The best beaches in the Peloponnese. Holidays with children on the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece Greece, where is better in the Peloponnese

But it has its own steady flow of tourists. After all, there is a very clean sea and beautiful nature here. The main disadvantages are the absence of large resorts in their traditional sense (usually these are scattered hotel complexes, which in their infrastructure and number of services are quite similar to a small resort village) and expensive transfers due to the distance from the airport. There are fewer hotels here than in other resorts in the country. But it is in the Peloponnese that there are hotels belonging to famous Greek “chains”, including the large Aldemar and Grecotel complexes on the west coast.

The most attractive side of the Peloponnese is its extensive historical heritage and abundance of attractions. In addition, the peninsula is convenient for day trips to other parts of Greece.

How to get to the Peloponnese

The fastest and cheapest way to get to the Peloponnese is by plane via Athens, Kalamata or Araxos. From Athens Airport, take bus number X93 to the KTEL bus station (100 Kifisias Avenue). The bus runs every 35 minutes (at night 1 hour 5 minutes), the journey takes about 1 hour, the ticket price is 13 EUR. Buses leave from the bus station to Corinth (ticket 15 EUR), Nafplio (10-15 EUR), Tripoli, Sparta (17-24 EUR), Kalamata (18-31 EUR), Pyrgos and Patras. A taxi ride from the airport to Corinth will cost 95-120 EUR, to Nafplion - 100-130 EUR. Prices on the page are as of October 2018.

The railway service connects Athens airport with the nearest city of the Peloponnese - Corinth. Suburban trains run once every 2 hours, the journey takes 1.5 hours, ticket 15-25 EUR).

The international airport in Kalamata is located in the south of the Peloponnese. From Moscow you can fly here with a direct flight of Aegean Airlines (travel time 3 hours 40 minutes, round trip ticket price from 400 EUR) or with Austrian Airlines with a transfer in Vienna (7.5 hours, from 310 EUR). Aegean Airlines flies from St. Petersburg to Kalamata with a transfer in Athens (7.5 hours, from 500 EUR). From the airport to Kalamata, Pylos, Koroni and Chora there are buses of the transport company KTEL Messinias (office site in English), running from 5:00 to 22:10 with an interval of 30 minutes. The fare is 4-5 EUR. A taxi to the center of Kalamata costs 65 EUR, a transfer to the Port of Killini costs 350 EUR.

The small airport of Araxos is located in the west of the peninsula. During the season, direct flights from Moscow from Nordstar (4 hours, from 460 EUR) land here. KTEL buses from the airport are tied to Ryanair flights and run very rarely: to Patras - 3 flights per week (ticket 10-15 EUR), to Kyllini - 5 flights per week (35-30 EUR). To avoid wasting time, you should order a taxi online in advance. The cost of a trip from Araxos to Patras is 55-70 EUR, to the nearest five-star hotels Grecotel Mandola Rosa - 85 EUR, Aldemar Royal Olympian - 90-100 EUR.

Search for air tickets to Athens (the closest airport to the Peloponnese)

Regions and resorts of the Peloponnese

The area of ​​the Peloponnese is comparable, for example, to Israel or Slovenia. Administratively, it is divided into 7 prefectures, each of which is attractive for tourists in its own way.

The largest resort is Loutraki, located in the prefecture of Corinthia in the northeast of the peninsula. Among the local advantages are a calm, clean sea, sandy beaches under the Blue Flags, proximity to the capital and healing mineral springs, similar in chemical composition to the waters of Vichy. Achaea (the administrative center of Patras) attracts with a chain of inexpensive hotels along the northern coast of the Peloponnese and a sandy beach in the town of Lakopetra near Araxos airport - with palm trees, a child-friendly gentle entry into the sea and a water entertainment center.

Elia (the administrative center of Pyrgos) and Messinia (the administrative center of Kalamata) on the west coast are distinguished by an abundance of ancient monuments, picturesque nature, beautiful lakes and the longest beaches on the peninsula.

The resort town of Killini with taverns, bars and discos on the shore is very popular among young people. From the local port you can take a cruise to nearby islands. Kalamata is also quite suitable for a resort holiday. Its beach is covered with small pebbles, and the tables of bars and restaurants are located at the very edge of the water. Another resort on the west coast is Kardamili. Thanks to its rocky, uncrowded beaches, it is attractive for lovers of a secluded holiday.

The southernmost prefecture is Laconia, which was called Sparta in the time of Homer. There are no abundance of beaches here - the coast, rugged by rocks, seems completely wild and therefore surprisingly beautiful. Pleasant exceptions are the resort town of Archangelos and Simos Beach on the island of Elafonissis, to which you need to take a ferry. The main resort of neighboring Arcadia (the administrative center of Tripoli) is the ancient fishing town of Leonidion, where when ordering food or drinks in taverns, a sun umbrella on the local beach is provided free of charge.

The highest point of the Peloponnese is located in Arcadia - Mount Agios Ilias (2407 m) in the Taygetos mountain range.

The popular resort of Argolid is its administrative center Nafplio - a colorful town under the supervision of three old fortresses with an abundance of taverns and bars. But it’s better to relax in neighboring Tolo with a sandy beach, gentle entry into the water and clear sea.

Transport

City buses run throughout Corinth, Kalamata, Patras, Aigion and Tripoli. Tickets cost 1-3 EUR and are sold in shops, newsstands and special machines. They can also be purchased from the driver, but with a 10% surcharge. Upon boarding, the ticket must be validated. The fine for traveling without a ticket is 72 EUR.

The main type of intercity transport on the peninsula is buses of private carrier companies that are part of the pan-Greek transport syndicate KTEL. Each of the 7 prefectures has its own KTEL branches, which are responsible for organizing bus services within the region, with the administrative centers of neighboring regions and with the capital of the country.

