MYTHICAL PELOPONNESE

When visiting the Peloponnese - one of the most historic areas in Greece - you will have the opportunity to discover

• 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• 60 archaeological sites
• 25 museums
• 150 traditional villages
• 15 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• 25 per cent of the Total Area is Nature
• 28 Blue Flag Beaches and counting
• E4 European Path
• Unique local customs and traditions.

The Peloponnese Region encompasses everything we love about Greece: from history to gastronomy, culture and arts to stunning scenery and beaches. The region is full of gems waiting to be discovered.

The Peloponnese region has played a key role in all eras of ancient and modern Greek history. Home to prominent Greek antiquity, Spartan and Corinthian city-states, Mycenean civilisation, Homer’s main epic tales and Hercules myths. Classical Byzantine monuments, monasteries and Venetian castles are waiting to be explored. From the Sanctuary of Asclepius and the Epidaurus Theatre to the imposing tomb of Agamemnon, the legendary King of Mycenae, to the temple of ancient Olympia, birthplace of the first Olympic Games, the Temple of Apollo Epicurus’s and the Mystras Monastery.

The Peloponnese is also known for its magnificent landscapes comprising sun-drenched sandy beaches, hidden caves and lakes, trekking paths, traditional villages and ski resorts. There is something for everyone, from sea and sun lovers, adventure seekers and wine and food indulgers to culture enthusiasts and sports fanatics.

The region has benefited from a series of quality large-scale investments, modern integrated destination resorts and luxury hotels.


Historical Sites to visit

Ancient Korinth: Corinth was one of the major cities of antiquity. It was made up of three parts; the acropolis on the hill (Acrocorinth), the city itself on a lower plateau, and its port (Lechaion) on the coast. All this was protected by a wall which ran for 20km (over 12 miles).

Mystras Castle: If you wish to encounter one of the most important Late Byzantine cities, you have to visit the historic city of Mystras. It’s situated on a rocky hill that’s north of Mount Taygetus, 6 kilometers northwest of Sparta.

Monemvasia Venetian Castle: If you want to explore the mysteries of Monemvassia, you can start your search from its magnificent castle. It’s here that the Laconians built the first wooden movable bridge that connected the rock with the shore. This novelty gave the castle its name, which means "one way" in Greek.

Epidavros Theater: The Theatre of Epidauros is one of the marvels of ancient Greece. Its position in the hills of the Argolid, surrounded by pine trees and oleanders, and its well preserved state make it a highlight of any visit to Greece.
You'll find many ancient sites in the Mediterranean which make you wonder how the people of those days built them - without the use of computers! When you first see the theatre, its size is the main thing which hits you.
But it wasn't drama which was the inspiration for the site of Epidauros. Its original purpose was a place of healing, based on the cult of Asklepios. It began in the 6C BC, reaching its zenith in the 4C BC. The theatre was added in the 4C BC by the Argive architect Polykleitos the Younger.

Mycenae: No matter how much you have already heard about Mycenae, it can’t compare to an actual visit to the site. The Acropolis of Mycenae was built on a rocky spot between two high cone-shaped hills, Profitis Elias and Sara, a location of great strategic importance.

Ancient Messene: Explore a city that is 2,500 years old, bigger than Ancient Athens and with a pioneering zoning plan that ensured the fair distribution of land, to rich and poor alike. Find out what concerts or other events are being hosted at its spectacular theater.

Ancient Olympia: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the cradle of the Olympic Games, which started during the 4th century BC, is an area of unique natural beauty where you can explore the stadium and gymnasium as well as the Museum hosting important antiquities related to the ancient Olympic Games.

Temple of Apollo Epicurius: The ancient temple from the 4th century BC is the best preserved ancient Temple in Greece, having a large part of its roof intact. It was awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO even before the before the Parthenon.

The Medieval Castles of Pylos: Head up to the new castle of Niokastro (1573) through the pretty pine forest to explore one of the best-preserved fortifications in Greece and visit the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Underwater Antiquities. Then hike to the old castle, Palaiokastro (1278), to enjoy a view of “exceptional serenity and shimmering infinity,” as poet Kostas Ouranis described it.

Methoni Castle: The most iconic fortified complex of the Peloponnese (1209), this is a jewel of Venetian-era architecture is a beautiful example of Venetian elegance. Cross the stunning bridge that leads into the castle and walk to the octagonal fortified islet known as Bourtzi to absorb the beauty of the landscape and travel mentally to ages past.

