Beautiful places in the Peloponnese. Peloponnese, Greece: attractions, beaches, resorts, the most interesting places. Back to the past, to Ancient Messina

I first came to the Peloponnese 6 years ago, when I was looking for a more civilized and inexpensive alternative to Montenegro and Croatia. The first delight grew first into passion, and then became true love.

The Peloponnese is a huge peninsula, and you won’t be able to get to know it in one trip. It's worth starting by answering the questions:

• When do I want to go?
• What do I want to do?
• How will I get around?

Oddly enough, the issue of cost may remain behind the scenes - as soon as you find yourself in places far from the tourist mainstream, or fall outside the high season, trips become very inexpensive, especially by European standards. If you are interested in history, then the Peloponnese is for you will truly amaze you. Everything here breathes Homer, here you can wander through the “gold-rich Mycenae”, bathe in the spring of Helen the Beautiful or go to the sources of the Styx, in which the mother bathed little Achilles. Here Hercules performed his most striking feats and it was here that the history of the Olympic Games began.

If you like active holidays, the Peloponnese will delight you with alpine skiing, rafting, and picturesque walking and wagon routes. Those who like to lie in the sun will not be disappointed either - beaches here can be found to suit every taste.

For food lovers, with the right approach, an unforgettable experience awaits you in the Peloponnese. Not only every district, but also every place can boast of some unique taste. The northern part of the peninsula is riddled with “wine roads”: local wines are known throughout the world and receive the highest awards at international competitions. Nearby, in small family cheese dairies, you can try unique local varieties of cheese. In the mountains of Arcadia, excellent honey is collected, and jams are made everywhere from anything, including olives. Olives and olive oil in the Peloponnese are a separate issue and each region has its own varieties.

I hope that my review, full of love and tenderness for the Peloponnese, will help you decide on the time and place of your next trip.

How to get there

The road to the Peloponnese is an equation with several unknowns. First you need to decide on the geography of your trip. If you are traveling north - to Corinthia, Achaia or Argolis - then it is definitely easier to fly to Athens and then travel further by land. If you are traveling to the South or South-West coast, then it makes sense to fly to Kalamata. The West Coast is easier to reach via Patras. Let me make a reservation right away: you will most likely have to travel here from other Russian cities through Moscow. A direct plane from St. Petersburg to Athens also exists, but its cost is significantly higher, and the schedule leaves much to be desired.

The next question is how do you plan to relax? Choose a specific place and, if possible, make forays around it, or you want to have a real road adventure, moving from place to place. In the second case, I recommend traveling through - there are more flight options, the cheapest car rentals and an excellent bus station, from where you can go to almost any corner you like.

By plane

The northern part of the peninsula is accessible for flights via Athens, which allows you to save on tickets. Ticket prices vary greatly depending on the season and the planning period. My personal experience shows that it is cheapest to fly with Aegean Airlines or Elinair, and there is no point in messing with charter flights to Athens.

Prices for direct flights from Moscow in high season start from 250 EUR for a round trip ticket. Tickets from St. Petersburg will cost at least 50 euros more. Depending on the fare, you may have to pay extra for luggage from 30 EUR per bag of 20–23 kg. To catch these prices, I book summer flights no later than March-April. If you are unable to plan in advance, then most likely tickets will cost you from 350 EUR per person.

If you have the opportunity to choose, then it is best to travel to the Peloponnese, and throughout Greece, outside the high season. I constantly monitor airline sales and, in my experience, it is quite possible to buy tickets, for example, for 130–150 EUR round trip, even with departure from St. Petersburg. A maximum discount of 30% (from a known lower price) is usually available when booking 4-6 months before the trip, in addition, there are one-time promotions of discounts on the destination. You can save prices for bylits on current dates.

How to get to the Peloponnese

You will have to travel at least 400 km from Athens to the south, southeast and southwest of the Peloponnese, so if you are not afraid of a charter flight or a tedious wait for a connecting flight, you can choose one of two airports located directly in the Peloponnese.

The most convenient of them is Kalamata Airport in the southern part of the peninsula. From here it is convenient to get to Laconia (Monemvasia, Mani, Gythio) and Messinia (Koroni, Methoni, Pylos). From the beginning of June to the end of September, direct flights from Moscow fly here on Tuesdays and Sundays. Ticket prices for early birds start from 330 EUR for a round trip. If you are not afraid of transfers or if you have no other choice, then you can get here by Lufthansa via or Aegean Airlines via Athens, but you will hardly be able to save money on such a flight.

The second airport of the Peloponnese, Araxos, is located on the western tip of the peninsula near Patras, the third most populous city in Greece. From here it is convenient to get to the western part of Achaia (Patras, Kalavryta), Ilia (Pyrgos, Olympia) and Arcadia (and the famous mountain villages). From the end of May to the beginning of October, charter flights from Moscow fly here 4 times a week. Ticket prices start from 380 EUR for a round trip flight. Despite the popularity of the destination, it is unfortunately impossible to get here outside the summer season.

By train

I live in the north of the Peloponnese and usually get here from Athens by train. If you need to get to Achaia or Corinthia, this is the most economical and convenient option, especially if you fly into Athens International Airport: the train station is located nearby and connected to the airport by a glass walkway.

However, you need to take into account that the railway is currently being reconstructed and the train itself will only take you to Chiato, a small town in Corinthia. Next, the OSE railway company offers travelers to transfer to a special bus that can take you to Patras. Trains run every hour and a bus goes directly to the train at the final station. Most often it is an express bus; the bus stops in Diakofto 4 times a day.

The fare from Athens International Airport to Kyato is 14 EUR. Children under 12 years old enjoy a 50% discount. The cost of travel by bus is added to the fare; depending on the destination, you will have to pay an additional 4–6 EUR. The bus ticket can be purchased both at the departure station and in Kyato.