A bus ticket from Kalamata to Patras costs 24-35 EUR, from Patras to Nafplio - 15-22 EUR, from Tripoli to Kalamata - 12-17 EUR, from Nafplio to Kranidi - 7-11 EUR. When purchasing round trip tickets, their cost is 20-40% lower.

Taxi trips are not considered costly: boarding - 1.19 EUR, 1 km trip around the city - 0.68 EUR (from 0:00 to 5:00 - 1.19 EUR), 1 km trip outside the city 1.19 EUR, calling a car by phone - 3.39-5.65 EUR, minimum fee for a trip - 3.16 EUR, tips are not required, but are appreciated.

Cycling is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the Peloponnese. Almost any hotel has the opportunity to rent a bicycle. The price of pleasure is 10-15 EUR/day.

Maps of the Peloponnese

Car rental

A car is the best assistant for those who want to see the natural beauty and historical places of the Peloponnese. There are offices of international Avis, Eurpocar, Sixt, etc. and local rental companies at airports and major cities of the peninsula. The cost of renting an economy class car is from 50 EUR per day and from 300 EUR per week. Higher prices from international companies reflect the better technical condition of the machines.

The cost of gasoline is 1.65 EUR/l, diesel fuel is 1.39 EUR/l. The fine for illegal parking is 80 EUR, driving through a red light is 700 EUR, using anti-radar is 2000 EUR, driving while intoxicated is from 200 to 1200 EUR with deprivation of license.

The streets in the city centers are quite narrow, many with one-way traffic. Traffic jams are a rarity. There are few cars on country roads, but the locals love to drive, they can change lanes for no reason and are too lazy to turn on their turn signals. There are no problems with parking in the Peloponnese. The cost of paid parking: 2-3 EUR/hour, but if you wish, you can always find a free one. Along with the modern Athens-Kalamata toll highway and excellent roads along the coast, the central part of the peninsula has many narrow and winding mountain roads.

Communications and Wi-Fi

To reduce communication costs, it is better to buy a SIM card from one of the Greek operators - Cosmote (the largest coverage area), Wind (the most modern technical base) or Vodafone. They are sold in operator showrooms, super- and mini-markets, in newspaper and souvenir kiosks. A SIM card with a zero balance costs 5 EUR. You can top it up at the point of purchase or with prepaid cards with a nominal value of 5 to 15 EUR.

A SIM card popular among tourists with the Frog Mobile tariff plan allows you to make calls within the country (billing per second) and to Russia (billing every 30 seconds) for 0.42 EUR/minute. The cost of calls in the Wind Card to All tariff is higher - 0.40 EUR/minute within the country and 0.47 EUR/minute to Russia. However, when replenishing your account with an amount of 10 EUR or more, it is reduced by 1.5 times. In addition, Wind has very attractive prices for providing Internet traffic packages: 2 GB for 7 days - 10 EUR.

Free Wi-Fi is available in all hotels, guest houses and apartments, in most cafes, bars and restaurants, in many museums and other public places.

Beaches of the Peloponnese

The beaches in the Peloponnese are sandy or sandy with small patches of small pebbles. Families with children should pay attention to the northern coast of the regions of Achaea and Corinthia. On the southern coast there are deserted picturesque beaches.

In Corinthia, tourists prefer to stay on the city beaches of Loutraki or Xylokastro or on the pebble coast of Sykia, which has earned the Blue Flag for the purity of its waters. In Argolis, the sandy beaches of Tolo, Plepi and Porto Heli are notable. Those who choose pebbles for the clarity of sand-free waters should pay attention to Palea Epidavros, Ermioni or Arvantia.

In Laconia, another Blue Flag holder is popular - Archangelos Beach, Simos Beach traditionally comes in at number two. In Elis, it is good to swim on the sandy beaches of Kourouta, Chrysi Akti and Zacharo (on each of them a sky-colored flag also proudly flies). Achaea invites you to the pebble beaches of Sympolitia and the sandy beaches of Kalogria. Arcadia is famous for the coasts of Lako, Paralia Astros and Tigani.

As a rule, on the beaches of the Peloponnese there are rental points for umbrellas and sun loungers (umbrella + two sun loungers - 10-15 EUR), taverns, cafes, bars, food stalls, shops with souvenirs and beach accessories. Fans of active recreation can go water skiing for 25-30 EUR, fly a parachute for 60 EUR, ride a jet ski for 30-35 EUR.

Messinia is perhaps rightfully considered one of the most picturesque areas of the peninsula. Local beaches are direct proof of this. It is worth paying attention to the coast of Costa Navarino and the unforgettably beautiful Voidokilia Bay. The city beach of Kalamata, the capital of the region, is literally a few minutes' walk from the city center. Mikri-Mantinia is worth a trip for those who love developed infrastructure: there are a lot of restaurants right next to the water. Notable are the family beach of Stupa, which is 38 km from Kalamata, the sandy Petalidi, and the coast of the former fishing village of Finikunda. There are also a couple of luxurious sandy beaches near Pylos.

Peloponnese

Alpine skiing

The ski resorts of the Peloponnese are not as popular as the Alpine ones, but from December to early April you can see skiers and snowboarders from all over the world on the local slopes. The main advantages of the peninsula's winter resorts are reasonable prices, good infrastructure, proximity to Athens, a variety of trails - from green to black, and, of course, proximity to historical monuments.

