Region located in the south mainland Greece. Unlike other Greek destinations, this region is little known to Russian tourists. Meanwhile, the possibilities of the Peloponnese are endless. Important historical events took place on this land and numerous ancient monuments have been preserved. The coast of the peninsula is famous for its excellent beaches, and the nature makes the Peloponnese one of the most picturesque regions of Greece.

History of the Peloponnese

The Peloponnese Peninsula received its name in honor of King Pelops, who was considered the national hero of the Peloponnese. Since ancient times, the Peloponnese has played an important role in Greek history. When the Minoan civilization fell, the center of power of the ancient Aegean world shifted from Crete to Mycenae and Tiryns. Having become the most powerful city in the region, Mycenae surpassed Athens and Sparta. The period of peace and prosperity was destroyed by a series of invasions by the Goths, Slavs and Avars. In the Peloponnese in different time the bloodiest battles took place ancient world.

Monemvasia.

For a long time, the Peloponnese was part of the Roman Empire. The Byzantines came here later and firmly settled in the region only in the 9th century. In 1204, after the siege of Constantinople by the Crusaders, the region was divided into 12 fiefs between France, Flanders and Burgundy. The Byzantines still took revenge, although the empire was never revived.

This was followed by a difficult period of Turkish rule in the Peloponnese, which began in 1460. Subsequently, the struggle for power between the Turks and Venetians continued for hundreds of years. For the latter, the region had long been a desirable land, so at the first opportunity they created trading ports in Methoni and Monemvasia.

The year 1821 in the Peloponnese, as well as in Greece as a whole, was marked by the beginning of the revolution. In 1824, the Allies (England, France, Russia) destroyed the Egyptian-Turkish fleet in the Battle of Navarino. Thus ended the Turkish era in the Peloponnese. After the final liberation of Greece, it was the Peloponnesian Nafplio that was chosen as the first capital of the state.

Speaking about the past of the Peloponnese, one cannot help but recall the myths associated with the region. The most famous are the legend of the Trojan War and the myths of Pelops, after whom the peninsula was named.

Geography of the Peloponnese

The Peloponnese Peninsula occupies the southern territory of the Balkan Peninsula and is connected to it by the Isthmus of Corinth. Its area is more than 22,000 square meters. km, the coastline stretches for 1100 km. The Peloponnese is washed by the waters of the Saronic Gulf and the Ionian Sea. The relief of the peninsula is predominantly mountainous. Although the Peloponnese is famous for its fertile plains, fields and groves.

Fort Bourtzi in Nafplio.

The Peloponnese is divided into 7 regions:

• Corinth is one of the largest prefectures, famous for its ancient monuments. The most visited of them is Acrocorinth. Now the city of Corinth itself is a major industrial center;
• Argolis is the region where the most intense excursions are held. Here are located Ancient Mycenae, Nafplion and the city of Epidaurus;
• Arcadia is a region renowned for its wildlife, lush forests and traditional villages. There are well-preserved Byzantine monuments here;
• Laconia is attractive because it is here that Sparta and Monemvasia are located. The nome is also known for some of the best beaches Peloponnese;
• Messinia is worth a visit to see Nestor's Palace and the well-preserved Ancient Messinia;
• Achaia is interesting for tourists who want to see one of the largest cities in Greece - Patras. This is a beautiful flourishing city with a lot of ancient monuments and developed infrastructure;
• Ilia became famous for Ancient Olympia and its picturesque seaside towns.

Tourism in the Peloponnese

The mild climate, healing air and pleasant landscapes of the Peloponnese have made it a suitable place for family, romantic and secluded relaxation. There are fewer hotels here than in other regions of Greece. However, among them there are hotels that belong to famous “chains”.

Arcadia.

The beaches of the peninsula are mostly sandy or with minor pebbles. The southern coast is known for deserted beaches, while the areas of Corinth and Achaia are family-oriented.

Among the famous beaches is Voidokilia. This bay of incredible beauty in the shape of the letter “omega” made the Peloponnese famous. The beaches of Kourouta, Psili Ammos and Arkoudi are considered no less beautiful.

Sights of the Peloponnese

The Peloponnese is home to some of Greece's most famous attractions. Anyone interested in the mysterious Mycenaean era should visit the Palace of Nestor - a well-preserved palace complex of a semi-mythical king. The excavations are not completed, but are open to the public main palace, an earlier small palace, burial halls and domestic buildings.

Methoni.

Mycenae is a most interesting monument of ancient civilization. During excavations, its ruins revealed to the world many burials with expensive gifts. Particularly impressive is the architecture of the tombs, which demonstrates the talent of the architects of that era. The city's Lion Gate got its name from a bas-relief that follows the outlines of lions. According to one version, the image was the coat of arms of the Atrid family.

Rarely will a tourist pass by Ancient Olympia. At the excavation site you can see the remains of gyms, sanctuaries of pagan gods, and an early Christian basilica. The foundation of Leonidaion survived - houses with premises in which noble visitors stayed. In the eastern part there remains a hippodrome and a stadium. Columns and foundations from the temples of Hera and Zeus have survived, and some fragments are kept in the Olympia Museum.

Epidaurus.

