Peloponnese

Where myth meets history

Escape to the Peloponnese, where Myth meets history. Monuments from every period of the eventful history, great archeological sites; ancient Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Tiryns, the Temple of Apollo Epicurius, Byzantine churches and Monasteries.

The Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece has witnessed some of the most epic events of ancient Greek mythology and history. It is here that Hercules performed his twelve labours, that Agamemnon ruled over Mycenae and launched the Trojan War, that Sparta fought against Athens and Persia, that Olympia hosted the first Olympic Games, and that Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman empires left their mark. 

The Peloponnese is where you can explore the ruins of ancient temples, palaces, theatres and stadiums, admire the medieval castles, monasteries and churches, and enjoy the natural beauty of mountains, valleys, rivers and beaches. The Peloponnese is a place where myth meets history, and you can discover Greece’s rich and diverse heritage.

Sightseeing and sports

Explore unique villages and alluring castles amidst stunning natural beauty, mountains and forests, rivers and caves. Not to mention that the Peloponnese is surrounded by the Greek sea, with lovely beaches, sandy and smooth coasts on the western part – rocky and lacy on its easternmost side.  It is no coincidences that the tour of the Peloponnese is very popular among travelers.

Nafplio

One of the most beautiful towns in the area of Argolis (in eastern Peloponnese) as well as one of the most romantic cities all over Greece, Nafplio was the first capital of the newly born Greek state between 1823 and 1834.

According to mythology, the town was founded by Nafplios, the son of god Poseidon and the daughter of Danaus (Danaida) Anymone. The town’s history traces back to the prehistoric era when soldiers from here participated in the Argonautic expedition and the Trojan War alike. The town declined during the Roman times and flourished again during the Byzantine times. Frankish, Venetian and Turkish conquerors left their mark in the town and strongly influenced its culture, architecture and traditions during the centuries. Ancient walls, medieval castles, monuments and statues, Ottoman fountains and Venetian or neoclassical buildings mesmerize the visitor with their unique architecture and beauty.

Dimitsana

Among the steep slopes of Mt. Mainalo in the Peloponnese nestles the mountain village of Dimitsana. Get a deeper insight into Greek history by visiting the places where the Greek Revolution of 1821 against the Ottoman occupation actually began; a place synonymous with legendary heroes, fierce battles and glorious achievements. Today thanks to its proximity to Athens and its striking beauty Dimitsana is one of the most popular all year round destinations in Greece along with the nearby Stemnitsa and Vytina, in the heart of Arcadia.

Dimitsana is built like an amphitheatre overlooking Lousios River, Lousios valley and the plains of Megalopoli. The village is nicely surrounded by snow covered mountain tops and lush pine tree forests. Some of its most famous sights are the six remaining legendary Gunpowder Mills that used to produce gunpowder for the Revolutionary War, the Philosophou and Timiou Prodromou Monasteries; the archaeological site of Gortyna and the houses of heroes of the Revolution.

Monemvasia

Monemvasia, founded by the Byzantines in the sixth century, is a breathtaking medieval tower town located on the south-eastern coast of the Peloponnese. Take the opportunity to explore this mystical stone-built settlement, nestled at the edge of a big rock by the sea, and immerse yourself in a unique medieval atmosphere!

Upon entering the castle, your journey through time begins. Peer into the history of the fortress –the so-called “Gibraltar of the East”–, which was occupied by the Byzantines, the Crusaders, the Venetians, and the Turks in the past. Wander around its narrow cobbled streets, and admire the beautifully restored stone buildings. Taste culinary delights at a fine restaurant on the roof of a tower house, and spend a romantic night at a stone-built tower. The “Kastro” (castle) is divided into two parts, the lower and upper town.

Elafonisos

Elafonissos, just 300 m from Pounta in the shore of Peloponnesus, has a history of about 5,000 years, since it was inhabited from the Third and Second Millenium B.C., as evidenced by prehistoric findings. During the Peloponnesian War it was a battle field between the Athenians and the Spartans, as the former had fortified the isthmus that connected at that time the island with Pounta. From 1839 until 1850 belonged to the British, which considered it part of the Eptanisa. It is connected with Pounta or Neapolis, Lakonia through local ferry boat routes. It extends over 9000 sq. m and has a population of 750 inhabitants.

Epidaurus

Epidaurus: for many people, this word brings to mind the town’s Ancient Theatre (c. 340-330 B.C.), a renowned monument included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list as part of the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of medicine for the ancient Greeks. The dramatic performances staged in this theatre were watched by the god’s patients, during their stay at the healing centre. Since the 1950s, ancient theatre plays have been performed here every summer, as per the Athens & Epidaurus Festival program.

The Epidaurus area is in the Argolida region, in East Peloponnese, where you’ll find beautiful seaside destinations with great beaches shaded by pine trees. Dive in crystal clear waters, go snorkelling & scuba diving, and discover a sunken ancient city; go hiking in the country and follow the paths that pass through ancient ruins, orange and olive groves; and visit traditional tavernas serving fresh fish & seafood from the nearby Saronic Gulf area, as well as other local dishes.

Olympia

In western Peloponnese, in the so-called “valley of the gods”, Ancient Olympia grew to be the most celebrated sacred site of Ancient Greece, and the birthplace of the Olympic Games, the most important sports events in all antiquity: starting from 776 B.C., all Greeks – across the then known world – would be united every four years and all hostilities would be suspended so that everyone could take part in these games in the true spirit of sportsmanship. Olympia is now, as it used to be in the past, a famed destination, a powerful landmark known the world over.

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