The palm among the ski resorts of the Peloponnese belongs to Kalavryta, a tiny town in the prefecture of Achaea, next to which is the Helmos ski center, one of the best in the country. A special “ski” bus runs between Kalavryta and the center (round-trip ticket price weekdays/weekends: 13/15 EUR, children 6-12 years old - 10 EUR). The ski area on the slope of Mount Helmos lies at an altitude of 1700 to 2340 m and includes 14 trails (green, blue, red and black) with a total length of 25 km. In addition to the slopes, a snowboard park and 8 lifts, the center has a ski school and a medical center, equipment rental, a restaurant, a cafe and ample parking. The longest piste in Greece, Nefeli (length 3210 m), is located here, and the illuminated Danae piste (875 m) is suitable for night skiing.

A ski pass for 1 day on weekdays/weekends costs 18/25 EUR, for 7 days - 70 EUR, for the entire 2017/2018 season - 330 EUR.

The second most popular resort is Menalo resort in Arcadia prefecture - one of the three oldest in Greece. After recent modernization, 8 trails with a total length of 6 km were laid here and the necessary infrastructure was built with ski lifts, a snowboard park, a ski school, ski equipment rental, cafes and bars. For a relaxing family holiday, you should choose the quiet, inexpensive resort of Ziria in the prefecture of Corinthia with a couple of ski lifts - adults and children, and the only flat slope 500 m long.

Peloponnese Hotels

In the Peloponnese there are hotels of any category - from pretentious “five-star” hotels with huge territories to modest “two-room apartments” on the 3rd-4th lines. Regardless of the number of stars, every hotel will have Wi-Fi, and most will have free parking.

During the season, the minimum cost of a standard double room in 5* hotels is 200-320 EUR, although there are also 1000 EUR per night. Guests of such hotels can count on high-quality service, well-groomed beaches, good restaurants and a lot of pleasures in spa and fitness centers. However, the same thing can be obtained in 4* hotels for a more modest fee - 80-210 EUR. In “three rubles” (40-100 EUR), you may have to put up with modest interiors, the lack of a pool and fitness, and in 2* hotels (30-80 EUR) - in addition to everything, you will have to sacrifice the presence of a restaurant and an elevator.

Apartments are the most popular. The range of prices is impressive - from 20-25 EUR for a spartan, lapidary one-room apartment for two to 790 EUR for a luxuriously furnished villa of 200 square meters. m with 4 bedrooms.

What to bring

The god of trade, Hermes, still reigns on the shelves of the Peloponnese - his figurines made of bronze, marble or ceramics are a popular souvenir, as are figurines of other Olympian gods. They compete with amphorae, rhytons, funny figurines of donkeys, and models of Greek churches. It is worth taking a closer look at locally produced clothes and shoes - inexpensive and of fairly high quality. Jewelry made of gold and silver, ceramic dishes, natural cosmetics based on olive oil, and handmade aromatic soap are also good.

In the vicinity of Kalamata, the best olives on the peninsula are grown with thin purple skin, the oil from which is beyond praise. The Monastery of St. Constantine and Helena in Kalamata sells items made from silk woven by nuns on handlooms that have survived from the Byzantine Empire; in the village of Pyrgos Diru - wonderful goat cheese “tulumisyo tiri”; in the mountain village of Kaminia - warm sheep's wool sweaters knitted by local residents.

Cuisine and restaurants of the Peloponnese

It is not surprising that in the country that gave the world nectar and ambrosia, the cult of food flourishes. It’s hard to imagine lunch in the Peloponnese without the rustic “horiatiki” salad. Next to it will probably be stuffed eggplants and zucchini, several varieties of olives and a brilliantly simple and tasty tzatziki sauce made from yogurt, cucumbers and garlic. The menu of any establishment includes small souvlaki kebabs and moussaka made from minced lamb layered with vegetables. In the mountainous regions of the Peloponnese, goat meat in a pot, lamb and river trout are excellently cooked on coals. Fish and seafood are popular on the coast.

The main Easter dish of the Peloponnese is “kokoretsi” - a roll of lamb offal, grilled. However, you can order it in a restaurant at any time of the year.

To appreciate authentic Greek cuisine, you don't have to look for a restaurant with starched tablecloths. It’s better to choose a tavern where the Greeks themselves dine, and order 5-6 dishes to try a little of everything: crispy-fried red mullet, shrimp “garides saganaki” baked in tomato sauce, crab with artichokes “kavouria me anginares”, octopus cooked on coals “khtapodi skaras” and the local delicacy - sea urchin caviar with olive oil and lemon juice.

Breakfast in a pastry shop costs 4-6 EUR per person, lunch in a meat tavern - 8-14 EUR, lunch in a fish tavern - 15-22 EUR, dinner in a mid-price restaurant - 25-40 EUR, ice cream on the beach - 2 EUR. The most popular fast food is a flatbread "gyros" filled with meat, French fries and vegetables for 2 EUR. Following it are the ubiquitous Big Macs (3 EUR), pizza (a slice 3-4 EUR) and boiled corn (from 1.50 EUR).

The best photos of the Peloponnese

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On a trip to the Peloponnese, it is worth taking a volume of Greek myths so that you can check familiar names with the map along the way. But before you get to Mycenae, glorified by Homer, you need to cross the narrow Corinth Canal - one of the main attractions of modern Greece. More than 100 years ago, he cut off the Peloponnese from the mainland and essentially turned it into an island. The entrance to the “gold-bearing” Mycenae lies through the Lion Gate, from which the road begins, going past the tombs to the ruins of the palace of King Agamemnon, the leader of the Greeks during the Trojan War.

During excavations of Mycenaean burials in 1876, Heinrich Schliemann discovered many gold artifacts weighing a total of 15 kg. Today they are housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. Copies of them are exhibited in Mycenae.

