The southernmost geographic section of mainland Greece. Originally it was an island, but intense geological
upheavals in the region united and separated it from the mainland twice. Later, a new retreat by the sea formed the Isthmus
of Corinth. This land bridge was cut in the late 19th century to make the Corinth canal, making the Peloponnese an
island yet again. The Peloponnese (Peloponisos) is a rugged land and in its interior is highlands.
The climate is purely Mediterranean along the
coasts, unlike the centre, which has a relatively continental
climate. A mythical land whose every corner brings to mind some
Greek myth, the Peloponnese is composed of images and music,
the scents. of the sea, of the mountains, of grapes, olives,
and citrus. The cities, towns, and spas of the region were important
centres in antiquity, and remain so today. Villages seem to
grow out of the grey rock, the wild stones next to the hostile
furze. Other villages lie by the vast open sea, but everywhere
the people are vital, hospitable, haughty, and proud.
Korinthia
Three main road networks lead to places with abundant physical beauty,
important archaeological sites, land and stones testifying of other
eras. Just before we arrive at the Isthmus we have
our first view of the Peloponnese, coming to Loutraki
with its famous spas and many hotels.
After we have crossed the Isthmus, we encounter Corinth, a commercial centre and transport hub. In the archaeological
site of Ancient Corinth we find the ruins of the brilliant ancient city. Roads extend among the vast olive
groves, grain fields and vegetable plots, leading to modern villages and towns, ideal resorts. From Kiato
to ancient Sikyona and from there to Stymfalia. Then, on to Xilokastro, an interesting vacation
spot. Diakofto is the starting point for unforgettable excursions to historic Kalavryta, Mega
Spilaio (big cave) and the monastery of Agia Lavra. Magical journeys through the Vouraikos gorge,
between tall, verdant mountains with the railroad.
Truly ancient Aigio has a special attraction; the monastery of Panagia Trypiti,
which is built into the living rock. Pretty pebbled beaches can be found nearby.
Achaia
Patras, on the west coast, is Greece's window to
the Ionian Islands and Italy. Its attractive squares, neoclassical buildings, and the ruins of a castle
on top of a hill, add charm to this working harbour-city, which is the fourth largest in Greece. Enchanting shores drowning in eucalyptus
and acorn bushes, indigo waters and a vast sandy beach at Kyllini, known since antiquity for its spas.
Ilia
Further south, we encounter Pyrgos, an attractive town with
two jewels; the neoclassical buildings designed by Chiller.
Peaceful, serene, verdant, is Ancient
Olympia with the grandiose temple foundations, the
colonnades, the altars, the numerous interesting archaeological
finds crowned by that masterpiece of sculpture, the Hermes
of Praxiteles. Kaiafas is the next
spa, also known since antiquity, set amidst
a thick pine forest. The soil here is fertile, ideal for vineyards,
olive groves and citrus orchards. The roads that lead to Byzantine
monasteries, Frankish towers, ancient
temples, such as the temple of Apollo Epikourios at
Vasses, and famous palaces, such as Nestor's
palace in Pylos, begin here.
Messinia
Roads then lead to Kalamata, the capital of Messinia, with the castle of Geoffrey Villehardouin, the waterfront
lined with tavernas and pastry shops, and Mt. Taygetos proudly rearing up, while between its foothills pretty beaches can be found.
Arkadia
From Kalamata, the road sweeps up to Tripoli in the
heart of the Peloponnese, a perfect base for enchanting excursions
to Vytina, Dimitsana, and Stemnitsa,
picturesque villages clinging to the Arcadian mountains, and to Mantineia
and Lykosoura with significant ancient ruins.
Lakonia
Entering into Lakonia, we reach its capital, Sparti.
To the west is the Byzantine castle-state of Mystra
with its incredible churches, monasteries, palaces, and mansions.
Crossing the plain of Lakonia, we come to Gytheio
and from there to Areopoli, the Diros caves,
the traditional settlement of Vatheia, and passing
through virgin landscapes, steep mountaintops and deep gorges which
end up in the clear blue sea, at pristine golden beaches or pebbled
shores, we arrive at unique Monemvasia. From up high
on its castle one can see the moon rising among the waves.
Argolida
The north-eastern Peloponnese welcomes us at Argos,
the ancient strong - point, today a point of departure for Nafplio
- the first capital of free Greece - with the Bourtzi,
an islet topped by a miniature fort, and the Palamidi
rock. Ancient Tiryns and Mycenae,
the ruins of the two power centres of the ancient Mycenean world,
can also be reached from Argos. We get to Epidaurus (Epidavros)
passing through pine forests. Here in the summer, during the
Epidaurus Festival, one can appreciate the incredible acoustics
of the ancient theatre, which is next to the sanctuary of Asclepius.
We get to Epidaurus
(Epidavros) passing through pine forests. Here in the summer,
during the Epidaurus Festival, one can appreciate the incredible
acoustics of the ancient theatre, which is
next to the sanctuary of Asclepius. Apart from
Epidaurus, the Eastern Peloponnese has much physical beauty
on offer, at Ermionida, at Porto Cheli,
at Kosta and Galatas,
from where one easily crosses to Poros or Methana
with its famous spas.