Epidaurus is a place known in the past as a point of attraction for pilgrims. The sanctuary of Asclepius was located here. Solemn processions and sports competitions were organized in his honor. Now you can examine the ruins of the tholos, the large propylaea, the rooms in which the sick awaited healing, and the foundation of the Temple of Asclepius. The amphitheater, built for the entertainment of the nobility, is well preserved. It has high-quality acoustics and still hosts theatrical performances.

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The Peloponnese is the southernmost region of mainland Greece. It is less popular than, say, Halkidiki, 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 lack 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 aspect of the Peloponnese is its vast historical heritage, an 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 cheap way to get to the Peloponnese - by plane through 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 for 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.

Entertainment and attractions

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 cogwheel railway, laid at the end of the 19th century, and its passengers are unable to take their eyes off 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 winter on the coast. Spring is stormy, filled with the smells of meadow flowers. You can sunbathe on the beaches from April, 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 Peloponnese, a peninsula in southern Greece, attracts tourists not only because clean sea and scenic views. Holidays in the Peloponnese turn into journey to the origins of ancient Greek civilization. After all, this is where she was Sparta, rivaling Athens and famous for its “Spartan upbringing.” One of the centers of the Cretan-Mycenaean culture is located in the Peloponnese - "golden" Mycenae, famous for its tombs of kings. A Corinth, the center of the peninsula, even gave the name to one of the three Greek orders - Corinthian; columns with capitals in the form of leaves are the main decoration of temples that have survived to this day.

A hard journey and an easy rest.

The Peloponnese was not previously among the most popular resorts, primarily because it was difficult to get to: you had to change planes in Athens. You can fly from Athens to the peninsula by plane, especially if you are going to relax in Kalamata, Trioli or Araxos - they have their own airports. But you can also travel by car, because from Athens to the Peloponnese is no more than two hours’ drive. There is a third way - by sea: ports in the Peloponnese accept ships not only from Greece, but also from other countries; The easiest way to get here is from Italy. But since 2011 everything has changed in better side. In the summer months, Aeroflot operates a direct flight from Moscow to Araxos (Patrai Airport), and from there it is a stone's throw to local hotels.

Once in the Peloponnese, you will forget about road problems. Educational excursions, swimming in clear waters sea, interesting entertainment program, activities aquatic species sports will take up all your time and will be remembered for a long time.

The Peloponnese has beaches for every taste.

In the Peloponnese you will find sandy beaches or beaches with sand and small pebbles. If you are going on vacation with the whole family, then it is better to give preference to the beaches Achaea And Corinthia. Created here comfortable conditions just for family vacation. In the south of the Peloponnese there are beaches that attract not only with their picturesqueness, but also with their privacy.

Popular in Corinthia sandy beaches Loutraki And Xylokastro And pebble beach - Blue Flag holder, located on the coast Sykya.

IN Argolis there is also sandy(Tolo, Plepi, Porto Heli), and pebble(Paleo-Epidavros, Ermioni, Arvantia) beaches.

Beach Archangelos, having a blue flag, is considered the best in Laconia, and in Elide there are three sandy beach with a sky-colored flag - in Kurute, Chrissi Akti And Zakharo.

IN Achaea you also have a choice between pebbles and sand, and, depending on decision taken, you can go to pebble beach in Sympolitia or at sandy V Kalogria.

IN Messinia you can go to a place Mikri-Mantinia, where the entertainment industry is more developed, and restaurants serving local cuisine are located at the very edge of the water.

Resorts of the Peloponnese.

Sights of Corinth.

The monuments of Corinth are connected with ancient and Christian history. ABOUT ancient era remind Temple of Apollo(6th century BC), ruins Roman agora, ruins Pyrene- a source of drinking water that supplied the entire city, amphitheater, where gladiator fights were held during the reign of Augustus, and temple complex dedicated to the healer god Asclepius. And Christian history is connected with the activities of the Apostle Paul in the city; One of the famous letters of the apostle - "To the Corinthians" - is dedicated to the residents of the city. Enjoys special respect Bema- a tribune in the square from which the apostle preached before Gallio, proconsul of Rome. Remains of walls remembering the Byzantine, Roman and Turkish conquests will be revealed on the hill Acrocorinth.

Elite holiday in Messinia.

This is where it is created resort area of ​​Costa Navarino where luxury hotels and well-equipped entertainment centers are concentrated. This top-class resort attracts with its developed infrastructure and sandy beaches, where all the conditions for a pleasant stay are created. Located near Costa Navarino ancient city Pylos, and this neighborhood provides vacationers with a rich cultural program. In Pylos you can see Palace of King Nestor- one of the heroes of Homer's Iliad, wander along the picturesque coast Navarino Bay, visit Turkish fortress sixteenth century, try freshly caught fish prepared according to original recipes.

Fine cuisine of Nafplio.

Nafplio attracts tourists with its cozy romantic atmosphere, as well as various delicious dishes, which are offered in cafes, taverns and restaurants. It is in this city that ice cream is produced, which is considered the most delicious in Greece. You can try many flavors in the cafe "Antica Gelateria di Roma". In taverns "Savuras" And "Arapakos" you can treat yourself to fresh fish prepared according to ancient local recipes, "Karamanlis" famous meat dishes, and in the menu "Omorphi poly" includes dishes not only local, but also Italian cuisine. Don't forget to bring from this city komboloi. These rosary beads, made from various materials, in Greece became an attribute of masculinity.

