The Peloponnese

The whole of Greece in one peninsula Peloponnese is the land where the Greek myths and legends come to life. Everything the Greece is proud of is kept here: centuries-old architectural monuments, idyllic bays, sandy beaches, dense forests and Orthodox holy places.

The Peloponnese is filled with a typical Mediterranean atmosphere. Olive groves, a measured style of life, which provides good family and excursion rest, charming cities, traces of ancient civilizations and resorts for every taste - all these have become a remarkable feature of the Greek peninsula.

Cities and Towns of the Peloponnese

Many charming cities of Greece are located in the Peloponnese, and they are able to tell something about the past of the country. Talking about Nafplion, the first capital of Greece, it should be said that it is a great place to visit and see with cozy streets, fortresses, rich museums and many religious monuments that demonstrate the rebellious history of the city. There are Catholic churches, Orthodox churches and Turkish mosques. Nafplion gives the impression of a historical, but at the same time modern city, where the numerous luxurious restaurants work all night long.

The capital of the region is Patras, one of three largest cities in Greece with magnificient history and rich cultural life. The large art festival is held here in summer, and the famous carnival is in winter. There is enough entertainment for travelers of all categories because Patras surprisingly combines the grandeur of the historical heritage and the title of "student city".

Kalamata is another big city that you cannot pass by. It is equally attractive for lovers of natural beauty (olive groves, waterfalls, caves are nearby), history (after visiting the monuments of Kalamata, you can quickly get to Ancient Messina) and careless time spending at the beaches (there are a lot of bays and cozy coastal taverns).

The world recognition: the beaches and resorts of the Peloponnese

Beach vacation in the Peloponnese is an alternative for those who want to forget about the busy and crowded places and discover all the charm of this coastal region. The world-famous Voydokiliya Bay is located near Pylos, and looks like the letter of Omega. Voydokiliya is a bay with the purest golden sand, calm clear sea and impeccable ecology. And yet - one of the most famous beaches in Greece, which cannot be omitted, if having a rest on the Peloponnese.

Enjoy all the recreation facilities in the Peloponnese in Porto Heli. This coastal town is famous for its numerous bays (equipped and isolated), excellent taverns and beautiful architecture. Do not forget about the small island of Elafonisos with its exotic sandy beaches, the most famous of which is Sarakiniko.

Costa Navarino is a special place for lovers of extra-class relaxation, is an ecologically clean luxurious resort with gorgeous beaches, thalassotherapy centers and numerous restaurants. The treasure of the Peloponnese resorts is Loutraki, which is famous for its curative springs. These waters are actively used for the treatment of many ailments. In addition to the modern hydrotherapeutic center, Loutraki attracts visitors by beaches for every taste. Also there are many opportunities for boat trips and excursions. The most famous place for a beach holiday is the coast of Mavrovuni in the Lakonia region. This sandy beach, awarded with the Blue Flag, stretches for 6 km.

Historical monuments and Orthodox holy places of the Peloponnese

Greece is a country of valuable historical monuments and archaeological parks. And for the Peloponnese this is especially true, because you can find the main ancient cities here, places that everyone has already known long before traveling to Greece. People come to see the legendary Sparta - a city that went from greatness to fall. Except of ruins, it is worth visiting the Museum of Olive Oil and the Museum of Archeology.

The symbol of the Peloponnese is Mycenae with the ruins of city belonging to one of the most influential and interesting civilizations. Being here, you can try to realize all the greatness of Mycenae and its role in history, see the fortifications, which have saved their powerful and incredible view through ages. One of attractions that should be mentioned are the Lion's Gates and tombs, excavations of which were a real sensation that time and  surprised with their contents.

Monemvasia - a remarkable town, which is worth  visiting. It is an open-air museum that has preserved the ruins of the fortress, Byzantine houses, ancient churches and cathedrals. Many buildings of Monemvasia are rebuild and redesigned into hotels. You can watch really spectacular views from panoramic points of this town.

Epidaurus left grandiose monuments after himself. Here you can see one of the largest and well-preserved theaters of Ancient Greece with magnificent acoustics, Asklepion, the stadium and the remains of sanctuaries. The archaeological museum of Epidaurus stores all the findings from excavations, including statues, fragments of buildings and a collection of pottery. But this is not all the treasures of the Peloponnese. You cannot miss the opportunity to visit Ancient Messina. This city has stayed in a good condition, preserving the temple buildings, monuments of Roman architecture and the theater. Another legendary place is Olympia, where the Olympic Games were born. Among the numerous attractions of Olympia you can enjoy the stadium and the temple of Hera. It is a place where the fire of games is lit.

On the way to the landmarks of the Peloponnese, many guests of the region make a stop near the famous the Rio-Antirio Bridge. These are not ancient ruins though, but there aren`t less people who will to see the bridge with their own eyes. Rio Antirio links the banks of Corinthian Gulf and connects the cities of Antirio and Rio. And it is also considered the longest cable-stayed bridge in Europe and many Peloponnese souvenirs like magnets, postcards and paintings are decorated with its pictures.

Getting acquainted with the Peloponnese, it is necessary to remember about its natural attractions. Although the nature of the whole region is amazing in itself, there are some special places. For example, the caves of Diru are mysterious and unexplored completely. They are known as the entrance to the kingdom of Hades, and attract a large area, magnificent stalagmites and, of course, a mysterious atmosphere, thanks to which the journey through the "underworld" will be remembered for a long time. Visitors to Diru have a unique opportunity to make an unforgettable boat trip across the lake.

Orthodox pilgrims appreciate the Peloponnese for opportunity to attach themselves to rare icons and relics. Here are revered holy places and monasteries, known far beyond Greece. When choosing the Peloponnese for the pilgrimage, the monastery of St. Potapia has to be to included in the route. It is named in honor of the saint, who performed many miracles. The relics of St. Potapia are kept in monastery. The monastery itself is notable for its beautiful architecture and views of the green Peloponnese mountain slopes. Another famous monastery is the monastery of Mega-Spileo. Perhaps, this is the oldest monastery in Greece: its age is 17 centuries.

Finally (but not the least!) Peloponnese will surprise you with unusual gastronomy. And this is not only the famous olive oil and Kalamata olives, but also exquisite wine. Local wineries have already become a kind of region landmark. Only after visiting the winery of Monemvasia, the plants "Achaea Klaus" and "Nemea", we can say for sure: now you know everything about the Peloponnese.