Peloponnese Peninsula: attractions. Reviews of tourists about travel

It does not receive as many guests as, for example, the popular Chalkidiki, but this is more of an advantage than a disadvantage. The clear sea and amazing, almost untouched nature have been preserved here largely due to the absence of a huge tourist flow.

Add to this the developed infrastructure, the richest, even by Greek standards, historical heritage, a large selection of resorts of various “specializations” and you get the perfect place for a vacation. If you want - sunbathe on the beach, but not - travel around the country, go on excursions, have fun in clubs. The main thing is to know the places ...

Peloponnese is divided into 7 regions - Corinthia, Arcadia, Achaia, Ilia, Messinia, Laconia and Argolis.

Each region has its own coastal resort towns for every taste. We propose to consider some of the most popular and remarkable: Porto Heli, Nafplion, Kalamata, Patras, and, of course, Loutraki. What made them stand out from the rest? Everything is in order.

Patras

The most notable in terms of size resort with a population of about 170,000 people. The third largest city in the country after Athens and Thessaloniki. Of course, you can’t call it a metropolis, but all the advantages of a seaside resort combined with the charms of a large city are obvious: well-developed infrastructure, rich cultural and nightlife, we are not talking about a lot of bars and restaurants. Young people will definitely like it here.

If you wish, you can live comfortably in Patras all year round. In summer, the city hosts an art festival, and at the end of winter, the largest and most colorful Greek carnival, which can be safely called the best in the country. Carnival processions usually start in February and last for six weeks.

The festivities include musical concerts and theatrical performances. The climax comes on the last festive Sunday, when the costumed Grand Parade takes place in the city. The procession starts from Olga's Square and ends at King George's Square. On this day, Patras receive the largest number of not only foreigners, but also guests from all over the country.

Together with the sun, the sea and a set of attractions, it looks more than interesting, right?

But that's not all, there was one more weighty argument in favor of Patrov. The resort city is the main transport center connecting Greece with Italy, and the Peloponnese with the Ionian Islands of Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Lefkada.

The city is large, respectively, the real estate market is diverse. If you need to save money, you can also find very cheap offers, for example, a one-room apartment with an area of ​​​​50-60 square meters. s for €20-30 thousand. An apartment of the same footage in a new building with good repair and infrastructure will be five times more expensive, on the first line - ten times more. There are also a lot of private houses - from modest ones of 40-60 sq.m for €30-50 thousand, to spacious villas with a pool costing from €300 thousand to €2 million.

Porto Heli

For connoisseurs of a quiet comfortable life, Porto Heli, located in a small bay, is suitable. This is a small but very prestigious resort village, where only 2,000 people live permanently. Even taking into account vacationers, it does not turn into an "anthill".

The quality of the local tourist infrastructure is beyond doubt. Luxury hotels, villas, entertainment centers, shops and well-groomed sandy beaches - all this makes Porto Heli one of the best resorts in the Peloponnese and even Greece. Its development was facilitated by the popularity of the bay among sailing enthusiasts.

The small resort has many marinas and small ports. You can sail here on your own yacht or rent it on the spot for boat trips, as well as a boat, catamaran, jet ski and much more.

By the way, if you are an ardent supporter of absolute silence and solitude, then in August it is better not to come to Porto Heli, or spend most of your time in your own villa. Indeed, in August, which is called the “cultural month”, the Festival of Art and Culture, the Week of Fishing, as well as many master classes in dancing, music, and playing musical instruments take place.

In an elite resort and real estate to match. Here is the most expensive housing in Greece. The average cost per square meter is €7,000. At the same time, the standard area of ​​real estate (cottage or villa) starts from 100 "squares". Therefore, it is very problematic to choose an option even within €500,000. Get ready to spend around €1 million or more. But having invested a considerable amount, you will get a view of real estate in a prestigious region, which is often chosen by celebrities, politicians and average millionaires.

Nafplio

Great place for families, especially with small children. Nafplion can hardly be called a beach resort in the full sense of the word, because the length of the sandy strip is not so great, but the water is shallow and the descent into the water is gentle, which is ideal for relaxing with kids. In addition, many entertainment programs for children are organized; hotels always have special children's rooms with animators.

Adults at this time can sit in one of the local restaurants or take a walk along the picturesque narrow streets. The architecture of the city deserves special attention. Everywhere you can see traces of Italian and Turkish influence, which the ancient city managed to experience.

Nafplion is a major tourist center. The local infrastructure is well developed, and fun festivals and historical sights are an additional bonus, probably, to every local resort. Nafplion is no exception.

Do you want to live in the center of a real ancient Greek city with picturesque narrow streets and family restaurants? Then Nafplio is the perfect place to buy a property. At very reasonable prices - about €2,000 per sq.m - you can buy a charming, freshly renovated apartment here. With furniture it will come out a little more expensive, but you don’t have to spend time and extra money on decor. If you want to save money, you will have to sacrifice the location and find an option 2-3 km from the center. Ten minutes of walking will save €500 ato and €1000 per square meter.

Loutraki

Well suited for the life and leisure of the elderly. It is here that one of the most famous thermal springs in Greece is located. A hydrotherapy center has been built in Loutraki, where you can take a course of wellness treatments. And in your free time, you can walk along the promenade, admiring the views.

Finding a hospital, pharmacy or supermarket is easy - everything is within walking distance. Developed both internally and intercity transport links. Many residents speak English and Russian, which makes the life of a foreigner even more comfortable.