Alas, when the king of Mycenae returned home after the capture of Troy, he was killed in the bath by his own wife. What happened next was described in detail by Aeschylus in his tragedy “Oresteia”. From June to September it is still performed on the stage of the grand theater in the town of Epidaurus. In antiquity, the theater was part of the sanctuary of the god of medicine, Asclepius, and the performances held there were part of the healing process.

To see the homeland of Hercules - Tiryns, you don’t even need to get out of the car - the highway passes by its walls, made of huge boulders, some of which weigh more than 12 tons. It was from here that the cowardly king Eurystheus sent Hercules to perform feats. In one of them, the hero had to descend into the kingdom of Hades, the entrance to which the ancient Greeks placed in the Diru cave with the largest underground lake in Europe.

After his next 6th labor, in the western Peloponnese, Hercules founded Olympia and established the Olympic Games in honor of the gods. Here you can still see the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, which once housed a huge statue of the god Thunderer, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and run around the stadium field where Hercules, King Philip II of Macedonia and the Roman Emperor Nero once competed.

6 things to do in the Peloponnese

  1. Win an individual race at the Olympia Stadium.
  2. Repeat the feat of Hercules by descending into underground Hades.
  3. Imagine Orestes fleeing from Mycenae, pursued by the goddesses of vengeance Erinyes.
  4. Convince yourself of the stunning acoustics of the Epidaurus Theater.
  5. Walk through the streets of ancient Corinth, where barefoot Diogenes wandered with a lantern and the Apostle Paul preached.
  6. Take one of the three fortresses of Nafplion by storm.

Peloponnese for children

On the isthmus connecting the Peloponnese with central Greece, next to the popular Loutraki, there is the Water Fun water park with pools, slides and other water activities. It is open from 10:30 to 18:30, the cost of a child ticket (5-8 years old) is 10 EUR, an adult ticket (9-64 years old) is 15 EUR, children under 4 years old and pensioners are free. On the territory there is a restaurant, bar, first aid post, luggage storage, and lifeguards are on duty. Umbrellas and sun loungers are free, as is parking in front of the park entrance.

On the beach in Tolo, inflatable slides are installed right in the sea, which even the smallest children can ride on. Parents will have to fork out 5 EUR.

A popular tourist attraction among children and adults is also found in the coastal town of Diakopto in the prefecture of Achaea. Three times a day (on weekends and holidays 5 times), a train of three small carriages departs from here to the town of Kalavrita, located in the mountains at an altitude of 737 m. The train climbs up a narrow-gauge cog railway laid at the end of the 19th century, and its passengers do not able to look away from the harsh rocks, deep forest-covered gorges and beautiful waterfalls. If you're lucky, you can see marmots sitting along the canvas. The length of the road is 22.5 km, travel time is about an hour, the cost of a round trip ticket is 19 EUR.

Don't try to book a ticket online, they are still issued by hand.

Weather

The climate on the peninsula is Mediterranean - with dry summers and rainy, warm winters on the coast. Spring is stormy, filled with the smells of meadow flowers. You can sunbathe on the beaches from April, and take sea baths from mid-May. Swimming in the sea is comfortable until the end of October. High season - July-August. Autumn is quiet and calm, with an abundance of fruits and an unusual palette of mountain forests. The November sun still gives warmth, but you will only have to swim in the pool. From December to March, the mountains of the Peloponnese are covered with snow, attracting lovers of skiing and snowboarding.

The region and peninsula of the Peloponnese, located in the southwest of Greece, has a lot of advantages: from world-famous attractions to amazing nature. But it cannot be called the most popular tourist destination in the country - for guests of Greece its resorts remain little known. At the same time, the Peloponnese “hides” hundreds of luxurious beaches, which can confidently be called one of the best in Greece.

Peloponnese regions for beach holidays

The Messinia region is suitable for a beach holiday. Both lovers of soft sand and those who prefer picturesque rocky or small pebble beaches can find a place to their liking here. Here are the beaches included in the ranking of the best in Greece.

The beaches of Argolis are ideal for a family holiday with children. This area is known for its many sandy and secluded beaches, many of which have been awarded the Blue Flag.

The beaches of Gythio will appeal to tourists with different preferences. There are pebbly and sandy areas, crowded and isolated, organized and “wild”.

The best sandy beaches of the Peloponnese

Some of the best sandy beaches of Argolis are in Ermioni or its immediate surroundings. For example, Plepi Beach, which attracts tourists with its crystal clear sea and fine sand. It is not equipped, so there is free space on the coast for everyone. In the nearby villages you can visit fish taverns and find several hotels.

In Gythio, Mavrovouni stands out among the beaches, located about 2 km south of the city, right next to the village of the same name. The sandy beach stretches for more than 6 km and is the largest in Gythio. In summer there are many holidaymakers, but due to its size Mavrovouni does not seem crowded. Active tourists have chosen the beach for windsurfing. The ideal time for this is the second half of the day, when the wind blows stronger. Mavrovouni has been awarded the Blue Flag, and in its clear waters you can find rare Caretta Caretta turtles.

Perhaps the most famous beaches of the Peloponnese are concentrated in Messinia. Buka is one of the longest and best organized beaches in the region. For the cleanliness of the coast and water, it has been repeatedly awarded the Blue Flag. Buka is ideal for those who come to the beach not only for a tan. Here you can attend nightly parties, taste fresh seafood in taverns, relax in a bar, play volleyball or rent a bicycle to ride along the promenade along the coastline. Buka is good for its proximity to hotels.

Voidokilia Bay is one of the most beautiful places in the Peloponnese.

