Culturally rich, naturally beautiful
On Peloponnese holidays, myth meets reality. Here Paris of Troy fell in love with Helen, the Argonauts ventured off in search of the Golden Fleece, the Spartans battled tooth and nail and Homer’s epic tales begin. The region just south of Athens is scattered with more ancient ruins then you’ll know what to do with, and culture seeps out of every village. You’ll find perfectly preserved theatres, the stadium from the first Olympic Games and ancient Mycenaean palaces.
Peloponnese holidays are perfect for nature lovers. The western coast is dotted with tropical beaches where you’ll find yourself among just a handful of other bathers. The region’s green interior is packed with pine and cypress tree forests, cut through with looming mountains and deep gorges. Rivers, lakes and waterfalls are just waiting to be discovered by intrepid travellers, and the scent of fresh herbs will surround you on your hikes.
In spring, the countryside is covered in wildflowers, in winter, powdery snow blankets old Byzantine churches and stone turrets to beautiful effect.The food highlights the purity of the region’s most famous ingredients – this is the olive-producing heart of Greece, and on holidays to Peloponnese you’ll sample some truly fantastic, golden-green olive oil.
All resorts in Peloponnese
Three tips for a top trip
Rent a car
Many of Peloponnese’s truly unmissable sites – including beaches, ancient ruins and villages – are only accessible by car, so hiring a vehicle is definitely recommended.
Enjoy Greek wine
Thanks to its unique microclimate, Peloponnese is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. Book a tour of the local vineyards and sample away.
Catch an old train
Book tickets for the 22-kilometre Kalavryta Express, that cuts through the Vouraikos gorge. It’s a slow, ridiculously steep rail journey full of tunnels and white-knuckle overhangs.
Best attractions to see in Peloponnese
The Mani
The middle finger of the peninsula is the most rugged, wild and traditional. Hike the trails to stumble across distinctive tower houses and abandoned churches.
Epidaurus
The best preserved of all the ancient Greek theatres, Epidaurus is a feat of acoustic engineering. In summer, bag some tickets and enjoy one of the regular concerts.
Monemvasia
The cobbled, twisted streets of this medieval castle town are carved into the rocks of a tiny island separated from the mainland by a causeway.
Your Peloponnese questions, answered
The region’s unique microclimate and growing conditions means Peloponnese olive oil is widely considered the best in Greece. Why not bring a bottle or two home with you?
Perhaps surprisingly, you can. The ski resort in Kalavryta features 12 runs down Mount Helmos, and is ranked as one of the best ski spots in Greece.
Due to its Mediterranean climate, you can enjoy the Peloponnese all year round. The summer months are often dry, with average temperatures reaching highs of 30℃ dropping to 15℃ at night. Spring and autumn in the Peloponnese are often milder but are still ideal if you want to avoid the crowds. Temperatures in spring average 18℃, while the autumn months average 21℃.
Peloponnese is a must-visit for any curious traveller interested in culture, history or nature. Its laid-back vibe makes it perfect for families and people looking to relax.
The Peloponnese is in the southern part of Greece. The region is a peninsula connected to the rest of the country by the Isthmus of Corinth land bridge and some man-made bridges, including the Rion-Antirion Bridge. The Peloponnese is also often divided into several areas. These consist of Achaea in the north, Corinthia in the north-east, Argolis in the east, Laconia in the south-east, Messenia in the south-west, Elis in the west and Arcadia in the centre.
The Peloponnese is roughly an hour's drive from the Greek capital. There are several options for getting from Athens to the Peloponnese, including hiring a rental car or booking a taxi service. Routes are often straightforward, though expect to meet a few inexpensive toll booths. There is also a regular bus service running seven days a week that travels directly between the two destinations and takes around three hours.
The food in the Peloponnese is typically Greek and often consists of simple dishes prepared well. Seafood is very popular in the region, with whole grilled fish, calamari and savaro all regularly served in many of the Peloponnese's restaurants. Olive oil, created from the region’s rich wealth of olives, is known worldwide and is commonly used in local cooking. The Peloponnese’s climate also makes it ideal for growing fruit, which regularly finds its way into the ingredients of local dishes or wines.
Home to a wide choice of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, soft sandy beaches and welcoming resorts, the Peloponnese makes the ideal choice if you’re after a family-friendly holiday. The region’s beaches are a good option for a fun-filled day out with the family, while older children are sure to enjoy the variety of water sports. Many of the historical sites also welcome children. The region’s Fortress of Palamidi is ideal for exploring. The majority of restaurants cater for children during the day and early evening, with many offering children’s menus.
If you plan on exploring the Peloponnese’s historical sites and charming towns, then hiring a car is recommended. You can find several rental agencies in most of the towns and cities as well as at the Kalamata airport. However, if you plan on spending your holiday lazing on the beach and around the resort, but still want to enjoy the occasional day trip, there are several daily buses.