Excursions in the Peloponnese: travels through the centuries.

A holiday in the Peloponnese can be a tool for you to study the history of the ancient world. IN Mycenae The ruins of the royal palace with the famous Lion Gate have been preserved. This is also where Sparta, which became a symbol of masculinity and service to one’s homeland thanks to the feat of three hundred Spartans. IN Olympia you will see the stadium where the games originated, the tradition of which has survived to this day. IN Epidaurus you can visit the most ancient theater, a mystery speaker system which has not yet been solved. Modern engineers have never been able to understand why the sound of a coin falling on stage can be heard even in the very back rows.

In the Peloponnese, you can choose any holiday - from inexpensive to luxury, but regardless of this, you will find a warm welcome, hot sun, warm sea and an exciting excursion into history.

The names of the cities of this peninsula make the hearts of historians and philologists all over the world skip a beat.

These are children's fairy tales that suddenly turned out to be reality...

These are lectures on ancient culture, which took on the shape, volume and smell of thousand-year-old stones...

These are Homer's poems that unexpectedly became travel guides...

You can study this part of Hellas for years... and still miss something, the number of important historical monuments here is so huge.

This is the Peloponnese!

Geography of the Peloponnese

The Peloponnese Peninsula is the southernmost part of mainland Greece, washed by the waters of the Ionian Sea and the Saronic Gulf.

It was artificially turned into an island by the Corinth Canal.
The idea of ​​digging it came to the minds of Julius Caesar and Caligula, at a time when Corinth belonged to the Romans. And Emperor Nero even began work, but the technical capabilities of that time, coupled with political troubles, did not allow this to be done.

In the 19th century, the construction of the canal was undertaken by invited Frenchmen, and the Greeks completed the project in record time.

Long - 6 km - and deep, the canal is impressive. To admire and walk along it, you need to leave the highway and go to the old highway.

The peninsula is divided into seven administrative districts:

• Achaia;
• Or me;
• Messinia;
• Laconia;
• Arcadia;
• Argolis;
• Corinth.

Each of them has its own coastline. The Peloponnese is predominantly mountainous, but there are also plains, fertile groves and fields. The largest city of the peninsula, Patras, crowns the northern coast.
Patras has the country's second largest port, after the port of Piraeus in the capital. From here you can sail to Italy and the Ionian Islands.
Here you can see ancient theaters, temples, mountain monasteries and fortresses, many monuments ancient culture. It was in the Peloponnese that the Olympic Games were born, and people still come to Olympia to look at the ruins of ancient stadiums and the remains of majestic palaces.

The disadvantages of the Peloponnese from the point of view of tourism include the comparative distance from airports: the city of Patras is 45 km from Araxos airport, 250 km from and 220 km from Kalamata airport, as well as not as developed nightlife as in other Greek resorts .

It is simply impossible to spend a holiday in the Peloponnese and not visit the legendary historical places. Therefore, there are hundreds of excursion routes here, but beach holidays are poorly developed compared to, say, the islands in the Aegean Sea.

There are not many hotels; a significant part of them were built in the north and north-west of the peninsula. There is no place in the Peloponnese that could be called a “resort center” - hotels and apartments are located separately along the entire coast, indented by a large number of picturesque bays with beaches, surrounded by rocky shores.

If you are going on vacation, our review of where and when to relax in Greece is the best place to relax.

How to get there

People mainly come to the Peloponnese from Athens: a convenient highway has been laid from the capital through the center of the peninsula to Kalamata (240 km).

You can follow the same road from Athens to the city of Patras (180 km) and further along the entire western coast to the town of Pylos.

If you are going with a rented car, then keep in mind that the most convenient routes, marked on the maps with bold lines, are paid: 2-3.5 euros at each specially equipped point. For example, travel from Athens to Kalamata will cost 12.6 euros. There are also free roads, but they are less convenient and their condition is slightly worse.

From May to October, charters fly to the international airports of Kalamata, Tripoli and Araxos. Of these, it is more convenient to get to hotels on the southeast coast and in the center of the peninsula.

Ferries from nearby islands, from Athens and from ports in Spain and Italy arrive at the port of Patras.

The best way to travel around the peninsula itself is by rented car. The roads on the peninsula are picturesque, but you have to drive slowly on them, as they are mostly mountainous and winding in places. The cost of renting a car in the Peloponnese is from 40 euros per day, gasoline – 1.85 euros per liter. Road maps are available on the Internet, and you can also purchase them in stores.

If you don’t have a license, you will have to use public transport - a well-functioning bus system is at your service.

Free brochures with bus schedules and routes can be picked up at any bus station in the Peloponnese.

Ticket prices depend on the distance of travel: for example, from Patras to Kamalata you can travel in 4 hours (23 euros), and from Kamalata to Sparta in just over an hour, paying 7 euros.

What can you buy and for how much?

The necessary tourist infrastructure is also well developed - shops, taverns and cafes, souvenir shops and restaurants. For those who love shopping, definitely go to Patras; shops of all famous brands are concentrated here.

