The Peloponnese is a peninsula in the southeast of mainland Greece. A picturesque region, with small roads winding through spectacular scenery, magnificent beaches, ancient sites and charming villages. Whether you're a history buff, a keen hiker, a water sports enthusiast or an architecture buff, there's something for everyone in the Peloponnese. Here are 15 must-see places to visit in rural Greece, in the heart of a naturally and culturally rich territory, all in an authentic atmosphere.
1. Olympia, history and relics
The birthplace of the Olympic Games, Olympia is a must-see when visiting the Peloponnese. Now a competition that brings together the world's best athletes, the history of the Olympic Games is a fascinating one to discover. The city also boasts other fascinating cultural sites, such as the Archaeology and Archimedes museums. Later, you can step back in time once again at the ancient site of Olympia, a marvel with the remains of the sanctuary, the quadrangle and other sports facilities. With its temples to Hera and Zeus, and its Olympic stadium, Olympia never ceases to amaze. And don't forget to take a stroll down Shopping Street to pick up a few souvenirs and relax in the Olympic Botanical Gardens, home to some magnificent endemic plant species.
Without further ado, discover the 15 most beautiful archaeological sites to visit in Greece and follow in the footsteps of the athletes and gods of antiquity by booking this guided tour of ancient Olympia.
2. The Corinth Canal, a breathtaking place to visit in the Peloponnese
The Corinth Canal was created in 1882 to facilitate passage between the Aegean Sea to the east and the Ionian Sea to the west. With a length of 6.3 km, the site fascinates both civil engineering and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can discover it in a variety of ways. Crossing it on a cruise ship, always a sensational experience as you contemplate the gigantic walls on either side. Or on foot. You can then go to one of the bridges or viaducts to photograph the passing boats, but also enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. And if you're an amateur bungee jumper, there's a platform on the Isthmios bridge!
3. Nafplio, a charming seaside resort
Nafplio, a must-visit city in Greece, is the ancient capital of Greece. It invites you to wander the narrow cobbled streets of its old town. These colorful streets are brimming with stores and cafés. There are also some remarkable buildings, such as the Vouleftiko mosque, the Panagia Orthodox church and the Church of the Franks. Nafplio is home to museums such as the Army Museum, a port where you can enjoy magnificent sunsets, beaches, seaside restaurants and the Bourdzi islet, with a fortress built by the Venetians. Another must-see is the citadel of Palamede, towering 246 m above the bay of Nafplio.
Enjoy a wonderful walking tour of Nafplio, one of Greece's most romantic cities, by booking right here.
4. Mystras and Sparta, must-see cities in the Peloponnese
Mystras and Sparta are only 5 km apart. The former is a Byzantine city in the south-east of the Peloponnese. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the lower town is dotted with religious buildings. The upper town houses the castle and offers breathtaking views over the Sparta valley. A trip to Sparta is a must. Considered Athens' rival, Sparta is home to magnificent ruins and a fascinating Archaeological Museum. The ancient city is surrounded by magnificent nature. You can also take time out for a coffee in the modern city.
Discover the history of ancient and medieval Greece by visiting the Corinth Canal, Sparta and Mystras on this guided tour.
5. Elafonissos, the emerald island of the Peloponnese
Elafonisos, one of the most beautiful places in Greece, is an island in the south of the Peloponnese. It's the place to go to relax and soak up the sun. Its natural landscapes are incredible, with gentle hills and sand dunes. Start with a stroll through the village, famous for its white houses with red tiles and tavernas. Then it's on to Simos beach, with its white sands and turquoise waters. The setting is perfect for swimming on sunny days, or relaxing with a book. Less crowded in high season, Kato Nisi is another beautiful stretch of sand in Elafonissos.