In Messinia there is the well-known bay of Voidokilia (10 km from Pylos) far beyond the borders of Greece. This is a picturesque bay with a long sandy shore, surrounded by mountains. Voidokilla differs from all other beaches in Greece by its unusual, almost man-made, shape - from above it looks like a huge letter “omega”. The beach is not organized - its territory is considered a protected area. However, in the summer season there are a lot of tourists here. Lovers of secluded relaxation can visit Voidokilia in June or September.

Peloponnese hotels on sandy beaches

Among the budget and popular hotels in the Peloponnese, located right on the sandy coast, you can choose Almira Hotel in Arkoudi. Here guests have not only quick access to the beach, but also a range of services for a comfortable stay. You can relax in the hot tub and sauna, or have breakfast on the hotel's rooftop overlooking the sea. Arkoudi center is 20 minutes away.

In Messinia, an excellent option for accommodation would be the Bouka Resort Hotel, located on the famous Bouka Beach (10 km from Kalamata, 5 km from Messina). This beach is one of the most organized and clean in the Peloponnese. Bouka Resort Hotel has a spacious, well-kept area with a flowering garden. For guests there is a sauna, hydromassage, children's playground, restaurant, free parking, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a gift shop and car rental service.

3 km from Gythio, in the town of Selinitsa, the Aktaion Resort hotel is located with a beautiful garden. It is built just 10 meters from the sandy beach and is surrounded by picturesque landscapes: views of Gythio on one side, and tree-covered hills on the other. The hotel is suitable for a quiet, measured holiday and will appeal to those who appreciate a wide range of services on site. Aktaion Resort has a spacious swimming pool, jacuzzi, children's pool, parking, and bar. All hotel rooms are decorated in a style specially designed by designers.

Barcelo Hydra Beach Resort is another hotel on the Peloponnese coast, located in Thermisia. It has three beaches at once, among which you can choose any one to suit your taste. It features a swimming pool overlooking the shores of Hydra Island, a spa, massage and body treatments, free parking, a water sports center and a diving centre. The town of Ermioni is just 7 km away, with a port offering quick access to Hydra.

It attracts hundreds of tourists from all over the world with its natural landscapes, excellent climate, interesting historical monuments, and excellent beaches. It is the latter that will be discussed in this article - we will tell you about the most famous and popular embankments of the Peloponnese, so have a good holiday!

  1. Sarakiniko is a well-known beach in the Peloponnese, located on a tiny island. Sarakiniko will captivate you with its clear sea, golden sand and excellent service on the coast. In addition to this beach, on the island. Elafonisos is also worth visiting the Panagia and Simos promenades (all three beaches are located within walking distance of each other).

  2. Voidokilia- one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Greece, located 11 km from the town.

  3. Kuruta– one of the most popular beaches in the Ilia region, which is located 3 km from the town of Amaliada. This beach will especially appeal to lovers of water sports - there is a water attraction center on Kurut. The beach was awarded the UNESCO Blue Flag prize for cleanliness.

  4. Languvardos– a wonderful sandy beach in the area, 2 km from the town of Marathoupoli.

  5. Arcudi– the famous sandy beach of Ilia, located 1 km from the village of Killini. Also awarded the Blue Flag.

  6. Loutra Killinis– a large sandy beach surrounded by pine forest and eucalyptus grove. On the territory of this beach there is also a health resort with healing thermal springs. The resort is located 40 km from Pyrgos.

  7. Plaka– a beautiful and large sandy beach with exotic straw sun loungers and umbrellas. Located 10 km from the town of Nafplio.

  8. Candia– sandy beach with crystal clear sea 17 km from.

  9. Kalogria

    Kalogria is a famous beach in Messinia, which is also often called Zorbas beach. It is very popular both among tourists and among the Greeks themselves.

The Peloponnese Peninsula (its medieval name is Morea) is the largest peninsula of Greece, connected to the mainland of the country by the Isthmus of Corinth and being its southern part.

Perhaps this region is inferior to others in popularity, but beautiful nature, clear sea and beaches, rich historical heritage, many significant attractions find their fans and those who want to relax in the resorts of the Peloponnese, including those with children.

Another plus is that it is convenient to go on day trips to other regions of Greece from the peninsula. There are also disadvantages - it is a bit far from the airport and, accordingly, relatively expensive.

The difference between these places is that there are no large resorts here. Most often these are separate hotel complexes, reminiscent of small resort villages in terms of the number of services and infrastructure.

Peloponnese climate

The territory of the peninsula is large and the climate in its different parts is different. In the east it is dry, in the central part it is colder, but at the same time there is more lush vegetation. In the west it is hotter than in other parts of the peninsula (in summer +30-35°C, water temperature +27°C) and it rains more. The summer heat is relieved by a light breeze from the sea.

In general, a mild and warm Mediterranean climate is typical for the coastal areas of the peninsula. In its central part there is a temperate continental climate.

Peak holiday season is July-August. September-October – “Velvet Season”. May-June is for those who love excursions and nature. Average monthly water temperature in the Peloponnese: May +19°C, June +22°C, July +25°C, August +26°C, September +26°C, October +24°C.

Resorts and beaches of the Peloponnese for families with children

Geographically, the Peloponnese is divided into seven prefectures: Ilia, Achaea, Messinia, Laconia, Arcadia, Corinthia and Argolis. Surrounded by six gulfs: Patras, Corinthian, Messinian, Saronic, Laconian and Argolid - each region of the Peloponnese has access to the sea and long sandy beaches, sometimes interspersed with small pebbles.

The best of them are located in the western part of the Ionian Sea coast with gently sloping and sandy shores. Holidays in these secluded places can be recommended for a relaxed family holiday away from noise.

It is worth paying attention to the northern coast of the districts of Achaea and Corinthia. The best resorts and hotels in the Peloponnese for family holidays are located in this area.