Argos and Loutraki also have ample shopping opportunities, in stores big choice quality local clothing at affordable prices:

You can buy things with a 50% discount even outside the sales season. Lots of souvenir shops self made made of ceramics and olive wood.

The climate on the peninsula is much milder than in the country as a whole; the resort is more conducive to a quiet family holiday. The best time for those who like to admire the scenery and visit the sights is May and June, when the sun is not so merciless and you can walk.

The high season is the second half of July and until the end of August. From September to October, the velvet season begins in the Peloponnese, vacation is still comfortable, the sea is warm, and prices are no longer “biting.”
The northern coast of the peninsula with its picturesque beaches with the azure sea (Achaia region) is preferred by families with children; in the southeastern part of the peninsula, in addition to beaches, there are lakes.

The beauty of these places is especially appreciated by experienced travelers. In high mountain areas you can pitch tents.

Lake Kayafas (Elida region), known for its thermal springs since ancient times, has a popular spa and hydropathic clinic. It is shaded by pine trees and surrounded by a golden sand beach.

Famous for its healing waters and balneological baths in the city of Loutraki (before reaching the Corinth Canal). One of the largest casinos in Europe is also located here.

7 km southeast of Patras is one of the oldest wineries in Greece. Externally the plant looks like bavarian castle and is popular among tourists: here you can watch the process of making wine, as well as conduct a tasting and buy your favorite varieties of wine, including the famous “Mavrodaphni”. According to legend, it is named after the woman whom the founder of the plant, Gustav Klaus, never married.

Kalavryta is famous for its narrow-gauge railway, which connects it with the Gulf of Corinth. The journey along this ancient railway is very spectacular - it passes through picturesque gorges in the mountains, and at the stations you can see previously used steam engines.

Be sure to visit the unique ancient theater in Epidaurus, whose acoustics are designed in such a way that even today the very last rows can hear the sound of a lit match and the rustle of the actors’ clothes.

There is a diving center in Achaea, on almost all beaches - entertainment such as banana boat rides, tablet rides, water skiing, catamaran, volleyball, big and table tennis. There is a large ski center in Kalavrita.

What do they feed?

Hotels and beaches of the Peloponnese are surrounded by cafes and, average price for lunch for two in a meat tavern without alcohol (main course, salad and drinks) - 20-22 euros, in a fish tavern - a little more expensive - about 30 euros.

If you eat without going to taverns, preparing food only from products purchased in the supermarket, then you need to calculate about 10-12 euros per person per day.

There are no markets as such, but trays with fresh vegetables and fruits at prices ranging from 0.8 to 1.5 euros per kilogram.

It’s unacceptable to be in the Peloponnese and not try the local cuisine and fresh pastries! All sorts of sweet little things here attract incredible aromas at every step:

• croissants – 1.8 euros;
• chocolate bun – 1.4;
• puff pastries with various fillings – from 1.6 euros;
• pies – from 2 euros;
• cinnamon rolls – 1.20 euros;
• chocolate (both dark and milk) – 14 euros per kg.

A portion of meat in a local restaurant will cost about 6 euros, fresh fried for you from 7 euros, meat with potatoes - 8 euros, or you can order grilled chicken for 16 euros, which is enough for 4 people.

They say that the most delicious “pita souvlaki” is here - meat wrapped in local bread - pita, with tomatoes, onions and fried potatoes.

Local restaurants will also offer you moussaka (7-8 euros), grilled meatballs with baked tomatoes (8-10 euros). A seafood dinner will cost more - a dish with a mix of shrimp, mussels and grilled squid will be served for 18–20 euros.

In any beach bar you can buy ice cream for 2.5 euros, but it’s worth visiting specialized cafes where different types ice cream will be offered in original compositions with nuts, fruits and all kinds of chocolate mousses. It’s not cheap – 9–12 euros per serving, but the taste is appropriate.
And of course – coffee:

• –– aromatic and tonic (4 euros);
• espresso – 1.3 euros;
• cappuccino – 1.6 euros;
• a glass of beer – 1.2 euros;
• evening cocktails – 8 – 10 euros.

North coast

In the north of the Peloponnese are the prefectures of Achaea (Achaea), main city region - Patras, and the prefecture of Corinthia (with its center in the city of Corinth).

It is believed that this part of the peninsula is the most favorable for a relaxing holiday with children, because the beaches here are sandy or with small pebbles, the sea is calm and very clean, most of the beaches are awarded Blue Flags, and environmental conferences and other events to protect the environment are often held there .

Beaches of Kalogria and Lakopetra

Kalogria– a 9-kilometer sandy beach near the town of Larissas, 46 km east of Patras.
Nearby is the Strofilya forest reserve, where you can take a walk and hide from the heat.

The beach is fully equipped, there is an opportunity to go water skiing or learn to windsurf.

There is a rental of umbrellas and sunbeds (8 euros for a set of three items), but the facilities belonging to any hotel can be used for free, and many tourists who come to the beach do not deny themselves this.
There are taverns and bars on Kalogria.

The wild nudist beach of Gianiskari is hidden nearby.
You can get here from Patras by taxi (about 40 euros).