6. Mycenae, another ancient splendor
Mycenae, one of the world's most beautiful ruins, is one of the most important ancient Greek sites. Situated on a hill between the Profitis Ilias and Zara mountains, it invites visitors to immerse themselves in the history of the mighty Mycenaean civilization and discover its jewels: theacropolis, the ramparts, the Lions' Gate, the tomb circles and the Treasury of Atreus, one of the monumental domed tombs. The remains of what was once the main residence of the famous king Agamemnon are of rare beauty. Travellers can discover them on their own or on a guided tour. During your visit, don't miss a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Mycenae.
Book my ticket for the archaeological site of Mycenae
7. Monemvasia, an exceptional medieval city
Nicknamed "The Gibraltar of the East", Monemvasia is one of the most beautiful discoveries of a trip to the Peloponnese. This Byzantine and Venetian citadel, which stands on a huge rock, has an old town surrounded by ramparts. Take the time to wander through the streets and alleys, admiring the stone houses with their cameo clay tiles, and the churches with their rounded domes. You can also stop off at the shops and take a seat on a restaurant terrace to try the local homemade pasta, known as "gonguès". The view of the surrounding countryside from the citadel is breathtaking. One of the most beautiful in Europe!
8. Visit Epidaurus and its theater, a marvel of the Peloponnese
A small town on the northeastern coast of the Peloponnese, surrounded by a magnificent valley, Epidaurus is known the world over for its sublime theater. Built in the 4th century BC by Polyclitus the Younger, its state of preservation is remarkable. It is still used today for festival performances. Epidaurus also boasts a number of other remains, including the Temple of Asclepius, the circular white marble construction of columns known as Tholos, and the stadium dating from the 5th century BC. You can also visit the Archaeological Museum to admire archaeological finds from the surrounding area.
Book my guided tour of the theater of Epidaurus
9. Pylos, a seaside resort
The charming seaside town of Pylos lies on the southwest coast of the Peloponnese. You can soak up its atmosphere as you stroll up and down its streets, stroll along the harbor and stop off at its main square, where cafés and restaurants are concentrated. Visitors can schedule a visit to Niokastro Castle, then head out into the surrounding countryside to discover the natural world. These include the Kalamaris waterfalls and Voidokilia beach. Voidokilia beach, shaped like a horseshoe, invites you to sit back on its white sand and enjoy the lagoon-like turquoise sea.
10. The Vouraïkos Gorge and its cog railway
Over the centuries, the River Vouraïkos has carved out splendid gorges in the mountains. One of the must-do activities in the Peloponnese is to climb aboard the cogwheel train, which travels 22 km through this natural beauty, between the coastal town of Diakofto and Kalavrita. The train passes through tunnels and over viaducts, and the scenery is one of dizzying peaks, plains, forests and waterways. For the more courageous, why not follow the route on foot?
11. Visit Vathia, an abandoned village in the Peloponnese
A walk through an abandoned village is always a special experience, with the feeling of being in a movie. Vathia stands proudly atop a hill on the Magne peninsula. From the clan wars of 1764 until after the Second World War, the village was gradually depopulated until it became a ghost town. Today, the curious come to admire its traditional 18th-century stone houses, while enjoying lovely panoramic views of the sea and mountains. Other pretty villages in the Magne region include Areopoli and Limeni, this time inhabited. This unspoilt region also offers great hiking opportunities.
12. Kalamata, an emerging city
Just 280 km from Athens, Kalamata is the second largest city in the Peloponnese. Nestling by the sea, it boasts a historic center with traditional shops and tavernas, museums and the charming Byzantine church of Aghioi Apostoli. The new town offers a more seaside atmosphere, with hotels, restaurants, discos, ouzo bars and water sports in the summer months. Every Wednesday and Saturday until 1 p.m., the market is an opportunity to stock up on local produce, with fish, seafood, cheeses and the unmissable Kalamata olive. The town is surrounded by fertile land and is renowned for its production of excellent PDO olive oil.
