystras: Mystras is a UNESCO World Heritage castle in Peloponnese, in the region of Lakonia.
  How to get there: You can reach Mystras by car or bus. From Athens, you need to take the bus to Sparti and then from Sparti another bus to Mystras.

• Mycenae

  The archaeological site of Mycenae is located in the north eastern side of Peloponnese, in close distance to Nafplion. It is mostly famous from the story of the Trojan War, as Mycenae was the kingdom of Agamemnon, the leader of the Greeks in the war. Visitors in Mycenae are impressed by the giant walls, constructed by Cyclops according to the myth, and by the Treasury of Atreus, the vaulted tomb of Agamemnon.
  Why Mycenae: History, Impressive Archaeological site.
  Highlights: Lion gate, Treasury of Atreus, Archaeological museum.
  Tips: Suggested stay: Day visit. Car is recommended. You can combine your trip with a visit to Nafplio and Epidaurus.
  Where is Mycenae: Mycanae is an archaeological site in Peloponnese, in the region of Argolida.
  How to get there: You can reach Mycenae by car or bus.There are buses from Athens., Nafplion and Argos. You can also do an organized day tour from Athens.

• Monemvasia

  Monemvasia is among the most impressive and romantic towns in Greece. The Medieval Castle of Monemvasia is entirely built against the slopes of a huge rock, connected to the mainland through a narrow pathway only. This town was constructed to be invisible from the mainland in order to escape enemy attacks. When the sea is clear, from the top of Monemvasia you can see the mountainpeaks of Crete.
  Why Monemvasia: Amazing Medieval Castle town, Romantic destination, History, Beautiful views.
  Highlights: Medieval town, Church of Christ Elkomenos, Archaeological museum.
  Tips: Suggested stay: 1 night. Car is optional.
  Where is Monemvasia: Monemvasia is a Medieval Castle town in Peloponnese, in the region of Lakonia.
  How to get there: You can reach Monemvasia by car or bus. There are buses from Athens and Sparta.

• Gythio

  Located on the south eastern side of Peloponnese, Gythio is a beautiful town that spreads around a large port. The region stands for the long sandy beaches, the clean water and the mountainous villages. Gythio serves as a convenient base for excursions to Mani, an abrupt and secluded region with traditional towers. Opposite the port of Gythio, there is a small island that can be reached through a narrow pathway.
  Why Gythio: Quaint, Tranquil, Picturesque, Family destination, calm and easygoing.
  Highlights: Gythio town, Mavrovouni beach, Ancient theatre, Historical museum, Lighthouse, Shipwreck.
  Tips: Suggested stay: 2 nights. Car is strongly recommended.
  Where is Gythio: Gythio is a town in south Peloponnese, in the region of Lakonia.
  How to get there: You can reach Gythio by car or bus. From Athens, you have to take a bus to Sparti and then change to another bus to Gythio.

• Kyparissia

  Mostly a family holiday destination, Kyparissia stands out for the relaxing atmosphere and the calm beaches. The Old Town is built around the remains of a Byzantine Castle, on the hill top above Kyparissia, while the New Town is built between the hill and the sea. This town serves as a convenient base for daily excursions in this part of Peloponnese.
  Why Kyparissia: Family destination, nice beach, traditional town, calm and easy, ideal for road trip.
  Highlights: Medieval castle, Town, Beach, Peristeria ancient site.
  Tips: Suggested stay: 2 nights. Car is recommended. Road trips to Pylos, Kalamata & Olympia.
  Where is Kyparissia: Kyparissia is in Peloponnese, in the region of Messinia.
  How to get there: You can reach Kyparissia by car or bus. From Athens, you take the bus from Kifissos bus. The nearest airports are in Kalamata and in Athens.

• Elafonissos

  A tiny island on the southern side of Peloponnese, just below Laconia, Elafonissos is famous for its Carribean-like beaches. With exotic crystal water and soft sand on the shore, this island is very popular for camping. The most famous beach is Simos, which is actually a long stretch of sand dividing the sea in two parts.
  Why Elafonissos : Amazing beaches, exotic waters, golden sand, small island, easygoing, calm, tranquil.
  Highlights: Simos beach, Main village.
  Tips: Suggested stay: 1 night. Car is optional. You can continue your trip to Monemvasia, Kythira or Gytheio.
  Where is Elafonissos: Elafonissos is a small island south of Peloponnese.
  How to get there: Elafonissos is connected by ferry with Pounta, a small port near Neapolis town in the south of Peloponnese. You can reach Pounta by car or bus. There are Buses that transfer you to Neapoli from Athens, Tripolis and Kalamata. The nearest Airport is in Kythera. There are not direct ferries from Kythera to Elafonissos. You have to take the ferry from Kythera to Neapoli first and then the ferry from Pounta to Elafonissos.

