In the Peloponnese options for activities and exploration are many, while ideally you should devote 15-20 days to discover it in depth. Picturesque villages, endless beaches, unique caves and archaeological sites will fill your time and complete the road trip. From the special Leonidio to the historic Karitena and from the cave of the lakes to the Greek fjords, the Peloponnese will always have more than one reasons to visit it…

Discover many more attractions in the Peloponnese

Gythio, the newest capital of Laconian Mani, will enchant you with its grace and island character. The pier with the hung octopi, the colorful neoclassical houses and clean turquoise waters compose a wonderful scenery that will enthuse your camera lens. Visit the Kranai islet, where Helen of Troy and Paris found refuge, the ancient town with the theater and the chapel of Ayioi Pantes with the panoramic view. The visit to Gythio is of course accompanied by fresh fish from the locals’ trawlers.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours

 The know-it-all says: Its name means “Land of the gods”!

Mycenae is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Peloponnese and it is included in UNESCO’s catalogues since 1999. It is built on a hill and consists of the acropolis, the walls and the tombs. On the tour you will see the Lions’ Gate, the Cyclopean Walls, the tomb of Clytemnestra, while a few meters farther you will see the famous domed tomb of Agamemnon, a.k.a. the Treasury of Atreus. In the archaeological site there is also a museum with many finds from the ruins of this glorious city.

Suggested visit time: 30 minutes-1 hour
Open: November-March 08:30-15:30, April-August 08:00-20:00, September 08:00-19:00 & October 08:00-18:00.
Cost: Adults 12€, Reduced 6€ (persons over the age of 65 & students). Free entrance to persons with disabilities and the unemployed.

 The know-it-all says: The average thickness of the walls is 5.20 meters, while their initial height is estimated at 12 meters!

Kalavryta, the mountainous town of the region of Arcadia, is a tourist magnet, especially during the winter months. Its ski center, guesthouses with fireplaces and the snowy landscape compose the ideal destination for a relaxing weekend. Nonetheless, if someone visits Kalavryta in the rest of the seasons, they will be impressed by its beauty, as well as by the activities it offers. Do not miss a ride with the legendary Odontotos train, as well as a hiking experience at the gorge of Vouraikos.

Suggested visit time: 1 day

 The know-it-all says: According to the legend, the Greek Revolution of 1821 began at the monastery of Ayia Lavra!

If you think that only Norway can gloat about its fjords, then you have not been at Laconian Gerakas. The Greek fjord is located close to Monemvasia and is increasingly becoming more known to travelers, due to its location and beauty. At its edge you will find the sheltered port of Gerakas, with the green, clean waters and whitewashed houses. Walk along the port, go up to the ancient town of Zarakas and eat some fresh fish at one of its taverns.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours

 The know-it-all says: The lagoon of Gerakas is about 400 acres!

Stemnitsa, Karytena, Andritsena, three villages in different districts, but with similar characteristics being the long history, narrow streets, quiet way of life and pleasant people. At Stemnitsa you will drink some tsipouro at the square, buy hand-made jewelry and eat almonds. At Karitena you will go up to the medieval castle, where Kolokotronis fought, and gaze at the valley of Megalopoli. Finally, at Andritsena you will drink your coffee under the perennial plane trees, wander around the stone-built mansions and visit the Folk Museum. Close to the villages you will find countless hiking trails, famous stone bridges and the renowned Apollo Epicurius.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours

 The know-it-all says: The square of Andritsena hosts the “Trani Vrysi”, the oldest fountain of the Peloponnese!

If you are not a fan of uphill hikes in mountains and forests, then we have for you the Foloi Forest. No, we are not joking. The Foloi Forest is the only flat forest in Greece! The amazing oak forest is located 20km away from Ancient Olympia, while it is also known as Ilea’s balcony or the forest of the Centaurs. 42,000 acres await you for unique hikes, or rides with a bike or a 4×4. Follow one of the dozens of trails and admire the valley of Alfios River, the creeks and stone-built bridges of the area.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours

 The know-it-all says: In the forest there are around 5,000,000 trees that reach up to 20 meters!

Kalamata, the greek city widely known for its tasty olives, hand-made handkerchiefs and traditional dance, must “steal” some of your time. The Messinian capital surprises the visitor as it offers rich history, unique flavors and unforgettable moments of entertainment. During your visit, it is worth going up to the Frankish castle with the panoramic view of the city, get inside the Kalogreon Monastery (Monastery of the Nuns) and the church of Ayioi Apostoloi and walk in the railway park. Explore the old town, pass by the central square and walk along the beautiful coastal Navarinou street, next to the palm trees and the wonderful golden beach.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours

 The know-it-all says: The “Kalamon” olives that are produced in the region of Messinia are sold with the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) “Kalamata”!

Between Elafonissos and the port of Pounta, four meters below the surface of the sea, hides an entire city. Pavlopetri, a 5,000-year-old city, was once a blooming textile industry, and due to a powerful earthquake it got lost in the bottom of the sea. Even though scuba-diving is prohibited, snorkeling at Pavlopetri is a pleasant way to explore it. Before the sunken city you find the Stroggyli lagoon, one of the most important wetlands in the area (Natura 2000).

Suggested visit time: 1 hour

 The know-it-all says: It is the most ancient sunken city it the world!