Lakopetra– a sandy beach in the town of Larissas, small (500 m), but with its own marine entertainment center: for example, you can go water skiing for 25 euros, parasailing for 60.
They will immediately sell you a tour or rent a car.

From Patras to Lakopetra you can take a taxi (25 euros).

Hotels in northern Peloponnese

Poseidon Resort (Esperides Villas & Suites) 5* (Poseidon Resort)

The hotel offers 8 (!) accommodation options - from a standard Suite to Esperides Villa.

An undoubted advantage of Poseidon Resort and an advantage over other hotel complexes on the peninsula is its proximity to Athens, and therefore to the airport (about 40 minutes, transfer from the airport is free), to the center of Loutraki - 10 minutes by taxi (5-7 euros).
Hotel address: Loutraki (Corinthia), tel: +30 210 3229695, fax: +30 210 3244856.

The hotel has its own beach, or rather, three entrances to the sea (pebble, with stairs and sandy, but with a lot of stones and boulders). Because of this, many guests prefer to sunbathe on the city beaches of Loutraki.

Internet without restrictions costs 30 euros for the entire stay. Wi-Fi is free by the pool, but judging by the reviews, it’s purely nominal. Gym– 10 euros per hour.

Drinks at breakfast are all free, at dinner - for money: a liter of wine - 4 euros, tea - 3 euros, fresh orange juice - 4 euros.

Excursions from the hotel

• to Athens (50 euros per person);
• Corinth – Nemea – Corinth Canal (45 euros per person);
• Epidaurus – Nafplio – Mycenae (60 euros per person).

Entrance to museums is paid separately, on average 2-3 euros.

Taking advantage of the proximity of the Greek capital, many tourists most often visit it on their own: a regular bus runs between Loutraki and Athens (15 euros per person in both directions). You can also go to Corinth on your own; a one-way ticket costs about 2 euros per person.

The hotel has significant disadvantages that you need to know about in advance, especially if you are planning a vacation with children:

A week's stay for a couple at Poseidon Resort 5* can cost from 35 thousand rubles. (accommodation in a bungalow) up to 150 thousand rubles. (villa with sea view). Power systems – HB or AI+.

Near Corinth, just an hour's drive from Athens, good hotels are recommended, but of a lower level:

• King Saron 4*, address: Kavos Isthmias - L. Epidaurou, Loutraki, tel: +30 27410 37273-6, fax: +30 27410 37504.
• Kinetta Beach 4*, address: 57 th km Old National road Athens Korinthos Kinetta, Attica, tel: +30 22960 650-80/1, 2, 3, 4, fax: +30 22960-650-86.

Achaia Beach 4*

The large Achaia Beach Hotel is located 4 km from the city of Patras, and this is one of its main advantages. Hotel address: Patras, Kastellokambos, 26442, Tel: +30 2610 991801, Fax: +30 2610 992487.

The city center is easy to reach: by train from the hotel in 15 minutes and 1.2 euros per person.

Using this same type of transport you can get to the famous Rion-Andirion bridge, the calling card of the largest city in the Peloponnese.

The bridge is the largest such structure in Europe, its length is about 3 km, it connects the peninsula with mainland Greece.

There is a fee to travel through it - 26 euros for a passenger car in both directions.

There is practically no infrastructure for children in the hotel, and there is no entertainment for adults. You can dance in a nightclub on the Patras embankment, where hotel guests go in the evenings.

The hotel is completely focused on excursion or beach holidays. The hotel's beach is sand and pebbles; umbrellas and sunbeds can be used free of charge.

A week's holiday in Achaia Beach will cost for two people from 66 thousand rubles with half board.

Western Peloponnese

The west coast is valued by tourists, first of all, for the huge number of ancient monuments.

Picturesque nature, wonderful beaches and many lakes add to the charm of this part of the Peloponnese. In the west of the peninsula are the prefectures of Ilia (the capital is Pyrgos) and Messinia (the center is in Kalamata).

Beaches of the western Peloponnese

It is in the Ilia district that the longest beaches of the peninsula are located.

Chrissi Akti– The almost 10-kilometer beach near the town of Castro is famous for its golden sand. Part of the beach is private territory, since it belongs to the Robinson Club Kyllini Beach resort. It is here that the beach is most populated and civilized, there is everything for a comfortable stay, and there is a large water entertainment center. Chrissi Akti can be reached by taxi from Kastro in 10 minutes, the fare is approximately 8-10 euros.

Killini- a large sandy beach, awarded the Blue Flag, in the resort town of the same name. This place, on the contrary, is very lively and popular with tourists, with many taverns and bars on the shore. On the beach you can rent a sun lounger (4 euros). Kyllini is located 43 km east of Pyrgos. From Pyrgos to Kyllini you can take a bus (7 euros) or a taxi (25 euros). From the port of Killini, ships carry tourists to the islands of Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and Poros.

Kalamata- an urban and, nevertheless, very clean beach, also a Blue Flag holder. During the season it is extremely crowded, there are bars and restaurants, chairs and tables are located right by the water. The beach covering is small pebbles. Both the rental of sun loungers and umbrellas and water activities are a couple of euros cheaper here than the Peloponnese average. This also applies to drinks in coastal cafes: a bottle of water costs 1 euro here, fresh water costs 5 euros.