In addition to the main railway line, the Dyakofto-Kalavryta tourist railway also operates in the Peloponnese, which not only brings everyone to this popular ski resort, but is also a landmark and a kind of attraction in itself.

By bus

The bus often turns out to be the most convenient public transport that will take you anywhere in the Peloponnese. Intercity passenger transportation is provided by KTEL. All buses are equipped with air conditioning and often have Wi-Fi. The roads are mostly excellent, although in the mountainous areas they are quite winding, and the views are simply unforgettable.

The main difficulty for an inexperienced traveler is getting to the central bus station from the arrival airport. To get to the bus stations in Araxos and Kalamata, you will have to use a taxi. At the Athens airport, in addition to a taxi (price 35–40 EUR), you can use the special express X93, which departs every 30–40 minutes from a stop between gates 4 and 5 on the “arrivals” level. Travel time to the bus station is about an hour. This is the final stop, so it's impossible to miss. The fare is 6–8 EUR.

There is always information in English at the bus station, and people around will be happy to help you find your stop and not confuse the bus. The fare is very reasonable and depends on the distance, for example, a trip from Athens to Kalamata will cost about 25 EUR.

By car

A rented car is the most convenient way to travel around the Peloponnese, which not only completely frees your hands, but also often allows you to save money compared to public transport.

The road to the Peloponnese from Athens airport is an excellent highway, for which you will have to pay about 7 EUR to get to the Corinth Canal, which separates the peninsula from the mainland. Of course, you can drive along the old free road, but in this case you will have to spend 4 hours instead of one.

After crossing the channel, you will have a choice: go east to the northern part of Argolis (Epidaurus, Methana, Ermioni), continue deeper into the peninsula (Nafpaktia, Arcadia, Laconia, Messinia) and or go west (Corinthia, Achaia, Ilia, western part of Messinia). At the same time, you will always have an alternative to toll roads. Moreover, it cannot be said that free is worse. On the contrary, you will miss a lot when traveling by highway. But if time is your main value, feel free to take the toll road, the savings are more than significant.

By ferry

It is worth going by ferry to the Peloponnese only in 2 cases. If you are traveling from Italy or if you want to visit Aegina, Agistri or Poros on the way to the Peloponnese.

The ferry from Italy is convenient for those who decide to get to Greece by car through central Europe. For example, you can see Venice, and then drive along the sea (30 hours), so that in Patras you can emerge from the cargo deck in your own car and go wherever your eyes take you. If a 30-hour boat trip is too much for you, you can take a ferry from Ancona (23 hours) or to Bari (17.5 hours). This is the fastest and most inexpensive ferry; a ticket for a company of 4 people, for example 2 adults with 2 children in a regular car, will cost at least 400 EUR one way.

The second route to the Peloponnese by ferry begins in Piraeus, the port of Athens, which can be reached by metro, city buses, and taxi. The minimum cost of a ferry from the same company will be about 60 EUR. The cost when traveling with a car and visiting, for example, beautiful Aegina by road, will cost 2 times more.

Clue:

Peloponnese - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Ekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season? When is the best time to go

The Peloponnese is beautiful all year round. I will not even undertake to recommend any particular season, because in this way I would be detracting from the beauty and benefits of other seasons. So, whenever your long-awaited vacation comes, the Peloponnese will have something to please you with.

Peloponnese in summer

The beginning of June in the Peloponnese is wonderful with its freshness and lack of crowds of vacationers. The weather may still be unstable and the sea not warm enough (+20–22 °C). To relax by the sea at this time, it is better to go to the west coast, as well as to Messinia and Laconia. There are many sandy beaches with shallow water, so the sea warms up faster.

The end of June begins the most successful period for traveling beyond the warm sea with a minimum of people and relatively low prices. The influx of tourists begins in the second half of July, and along with the increase in the number of people, the quality of your vacation will decrease. This rule, unfortunately, applies everywhere in the Peloponnese and especially affects the quality of food in coastal taverns.

When planning a holiday by the sea in July and August, I always preferred the coast of the Gulf of Corinth in the northern Peloponnese. Thanks to the dense greenery and protection from hot southern winds, it is always a little cooler here, and lower humidity and a constant breeze make it easier to endure even extreme heat. An alternative could be the northern and eastern coasts of Argolis.

Peloponnese in autumn

Classes in Greek schools begin on September 15, so you should go for the velvet season from the second half of September to mid-October. At this time, the sea is at its best - stunningly viscous, calm, transparent, very comfortable temperature with a subtle autumnal note. And the weather pleases with mild warmth and calm, albeit cool, evenings. The average water temperature in September is +25 °C, in October +23 °C; The air during the day usually warms up within +25-30 °C. You can go anywhere at this time, the whole Peloponnese is beautiful.

After October 15, changes in the weather become more noticeable, it starts to rain, it can be windy and cool (+18-20 °C). The sea is still quite warm (+21-23 °C), so Russians who are accustomed to river water can easily swim. At this time, golden autumn begins, which can only be seen in the mountains, for example in the unique oak forest of Foloi, where islands of lush green grass in the clearings contrast brightly with a thick golden carpet of oak leaves.

Peloponnese in spring

In fact, spring in the Peloponnese begins in the last ten days of February. There are more and more sunny and dry days, and daytime temperatures rise to +16-18 °C, or even higher. Almonds and magnolias begin to bloom, and the air is filled with the scent of honey. The beginning of spring is best for traveling to the archaeological sites of the Peloponnese; thousand-year-old ruins are covered with a colorful carpet of flowers and you get the feeling that you have found yourself in a Hayao Miyazaki cartoon.

The big spring, which for us is more like summer, begins in the second half of April. At this time, on the coast you can admire the blooming tamarisks and eucalyptus, and the roadsides turn red with poppies. If you are lucky and the summer-like hot weather lasts for several days in a row, the sea can easily warm up to +22-23 °C.

