There is so much to see and do in this beautiful mainland region of Greece – and this is Part 2 of our tribute to the Peloponnese, one of the most ideal springtime destinations in the country.
There is so much to see and do in this beautiful mainland region of Greece – and this is Part 2 of our tribute to the Peloponnese, one of the most ideal springtime destinations in the country.
Today, we list more unmissable places to visit. Make sure to check out Part 1, where we reveal more spots in the Peloponnese you must visit!
Messinia
In the southwestern part of the Peloponnese, you’ll find Messinia, the bustling capital of Kalamata (famous for its olives and with an airport that receives international flights, thus giving immediate access to the region).
Only two hours’ drive away from Athens, Messinia is known for its lush landscapes, endless olive groves, gorges, and beaches. It is also the home of some of Greece’s most impressive landmarks, such as the Venetian castles of Methoni and Koroni and the beautiful villages where they stand, Nestor’s Palace and Pylos.
Visit ancient Messini near the village of Mavromati to admire the beautiful ruins of the Asclepion, an amphitheatre with a mosaic floor, the stadiums and the agora.
Mani Peninsula
When visiting the original home of the Spartans and Dorians, start at the top, at the tranquil, naturally abundant and scenic villages of Mt Taygetos, which usually is still snow-peaked during spring. Taygetos is an ideal place for adventure lovers as it has beautiful hiking trails, the best of which is at the Viros Gorge.
Admire the (fortified) tower houses, such as the Goudelis tower in Kariovouni, and spanning views and the sound of running waters that tumble from the mountains into streams. Lush yet rugged, Mani has many faces from one part to another, including quaint Byzantine churches and olive groves.
Visit the picturesque coastal towns of Stoupa and Kardamyli, which were made famous by the British travel writer Patrick Leigh Fermor, whose home can be visited upon appointment in the Outer Mani.
In the Deep Mani don’t miss the other-worldly Diros caves, head to the southernmost tip to the richly historic Cape Tenaro (across Libya), or trek up to the pretty tower houses in Vathia.
Ancient Olympia
When in the Peloponnese, it’s almost a sin to overlook the chance to go west to visit the Sanctuary of Zeus—the sacred archaeological space where the world’s first Olympic Games took place.
Apart from the lovely Archaeological Museum and Museum of the History of the Olympic Games, the site itself, a lush valley once filled with olive trees called Altis, which was created in the 8th Century BC, is awe-inspiring.
Temples, such as those of Hera and Zeus, the circular Philippeion dedicated to the Macedonian King Philip II, the training palestras, stadiums, and the Bouleuterion, are all feasts for the eyes and imagination.
The town of Olympia, in the region of Katakolo, Ilia, is unremarkable but cute for a touristy stroll with some pretty views.
Arcadia
In the central area of the Peloponnese lies mountainous Arcadia, in Greek mythology known as the land where the go Pan lived, and the idyllic mise en scene for Rennaisance paintings and Utopic 19th Century European poetry.
It was also the headquarters for General Theodoros Kolokotronis during the Greek War of Independence. Traipse through (and sample delicious traditional cuisine) at the various villages, such as Vitina, Langadia, Karytaina, and Stemnitsa. The latter is especially ideal for hiking or rafting along the Lousios river and gorge or through the thick forests and fruit trees around Mt Mainalo.
Horseshoe-shaped Dimitsana is also well worth a visit for its rich history and intriguing places, such as the Ecclesiastical Museum, Gunpowder Museum, and Open-Air Water Power Museum.
Monemvasia
Considered to be one of the most romantic places to visit in Greece, this castle town was created during the Byzantine era but was consequently inhabited by the Franks, Venetians, and Ottomans. It is stunningly fairytale-like.
It boasts the status of the only castle in Europe that has consistently been lived in, and visitors come from across the country and the world to traipse dreamily along its narrow cobblestone alleyways, stop at the lovely little stores, cafe-bars, and eateries, stay in beautiful fire-lit rooms, and take in airy, dramatic views of the Myrtoan Sea.
There are around 40 churches there, but the most impressive are the 10th-century Aghios Pavlos, the 13th-century Aghia Sophia, and Christos Elkomenos (southern Greece’s largest Medieval church).
Take selfies by the cannon or walk along the fortified path to the Upper Town to admire the perfectly maintained architecture and sea views from above.
Make sure to read part 1 of Springtime in the Peloponnese