Corinthia

In Corinthia, seaside resorts and beaches located on the coast of the Saronic and Corinthian Gulfs are predominantly represented by well-developed infrastructure, including:

  • The sandy and pebble beach of Kalamia with clear water, located in the suburbs of Corinth in the Bay of Corinth, is positioned mainly as a place for young people and a fun, noisy holiday.
  • The best beaches of Corinth are the beaches of Xylokastro, the city's well-maintained pebble beaches of Aristonauton and Pefkias are concentrated around the resort of Xylokastro.
  • The pebble beach of Melissa (5 kilometers from Xylokastro) is a separate resort and holder of the Blue Flag.
  • Pebble beach in the village of Sykia (3 km from Xylokastro).
  • The resort town of Loutraki, famous for its hot springs and Roman baths. The city beach of Loutraki is very clean, pebble (there are some large stones), stretches along the coast for two kilometers. Surrounded by lemon and cypress groves, awarded the Blue Flag.

  • The pebble beach of Butsi (2.5 km from Loutraki) with olive, oleander, pistachio and lemon trees growing on the territory belongs to the Poseidon Resort hotel.
  • Pefkias beach (pebble) and sand and pebble beach of Voxas and the beach in the town of Velou.

Achaea

The region of Achaea (Achaia) - the northern part of the Peloponnese - is the sea gateway to Europe. Its capital is the city of Patras. Here are the best beaches: the most beautiful sandy ones in Kalogria and pebble ones in Simpolitia.

Kalogria beach is located in the Prokopos lagoon in a protected area next to the protected forest of Strofilia (near the town of Larissas). Its length is 9 kilometers and width is 80 meters, awarded the Blue Flag. From here you can go on a one-day excursion to Olympia, Delphi and Athens.

Lakopetra (Larissos town) is a resort with a hotel complex with comfortable accommodation for the whole family, a small sand and pebble beach, with an area surrounded by flowering gardens - an ideal place for a holiday with a child.

Near the town of Simpolitia there are beaches with green areas: Akoli, Selianitika and Logos - excellent places for families with children. All of them were awarded the Blue Flag for safety and cleanliness.

3 kilometers from the town of Diakopto there is a very beautiful pebble beach of Punta on the territory, shaded by pine trees and eucalyptus trees.

Argolis

In Argolis (northwestern region of the peninsula), which is famous for its natural beauty, picturesque coastal settlements, and historical monuments, the following resorts with sandy beaches can be distinguished:

  • Plepi resort (Ermioni), awarded the Blue Flag.
  • Porto Heli, sheltered from the sea winds, with children's clubs in hotels, with good conditions for water sports.
  • Tolo (11 km from the city of Nafplion) is a resort with the cleanest water in Argolis and developed infrastructure. The beach is sandy and quite crowded.
  • Palea Epidavros beach is for lovers of pebble beaches. It is located next to the fishing village of the same name and is quite noisy. In the summer, many people come here for the Epidaurus Theater Festival.
  • The pebble beach of Arvanitia is also noisy and lively.

Argolis attracts tourists with the most visited historical monuments in the Peloponnese: the capital of King Menelaus - ancient Argos, Mycenae and Tiryns, where, according to legend, Hercules was born. And from the beach resorts of Argolid (the capital is Nafplion) it is easy to get to islands such as Poros, Hydra, Spetses.

Elijah

The Ilia region is home to seaside resorts, sandy beaches with azure waters, a unique landscape with historical monuments (the Temple of Apollo in Bassae, Olympia, Ilida, the ancient city of Ilis). The capital of the district is Pyrgos.

Summer in this part of the peninsula is dry and hot. The sea beaches are the longest in Greece with soft sand. In the region there are three beautiful, although not very large lakes with good beaches: Kaiafas, Agulinitsa and Muria.

Near Lake Kaiafas there is a long beach with golden sand surrounded by pine trees. This place is also popular because of the hot sulfur springs.

In the small town of Zacharo (45 km from Pyrgos and near Lake Kaiafas) there is a beach of the same name, recommended for children's recreation. The beach has clean white sand and is large enough to provide plenty of space for everyone. It is surrounded by green areas of olive trees and Mediterranean pine. There are hotels, cafes and taverns along the beach.

The family resort of Skafidia (13 kilometers from Pyrgos) is a luxurious place for families with children. A magnificent golden sand beach stretching for almost a kilometer, with tennis courts, mini golf, various water sports, sports fields, 25 swimming pools, surrounded by mountains approaching the water directly, covered with orange orchards, vineyards and olive groves.

Kyllini (43 km from Pyrgos) is a resort with excellent hotels, restaurants and a well-maintained sandy beach, with low picturesque mountains covered with forests. Famous for its thermal springs. From here you can take a rented boat to the charming island of Zakynthos.

Chrisi Akti Beach (near the town of Kastro) is long (10 kilometers long and 20 meters wide), sandy with golden sand. Part of this beach is owned by the Robinson Club Kyllini Beach resort.

The sandy beach of Kuruta (length - 20 kilometers, width - 30 meters) is located near the town of Amaliada in a green area with bushes and trees.

Messinia

Messinia (southwest Peloponnese, capital Kalamata) is one of the most beautiful and picturesque regions of the peninsula and a charming corner of Greece: rugged coastline, forested mountains, fertile plains, archaeological sites, wonderful sandy beaches.

The eastern part of this quiet "rural" province with flowering fragrant gardens and citrus groves is more rocky. But the west coast, with its gently sloping beaches with soft sand, small fishing villages, pleasant weather and relatively low prices, is very attractive for vacationers.