At this time it is good to travel to towns that are crowded with tourists in the summer season, for example, stay in Monemvasya, Nafplio or Pylos. Each of them is also the key to an entire region.

Peloponnese in winter

Winter for me is the best time to visit the Peloponnese. The fact is that it is in winter that the climatic difference between Greece and Russia is most strongly felt. Daylight here lasts significantly longer, and there is much more sun itself. Statistically, a week has a couple of rainy days, one cloudy day, and the rest of the time resembles a nice day in the cavalry of October or early April. On average, daytime temperatures are around +12-14 °C; cold snaps occur, when the temperature drops below +10 °C, and warming up to +16-18 °C. Of course, we are talking about the coast. In the mountains, temperatures are 10-15 degrees lower and snow falls, which allows ski resorts to operate.

To celebrate Christmas and New Year, it is better to choose a lively city such as Nafplio. If you like a fireplace-mulled-wine-snowballs atmosphere, you can visit the tourist villages in the mountains that serve local ski resorts, such as Trikala, Zarukhla or Kalavrita.

In mid-January, a real miracle begins - alkeonids - something like our Indian summer, but only in the middle of winter. The temperature rises to +16-18 °C and the weather is calm and sunny. This phenomenon usually lasts about a week and gives the bravest the opportunity to swim. In fact, sea water in January is warmer than in March and usually stays around +17 °C. In the shallow waters of lagoons, or where thermal springs flow into the sea, temperatures can reach +20 °C.

In February, preparations for the upcoming carnival begin. The largest of them, not only in the Peloponnese, but throughout Greece, takes place in Patras. If you want to see a more ancient version, you can go to one of the villages of mountainous Arcadia, and if you want to see the “Venetian carnival,” then to Nafplio.

Clue:

Peloponnese - weather by month

What are the prices for holidays?

The Peloponnese offers holidays for every budget. Even in high season, you can find prices around 30 EUR for a double room per day. It is more difficult to find luxury and an exclusive level of services. The general rule is: the more famous the place, the more expensive it is.

Food in taverns here is somewhat cheaper than in more tourist-developed regions. If you exclude fish and exclusive restaurants, then the average bill will be 10–15 EUR per person with alcohol (house wine). In a regular fish tavern you will have to pay from 20 EUR per person.

The cost of tickets to attractions of the first magnitude (Olympia, Mycenae) is 12 EUR (children under 18 years of age visit sites and museums for free), for less significant ones - 6-8 EUR, entrances to local museums usually cost 3 EUR. Recreational attractions such as caves cost about the same, but there is a 30–50% discount for children

You can save money by visiting attractions on special days when admission is free. Each location may have its own additional days, but the general list looks like this:

• April 18 (International Monuments Day),
• May 18 (International Museum Day),
• Last weekend of September (European Heritage Day),
• October 28 (Okha Day),
• Every first Sunday of the month from November 1 to March 31.

Main attractions. What to see

The Peloponnese is incredibly rich in attractions, and selecting the 5 best is a difficult task.

My personal top five places will consist of classic attractions that are worth traveling a long distance to see, even from the other end of the peninsula.

Top 5

Beaches. Which ones are better

The Peloponnese is huge and there are good beaches everywhere. There are not many of them that are truly unique. As always, clockwise

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

The Peloponnese has traditionally been one of the centers of religious tourism in Greece. There are no such large monastic centers as Meteora, but there are places here that are no less powerful. When planning your visits to monasteries, you should take care of appropriate clothing (few places hand out “skirts” here) and the time of visit (each monastery has its own work schedule, which also depends on the season). If you want to get there for sure, then you should arrive in the morning, before the siesta break, which starts at one o'clock in the afternoon.

Ahaya

The most popular pilgrimage center is the town of Kalavryta in the Achaia mountains. There are several very famous monasteries in the surrounding area, in particular Agia Lavra– a monastery where the Greek revolution was blessed and the most famous monastery of the Peloponnese – Mega Spileo(Great Cave, as it is called in Russian). The latter is the second oldest active Christian monastery after the Monastery of St. Catherine on the Sinai Peninsula. The monastery houses a unique icon made by St. Luke, which miraculously survived several fires. In addition, the relics of many saints are collected here, and if you are lucky, you will be able to enter their repository. In the monastery museum you can see a small but very rich collection of books, icons and church utensils, and in the monastery store nearby you can buy its products: honey, preserves, wine, herbs and amazingly delicious Turkish delight made from walnuts.

Another interesting monastery is Taxiarchon– also located in Achaia near the city of Aigion. If the weather permits, here you can walk to the old monastery, located higher in the mountains on a narrow ledge, from which a stunning view of the Selinus River valley opens. Taxiarchon is famous for its jam made from rose petals, which the monks grow in their fields. But believers come here primarily to venerate the great shrine: a casket with “relics of the Passion of Christ” is kept here - a gift from the Byzantine emperor to his brother, the founder of the monastery.

Laconia

Another unique nunnery can be visited in Mystras, a Byzantine ghost town located near Sparta. This is the only part of the city that still has life. The monastery was founded in the 15th century and amazes with its architectural design. In the upper galleries of the main temple, the original frescoes have been preserved. A list of the famous icon is kept here Panagia Pantanassa, kept on Mount Athos. The icon is considered miraculous, which can be immediately seen by the number of thanksgiving gifts left by believers.

In addition to monasteries, there are some truly unique temples to visit in the Peloponnese.

Argolis

Makes an amazing impression Church of St. George near the town of Didyma in Argolis. I won’t tell you why exactly, so as not to spoil the surprise, be sure to get here if you travel through this part of the Peloponnese

Arcadia

Made the strongest impression on me Church of St. Theodora, located near the village of Vasta in Arcadia (Megalopoli district). This tiny church, built in the 12th century, holds 17 mature plane trees on its roof, which miraculously did not crush it with their weight and did not destroy the walls with their roots.

