The tour of the Peloponnese

The Peloponnese because of its natural beauty but also of important monuments, is a region which is an ideal destination in all seasons.

The Peloponnese is the largest peninsula of Greece and consists of seven prefectures: Achaia, Ilia, Messinia, Arkadia, Lakonia, Argolida and Corinthia. Formed on the shores of large bays that give the characteristic shape of platanofyllou. Each county also has a glorious history starting from prehistoric times until today and all of them have a unique natural beauty and scenery.

Important monuments and archaeological sites, unique villages, picturesque towns and charming castles and natural beauty, such as mountains and forests, rivers and caves, beautiful beaches with rocky and indented coastline, making the Peloponnese an area that is ideal for holidays, activities , relaxation, and acquaintance with history and culture.

Let's take a whirlwind tour to the most interesting parts of the magnificent coastline of the Peloponnese ...

Corinthia: strategically located

We begin our tour from Loutraki, located on the first area that we see, as we go from Attica to the Peloponnese. The once cosmopolitan spa town attracts many visitors from all over Greece due to the famous hot springs that gush from many parts of the coastal region in an area of ​​about 750 meters, but also for its beautiful beach and its nightlife.

The Corinth Canal

In Corinth, admire the famous canal built between 1880-1893 and which connects the Saronic with the Corinthian Gulf and visit Acrocorinth, with its impressive castle, the temple of Aphrodite and the spectacular views.

Heading west to Patras, you will pass by beautiful small villages and towns with clean beaches like Vrahati, Derveni, Kiato and Xylokastro, which represent some of the most popular tourist resorts of the Peloponnese.

Achaia: the "gate" of western Greece

Achaia is one of the most historical sites of the Peloponnese and the coastal gate of Greece to Europe, with a long history since ancient times. "Entering" in the area, to get to Akrata, Diakopto and Aigio, the second largest urban center of Achaia. It is a beautiful city with a long history, built amphitheatrically and with great location to the Corinthian Gulf. The surrounding area is also the center where the famous currants cultivated. Of particular interest to visitors of Aegio has the old part of town and the beach, the train station to the church of Panagia Tripiti and old stafidapothikes which now have been renovated and operating as cafes.

Patras

 

Shortly before arriving in Patras, you will see the large cable-stayed bridge connecting the Peloponnese with mainland Greece, at the height of Rio and Antirio respectively, designed with impressive strength and completed in 2004.

The capital of Achaia, the fun and the carnival is an important port and is worth visiting to admire its medieval castle, the important winery Achaia Clauss, the imposing church of St. Andrew and the New Museum.

Heading west, you will pass by small coastal villages and beaches like that of Lakopetra and Kalogria, with its unique beauty and pine forest area Strofylia composing an idyllic picture.

Ilia: endless sandy beaches

Continuing south, you will find Amalias, the second largest city of Elis, with a strong cultural identity, as well as the limits of contained many archaeological sites and monuments. From there they start or end there dozens of roads that link it to the mountainous Peloponnese and Ionian seas.

The Kaiafas Lake

Many, impressive, sandy and great the beaches you will encounter on your way as Kyllini and Kourouta but also Caiaphas lake, a wetland and the center of spa tourism in the region.

The Tower, the capital of the county, has experienced particular growth season raisins (19th century - 1930) due to its geographical position and today, if somewhat ... misunderstood city, is a place with great energy.

In the middle of Kyparissia, very close to Caiaphas lake, located Zacharo, resulting in a beautiful beach with a wide sandy beach. H surroundings are green, olive and pine trees, a short distance from the town of Zacharo, lies the gorge of Neda and Ancient Olympia.

Messinia: olive, turquoise waters and historical monuments

Kyparissia, Messinia, in the traditional settlement of the Old Town and the castle, and the olive groves, turquoise waters, historical monuments and places of inexhaustible natural beauty, compose a unique scene that charms every visitor.