Golf: Only 45km from the airport of Kalamata, two signature golf courses are located by the sea, The Dunes Course and the Bay Course. The Dunes Course is the first 18-hole signature designed golf course in Greece located in a stunningly beautiful west- facing area. Richly endowed by nature the site overlooks magnificent sandy beach, washed by the warm clear blue waters of the Ionian Sea. The 18-hole Bay course is located in Navarino Bay, stretches along a glorious 2 km west-facing seafront offering views of the bay and breathtaking sunset.

Gastronomy: Alive with aromas and breezes and nurtured in the warmth of the sun, the land of mythical Peloponnese produces tastes and flavors that linger in the memory. Age-old traditional recipes, such as diples, lallagia and kagiana, or rooster with noodles (hylopites), prepared with fresh ingredients, are enjoyed in a spirit of harmony and true friendship. The local cuisine features numerous recipes based on extra virgin olive-oil. This precious gift of the earth has a distinctive flavor and smooth taste which make it the perfect accompaniment to vegetables, pasta, meat, fish and sweets.

Nemea Wineries: If you are a wine lover and the type of person who always wants to discover the best tastes, then in Nemea your taste buds will have a blast. You can find the biggest vineyard of the Balkans in Nemea, which is also known as the Bordeaux of South-eastern Europe

Sea & Sun

Lake Vouliagmeni: If you are looking for something exotic for your days on the beach, then you can visit Lake Vouliagmeni. This blue lake of Corinthia is just a few meters away from the sea and it charms even the most demanding visitor, with its blue colors and perfect stillness. It has white sand and warm shallow waters that get deeper as you keep going inside. The blue color of the waters is stunning and the scenery is just magical.

Glyfada: If you want to live a dreamy-like experience, then you have to visit the beach of Glyfada. It has thin sand and warm shallow waters, which are ideal for families with children. After swimming, you can visit one of the seafood tavernas of Gythio for utter relaxation.

Hinitsa: If you want to combine tranquility with liveliness, then you can find this unusual combination at the beach of Hinitsa. This sandy beach, which is 200 meters long, has rich vegetation and it gives you a feeling of remoteness, even if it’s one of the most popular beaches of Porto-Heli. The beach is organized and it’s also packed with cafés and bars, which offer you a rather vivid summer.

Bisti: If you want to find yourself on the beach that has honored Athena and Poseidon, then you have to admire Bisti Beach. It’s hidden in the pine tree forest on the egde of Ermioni and it’s full of pebbles and ruins of the ancient temples of Athena and Poseidon. It’s a great beach for a laid back day, as well as for cultural ventures. The beach is not an organized one, so make sure to take everything you need with you.

Lefki: If you want to see all the shades of emerald green, then you have to head east to the beach of Lefki. Its name means white in Greek and it may be the whitest sand you’ve ever seen, with really clear waters. Keep in mind that if the wind blows from the west or the south, Lefki keeps its calm and it’s all yours to enjoy.

Karathona: If you want to visit a beach that bursts with life all day and all night, Karathona Beach is the right choice. It’s behind the rock of Palamidi, which reveals an amazing landscape. Also, there are some cute bars and tavernas, so that you can enjoy some shade. It’s ideal for surfing or sailing, as well as evening barbeques that will make you never want to leave the beach.

Simos: If you want to experience the true deep blue sea, then you have to visit Simos Beach in Elafonissos. It consists of two beaches, Fragko (Small Simos) and Sarakiniko (Large Simos), which offer golden sand, natural dunes, and emerald waters. The camping lies a few meters away and the landscape "creates" waves of happiness.

Voidokilia: The white-sand beach shaped like a Greek “Ω” that separates Gialova Lagoon from the sea, graces numerous lists of the world’s most beautiful beaches including one of the Top 10 beaches in the world according to THE TIMES. It has been associated with the Homeric port of Ancient Pylos, one of Telemachus’s stops on his search for his father, Odysseus.

Dunes Beach: A 1.5 klm long sandy beach, facing the clear blue waters of the Ionian Sea, offering beach service and sports like kitsurfing, beach volley and lunch at seafront restaurants featuring seafood and other specialties prepared with the freshest local ingredients.

Hryssi Akti Beach: Located between the Bay of Navarino and Gialova lagoon, this long sandy strip of land provides the ideal place from which to take in the varied landscape, the island of Sfaktiria and the charming seaside town of Pylos. Finikounda Beach: A very long sandy beach peppered with beach bars, cafes and restaurants, but also offering completely pristine areas where you can quietly relax on the sand, Finikounta is a beach where everyone can find their perfect spot.

 

 




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