Ahaya

Panagia Katafigion- a church in Achaia, which, like a swallow’s nest, nestles right on a cliff with stunning views of the Corinthian Gulf. A dizzying path carved into the rock leads here, and you can get here from the coast in just 20 minutes.

One of the most visited temples in the Peloponnese, Cathedral of St. Andrew, is nevertheless one of the most modern in all of Greece. It was built in Patras specifically for the return of the relics of St. Andrew the First-Called, which during the Ottoman conquest were transferred to storage in. Now in the cathedral you can venerate the head of the saint and parts of the cross on which he was crucified. When the relics were brought to Russia, there was a long queue to see them, but here you can be close by in complete privacy.

Laconia

Several unique temples can be visited in Monemvasier, including Church of Hagia Sophia and Cathedral of Christos Elkomenos, built in the 13th century by Emperor Andronnik ΙΙ Palaiologos.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

Personally, I am in favor of visiting any museums. A modest entry fee supports Greece's unique culture and helps keep people employed.

History and archeology

There are excellent museums at all major archaeological sites; they are good not only to cool off from the heat, but also to gain a more complete understanding of the lifestyle, rituals and beliefs of the ancient Greeks and Byzantines. The cost of visiting such museums is included in the cost of visiting the archaeological site itself. The price of a general ticket is usually 12 EUR. Children under 18 years of age are admitted free of charge if they have a document confirming their age (it only makes sense to worry if you have a tall and developed teenager).

The most important museum where you should definitely go is Museum of archaeological site in Ancient Olympia, if only to see with your own eyes the sculpture of Hermes, the work of the famous ancient Greek sculptor Praxiteles. You can have another such chance only in the Louvre.

The municipal (city) archaeological and historical museums made a very good impression on me museums of Nafplio, Sparta and Patras. The latter is undeservedly bored without visitors, despite the fact that it is recognized as the best museum in Europe and houses a truly unique collection of Roman mosaics. Entrance to such museums is significantly cheaper compared to larger attractions and usually costs 2-3 EUR. Children attend for free.

Thematic museums

Among other museums, I really liked the modern one. Olive Oil Museum in Sparta and Mani Museum in Gythio. As a rule, such museums are commercial projects, but their pricing policy does not differ from state museums.

Parks

National parks occupy a significant area of ​​the Peloponnese, especially in its northern part. Hunting is prohibited in these areas and there are generally designated walking and cycling routes. The most interesting of them:

• Mount Helmos and the sources of the Styx– The easiest way to get here is from the village of Zarukhla, where there is tourist infrastructure. The routes start between the villages of Solo and Messorugi.

• Vouraikos Gorge– one of the most popular walking and cycling routes connecting Kalavrita and the coast of the Gulf of Corinth.
• Cape Tenaron in the south– the local nature looks like an alien landscape, and the oracle of the dead located here creates a unique atmosphere for the place.

• A separate topic is watching birds that stop at lakes and salty lagoons, for example in the area Aliki in Aigion and Prokopiou near Patras, and also on Lake Kayafa. Depending on the season, more than 100 species can be seen, including pelicans and flamingos.

• National parks also include cave systems, the most interesting of which are Diros caves in the Mani region in the southern Peloponnese, Cave of Lakes in the mountains of Achaea and Frahti cave in Argolis.

Nearby Islands

If you are far from the mainland, pay attention to the nearest islands connected to the Peloponnese by ferries. For convenience, I will walk clockwise, starting from the Saronic Gulf.

Food. What to try

Many people I have interacted with regarding Greek cuisine have been disappointed with their experience. There are several reasons for this:

1. They chose the wrong places. You should not count on quality in tourist establishments with high traffic; as soon as the number of visitors exceeds a critical point, the quality even in good establishments drops significantly. In addition, foreign tourists have little knowledge of what the “right taste” should be, so tourists can always save on ingredients. So choose places where the locals go.
2. They chose the wrong dishes. In order not to wait long, you need to order snacks and ready-made dishes, what is called “magerefta” in Greek. This is a roast of different types of meat, vegetable and meat stews. These dishes are prepared to last 1-2 days, are delicious and give a better idea of ​​the local cuisine.
3. They only ate what they had already tried. Many tourists’ knowledge of Greek cuisine ends with Greek salad and moussaka. The latter, by the way, appeared here quite recently. You should not be afraid to try new dishes and ask the owner for advice.
4. They didn't take the season into account. Delicious food comes from delicious ingredients. For example, don't order Greek salad in June or baked green beans in December. So always check which foods are at their peak during your trip.

The cuisine of the Peloponnese deserves a separate article, because almost every place has its own special dishes that are worth trying here. Kokoras kokinisto in Kalavryta, roast pig in Sparta, almond kurabiye in Monemvasier - the list goes on and on.

By the way, if you like to cook yourself, then in almost every large village of the Peloponnese there is a market (laikI in Greek) on Saturdays, where local farmers bring their harvest. You can find out exactly where it takes place from local residents. On ordinary days, it is better to buy vegetables and fruits from greengrocers (manAvikos), fish from fish shops (psaragora, psarAdiko), and meat from a butcher (kreopolio). From supermarkets, it is better to choose either small local stores or chain stores Galaxias and AB (Alphabeta) - here priority is given to Greek products, which are much better in quality than cheaper brands imported from other European countries.

Holidays

Holidays in the Peloponnese are the same as throughout Greece. But, of course, there are also local events that make traveling at this time very attractive.

Summer events

Summer, especially its second half, is the time of village holidays - “panigiri”. These are completely open events to which communities welcome all guests. They usually take place on weekends and you can find out about them in advance through advertisements or by talking with local residents.

In addition, a major religious holiday is celebrated in August - the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. This is an official day off, when you should definitely stop by the church, receive a blessing and a special piece of bread - prosphora. These days, lamb is spit-roasted everywhere, so if you want to try this miracle, don’t miss the chance.

