History infuses the rugged mountains of the Peloponnese, a large peninsula west of Athens in mainland Greece. Five UNESCO World Heritage sites nestle here, including Mycenae, Byzantine Mystras, Ancient Olympia, and the Theatre of Epidaurus, alongside famous ancient names such as Sparta and Corinth, where St. Paul preached. But there are more things to do in the Peloponnese than history alone: the Odontotos Rack Railway makes a stunning mountain ride, Mt. Taygetos is a hiker’s paradise, and romantic Nafplio is one of Greece’s most beautiful cities.
Summer (June–August) is Greece's peak season, and the Peloponnese is no exception. Both ancient sites and beaches often heave with tourists. Shoulder seasons are the way to go here: May, late April, September, and early October offer warm days without the cold nights of early spring and late fall. Be aware that some hotels and restaurants close during winter.
Except for the Athens-Corinth connection and the train that links the Katakolo cruise port and Ancient Olympia, public transit in the Peloponnese is not designed for travelers. High season traffic, hairpin bends on mountain roads, narrow streets in towns and villages, and the often-anarchic Greek driving style means many visitors opt to join tours or hire drivers rather than renting cars.
The Peloponnese is one of Greece’s top olive-growing regions, with Messini near Kalamata and Laconia near Sparta particularly famous. Tasting olives and olive oil is a must for visiting foodies, or visit Sparta’s Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil for a deep dive into all things oleic. When in Nafplio, a seafood feast at a traditional taverna is essential. Savouras has been dishing up everything from lobster to stingray since 1841.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone EEST (UTC +2) | Country Code +30 | Language(s) Greek | Attractions 11 | Tours 282 | Reviews 3,332 |
The Peloponnese is famed for historic locations, including Sparta, Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, and Mystras, so sightseeing is one of the top things to do in the Peloponnese. Active travelers can raft the Lousios River, hike and rock-climb on Mt. Taygetos, and try kayaking and other water sports around Kalamata.
...MoreYes. The Peloponnese is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Ancient Olympia, the Theatre of Epidaurus, and many other historic cities and monuments. A must for history buffs, it’s also a top destination for hiking, while the Corinth Canal is a spectacular feat of engineering.
...MoreMany travelers spend weeks exploring the Peloponnese, but four days lets you hit some key highlights. See Corinth then Nafplio on day 1; from Naplio, explore Mycenae and the Theatre of Epidaurus on day 2; on day 3, discover Mystras and the Mani from Kalamata; on day 4, visit Ancient Olympia.
...MoreThe Peloponnese is part of Greece, so Greek is spoken here. As elsewhere in Greece, street signs are written in Greek and Roman (standard Western) letters. English is widely spoken at historical sites and main tourist destinations, and many tourism professionals also speak other European languages.
...MoreThere are many islands near the Peloponnese, perhaps most famously Hydra, where Leonard Cohen once lived. Apart from Hydra, other Saronic islands off the eastern Peloponnese include Poros, Aegina, and Spetses. Out of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia, Ithaca, and Zakynthos are near the northwestern Peloponnese; Kythira lies in the south, with tiny Elafonisos.
...MoreYes, if you have time. Kalamata is a great base to explore the southern Peloponnese, with an attractive old town, fascinating museums, and world-famous olives. Sparta, Ancient Messini, UNESCO-listed Mystras, the Kardamili beach town, and Mani's rugged landscapes and fortified homes are all within easy reach.
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