Kardamili- a resort south of Kamalat, which boasts several beaches: Ritsa, Foneas, Delfinia. The peculiarity of these places is that the coasts are quite rocky, so they are often half-empty; there are campsites on the beaches; you can rent a canoe or boat (10 euros per hour).

Voidocoilia– the famous beach near the town of Pylos is located between two rocks: on one there is a Venetian castle, on the other there are ancient ruins. Despite the fact that Voidokilia is considered one of the most visited beaches in Messinia, it is absolutely wild, there is no infrastructure. The nearest tavern is 15 minutes' drive away. By the way, you can only get here by car. Tourists who have visited the beach are advised to take a sun mat with them, as the current carries prickly algae to the shore, which is impossible to lie on.

West coast hotels

Grecotel Olympia Oasis 4*

One of the most popular hotels on the peninsula is part of the largest hotel chain in Greece, Grecotel.

It is located in the western Peloponnese in the Ilia district, and is part of a complex of three hotels. Hotel address: Killini 27050, Tel: +30 26230 64400, Fax: +30 26230 64455.

From Athens airport it is 280 km, from air gate Araxos – 60 km. The nearest village of Arkoudi is 1.5 km, the village of Gastuni is 15 km, get to these settlements You can take a taxi (fare is 10 and 25 euros, respectively), you can order a car at the reception.

The peculiarity of the hotels of this Greek chain is their focus on guests with children. Grecotel Olympia Oasis 4* boasts a huge infrastructure for them - from swimming pools to mini-clubs for children of different ages.

The hotel’s stunning two-kilometer beach is also ideal for children - the entrance is gentle, the sand is fine, fully equipped (umbrellas, sun loungers, towels are free for hotel guests), sea ​​urchins No.

However, there are no beach activities either, and there is nowhere to have fun in the area, so the hotel is unlikely to be suitable for young people.

Half a kilometer from the Grecotel Olympia there is a hydrogen sulfide mineral spring and healing mud. You can use this natural clinic without hindrance, which some tourists use year after year.

Excursions:

• It’s convenient to travel from the hotel to the island of Zakynthos, a one-day excursion costs 85 euros (children under 12 years old - 45);
• Athens, one-day trip – 95 euros (for children – 65);
• Ancient Olympia – 60 euros, children’s ticket – 30 euros.

The hotel operates on both an all-inclusive and half-board basis. A week in the second half of summer for a family with a child can cost from 75 thousand rubles. (standard placement) up to 145 thousand rubles. (family apartment).

Grecotel Filoxenia 4*

Another complex of the Grecotel network is located in the neighboring prefecture - in the suburbs of Kalamata. Its address is: Navarinou Street, GR 241 00 Kalamata, Tel: +30 27210 23166, Fax: +30 27210 23343.

From Athens to the hotel you need to drive about 300 km, so it’s easier to fly on a charter to local airport. From here to the hotel – 14 km, from Grecotel Filoxenia 4* to the city center – 3 km (taxi fare will cost 10 euros).

Like the previous hotel, its main advantage is the beach. Three hundred meters of white small pebbles, perfect pure water and a smooth entry into the sea, although it becomes deep quite quickly.

The beach is fully equipped with everything necessary; umbrellas and sun loungers are free for hotel guests; for water activities you will have to pay from 15 to 50 euros.

The hotel operates an all-inclusive system, but experienced guests do not recommend eating on it, since there are a lot of complaints about the quality and variety of food.

In Kalamata, taverns are always open, where lunch with wine costs no more than 15 euros per person.

In Philoxenia, for this amount at dinner you can only buy a liter of local wine; in general, the prices for drinks and dishes in the restaurant cannot be called budget.
Experienced tourists are advised to visit the streets of Aristomenos and Iatropoulou in Kalamata, where all the main shops, souvenir shops and taverns of the town are located, and also take a walk along the local embankment, which can be reached on foot from the hotel.

Accommodation at Grecotel Filoxenia 4* for a couple with a child will cost from 52 thousand rubles. up to 95 thousand rubles. depending on the accommodation category.

Elite City Resort 4*

Not far from the center of Kalamata (3 km) there is another popular hotel – Elite City Resort 4*.

It is positioned as a business class hotel and has very high ratings on online booking services. Hotel address: Navarino Street 2, 24100 Kalamata, Tel: +30 27210 22434, Fax: +30 27210 84369.

The small hotel is located on the first coastline, although it is separated from the beach by a highway, but there is an underground pedestrian crossing under it. The beach has small pebbles, all amenities are free for hotel guests.

An interesting detail that for some reason only foreign tourists write about on the Internet: the hotel has a small museum that displays a unique collection of Olympic torches from 1936!

At the gates of Elite City Resort 4* there is a public transport stop, from where you can take a bus to the historical center of Kalamata in 10 minutes and for 1.2 euros. A taxi costs a little more – 5 euros.

For a couple with a child, a week in August at Elite City Resort 4* can cost from 95 to almost 200 thousand rubles, depending on the accommodation. Food systems - breakfast or half board.