Autumn Events

In September, you should definitely take a look at the lunar calendar. During the big full moon throughout Greece, and the Peloponnese is no exception, archaeological sites are open all night long, where you can come and admire the moonlit ruins completely free of charge.

Panigiri continues in autumn, especially in areas rich in vineyards. It’s very interesting to attend a festival when the whole village brews tsipouro, the local grape moonshine, in the central square. The aroma is extraordinary.

Anything to add?

Without a doubt, if you visit the Peloponnese once, you will definitely want to come back here again. The peninsula has an almost magical magnetism, although in terms of modern tourist infrastructure it is inferior to many more developed resorts. However, the richness and diversity of local nature, a huge number of archaeological sites from different eras, the famous Greek hospitality, the relative proximity to Athens and the special flavor attract more and more tourists here.

When they get around to compiling a pan-Greek ranking of attractions, I think 3-4 places will definitely go to the Peloponnese.

In the meantime, continuing a decade of traveling around the peninsula, we have taken the liberty of compiling a symbolic rating of the TOP-10 places in the Peloponnese that we highly recommend visiting.

No. 10 Monemvasia

The fate of Monemvasia personally reminds me of the fate of another of the 10 wonders of the Peloponnese - the ghost town of Mystras. When the lively Byzanite city with a population of 50 thousand people fell into decay and was abandoned by its inhabitants.

But if Mystras was abandoned completely, then Monemvasia can boast of about 50 Greeks permanently residing here.

I have heard the opinion that there are very few places in the world that can compete with Moneumasia in their beauty. In my opinion, there is a lot of truth in this, but to feel it you need to come here and wander around it.

Today, about 50 people live permanently in Monemvasia

Oh yes – the main feature is a rock that many centuries ago was separated from the mainland and became an island. A little later, the island was connected by a narrow road to the mainland and was named Monemvasia, which means “Only Entrance”.

If someone has been to Primosten in Croatia or Nessebar in Bulgaria, they will find certain similarities. The difference is that Monemvasia, due to its natural component, makes a much stronger impression on visitors.

No. 9 Mani

We have already mentioned Mani in our material; it was impossible to ignore it when describing the most remarkable places of the Peloponnese. Mani is a peninsula in the south of the Laconia region, and it is very convenient to combine a trip here with a visit to the Diru caves.

This is a harsh area that many tourists find quite gloomy, both because of the local landscapes, replete with cliffs towering over the sea, and the very specific architecture.

The Mani Peninsula became famous thanks to its tower houses

However, it is the latter that attracts tourists, who then write in their blogs about its severity. Yes, that’s right, the harsh morals of the descendants of the Spartans are reflected in stone.

Mani's specialty is tower houses built like small fortresses. Residents of the villages of Kita and Vazia are especially advanced in their predisposition to this style, although it is also found in other places on the peninsula.

No. 8 Kalavrita

Kalavryta is a place of pilgrimage for the Greeks. It was from here that the struggle for independence against Turkish occupation began in 1821, and it was here that the flag that gave impetus to the War of Independence was raised. Already in the 20th century, during the Second World War, another important but tragic event took place here. As a warning to the Greeks, the Nazis shot the entire male population of Kalavryta, after which they burned the city.

In memory of this event, the clock on one of the towers of the main cathedral always shows 14:34 - the start time of the execution. In addition to such important historical events that took place in such a small town, the surrounding landscapes are no less worthy of attention.

You can get to Kalavryta on an almost toy train

If you are quite mobile in your travel, then it will not hurt to know that a train regularly runs to Kalavryta from the town of Diakopton - on the coast of the Gulf of Corinth. The train itself, like a toy, is unique, and its route runs along a picturesque route along gorges, steep cliffs and forests.

No. 7 Nafplio

Nafplio is the most remarkable modern city in the Peloponnese, if not in all of Greece. Modern - understandable - very conditional. In this case, the word “modern” means that today it is a fairly large administrative center with a population of about 14,000 people, although the city itself has been known since the Mycenaean period.

The beauty and its difference from the standard appearance of Greek cities is due to the influence of the Venetian style.

The city was once an important outpost of the Venetian Republic and, paying considerable attention to it, the Venetians worked a lot on its architecture. The two most famous monuments of Nafplion are the fortresses of Bourtzi and Palamidi, but while the first is located on a small island in the bay, the second hangs over the city from a huge cliff.

The Bourtzi Fortress in the Gulf is one of the attractions of Nafplio

No. 6 Diru Caves

The Diru Caves located in Laconia are unknown to many tourists, and yet they are one of the most remarkable places in the Peloponnese. In fact, there are three caves: Diru itself, Alepotrypa and Glyfada, but only the first is open to tourists, and even then only partially.

The Corinth Canal connects the Saronic Gulf of the Aegean Sea with the Corinthian Gulf of the Ionian Sea. The question of its creation began to arise in ancient times. The author of the idea can be considered the Macedonian ruler Demetrius Poliorcetes, who wanted to connect two strategically important bays in 307 BC. Demetrius and his future like-minded people (such as Julius Caesar, Caligula) were stopped by erroneous judgments that if a canal was created, the waters of the Gulf of Corinth would flood the Saronic Gulf, and with it a couple of neighboring islands. Emperor Nero moved ever closer to realizing the idea. He even created a team of six thousand slaves and convicts, and he himself took part in hollowing out the rock using his golden pick. But suddenly there was an uprising in Rome, and Nero was overthrown.

The idea of ​​creating the Corinth Canal had to wait until 1882 for its final implementation. Today, the canal helps ships shorten their journey by 400 kilometers.

Coordinates: 37.93444400,22.98388900

Archaeological Museum

In the central Syntagma square of the city of Nafplio, which is one of the most ancient and beautiful cities in Greece, there is an Archaeological Museum. The museum collection owns a unique collection of artifacts from all over the southern coast of Argolis.

