Are you going to visit the Peloponnese? Discover the 10 essential things to do and see in this Greek crossroads of civilizations!
Located close to Athens the Peloponnese peninsula is separated from the mainland by the Corinth Canal. Over the course of time, she saw the Greek, Byzantine or Roman civilizations, all of which left the trace of their passage. Visiting the Peloponnese is therefore ideal for history lovers, who will be dazzled by its many archaeological sites. But the Peloponnese is also a very mountainous area covered by small roads winding in the middle of the orange trees and olive trees of the maquis.
In case you ask yourself to do in the Peloponnese, we have prepared for you a list of the 10 must-sees in the region. Follow the guide!
1. The Corinth Canal
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Antoine2K
Corinth would be nothing without its famous canal inaugurated in 1894! Created to connect the Gulf of Corinth in the Gulf of Saronique, he passed the Peloponnese from the status of peninsula to the island. Over 6 km long, it is possible to take a boat ride.
The latter is quite impressive by the abrupt character of the two rock walls separated by the canal. And because they are tens of metres high. For those who are not cold in the eyes, it is even possible to try an elastic jump in the canal! A good example of unusual activity to be done in the Peloponnese, which you will remember for a long time.
2. Mystras and Sparte
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Leonid Andronov
Mystras is a Byzantine city located southeast of the Peloponnese, 5 km from Sparte. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the best things to do in the Peloponnese. Remarkably preserved, it stands proudly on Mount Taygète and offers stunning views over the entire Sparte valley. Ascension is quite sporty but is clearly worth it. In the lower town you will find mainly religious buildings, for some restored. The high city, it, houses the castle, offering not only a panorama on the surroundings but also on the city itself.
As long as you are there, make a detour by Sparte to better know the rival of Athens. Accompany the visit of the ruins of this ancient city by that of its archaeological museum to better understand that which was once the dominant power of the region. Not far from that, the Musée de l’Olivier et de l’Huile Grecque presents the virtues and use of olive oil from Antiquity, all in a playful way.
3. Olympie
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Leonid Andronov
We can't talk about the must-see in the Peloponnese without mentioning Olympie! The town is located in the northeast part of the Peloponnese. There are the remains of the sports facilities that sheltered the Olympic Games every four years from 776 BC to 393 AD. From this tradition was born the famous competition as we know it today. Take yourself for an antique athlete running on the stadium tracks! You will also find in Olympie the temples dedicated to the deities Zeus and Hera as well as other ancient sanctuaries. To visit Olympia at the top, it is best to plan two or three days.
4. Elafonisos
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Georgios Tsichlis
Elafonisos is a small paradise island located in the extreme south of the Peloponnese. With about 500 inhabitants, it is a getaway to make in the Peloponnese if you are looking for peace and tranquility. Its beautiful beaches with azure blue and white sand invite you to swim or water sports at any time. The island contains an incredible historical curiosity called Pavlopetri. It is an ancient harbour town today immersed that dates from the age of Bronze. The opportunity to literally plunge into history!
5. Province ofEpidaure
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Isogood_patrick
Epidaure is an administrative district located in the north of the region, not far from Nauplie . Considered as the birthplace of modern medicine, it is a place to visit in the Peloponnese. His ancient theatre, dedicated to Asclépios, Greek god of medicine, is extremely well preserved. The acoustic techniques used by the Greeks will amaze the most curious of you: they allow an audience of 1200 people to hear without problems the artists on stage, without microphone!
Flip in time by going to attend an antique piece representation: you will not be disappointed. Just next to it is also the sanctuary of Asclepios: it is an ancient temple where the faithful went in the hope of being cared for by the visit of the god of medicine.
6. Mycenes
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Irina Rogova
A UNESCO Heritage Site, Mycenes is one of the ancient cities to visit in the Peloponnese and one of the most important Greek historic sites. Immerse yourself in the history of the rich and powerful mysterious civilization, active from 2000 to 1200 BC.
The first great building of interest in Mycenes is of course the acropolis and its large ramparts, from which one enjoys a sensational view of the surrounding area. The Lions Gate, a symbol of protection of the city, stands proudly in the middle of the ramparts. Upon leaving the site, you can reach the Treasure of Atrée, a royal tomb built in the form of a circular dome. He is one of the witnesses of the Mycenes’ care for their dead.
Our advice: arrive early in the morning to avoid the flow of tourists!
7. Voidokilia beach
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Maria Uspenskaya
What would be Greece and Peloponnese without their idyllic beaches? The beach of Voidokilia is one of the most beautiful beaches to visit in the Peloponnese. Located in Pylos, it also presents the peculiarity of being in the form of a Saint-Jacques shell. Its turquoise waters and fine sand will not fail to charm you. In the same city, you can enjoy it to make a trip to the Pylos Fort, pretty little citadel offering magnificent views from all over the sea.
8. Fortresse of Palamède
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Nataliya Nazarova
Perched on the Palamède rock that peaks more than 200 meters high, this fortress is one of the most impressive of all Greece. His construction by the Venetians was completed in 1714. Eight bastions compose it, connected to each other by walls. The fortress of Palamède is located in the city of Nauplie and is therefore one of the must-sees to visit in the Peloponnese.
9. The Gorges de Vouraïkos
Photo credit: Shutterstock – siete_vidas
This idea of activity to be done in the Peloponnese will allow you to measure the wonders of the island’s environment. Indeed, the Vouraikos, with the centuries, dug magnificent gorges at the foot of the mountains. A small cremail train completely out of time allows to travel the path from Diakopto to Kalavrita. All along the road follow moults tunnels and bridges to the mountain. Vertiginous peaks on the cliff side regularly appear on the windows, in addition to the beautiful streams lined with lush vegetation.
10. The cave of Lake Glyfada, or cave Vlychada
Photo credit: Flickr – Gary Bembridge
If you want to visit the Peloponnese, don't miss the natural treasures of the region! The cave of Vlychada, located in the far south of the island of Peloponnese, is part of it. You will perform part of the walking tour and, rare, the rest in a small boat. On board your small boat, you will sail on the underground lake while amazing yourself at the hundreds of stalactites that nature has shaped. A simply unforgettable visit!
How do I go to the Peloponnese?
To find an affordable flight to the Peloponnese, it can be useful to use a comparison of flights as Ulysses . You will then be faced with several solutions, as the region is home to two airports .
Indeed, it is possible to directly rally airports Kalamata and Araxos , but you will have to resolve to make one or more stopovers. Airport Kalamata is served by the buses of the public company KTEL, towards Kalamata and Messini. If you land at the airport of Araxos, you will have to drop off on the taxi option.
Finally, a whole new solution is land in Athens and then go to the Peloponnese. This is the solution that remains the simplest since the major European cities. From Athens you can take a bus or train and reach Corinth, one of the great cities of interest of the Peloponnese. The price of transport is derisory and you will be to destination in One hour only. From there, continue exploring the peninsula with public transport or renting a car!
Where to stay in the Peloponnese?
During your stay in the Peloponnese, you will probably be forced to stay in several cities, such as Corinth , Dimitsana or the famous Sparte . In all these cities, are offered to tourists of small guest rooms held by locals, typical hotels or Airbnb all equipped.
Wherever you choose to stay and whatever your budget, you will find your happiness more easily using a Compare hotels .
You're ready to go! The Peloponnese and all its wonders await you!
Loading comments ...