Center, south and southeast Peloponnese

Three prefectures of the Peloponnese – Argolis(center – Nafplio), Arcadia(center - Tripoli) and Laconia(capital - Sparta) are less suitable for sunbathing on the shore than the rest of the peninsula, but this is more than compensated by their importance in Greek and world history.

The beaches here are more remote, deserted and most often wild, but there are several quite popular recreation and hangout spots.

Beaches

Karatona– a noisy and crowded beach 3 km south of Nafplio. In the center there is a large bar from which drinks and food are delivered to any sun lounger. The same establishment hosts parties in the evenings, music plays almost around the clock. You can get to Karaton on foot or by bus from Nafplion (ticket from the bus station - 1.5 euros). Cars are prohibited from entering the beach.

Tolo– another famous holiday destination in Argolis, located 11 km south of Nafplion, near the lively resort town of Tolon. A huge number of taverns and cafes are located right on the beach; during the season there are a lot of people here, but the sea is considered the cleanest on the coast. Umbrella and sun lounger rental – 5 euros. The beach is recommended for families with children: the pebbles are small, the entrance to the water is smooth, in the summer they inflate slides and install them directly into the sea; a child can play in this improvised water park for 5 euros.

Plaka and Lako– two sand and pebble beaches on both sides of the ancient port city of Leonidion, which is located east of Tripoli. The beaches are equipped with everything you need. Umbrellas are provided free of charge when purchasing food or drink at one of the many taverns. These beaches are the most popular in Arakdia and are easily accessible by car or from Leonidion on foot.

Simos Beach is the most popular beach in Laconia, located on the island of Elafonissis, opposite the southern tip of the peninsula. A ferry runs here from the mainland once an hour, the journey takes 10 minutes. Two people in a car will pay 12 euros one way. Simos Beach is included in the list of the best beaches in Greece due to the clear calm sea, fine golden sand and well-developed infrastructure. There is an excellent campsite on the beach with all amenities; part of Simos Beach is given over to nudists.

Hotels on the south and southeast coasts

Hotel Tolo 3*

In the town of Tolon, on the seashore, there is the Tolo Hotel and across the road from it there is another hotel with the same name. Please be aware that this is the same hotel. Its address is: 21056 Tolon Peloponnese, Hellas, Tel: +30 27520 59248, Fax: +30 27520 59689.

People get here mainly from international airport Tripoli: by bus (10 euros) or by taxi (45 euros).

The hotel's own beach is tiny; guests visit the municipal beach of Tolo. But Hotel Tolo is not intended for beach holiday, its main advantage is its ideal location for exploring the cradle of ancient Greek civilization: the city of Nafplio is a 10-minute bus ride (stop at the hotel gate), and the ancient city-state of Assini is a 15-minute walk away.

All the most famous cities of the central Peloponnese can be visited by car in one day.

If we talk about the level of the hotel, then its guests have practically no complaints: the rooms are freshly renovated, the staff is polite and efficient, the food is acceptable.

At the end of August, a couple with a child staying at Hotel Tolo will cost 20 thousand rubles per week for standard accommodation, the same seven days in a deluxe suite costs 30 thousand rubles.

Similar hotels in Tolon that can be considered for a holiday:

• Amaryllis Hotel Apartment 3*, address: 4 Pournara st, Tolo 21056, Nafplio, tel: +30 6945 557799; +30 27520 59814-24148, fax: +30 27520 59967;
• Hotel Minoa 3*, address: 46-55 Aktis Street, Tolo 21056, tel: +30 2752 059 207, +30 2752 059 924, fax: +30 2752 059 707, +30 2752 059 968.

Amfitriti Palazzo Hotel 4*

A small boutique hotel located in the city of Nafplio, very close to the old center at the address: Old City of Nafplio, Argolida, 21200, tel: +30 2752 096 250, fax +30 2752 096 252.

It is very difficult to find it in the maze of streets, but if you call the hotel, they will pick you up from the airport or bus station.

The hotel is urban, has neither a swimming pool nor its own beach; those who come to explore the eastern and central Peloponnese stay there.

Each room has a balcony from which wonderful view to ancient Nafplio. Guests especially praise the hotel breakfasts and the hospitality of the hosts.

For a week's stay in August at the Amfitriti Palazzo Hotel, the couple will pay approximately 22 thousand rubles.

Similar hotels in Nafplio:

• Grand Sarai Nafplio 3*, address: Fotamara & Potamianou str 3, 211 00, Nafplion, tel: +30 275 202 2563;
• Amalia Hotel Nauplia 4*, address: Amalias st. N.Tiryns 21100, tel: +30 2752 024 400, fax: +30 2752 024 404.

We can say with confidence that the Peloponnese has not yet been “inhabited” by Russian tourists.

Our compatriots do not go to city hotels, and even more so to mountain hotels, which are found in the central part of the peninsula, preferring comfortable and expensive hotels with their own beaches.

You won’t always meet Russians on numerous excursions to ancient cities either. Only true connoisseurs of the Greek historical heritage risk exploring the peninsula on their own by car.

But the situation is gradually changing, and the reason is simple: once you get to the Peloponnese, this materialized textbook on the ancient history of Greece, it is simply impossible not to return here again.