The Archaeological Museum is located in a three-story old Venetian building in the Baroque style. The museum's huge collection includes ceramics and bronzes, figurines, household utensils, jewelry, weapons, armor, tools, various funerary artifacts, terracotta items and much more. The museum's exhibitions cover 33,000 years.

Coordinates: 37.56920900,22.80744600

What sights of the Peloponnese did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Church of Hagia Sophia

One of the most significant attractions of Monemvasia is the Byzantine Church of Hagia Sophia. The temple, built in the 12th century by Emperor Andronnik, is located on the edge of a cliff, at an altitude of more than 2.5 thousand meters. Under Turkish rule, the church building housed a mosque, and the bell tower was converted into a minaret. And only in 1821 the church became an Orthodox church. And in 1938, its large-scale restoration began.

The church has an octagonal dome, the building is richly decorated with sculptures and frescoes of the 12th-13th centuries. From historical documents it is known that the temple was originally dedicated to the Virgin Hodegetria, but in 1821, after the Greek War of Independence, it was renamed the Church of St. Sophia. The temple is considered a copy of the Constantinople church of Agia Sophia.

Coordinates: 36.68965500,23.05489500

The Gulf of Corinth separates mainland Greece and the Peloponnese peninsula. This is a deep, narrow bay of the Ionian Sea, bounded on the east by the Isthmian Isthmus, and on the west by capes Rion and Antirion, connected by the Rio-Antirio bridge. Here is one of the most seismically dangerous areas in Europe.

The bay is connected to the Aegean Sea by the famous Corinth Canal and can be seen in all its glory from the tiny seaside towns. For example, from Nafpaktos. By the way, it was nearby that the largest naval battle in the bay took place in the 16th century, which largely predetermined the end of Turkish power in the Mediterranean basin. In the immediate vicinity of the bay there are other famous cities of Greece - Delphi, Corinth, Loutraki, etc.

The Peloponnese suspension bridge is also extremely interesting, the longest in the world, connecting the mainland with the peninsula of the same name. It was opened for the Olympic Games in Greece, although the idea itself appeared earlier. The gigantic bridge, 2 kilometers 252 meters long and 65 meters high, is supported by four pillars, each 230 meters high, to which it is connected by suspended steel cables. The design is extremely complex and takes into account the seismicity and heavy shipping traffic in the bay.

Coordinates: 38.19070400,22.64790300

Temple of Hera

The most ancient of all the Dorian temples in Greece is located in Olympia. This is the Temple of Hera, the date of its construction dates back to 600 BC. The most common version is that the temple was given to the Olympians by the inhabitants of Elis. Only the base of the temple with a massive orthostat, as well as the lower part of the columns, have survived to this day.

In ancient times, Hermes of Praxiteles stood in the Temple of Hera, which today is an exhibit of the Archaeological Museum of Olympia. The Romans also often used this temple as their sanctuary. Opposite the temple there was a huge altar for sacrifices, dedicated to the god Zeus. Today this place is notable for the fact that it is here that the sacred Olympic flame is lit.

The Temple of Hera was destroyed by an earthquake at the beginning of the fourth century.

Coordinates: 37.63888900,21.62972200

Poros Island

Poros is a Greek island famous for its urban beauty and emerald landscapes. Poros is also well known to Russian history buffs as the former home base of the Russian fleet (in the 19th century), in honor of which one of the island’s bays was named Russian.

In ancient Greek mythology, Poros was considered the abode of the sea god Poseidon, in whose honor a temple was built in the depths of the island. Unfortunately, only the ruins of this amazing architectural structure have survived to this day.

Today, the island of Poros is home to less than four thousand inhabitants. The island's economy is supported by tourism. Ferries and “flying dolphins”, which cover a distance of 31 miles in one hour, help maintain connections with the mainland.

Coordinates: 37.51666700,23.46666700

Temple of Apollo in Corinth

The ancient Greek period of development of ancient Corinth is represented by the temple of Apollo, the patron god of this city. Built in the middle of the 6th century. BC. on the site of its predecessor, destroyed in the 7th century, the temple was built in the Doric style and initially had six columns at each end and fifteen along each side. The fact that this temple of Apollo became known from the description of Corinth by Pausanias and a small tablet with a dedication to Apollo, which was found on the territory of the temple.

The temple is one of the central and significant buildings of Corinth. Its ruins, which have survived to this day, can easily be considered one of the most photogenic buildings in the entire complex. Its seven monolithic limestone columns were not toppled even by the Roman commander Lucius Mummius, who in 146 BC. burned and destroyed the city, putting the men to death, and selling the women and children into slavery, no time.

Are you interested in knowing how well you know the sights of the Peloponnese? .

Hydra Island

The island of Hydra (according to some sources - the island of Hydra) is an elite resort-reserve, which in the old days was nicknamed “Little England”. The fact is that in its heyday, the island of Hydra was inhabited by over 25,000 people, and its fleet included 120 modern ships, ready to give battle to any foreigner. Such protection allowed Hydra to conduct quiet trade, without any fear of attacks from pirates and robbers. The money that circulated on the island made it possible to build six monasteries and more than three hundred churches of various architectural styles.

Today, the economy of Hydra Island is entirely dependent on tourists. The tourism infrastructure here is extremely well built - many hotels, restaurants, markets and recreation areas. There is everything you need to spend a memorable vacation.

Coordinates: 37.34941800,23.47051600

The most popular attractions in the Peloponnese with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in the Peloponnese on our website.

More attractions of the Peloponnese

In the very south of mainland Greece, washed by the waters of the Aegean and Ionian seas, the Peloponnese is located. This region can hardly be called a resort mecca of the country, but at the same time, the peninsula is not at all deprived of the attention of travelers. The reason for this interest is the historical heritage and picturesque beauty of these places. How to prepare for the trip, and what attractions of the peninsula are definitely worth seeing? In today’s article we will try to describe the important aspects of a trip to the Peloponnese and answer all questions that interest tourists.