Kaiafas is located in the regional unit of Ilea, a bit outside the village of Zacharo, and it is known for its thermal springs. The lush green paradise, apart from the thermal baths, also surrounds a small lake, while it stretches over to the coastline, including a large area of sandy beach. It operates as a resort for those who wish to have hydrotherapy and do water sports inside a beautiful natural landscape. Between the pine forest and the beach you will find the old, picturesque train station (see photo).

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Always, Baths: 08:00-20:00
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: The temperature of the thermal waters ranges at 32-34°!

The fans of drone-taken photographs must put this island high on their list, as we are talking about the famous heart-shaped island! Actually, it is the small island on the south side of Sapientza. The main island (Sapientza) is uninhabited and has lush green, pristine vegetation and crystal-clear waters. You can swim in the golden beach of Ammos, swim over roman sarcophagi and walk to its southernmost point, where you will see rare plant species, as well as Cretan goats (Kri-Kris).

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours

 The know-it-all says: South of the Messinian Oinousses is the Oinousses Shaft, or trench, which is the deepest spot of the Mediterranean (5,267m)!

One of the most beautiful and well hidden beaches of the Laconian land is the Beach of Vlychada or Glyfada. It is located in the area of Zarakas, between Kyparissi and Monemvasia. White, pebbled, with cold, deep and clean waters, it is the perfect spot for a few dives. Although it is not organized, in the summer months there is a food truck, while the large parking space is suitable for camping. Do not get discouraged by the remote and inaccessible location, the combination of mountain and sea and the color contrasts will compensate you.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours

 The know-it-all says: At the beaches of the Laconian bay, the Caretta Caretta turtles create around 200 nests a year!

The Cave of the Lakes is not yet another impressive cave of the Peloponnese, but a unique geological phenomenon in the entire world. It is located in the village of Kastria, holed up in the mountain range of Helmos, just 17km outside of Kalavryta. The cave’s uniqueness is based on its continuous and cascading lakes (13!), as well as to the different stalactite formations. On the tour you will only cross a small part of the cave, while the specialized tour guide will inform you about its history and morphology.

Suggested visit time: 30 minutes
Open: Every day 09:30-16:30
Cost: Adults 9€, Children 4.50€, Students / Multi-child families / Unemployed and persons over the age of 65 (Upon showing of the respective document): 4.50€.

 The know-it-all says: Hippopotamus fossils were discovered inside the cave!

Patras, the widely known city of the carnival, hides beauties that you can discover all seasons of the year. Start your walk at the port and the beautiful church of patron saint Ayios Andreas, then walk in the streets of the old town with the neoclassical houses and grand villas and finally, follow Agiou Nikolaou street to go up to the Patras Fortress and gaze at the city from above. Close to Patras you will find wineries to taste the PDO Mavrodaphne wine, beaches with crystal waters as well as the impressive bridge of Rio-Antirio.

Suggested visit time: 3-4 hours

 The know-it-all says: The holy temple of Ayios Andreas has the largest dome in Greece and fits 5,000 people!

The temple of Apollo Epicurius is located in the village of Vasses in ancient Figalia, in central Peloponnese. The imposing temple is a work of Ictinus, one of the two architects of the Parthenon, this is why it is called “the Parthenon of the Peloponnese”. The well-maintained and impressive construct is the only one that combines all three architectural orders (Doric, Ionic and Corinthian). Unfortunately, for maintenance purposes, the building is covered and as a result loses part of its splendor.

Suggested visit time: 1 hour
Open: Every day 08:00-20:00
Cost: 6€

 The know-it-all says: It is the first monument in Greece that was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Monument, in 1986!

Those of you that cannot travel to Paris for a photograph with the Eiffel Tower, just swing by to Filiatra of Messinia. Over there, there is a replica of the world-renowned French Tower…only 300 meters shorter! The donation of Haralampos Fournarakis (Harry Fournier) adorns the city since 1960, while the photographs with the “famous” tower at the background will even fool the most well-traveled. In the town, apart from the Eiffel Tower, you can also see the huge Geographical Globe (in front of the high-school of Filiatra) and the Medieval Castle of Fairytales.

Suggested visit time: 20 minutes–40 minutes

 The know-it-all says: It is one of the 30+ replicas that exist in the world!

Finikounda is a small coastal residential area in Messinia. Despite being considered as one of the most tourist-attracting resorts of South Peloponnese, it is characterized by quiet and peacefulness. The famous beach, with the golden sand and blue waters, stretches across the houses. After you visit the sea, enjoy some fresh fish at one of the taverns, having at the background the largest island of the Messinian Oinousses, Schiza. Finikounda is also a rallying point for close excursions to Koroni, Methoni and Pylos.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours

 The know-it-all says: It used to also be known as a tavern, as fishermen would stop there to rest and have a meal!

The Leonidio-Kosmas route should not be missing from a road-trip in the Peloponnese. The road passes through the Dafnonas gorge and the steep slopes of Parnonas, offering images of the Peloponnese’s wild beauty. At the middle of the trail, perched on the red slopes, the Monastery of Eloni will appear before you, as if it is hovering in the air. The road continues and ends up at the traditional residential district of Kosmas, where you can enjoy a coffee at its square, a meal with local meats or a syrupy sweet with honey, from the fir forest of Parnonas.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours

 The know-it-all says: The route of Leonidio-Kosmas-Skala of Laconia is called the “Road of the 100 days”, as it was completed in 100 days!

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