• Ermioni

  Located on the north eastern side of Peloponnese, Ermioni is mostly frequented by Greek tourists. This small seaside town has a lovely beach promenade and many secluded beaches to enjoy a day under the hot sun. It is regularly used as a base for daily excursions in this part of Peloponnese. Just opposite the bay is the island of Hydra, that can be reached by hydrofoil from Ermioni.
  Why Ermioni: Quaint, Tranquil, Picturesque, Family destination, calm and easygoing.
  Highlights: Town of Ermioni.
  Tips: Suggested stay: 1 night. Car is optional.
  Where is Ermioni: Epidaurus is in Eastern Peloponnese, in the region of Argolis.
  How to get there: You can reach Ermioni by ferry from Athens (Piraeus), car or bus.

• Kalavryta

  Located on the northern side of Greece, the mountainous town of Kalavryta is visited mostly by Greek tourists. Due to its beautiful nature and the ski centre, Kalavryta is an autumn and winter destination. Interesting sights to see in the region are the Monastery of Mega Spileo, the Monastery of Agia Lavra and the Cave of the Lakes. A hike around Kalavryta will also bring you to traditional villages and spots with great view.
  Why Kalavryta: Autumn- Winter destination, Ski, Snowboard, Mountainous, Lush Nature, History, Traditional village, Architecture, Hiking.
  Highlights: Monastery of Agia Lavra, Skiing in Helmos, Mega Spilaio Monastery, ride with Cog train.
  Tips: Suggested stay: 1 night. Car is recommended.
  Where is Kalavryta: Kalavryta is in Peloponnese, in the region of Achaea.
  How to get there: You can reach Kalavrita by car or bus. From Athens, you take the bus from Kifissos bus station to Aigio and then make a bus connection to Kalavryta. There are also buses from Patra. The nearest airports are in Athens and in Patra.

• Patra

  The third largest town of Greece, Patra is geographically located on the northern side of Peloponnese. Although it is a busy town with interesting places to visit in the surrounding region, Patra is mostly famous as a gateway to Europe. Daily ferries from Italy arrive in the port of Patra, serving thousands of visitors from European countries. Many ferries to the Ionian islands also depart from Patra.
  Why Patra: Architecture, History, Lively city, Museums, Nightlife, Culture, Amazing Gastronomy, Festivals.
  Highlights: Medieval Castle, Church of St Andrew, Roman Odeon, Beach Promenade.
  Tips: Suggested stay: 1 night.
  Where is Patra: Patra is in Peloponnese, in the region of Achaea.
  How to get there: You can reach Patra by car or bus. Frequent buses from Athens (Kifissos bus station). Also, since Patra is a big Port, there are ferry connections to Italy (Bary, Brindisi, Ancona, Venice and Trieste) as well as to some Ionian islands (Ithaka and Kefalonia). Last but not least, Patra has a International Airport 40 km away from the city center.

• Sparti

  In the ancient times, Sparti was the most powerful city-state of Greece, along with Athens. It had developed a strong military power and a strict society formation. The modern town of Sparti is among the few Greek towns that have been constructed according to an urban plan, presenting little tourist interest. The remains of the ancient town lay in close distance to the modern town.
  Why Sparti: History, Museums.
  Highlights: Archaeological museum, Trip to Mystras.
  Tips: Suggested stay: Day visit. Car is recommended. You can also continue your trip to Monemvasia, Gythio and Elafonissos or Mani (Limeni, Areopoli, Gerolimenas, Oitilo).
  Where is Sparti: Sparti is in Peloponnese, in the region of Lakonia.
  How to get there: You can reach Sparti by car or bus from Athens. There are frequent buses from Kifissos bus station. There are also frequent bus connections from Kalamata. The closest Airports to Sparti are in Kalamata and Athens.