The uniqueness of the peninsula

Getting to these places, the traveler feels like a hero of ancient Greek myths. The events of Homer's poems and legends about the exploits of Hercules took place on the lands of the Peloponnese. Here flowed the stormy waters of the River Styx, into which the mother dipped the newborn Achilles. The local settlement of Olympia (northwestern part of the peninsula), where the Olympic Games originated, and the famous temple of Zeus was built, became famous throughout the world. The Peloponnese was also glorified by the ancient city states: Sparta, Mycenae, Corinth, Argos.

The natural appearance of these places is also attractive. The coast is lined with numerous bays and coves. And the mountainous landscape of the area is favorably complemented by green plains, fertile groves and fields. However, it is impossible to tell about the Peloponnese Peninsula in a nutshell: every corner of the earth here has its own fascinating history and unique atmosphere.

Historical milestones

The peninsula received its sonorous name in honor of the ancient king Pelops, who ruled these lands. The first settlements appeared here in the Stone Age, i.e. over 100,000 years ago. The next stage in the development of the peninsula is the arrival of Hellenic culture in 2000 BC. This period in the history of Ancient Greece is characterized by the heyday of Mycenae.

Even later, in 1200 BC, Dorians and Aetolians settled on the peninsula. With their arrival, Sparta, Argos and Corinth developed. Ancient Olympia deserves special attention, where the Olympic Games originated and legendary ancient shrines were erected: the temple of Zeus, the temple of Hera, the statue of Zeus, etc.

At the end of the ancient period, the years of rapid prosperity of the Peloponnese gave way to decline. The peninsula was first captured by Philip of Macedon, then it came under the rule of the Romans, and later the Byzantines established themselves here, abolishing the centuries-old tradition of holding the Olympic Games. At the end of the 13th century, the Franks captured the lands, and in the middle of the 15th century, the Turks became rulers of the peninsula.

The Peloponnese returned to the guardianship of the Greek authorities only in the 1820s. By the way, it was here that the liberation revolution against the dictates of the Ottoman Empire was born, and the peninsula itself became the first independent region of Greece.

Climate and weather

Like all of Greece, the Peloponnese delights tourists with long sunny days and hot weather. The coast of the peninsula has a classic Mediterranean climate, while the central part is dominated by a temperate continental climate.

The eastern part of the peninsula receives less rainfall, but the western coast is the hottest place in the Peloponnese. The central region is mountainous, characterized by lush vegetation and cold winters. When temperatures drop below zero and snow falls in the mountains, tourists flock to try out the local ski resorts.

The most comfortable temperatures for a person unaccustomed to heat occur at the end of spring and beginning of autumn. During these periods, the thermometer stops at +23-25 ​​degrees. At the height of the summer season, the average temperature on the peninsula reaches +30-35 °C.

When planning a trip and thinking about the question of when is the best time to buy a tour to the Peloponnese, consider not only the weather conditions, but also the cost of the trip. The peak of tourist activity occurs in July-August. Accordingly, during these months prices for housing and services are significantly higher than in May, June or September.

How to get to the Peloponnese

Insufficiently developed transport links are one of the disadvantages of the peninsula, although there are two air terminals and a seaport on its territory.

Air route

Araxos Airport, located on the west coast 30 km from Patras, is essentially a military base, and receives civilian charter flights in small numbers and exclusively during the holiday season. The lack of an accessible transfer from the airport to nearby cities also has an impact. There is no bus service here, and travelers have to get to the hotel by taxi or rented car.

In the south of the peninsula there is Kalamata Airport, located 7 km from the city of the same name. The terminal accepts domestic and charter flights all year round. There is a bus stop near the airport, from where there are regular flights to Kalamata, Pylos, Koroni and Chora.

From the southern region you can go to Patras by bus departing from Kalamata bus station. Travel time will be about 3 hours, ticket price starts from 30 euros.

Sea route

Travelers who prefer the sea can get to the Peloponnese by ferry. Ships from Athens and neighboring islands, as well as international flights from Spain and Italy, berth at the port of Patras.

Read also: Pylos - history, weather, attractions, entertainment and hotels

Traveling to the Peloponnese from Athens

If you look at the Peloponnese on a map, you will see that it is located slightly south of the capital Athens. The distance from the capital of Greece to the peninsula is only 220 km. Therefore, another convenient way to get to the Peloponnese is to travel to the peninsula from Athens. There are several ways to do this.

Train

Train lines link Athens airport with Corinth, the peninsula's closest city to the mainland. Trains run every two hours, the trip takes 1.5 hours, and the ticket costs 20 euros.

Bus

To use this transport, you must first get from Athens airport to the bus station. Flight No. X93 runs on this route. The journey will take about an hour, the ticket price will be 6 euros. From the Athens KTEL bus station there is a bus service to cities such as:

• Patras;
• Kalamata;
• Tripoli;
• Pyrgos;
• Nafplio.

The ticket price depends on the distance and varies between 9-40 euros.

Automobile

Equipped highways stretch from the capital to the cities of the peninsula.

Note that the expressway to the Peloponnese is tolled; at each specially equipped point you will have to pay from 2 to 3.5 euros. For example, travel to Kalamata (240 km) will ultimately cost 12.5 euros, but will save several hours of travel.

An alternative to highways are free old roads. Their condition is a little worse and they stretch along the mountains, so cars drive quite slowly along the highway and the journey will take 3-4 times longer than when traveling on a highway.

The largest cities and resorts of the Peloponnese

Once in the Peloponnese, do not miss the opportunity to explore as many attractions as possible. After all, the cities located on this peninsula formed the legendary image of the Greek country. Perhaps they are not as “sophisticated” as the popular resorts of the Mediterranean countries, but they have a unique historical background.

The most convenient way to travel around the peninsula is by rented car, and a map of the Peloponnese with cities will help you avoid getting lost in the variety of paths and forks. A little later we will present it in the material, but first we will list the most popular tourist routes and briefly describe the features of policies in the center and coastal cities.