13. Nemea, archaeological site and wine
In the northeastern Peloponnese, Nemea is an ideal destination for a day trip. The visit begins at the archaeological site of Nemea, famous for the myth of Hercules and the lion skin of Nemea. In Greek mythology, this was the first of the 12 labors of Heracles, who had to kill this ferocious, impenetrable beast. This ancient site includes a temple dedicated to Zeus and a whole organization around the games. The stadium is spectacular! You should also take advantage of your stay to sample some excellent local wines. Indeed, Nemea is home to the oldest vineyards in Greece.
14. What to do in the Peloponnese? Photograph the wreck of the Dimitrios
In the south of the Peloponnese, 5 km from the picturesque village of Gythio, lies the beach of Valtaki. It's a long stretch of fine sand bordered by a turquoise sea. It's a place of great interest to beachgoers and photographers alike, since it's here that the wreck of the Dimitrios has lain since December 23, 1981, when it ran aground. It's impressive to see how close to the shore it is, ideal for getting up close and personal and photographing it. Many myths surround this boat. Some claim it was one of the illegal cigarette boats of the time, others that it is a ghost ship with no known owner.
One of the most Instagrammable places in Europe!
15. Kalavrita, mountain village
Kalavrita is a pretty mountain village in the Peloponnese. It's a very pleasant place to stay, with shops, cafés and tavernas serving culinary specialities. It's a pleasant destination in any season. In winter, it's just 15 km from the ski resort on Mount Chelmos. But also in summer for hiking, biking, kayaking and rafting. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities in the area. Also worth a visit is the small Municipal Holocaust Museum, which recounts the atrocity of war, Nazi massacres, arson and looting that took place in the village.
What to visit in the Peloponnese in 7 days?
The Peloponnese adventure begins in Corinth, where you'll marvel at the Corinth Canal, an impressive feat of engineering and another of Greece's most Instagrammable spots. Then it's back to ancient history with a visit to ancient Corinth. On the second day, we head for Epidaurus to discover its magnificent amphitheatre, before heading for Mycenae, famous for its ruins and the Lions' Gate. Nafplio, with its Venetian fortresses and picturesque coastal atmosphere, awaits travellers on the third day. Sparta and Mystra take us back into Byzantine history. Monemvasia, with its medieval alleyways and panoramic sea views, is the next surprise. The sixth day is devoted to the caves of Diros and the charming villages of Magne. Finally, we end the day in Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games, with a visit to its ruins and fascinating museum.
The good thing is that the Peloponnese is a region that enjoys mild temperatures all year round.
What are the most beautiful villages in the Peloponnese?
The Peloponnese is one of those regions of Greece that enchant lovers of beautiful villages. To the south of the Magne peninsula, Gythio reveals its colorful buildings on the shores of the Aegean Sea. Monemvasia is a fortified city whose stones are perfectly suited to the rock on which it stands. A truly unusual place! And don't miss the traditional buildings of Gerolimenas, a peaceful village on the edge of a turquoise sea. Then there's Kosmás, a mountain village in the eastern Peloponnese. The ideal place to relax in a café away from the crowds, in the shade of a plane tree and over a traditional pastry.
What are the most beautiful beaches in the Peloponnese?
The Peloponnese abounds in magnificent beaches. Voidokilia, shaped like a horseshoe, is one of the most iconic, with its turquoise waters and golden sand. Simos Beach, on the island of Elafonisos, leaves visitors stunned by the beauty of its paradisiacal landscape. Foneas Beach, near Kardamyli, offers a wild setting with white pebbles and crystal-clear waters. For families, Stoupa Beach is the perfect place to discover, with its peaceful atmosphere and seaside tavernas. Finally, Kalogria Beach, in the western Peloponnese, combines sand dunes and shallow waters, ideal for relaxation.
Did you enjoy your trip to the Peloponnese? Discover our itinerary for a 7-day sailboat cruise in Greece, as well as our must-see destinations in 2024!