Located in the southwest of the peninsula on the coast of the Messinia region, the Costa Navarino resort is one of the best on the Mediterranean Sea. An environmentally friendly, top-class resort with breathtaking scenery - several luxury hotel complexes, spa centers, luxury residences, a golf course and a lot of entertainment.

Here are the best long golden sandy beaches in Messinia, Voidokoilia Bay (a stunningly beautiful azure section of the Ionian Sea), Gialova Lagoon with charming pink flamingos, and the Paleokastro fortress.

There are a lot of attractions near Costa Navarino: tombs and palaces of the Mycenaean era, Byzantine churches, temples, medieval castles. From here it is easy to go on excursions to the Temple of Apollo, Olympia, Mystras, the ancient city of Messeni, the medieval city of Monemvasia and the Palace of Nestor.

Almost in the center of Kalamata, among charming nature, there is a city beach. And 38 kilometers from Kalamata there is a small resort called Stupa with three beaches recommended for families with children.

The best family beach in Messinia, ideal for children's holidays (and the largest of them) is the magnificent Stoupa Beach. Kalogria is the second sandy beach, located among flowering bushes and eucalyptus trees next to Stoupa Beach. And the third is the small rocky beach of Halikura.

The sandy and long Memi beach (52 kilometers from Kalamata) is also a good option for a family holiday. For a relaxing holiday, we can recommend the sandy beaches of Petalidi (28 kilometers from Kalamata) and Agios Andreas (38 kilometers from the capital).

Stunning sandy beaches are located near the Costa Navarino resort in the ancient picturesque town of Pylos (here was once the residence of King Nestor) in Navarino Bay (52 kilometers from Kalamata).

There are many shops, restaurants, taverns, and supermarkets in the resort. There are practically no noisy youth entertainments here. But this is the best place for a quiet, relaxing holiday and from here it is convenient to go with children on excursions to the sights of the Peloponnese.

Laconia

Laconia (southern mainland Greece) is one of the popular tourist destinations with magnificent landscapes and rich history. The capital of the region is Sparta.

Sights - the city of Mystras, the fortified city of Monemvasia, the tower houses of Mani, as well as the delightful landscapes of the Taygetos mountain range, the Diru caves with the largest underground lakes in Europe, Cape Tenaron.

Particularly famous in this area is the sandy beach of Archangelos, 120 meters long and 10 meters wide, located near the port, which in the summer receives hundreds of yachts from all over the world. There are many first-class hotels on the beach.

The city beach of Neapolis is sandy and long, well-maintained and quite lively. Not far from the beach from the village you can take a boat to the island of Elafonisos and Simos Beach with long sand dunes and calm, spotless water, which is one of the best in Greece.

The sandy beach of Porto Kagio is secluded and serene, located in the Lakonikos Gulf. In the south of Laconia there is another calm and uncrowded beach, Gerolimenas. And next to the picturesque town of Gytheio is Scutari Beach. Very beautiful and calm, but almost wild, without any infrastructure.

Arcadia

Arcadia is located in the center of the peninsula on the shores of the Argolic Gulf and the Mirtoo Sea. The terrain with the beautiful mountains of Parnon and Menalo is unusually diverse and picturesque (in descriptions of idyllic scenes from the life of farmers and shepherds in ancient literature, the word “Arcadia” was synonymous with an ideal country, a carefree and happy life). There are many architectural monuments and medieval cities here. The capital of Arcadia is Tripoli.

There are many beaches and resorts in the eastern part of the region.

The beaches of Plaka and Lako are located between the slopes of the mountains in a green valley near the ancient city of Leonidion. Next to it is the rocky island of Hydra, on which you can only move by donkey or on foot (cars are prohibited). The beaches on this island are wild, small and rocky.

Paralio Astros is a fairly large resort with a sandy beach, surrounded by shady groves, gardens and taverns. Far from the city, another sandy beach 2.5 kilometers long with pebble areas is Callisto. Orange, olive and lemon groves are scattered nearby. Tigani Beach (near the town of Tiro) is large sandy with a pebble bottom.

The review of the resorts of the Peloponnese turned out to be quite voluminous, from which it follows that the beaches of the peninsula are very diverse and here you can find all types of coastlines. These are mostly well-organized beaches; on municipal beaches you can even use umbrellas and sun loungers for free.

But if we focus only on beaches for families with children, then for a family holiday on this peninsula we can highlight the following: Kalogria, Lakopetra, Sympolitia, Zacharo, Skafidia, Chrisi Akti, Kourouta, Stoupa, Memi, Petalidi, Agios Andreas, Pylos and Kosta- Navarino, Paralio Astros, Archangelos.

Peloponnese hotels for families with children

As noted earlier, there are fewer hotels in the Peloponnese than in other resort areas in Greece. But at the same time, it is here, on the west coast, that hotels of famous Greek hotel brands are located, such as Grecotel and Aldemar:

  • Aldemar Olympian Village 5* (Skafidia)
  • Aldemar Royal Olympian & Suites 5* (Skafidia)
  • Grecotel Olympia Riviera Thalasso 5* (Kyllini, Ilia)
  • Grecotel Mandola Rosa Suites & Villas 5* (Kyllini, Ilia)
  • The Westin Resort Costa Navarino 5* (Messenia, Costa Navarino)
  • The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort 5* (Messenia, Costa Navarino)
  • Grecotel Olympia Oasis 4* (Kyllini, Ilia)
  • Grecotel Lakopetra Beach 4* (Lakopetra)
  • Grecotel Ilia Palms 4* (Kyllini, Ilia)
  • Sunrise Village Beach 4* (Petalidi)

Sights of the Peloponnese

All the most important and significant events of Ancient Greece, subsequently described in legends and myths, took place in these places. The history of the peninsula is turbulent and full of historical events.