Pylos

Messinian beauty will admire the picturesque Pylos, the "arms" of the Bay of Navarino. It is a lovely seaside town with bright island colors and the famous fortress dominating the entrance of the harbor.

At both ends of the first "leg" of the Peloponnese lie the beautiful towns of Methoni and Koroni, with its famous, Venetian castles, sandy beaches and interesting attractions nearby, while important destination is the capital of the prefecture, Kalamata, known for its local products are key components of the Mediterranean diet, but also for its beautiful landscapes and attractions.

Stoupa and Kardamyli, west of the second "leg" are two beautiful villages, with clean beaches and natural beauty.

Laconia: special tradition and beautiful beaches

Itilo and Areopoli in Mani Aposkieri, the southernmost point of mainland Greece, will attract you to their wild nature, picturesque and traditional character. The area of ​​infinite beauty trails, 67 traditional stone-built settlements -from the 98 Manis- castles, Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches with unique frescoes, towers and unique flora and fauna.

Limeni, near Areopolis

South of Areopolis, Diros Bay, Cave Glyfada, hides for the visitor unique beauty in the depths of the earth. It is a marine cave ineffable beauty, who has taken the first place among the three most beautiful lake caves in the world. Further south you can visit the impressive traditional settlements of Gerolimenas, with the picturesque natural harbor of Vathia, with their stone towers overlooking the sea and Cayo Porto (Port aux cailles), a picturesque village where resting migratory quail in their long journey to warm climates, giving their name to the place.

Across the middle "leg" and a little further north, is Gytheio, a historic town amphitheater rises on the eastern slopes of Mount Akoumaros has island breezes and beautiful beaches. There you will see beautiful neoclassical houses and listen to lively place. The southern edge of the town of Gythion, united through a small pier with a small island, ancient Kranai or Marathonisi. In this island, according to legend, they spent their first night, Paris and Helen, before leaving for Troy.

The capital of Laconia, Sparta, located in mainland Peloponnese and is a city with interesting sights, but also a base for excursions in the surrounding nature and beautiful villages.

The medieval castle of Monemvasia in the third "leg" of the Peloponnese, is a fairytale setting with multiple cultural influences and with rare beauty. The nickname is "Gibraltar of the East" because it happens to be, in a reduced size, identical to the rock of Gibraltar.

The rock of Monemvasia

In the prefecture of Laconia belongs the beautiful Elafonisos opposite Naples, famous for its unique beaches with dunes and thalassokedra.

Arcadia: the 'heart' of the Peloponnese

Most of Arcadia, is continental and includes mountainous Peloponnese and other beauties. Very near the coast of Leonidio county located on the shores of Myrtoon Sea and in the shadow of Mount Parnon. Feature is the imposing red rock that rises above the designated traditional settlement.

Tyros

Moving north, you will find picturesque coves and beautiful beaches and will reach Tyros, a beautiful resort consisting of Ano Tyros in the green slopes of Mount Parnon, Kato Tyros little lower and Tyros Beach, which "see" Myrtoan Sea .

The Astros in the northern coastal part of Arcadia, where it was held in the spring of 1823, the Second National Assembly of the Greeks, is ideal for quiet walks in the picturesque harbor with fishing boats and sailboats and small explorations in the picturesque alleys. On the coastal road there are many taverns and restaurants.

Argolida: with ancient history and "heavy" heritage

Completing our tour in the Peloponnese, we arrive at Argolida and Argos, one of the oldest cities in Greece, which remains a vast, timeless "museum" with numerous and unique finds placed in each historical period, but also modern attractions and opportunity for entertainment and relaxation.

Nafplio

Nafplio, the capital of the prefecture, is one of the most beautiful cities in Greece and was the first capital of the newly established Greek state. The visit to Nafplio not understood, if not climb the fortress Palamidi, to enjoy the impressive views and not ride Akronafplia, which was in ancient times the acropolis of Nafplio. If you visit Nafplio weekend, and the weather is good, you are going to "pop" with a motorboat on the mythical castle Bourtzi small fort that stands gracefully in the middle of the sea.