The Peloponnese: Heart and Soul of Greece

When most people think of holidays in Greece they think of the Greek islands. The idea of all these islands, each different from the next, the whitewashed houses and beautiful beaches is an enticement to anyone. But lost in the commotion over Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes and Corfu is the fact that some of the most beautiful and interesting areas in Greece are not on the islands, but on the mainland in particular the Peloponnesos aka the Peloponnese Peninsula.

Name the first Capital of modern Greece. Give up? It wasn't Athens or Thessaloniki. It was Nafplio. At the time the Peloponnesos was all there was of Greece since it was the first part of the country to be liberated from the Turks in 1821. For many, the Peloponnesos is the true Greece and the narrow isthmus of Corinth is all that separates them from a world of Albanians, Vlachs, Bulgarians and Macedonians, who are all Greeks to us. But the Peloponnesos can be said to be the heart and soul of Greece and though it has been left off the tourist map that was specially painted for Americans, it is as worthwhile a place to visit as any ten islands combined.

From Myceneae to Sparta to Mistra to Navarone, the Peloponnesos has seen its share of history. This is where Paris stole Helen from King Menelaous and where Agamemnon set forth with his ships to Troy. It is a land of rugged mountains, green valleys, the ancient games of Olympia, and a coastline with some of the best beaches in Greece. What follows is a Guide to the different regions of the Peloponnessos.

If you need help putting together an itinerary that includes the Peloponnesos or any of the Greek Islands try using my Create-an-itinerary Form which allows you to choose the places you want to go, the types of hotels and transportation and get a price back from a travel agent, with no obligation to buy.

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Peloponnesos Index

Corinth & the Argolis

Laconia & the Mani

Messinia

Arkadia

Achaia

Eleia & Olympia

Photo Albums

Helpful Info

Nafplion

Mystras

Gythion

Diros Caves

Nemea

Olympia

Leonidio

Monemvasia

Astros

Footsteps of St Paul

Argolis with George

Tyros

Peloponnesos Hotels

Homes and Villas

Nafplion Hotels

Itinerary Suggestions

Kyparissi

Kalavrita

Elafonissos

Stoupa

Kalamata

Katakolon

The Outer Mani

The Deep Mani

Sparta

Kosmas

Tolon

Andritsaina

Mycenae

Theater of Epidauros

Nea & Palaio Epidavros

Spas of Methana

Troezon (Troizina)

Loutraki

Poros Island

Driving Tips

Ancient and Acrocorinth

Corinth Canal and Isthmia

Myceneae-Poros Daytrip

Peloponnesos Cruise

Taxi Tours

60's Peloponnesos Photos

Myceneae-Poros Day Trip

Car Rentals

1 Day Myceneae/Epidavros

Half Day Corinth Tour

2 Day Myceneae/Epidavros

3 Day Classical Tour

Artemis Winter Program

4 Day Classical Tour

5 Day Classical Tour

7 Day Grand Tour

Kyfanta Walking Tours: Explore the beautiful wildlife on the paths around Kyparissi, a one-week walking holiday during March, April, May, June, September and October for €600 per person, including transport to Kiparissi, meals and accommodation.

Footsteps of St Paul visits the most important Christian sites in the Peloponnesos, Greek mainland and the islands.

You can find hotels in the Peloponnesos by location, price, whether or not it has a swimming pool, and see photos and reviews by using this link to Booking.com. Excellent prices and many hotels you can book and then cancel with no cancellation fee. For those who want to book without using a travel agency this is the best way to do it.

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