04/05/2026
THE PELOPENNESE - unspoilt, authentic and uncongested Greece.
Far from the Greek crowds of Athens, Santorini or Mykonos you will find the PELOPONNESE - a large peninsula in the southernmost part of Greece. It covers a vast area of 21,500 sq kms (or 8,300 sq miles). The Peloponnese is connected to the Greek mainland by 2 points - the Corinth Canal to the East and Rion-Antirion Bridge to the north. The southern region of the Peloponnese has 3 distinct “fingers” that extend southward into the Mediterranean Sea. It covers a vast area of 21,500 sq kms (or 8,300 sq miles) with a diverse landscape that incorporates rugged mountains, deep gorges, vineyards, extensive forests and some of the very best beaches in Greece. Just a 1.5 hour drive from Athens, the Peloponnese is easily accessible by car and the perfect location for a self directed driving vacation.
Here you will find the heart of Greek history with numerous ruins, castles and fortified towns are a living testament to the many civilizations and invasions that are part of Greece’s history. Evidence of The Myceneans, the ancient Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Ottomans, the Venetians, the Franks are at the travelers’ fingertips in the Peloponnese. There are a total of 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Olympia, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Tyrins and Mystras - all well preserved. The 16th Greek Orthodox monastery of Timios Prodromus built into the vertical cliffside on the left bank of the Lousios Gorge in Arcadia is an unbelievable sight.
Beyond the ancient ruins, the Peloponnese offers some charming towns and villages to visit. These include the beautiful town of Nafplion lying in the eastern region. Once the capital of original Greek State, Nafplion old town has cobblestone alleys, Venetian architecture, neoclassical well preserved mansions with the Bougainvillea trees adorning their yards, Ottoman fountains and Palamadi Castle Fortress which can only be reached by climbing 999 steps. The town of Monemvasia is not to be missed. Founded in the 6th century it is situated on a massive, steep limestone rock that was separated from the mainland by an earthquake in 375 AD. This mystical stone settlement is accessed only by one bridge and is known alternatively as the “Gibraltar of the East”. On the Mani Peninsula at the southernmost tip of the Peloponnese is the ghost town of Vathia. Founded by a Venetian Diplomat in 1571 the town became a favoured place for Italian clans and its population grew steadily. This continued until WWII when the village mysteriously emptied and was left abandoned.
The Peloponnese also offers a stunning range of natural diversity. Surrounded by 3 seas - the Mediterranean, the Ionian and the Aegean - The Peloponnese has beaches that will rival any Greek Island. Some of the dazzling beaches such as the Voidokilia and Simos are well known, while others are hidden away deserted gems waiting to be discovered. For the adventurous traveller there is a proliferation of sailing and snorkelling options, hiking opportunities abound on the many rugged mountain trails and cycling can be as easy (through the vineyard trails) or as hard (ascending mountain gorges) as you like.
You can also “eat like a God” in the Peloponnese - the region is a culinary powerhouse - focusing on rustic local fare - including extra virgin olive oils from Messina and Laconia, Kalamata Olives, locally produced Sefla cheese, an abundance of fresh seafood, citrus fruits, Portokalopita cake and premium wines from the Namea area.
In short - the Peloponnese has a little bit of everything that authentic Greece has to offer- beaches, ancient ruins, scenic coastal beauty, delicious food, and picturesque towns - and most importantly - all within a reasonable budget and without the huge crowds.
For more information on the Peloponnese or a custom planned self driving vacation contact me at [email protected]