Patras

The capital of the peninsula and the third largest polis in Greece after Athens and Thessaloniki. The city is located in the north-west of the Peloponnese off the coast of the Gulf of Patraikos. The settlement is equipped with a large port, where local and foreign ships moor. Arakos Airport is located 30 km from the city.

Patras is famous for the Temple of St. Andrew the First-Called, the Patras Carnival, the archaeological museum, the ruins of a Byzantine castle and other attractions.

Traveling to the Peloponnese from Athens along the highway, travelers first find themselves in Corinthia, where a narrow isthmus connects the peninsula to the mainland. Another man-made attraction is the Corinth Canal, a narrow canal connecting the Aegean and Ionian Seas.

To visit the island and not visit Ancient Olympia and Corinth is an unprecedented omission, because the foundations of Greek civilization were born in these parts. In addition to the ruins of ancient cities, you can also see the archaeological museum, the ruins of ancient theaters and the Temple of Apollo.

Kalamata

The second city of the Peloponnese after Patras is located on the southwestern coast of the peninsula. The route from Athens to Kalamata is very popular among travelers, which is facilitated by the developed tourist structure and concentration of resorts.

In addition to a beach holiday, it is worth going to Kalamata to see the Church of Agia Apostoli, the ancient Frankish castle, military and railway museums, as well as art galleries.

Nemea

A small village in the north-east of the Peloponnese. According to mythology, in these places Hercules performed one of his feats: he killed a wild lion that was terrorizing the local residents. The settlement was also famous for the Nemean Games, held in honor of Zeus.

Today Nemea looks unattractive. There are few tourists here, and even fewer compatriots. Among the colorful attractions, we note ancient ruins and locally produced wines, highly valued by connoisseurs.

Nafplion

An unprecedentedly beautiful city on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese. Polis is notable for being the first capital of Greece during the War of Liberation. Among the attractions are the sea fort of Bourdzi, the Palamidi fortress, an art gallery, numerous churches and temples.

Pylos

Resort in the southwest of the peninsula. It is a small town with an amazing calm and azure bay of Voidokilia. A very popular place for families with small children.

Sights: Nestor's Palace, monument to the Three Admirals, Christian churches, fortresses of Newokastro and Paleokastro.

Tripolis

A city in the central Peloponnese, surrounded on all sides by mountain ranges. Thanks to these natural barriers, the area has a cool climate, which is pleasant to plunge into after the sultry heat of neighboring resorts.

Among the cultural values, the ruins of ancient Mantinea and Tegea, the archaeological museum, the Park of the Philodendron Association, the Byzantine Church of St. Basil, etc. stand out.

Mega-Spileo Monastery

Separately, it is worth noting on the map the location of the oldest monastery of the Peloponnese, located 10 km from the town of Kalavryta. The monastery is located above a river gorge at an altitude of 940 m, and sheer cliffs stretch above the monastery buildings. You can get to the temple with an organized excursion, by private car or by public transport, but with transfers.

The history of this place of worship began in 362. Such a long history in itself is already attractive to tourists (for comparison, the famous monastery of Blessed Potapius, located nearby, was founded only in 1952). Its main attraction of Mega-Spileo is the miraculous Icon of the Virgin Mary Megaspileotissa, painted by the Evangelist Luke. The architecture of the monastery itself is impressive. In addition, there is a museum on its territory that houses relics of the Greek revolution, rare Gospels, valuable manuscripts, engravings and portraits.

The Peloponnese Peninsula is a Greek administrative region that is considered one of the best tourist centers in the world. Beach and excursion types of tourism are perfectly represented here.

What to see in the Peloponnese? The ancient Greek civilization arose and developed on the peninsula, leaving many historical, cultural and architectural monuments and attractions on the peninsula.

The Peloponnese peninsula is also famous for its Orthodox attractions: temples and monasteries, most of which are still in operation today. It is known that it is one of the cradles of Orthodoxy.

The main attractions of the Peloponnese Peninsula

We offer you brief information with photos and names of the most popular attractions and monuments of the Peloponnese, so that you know what you should see here first.

This is a fashionable elite resort, which in Greece is called Little England. There is an excellent world-class tourist infrastructure and many cultural historical monuments: 6 monasteries and more than three hundred churches.

On the resort island of Hydra, tourism is the main source of income today. Here you will find many hotels, restaurants, bars, excellent beaches, sports and entertainment areas, everything you need for a quality holiday.

God Apollo is the patron saint of ancient Corinth. That is why in the 6th century BC. in this city the famous temple of Apollo was built in the Doric style. Its ruins have survived to this day; only 7 limestone columns have survived.

However, this ancient landmark of the Peloponnese and all of Greece is very popular among tourists, especially among fans of the ancient period of the history of this wonderful country.

This medieval city was first mentioned in chronicles in the mid-13th century. It was founded by the Franks and later conquered by the Venetians. It was during Venetian times that Mithras reached its highest development and was the dream of the rich from neighboring countries.

With the money flowing into the city, many temples and palaces were built. But in 1821, as a result of the revolution in Greece, Mithras was destroyed, its inhabitants dispersed, and the city was deserted. Today it is only a tourist attraction in the Peloponnese.

The ancient Greek city of Olympia is located in the north-west of the Peloponnese. The ruined sanctuary of Zeus, the Olympic stadium, and gymnasiums have been preserved here. The entire open-air monument is today on the UNESCO list.

Here tourists can learn how the Olympic movement began in Ancient Greece. The Temple of Zeus, built in the 5th century BC, is being restored by specialists. According to legend, it was here that the Olympic flame, sent from heaven, was lit.

This active monastery was founded on the slope of Mount Olympus by the elder Dionysius of Athos in the 16th century. In those days, the people of Greece actively resisted the Turkish yoke, and the monasteries were centers of popular resistance.