Peloponnese

Southern Greece: The Peloponnisos

Peloponnese is the perfect destination for your holidays, an area of stunning beauty which combines nature and archaeological sites, mythology and history, a place that gives the holidaymaker the opportunity to relax and travel to bygone ages.

It is located on the southern part of Greece and  in fact it is considered a separate island as it is connected to the mainland in two spots: the Corinth Canal and the Bridge of Rio-Antirio.

Peloponnese is divided into seven prefectures.

KORINTHOS

It is a modern seaside resort  with other small towns which are worth visiting, such as Xylokastro, Perigiali, Vrahati and Assos. With several nice beaches that they have tourist facilities, and in most places the shimmering sea coexists with the pine and olive trees and the grape vines.

Loutraki

It is situated on the east coast of the Gulf of Kornithos.  Loutraki has something for everyone, with its appealing beauty spots, as well as a variety of nightclubs, restaurants, bars and cafes. It is a very cosmopolitan area, and is home to the famous Loutraki casino, which many people visit.

Sightseeing

Acrocorinth

The Acrocorinth rock is a splendid sight. The byzantine fortress is perched on top and the view  from there are both magical and inspirational. The acropolis of Korinthos  stood there on top during the ancient and medieval times.

Ancient Korinth is one of the most visited ancient sites in the region. Located at the foot of the huge rock of Acrocorinth  you will find many ancient sites and ruins  to see and admire.

ARGOLIDA

Argolida is a picturesque region of Peloponnese. It is situated in the south-east side of the prefecture of Korinthos.

There are popular towns around Argolida as well as archaeological sites :

*Nafplion is a beautiful town. It was the first capital of Independent Greece. There are many well – preserved  neoclassic houses, cultural monuments, a superb place to relax and wander. The Venetian fortress of Palamidi, which crowns the city, provides wonderful and inspiring views. Also many lovely beaches are found in the region to enjoy summer holidays. The popular coastal town of Nafplion, has at its disposal a good variety of accommodation from romantic suites in restored Venetian mansions  to  modern hotels  with upscale facilities.

*Tolo is a successful tourist resort,  ideal for single people, couples, families and groups. There are well organized facilities along the beach and the shallow sea is  perfect for swimming . Many seaside hotels and apartments  can be found in this picturesque  village as well  as clubs, bars and restaurants.

Archaeological sites

*Mycenae (Mikines) is the most impressive of the ancient sites in Argolida.. It was excavated in 1870 by the German Heinrich Scliemann. His findings included a circle of Royal tombs. Corpses found inside them were wearing golden masks, including the famous 'Mask of Agamemnon'. These wonderful findings now reside in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

*The Lion Gate is probably the most famous spot of Mycenae. This was actually the entrance to the fortified palace of the town. Just opposite the main site is the stunning 'Treasury of Atreus', which is a beehive tomb dating from the 13th century BC.

*And finally the Archaeological Museum of Mycenae which  is dedicated to the life of the Mycenaeans  before and after death  and their civilization.

*In Epidaurus the holidaymaker can admire the well-preserved  Ancient Theatre which is famous for its amazing architecture and the stunning acoustics. During the famous Epidavria Festival  which is held every summer, the visitor has the opportunity to attend ancient dramas or modern plays.

*The ancient sanctuary of Asklepios, a healing center of the classical world is situated close to the theatre. To the ancient Greeks Asklepios was the God of Medicine.

ARCADIA

Arcadia constitutes  the heart of Peloponnese. The visitor can explore mountains, high peaks and forests of this amazing region. Also there are several coastal towns that are worth visiting, such as Plaka and Leonidion with nice clean beaches and seas.

LAKONIA

It is situated in the southern point of Peloponnese and it is known for  the famous settings of Mystras  Monemvasia, Mystras, Gythio ,Diros Caves.

*The Castle Town of Mystras is very important archaeological site with well-preserved Byzantine churches and  the remains of a Palace , the Palace of Despots which is located on the  top of the Byzantine Castle of Mystras.  It holds significant historical importance, a place of immense interest  and is visited by many who travel to this region.

*Monemvasia is a Medieval Castle Town very impressive for romantic walks. A walk around the paved streets of the castle town leads the visitor to bygone ages. The holidaymaker can stay in restored Venetian mansions , something that creates a unique experience.

* Gythio is a beautiful seaside town very popular with a vast array of beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. The most famous beach of Gythio is certainly Mavrovouni, which is an excellent swimming location. The town can offer a satisfactory number of accommodation for groups, couples or for families.

*Diros Caves

The Diros Cave is an unusual one, in that it’s half-filled with water, so you go through most of it by boat. The inside of the cave is spectacular as  the cave ceiling of the cave is full with stalactites. The existence of the cave has been known since 1900 and in 1949 it was explored by John Petrochilos. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful lake caves in the world. In its interior fossil animals have been discovered that existed 2 million years ago.

MESSINIA

It is located to the south west of Peloponnese. Whether you are planning a family holiday, or a romantic escape for two, Messinia is considered an ideal destination as  it offers a wide range of landscape.

*The capital of prefecture and the main port of Messinia is Kalamata. It is a very modern town, with excellent infrastructure and local facilities. The holidaymaker can visit the archaeological and folklore museum as well as the famous Byzantine church of the Virgin Ypapanti. This church is famous for the nuns who weave the famous Kalamata silk.

*Kyparissia is a beautiful seaside place with relaxing atmosphere and a sandy seashore with its crystal waters. On the pine-covered hilltop above Kyparissia there is a small Byzantine castle that is worth visiting. For your accommodation, the region has at its disposal  seaside hotels, studios and family apartments.

*Another interesting place to visit is the tranquil town of Pylos (Pilos). Pylos is a historical and traditional settlement. Pylos gives visitors the impression that they are actually on an island.

*The castle of Methoni , situated  in the northest part of the west coast of the Peloponnese, constitutes a pole of attraction for holidaymakers. It was built by the Venetians around the thirteenth century. You’ll be astonished at the bridge stone of 14 arches which connects the castle to the shore .

ILIA

It is located to the north-west of the Peloponnese It is a beautiful region and and holds great historic importance.

The archaeological site of Olympia is one that every visitor to this area must visit. This was the place that gave birth to the ancient Olympic Games. These games were held to honor god Zeus and included a series of athletic competitions with representatives of all the Greek city-states. The prize for the winner was an olive branch.

The Archaeological Museum is situated opposite the archaeological site of Olympia. The visitor will admire impressive exhibits and artifacts that were excavated in this area. Also the holidaymaker will have the opportunity to visit the Museum of the Olympic Games. It presents the long history of the Olympic Games.

Also Ilia is popular for the hot springs of Killini. This is a well organised spa, with accommodation facilities. The hot waters are ideal for asthma, skin diseases and rheumatism.

ACHAIA

The prefecture of Achaia took its name after the founders of the city, Achaians, who came and settled here after the decline of the Mycenaean center.

There are several coasts along Achaia which are delightful for summer holidays, where you can enjoy the lovely beaches and crystal sea waters.  Patra  the capital of Achaia is the third largest city of the country and it has a very busy port. On the highest spot of the town, the holidaymaker has the opportunity to admire the Medieval Castle.

 Also the historic town of Kalavryta is a place where you can visit. There, Archbishop Germanos declared the beginning of the War of Independence in 1821.

Patra  has at its disposal  a variety of accommodation