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Peloponnese Travel Guide

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Peloponnese is a region in Greece.

Contents

Regions

Cities

  • Sparta - This historic city has a population of 10,000. It has two main arteries which make navigation really easy. To the west of the City is the beautiful, rugged Mt. Taygetos. The byzantine city of Mystras is a short 15 minute ride away. This has relics worthy of a visit. There is a musuem in Sparta housing some artifacts.
  • Gytheion - A small fishing village. Nice seafood restaurants with plenty of beaches in the area mostly frequented by locals. Nearby Caves of Dyros is a large limestone cave system which is toured on a boat. Here you will find the point where Helen of Troy is said to have started the Trojan War. "The woman who launched a thousand ships."
  • Monemvassia - The Rock of Gibraltar of Greece. Really pretty with an ancient walled city.
  • Ancient Olympia - Birthplace of the Olympics.
  • Patra - Pretty non-descript city. Main point of arrival for ferries from Italy and Ionian islands.
  • Nafplion - A good base to explore surrounding area which includes Epidaurus the largest outdoor amphitheatre with PERFECT acoustics. If you sit at the top sit, you can hear a pin drop on the stage, literally. Catch an ancient play in the summertime.
  • Mycenae - The ruins of one of the first civilizations of Greece.
  • Pylos - Very picturesque city in the southwest. Many French-style buildings, as well as a marina and a gloriously shady square.
  • Kalamata - Main city of Messinia Province. Famous for its olives but also a pleasant city with an attractive seafront and stylish new marina.

Other destinations

  • Gialova - An exceptionally pretty fishing village near Pylos in the Southwest. There are a couple of nice hotels to stay in, as well as an excellent campsite. The village also boasts several fine eateries, none of which are too expensive.
  • Methoni - A seaside town south of Pylos. Its main feature is a spectacularly positioned and well preserved castle, which contains both Venetian and Ottoman elements. The town itself is also pleasingly old, and there is a small but delightful beach near the castle.
  • Finikounda - A smaller town about 10 minutes drive from Methoni. It is a little more touristy, but does offer wonderful beaches and some nice tavernas.

Understand

Talk

Get in

From Athens, by car or bus. To get to Sparta takes around 3 hours. Patras is around 5. Kalamata is around 4.5 hours.

Get around

Car or KTEL bus.

See

  • Corinth Canal.
Departure from Diakofta: 6.58; 9.22; 11.48; 14.38
Departure from Kalavrita: 8.09; 10.34; 13.18; 15.51
  • Porto Kagio, southern point of Europe

Do

  • Bungy jumping into Corith Channel:
Zulu Bungy, http://www.zulubungy.com, +30 210 514-7051, +30 6932 702-535.
Operating months: April-Oct
Operating days:
  • Apr 01 - Jun 14: Sat, Sun
  • Jun 15 - Sep 15: daily except Mon&Tue
  • Sep 16 - Oct 30: Sat, Sun
Operating time:
  • Apr: 12am - 5pm
  • May 01 - Jun 14: 12am - 6pm
  • Jun 15 - Aug 31: 12am - 7pm
  • Sep: 12am - 6pm
  • Oct: 12am - 5pm
  • closed Dec - Mar
  • White-water activities.
Providers:
  • Windsurfing
  • Yachting

Buy

Ceramics and sculptures from Atelier Sud art gallery near Finikounda. Inventive and evocative work by two very talented artists.

Eat

Koriatiki, Saganaki, Tyropitakia, Souvlaki, Moussaka, Pastisio, Gemista etc.

More specifically, try 'Taverna O Morias' in Gialova (near Pylos) for the best in quality Greek food cooked with genuine passion.

Drink

All the classic Greek stuff. Ouzo will obviously feature heavily, as will the local wine (don't be put off by plastic bottles). For those of a hardier constitution, Metaxa (Greek brandy) can make a fine end to an evening.

Stay safe

Get out

  • Stay in Nafplion and drive in radial directions to ancient sightseeing, one destination a day.


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