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 important aspects trips to the Peloponnese and answer all tourists’ questions.

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, became famous throughout the world, and was erected famous temple Zeus. 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. Next stage development of the peninsula - the arrival of Hellenic culture in 2000 BC. This period in history Ancient Greece characterized by the rise 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 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.

Most comfortable temperatures for a person unaccustomed to heat, they occur at the end of spring and beginning of autumn. During these periods, the thermometer stops at +23-25 ​​degrees. In the midst 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.

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 Archaeological Museum, 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 is Mega-Spileo - miraculous icon Our Lady of Megaspileotissa, written 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.

Peloponnese map

The map presented in this section will help you study the Peloponnese in detail. It will allow you to navigate the area and build a convenient route, taking into account the first city in the Peloponnese that you visit and subsequent places of interest to you.

Entertainment Peloponnese

Tourists travel to Mediterranean countries mostly to relax by the sea. The Peloponnese Peninsula also has areas where you can comfortably spend a beach holiday.

Beaches

The peninsula is enormous in size, and the coast of the Peloponnese is dotted with beaches of varying lengths and amenities. It is impossible to describe them all, so we will highlight several places where the most unique of them are located.

Name	Description
Kalamata Beach (Messenia)	An extended coastline covered with small pebbles and sand. It has a developed infrastructure.
Xylokastro (Corinthia)	A picturesque city beach adjacent to an impressive pine forest.
Voidokilia (Pylos)	Sandy area on the shore of a calm bay. Great for a family holiday with children.
Beach at Lake Kayafa (Ilia)	Deserted coast with minimal tourist infrastructure. Ideal place for lovers of secluded relaxation.
Akoli (Aegiona)	Natural lagoon. The azure waters and clean coastline have been awarded the Blue Flag.

Extreme Sports

The entertainment offered to travelers is not limited to sunbathing and swimming in bays. The Peloponnese also offers many opportunities for extreme sports enthusiasts.

For example, you can go surfing, water skiing or motorcycling, admire the beauty of the island from a parachute, go to ski resorts or try your hand at mountaineering and rafting. The choice depends on weather conditions and your hobbies.

restaurants and bars

Almost every hotel on the peninsula is surrounded by taverns and bars. Alcohol is expensive, but food prices in Greek establishments are not very high - the average price for lunch for two people is about 30 euros. The chefs cook at a decent level, but in order to eat very tasty, it is better to choose places with less tourist traffic.

Clubs and nightlife

There are many nightclubs on the peninsula, allowing young people to have fun. Leaders in saturation nightlife Kalamata and Nafplio. Lively evenings are held here every day, and large parties with VIP DJs usually take place on weekends.

Shopping and souvenirs

The Peloponnese is a great place for shopping. Sale lovers should definitely visit Patras, where Every year In addition to seasonal discounts, they conduct traditional “Greek” pre-sale promotions. During this period, prices are reduced by only 20%, but the selection of goods is unusually large.

The peninsula is also notable for the fact that local shops often sell handmade products. Here you can find unique Jewelry, carved wooden and stone souvenirs, designer clothes and shoes. For such purchases, it is better to go to Nafplio, Pylos or Olympia.

Peloponnese for children

The Peloponnese, located in the waters of two seas, is famous for its bays and bays. When going on vacation with children, the first thing travelers decide is which sea off the Peloponnese to choose.

For a safe and comfortable holiday with children, the western coast of the Ionian Sea, where there are gently sloping sandy beaches, is most suitable. Also worth a look Northern part Peloponnese Peninsula on the map. The districts of Corinthia and Achaea have the most coherent and developed infrastructure. Here, guests of the island will find comfortable hotels, safe and comfortable beaches, and plenty of entertainment for families.

As for attractions, animators, gaming clubs, etc., in this regard, the Peloponnese loses a little. But the peninsula will give a lot of impressions to active and inquisitive children. They will enjoy river rafting, the opportunity to visit primeval caves, exploring the ruins of ancient cities, horseback riding along mountain trails, swimming in waterfalls and other exciting adventures.

Where to stay in the Peloponnese

The peninsula is simply huge in area, so there are quite a lot of places for housing, and the most different classes: from five-star hotels to modest guest houses and hostels.

During the season, when the demand for housing is very high, daily accommodation in a double room in a 5-star establishment will cost 200-250 euros. The same apartments in a 4-star hotel cost exactly half as much. For a hotel with minimal comfort, tourists pay from 50 euros per night.

Most hotels in the Peloponnese belong to well-known Greek chains. According to reviews from travelers, the following are especially popular:

• Grecotel Exclusive Resort;
• Barcelo Hydra Beach;
• Aetoma Hotel;
• Mandola Rosa;
• Aldemar Olympian Village.

Those who like a secluded holiday can rent apartments and villas. The price range for detached housing depends on the area and the luxury of the furnishings. Simple one-room apartment you can rent for 30-40 euros per day, and a luxurious multi-storey villa will cost 400-500 euros.

The Peloponnese in modern Greece is not only a famous historical area, but also a developed tourist center. Holidays on the peninsula will delight guests with sunny weather, sandy beaches, extreme entertainment and, of course, ancient artifacts. Have a fascinating trip and unforgettable impressions!

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