Medieval remains, old Venetian castles like Nafplio, Methoni and Corinth, the Towers of Mani and the Byzantine places of Monemvasia and Mistra all make the
Peloponese a truly magical region in
Greece, and one that offers such a vast wealth of both natural beauty, and
ancient sites and ruins that offer a glimpse into the glorious past.
Peloponese is also ideal for holidays "off the beaten track", where you can truly explore all the magic that this region has to offer. There are peaceful and secluded areas all over the region, offering tranquility and beauty, making it the perfect destination away from the hustle and bustle and overcrowding of places such as
Athens or other popular
Greek islands.
On route from
Athens, you will pass through Corinthos (Korinthos) which is known as the Gateway to the
Peloponese.
Here you can also stop and take a look at the Corinth Canal, which was finally completed (after hundreds of years in planning) in 1893. Peloponese is also accessible from mainland eastern
Greece, via the new Rio bridge, which connects the
Peloponese with Antirio, which is located close to the popular region of Nafpaktos. Mycenae and Mistras are two very popular and historically important areas, and are visited by thousands of visitors every year. Mystras is a perfect example of a Byzantine city, with its well preserved houses and churches that date back to the 14th and 15th century.
The regions of Messinia and Laconia, located at the south of the
Peloponese are very popular
destinations during the summer months and have lovely sandy beaches, and a very relaxing and picturesque setting.
The Ancient Olympia is one part of the
Peloponnse that everyone should try and visit. It was here that the original Olympic Games took place in ancient times, and visitors can gain a fascinating insight into the origins of the Games. You can visit the museum as well, which houses a wonderful range of exhibits and findings from the area.