Thanks to this, many archaeological monuments have been preserved here: Mycenae - the center of ancient civilization, ancient Olympia, where the Olympic Games were first held, numerous Byzantine churches, fortresses and unique settlements, the oldest theater in Epidaurus, where theatergoers come every year. It is also the birthplace of 300 Spartans and the once prosperous city-polis of Sparta.

How to get to the Peloponnese?

The Peloponnese is the southernmost region of Greece on the mainland, close to its capital, Athens. Therefore, you can get to the peninsula by plane through Athens. During the high season, many charters land from Russia and other European cities at the airports of Tripoli, Kalamata, and Araxos.

You can also get there by ferry (sea connections with other cities of Greece and Italy are developed), by train, car and bus (the peninsula is connected to the mainland by modern highways). From Athens the journey takes 1.5-3 hours. It depends on the location of the selected hotel (on average 120-260 kilometers).

The large Peloponnese peninsula lies west of the city of Athens in southern Greece. Outwardly, it resembles a palm with four “fingers” - peninsulas. It is connected to the mainland by the Isthmus of Corinth, which takes its name from the nearby city of Corinth. The total area of ​​the Peloponnese is 15,490 square meters. km, and the length of the heavily indented coastline reaches 1,000 km. The relief of the central part of the peninsula can be described as mountainous with the highest point being Mount Taygetos (2,409 m).

The peninsula is located approximately 270 km from the city of Athens, the capital of Greece.

Administratively, the peninsula is divided into 5 administrative units:
. Argolis
. Arcadia
. Corinthia
. Laconia
. Messinia

The population of the Peloponnese is approximately 581,980 people (2011 census).

You can get here by plane first to Athens, and from there you can get to your destination using ground transport. The peninsula has a well-organized public transport service. You can also take a ferry or train.

As in all of Greece, the Peloponnese is very careful about its customs and traditions. The same holiday can be celebrated differently in different villages.

Throughout the peninsula, New Year's morning is traditionally celebrated breaking a pomegranate “thanks to Rodiu”. Upon returning from church, the owner of the family with a pomegranate in his hand is the first to enter the house, and with him comes good luck (there is such a sign). He then throws the pomegranate forcefully outside the front door, causing the seeds of the fruit to scatter. At the same time, he asks for health, happiness and wealth (like seeds in a pomegranate) for his family in the coming year.

On Easter night in the city of Tripoli, residents light and launch many sky lanterns- truly a fantastic spectacle.

On Maslenitsa, one of the most significant and colorful carnivals in the country takes place in the city of Patras. It brings together participants from all over the country.

Every year in mid-August, in the town of Karitania (Arcadia), the famous “Women’s Fair” (“Pazari Ginekon”) takes place, for which local housewives prepare pies, jams, and sweets (each according to their own recipes, inherited from their mothers and grandmothers).

In the Peloponnese, almost every stone is shrouded in myth. Take, for example, the name of the peninsula, which translated means “Island of Pelops.” King Pelops (Pelops), in turn, was the son of Tantalus, who prepared little Pelops as a treat for the gods. But legends attribute the founding of Mycenae to the winner of the Gorgon Medusa, Perseus. The greatest hero of antiquity, Hercules, also performed his exploits on this earth.

The first settlements in the Peloponnese appeared in the prehistoric era: in some places on the peninsula you can still find fragments of ancient Mycenaean cities, including Pylos, Tiryns and Mycenae itself. If you believe Homer’s Iliad, then Mycenae was the birthplace of the legendary king Agamemnon, and in Pylos, according to the Odyssey, king Nestor was born.

During the era of Classical Greece, the peninsula was dominated by two city-states - Corinth and Sparta. Former rivals unite in the face of a common enemy - powerful Athens. This confrontation went down in history as the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC).

In the II century. BC e. The territory of Greece passed into the hands of the Romans. And the defeated Corinth was subjected to complete destruction. Only the temple dedicated to Apollo survived. Later, already part of the Roman Empire, the city was rebuilt.

The stay of the Apostle Paul on Corinthian soil was captured in his “Epistle to the Corinthians” - one of the books of the New Testament. In 1204, the crusaders came to the peninsula. At the same time, the Peloponnese acquired a new name, Morea, which can be interpreted as “mulberry tree.” Soon Byzantium regains its position in the territory. The fall of Constantinople in 1453 marks the arrival of the Turks. Then, for some time, the peninsula passes to the Venetians, and then again to the Turks. And only in the middle of the 20th century. Greece seeks independence. The capital of the independent state briefly becomes the city of Nafplio, which later cedes this honor to the city of Athens.

The basis of the Mediterranean menu of the peninsula is undoubtedly olive oil, without which not a single dish is complete. Local olive oil, which is of high quality, is also exported.

The Peloponnese is also famous for its excellent wine: winemaking here has a long tradition. Particularly noteworthy are the vineyards of Nemea, Patras and Mantinia.

The Peloponnese is, first of all, a fascinating excursion into the past. But besides that, it is a wonderful adventure. Fans of active recreation will be able to do: rock climbing, trekking (hiking along mountain tops), diving, surfing, etc.

Among the cultural events held on the peninsula, the following can be noted:
. annual summer theater festival of ancient drama (city of Epidaurus),
. international music festival of classical music, in which musicians from Greece and other countries take part (Nafplio city),
. local festivals-panigirya dedicated to any historical or religious event, etc.
. Those interested can also visit one of the largest casinos in the country (the city of Loutraki).

We can recommend bringing from this legendary peninsula:
. olive oil,
. wine,
. gold and silver jewelry,
. ceramic products.