The resort is suitable for both family vacationers and lovers of all kinds of entertainment. Here you can easily combine business with pleasure. In the morning, take the procedures, and then go scuba diving, surfing, take a trip on a yacht, go water skiing or motorcycles, try yourself in beach volleyball. By the way, the beaches here are pebbly.

A cultural program is also indispensable. After all, Loutraki is an ideal starting point for exploring the Greek historical heritage. The main attractions of the country are located very close: Ancient Corinth (22 km), Mycenae (50 km), Epidaurus (70 km), Acropolis (85 km), Olympia (143 km) and Delphi (207 km). Literally next to Loutraki are the famous ancient and Byzantine temples, including the temple of the goddess Hera, monasteries on Mount Gerania.

Gambling people will also like the resort. The largest casino on the Balkan Peninsula awaits everyone who wants to try their luck.

If the budget is limited, and you want to get your own housing in the Peloponnese, then you should pay attention to the region of Corinthia and, in particular, to Loutraki. Here is the largest selection of objects on the peninsula. You can find an option for every taste from luxury villas with private beaches to small budget apartments. For example, furnished apartments with an area of ​​35 sq.m. can be purchased for €25-30 thousand. An inexpensive villa will cost about €200 thousand.

Kalamata

International and at the same time truly Greek authentic resort. This seaside town has everything you need for a civilized holiday, and at the same time the spirit of antiquity, the "Greek character" has not been lost.

Along the waterfront, as in many resorts, there are cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels. And on a hill with a beautiful view of Kalamata, there is a medieval fortress. In the city itself there is the Church of the Holy Apostles and a number of wonderful Byzantine churches of the 10th century.

For many, it will be a pleasant surprise that you can successfully “shop” at the resort. On Aristomenous Street and the lanes closest to it, there are shops of the most expensive and prestigious world and Greek brands. And only in local restaurants on the waterfront you can try dishes prepared according to ancient Greek recipes. Therefore, tourists tend to visit here. And the proximity of the international airport only helps in this.

The locals love Kalamata no less. City hotels are filled, first of all, by the Greeks. Therefore, if you want to get to a real Greek resort, where Greeks are found no less than foreign tourists, choose Kalamata.

The cheapest housing in Kalamata is apartments in typical buildings of the middle of the 20th century. A square meter here will cost €700. But foreigners usually do not like such housing. After all, at the resort you want to relax in beautiful apartments overlooking the sea or at least on a pretty street, and not on the walls of a neighboring unsightly house. Therefore, it is better to save up a little and look for a villa in the hills. Thanks to the local topography, there are excellent views and prices are moderate. Having from €300,000 here you can buy a cottage with a fireplace, a private pool, a small garden. And the beach will be only 3-5 km.

Thank you for your help in creating the material Grekodom and personally Demokrita Tersenov

The text was prepared by Ekaterina Holdova
Photo: Flickr by Automatomato, Agnee, Pedro, heipei, Konstantinos Payavlas

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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. The main disadvantages are the lack of large resorts in their traditional sense (usually these are scattered hotel complexes, which, in terms of their infrastructure and number of services, are quite similar to a small resort village) and an expensive transfer due to remoteness from the airport. There are fewer hotels here than in other resorts of 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 side of the Peloponnese is its extensive historical heritage, an abundance of attractions. In addition, it is convenient to make day trips to other parts of Greece from the peninsula.

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How to get to the Peloponnese

The fastest and cheapest way to get to the Peloponnese is by plane via Athens, Kalamata or Araxos. From Athens Airport, take bus number X93 to the KTEL bus station (100 Kifisias Ave.). 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 depart 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 Nafplio - 100-130 EUR. Prices on the page are for October 2018.

Railway communication connects the Athens airport with the nearest city of the Peloponnese - Corinth. Suburban trains run once every 2 hours, 1.5 hours on the way, ticket 15-25 EUR).

The international airport in Kalamata is located in the south of the Peloponnese. From Moscow, you can fly here by a direct flight of Aegean Airlines (journey time 3 hours 40 minutes, round-trip ticket price from 400 EUR) or Austrian Airlines with a change in Vienna (7.5 hours, from 310 EUR). Aegean Airlines fly 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 (off. site in English), plying from 5:00 to 22:10 with an interval of 30 minutes. The fare is 4-5 EUR. Taxi to the center of Kalamata costs 65 EUR, transfer to Kyllini Port - 350 EUR.

The small airport of Araxos is located in the west of the peninsula. During the season, direct flights from Moscow a / c "Nordstar" land here (4 hours, from 460 EUR). KTEL's 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). In order not to waste time, it is worth booking 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.

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Regions and resorts of the Peloponnese

In terms of area, the Peloponnese is comparable, for example, with Israel or Slovenia. Administratively, it is divided into 7 prefectures, each of which is attractive for tourists in its own way.

The largest resort is Loutraki, located in the prefecture of Korinthia in the northeast of the peninsula. Among the local advantages - a calm clear sea, sandy beaches under the Blue Flags, proximity to the capital and healing mineral springs, similar in chemical composition to the waters of Vichy. Achaia (adm. center of Patras) attracts with a chain of inexpensive hotels along the northern coast of the Peloponnese and a sandy beach in the town of Lakopetra near Araxos airport - with palm trees, a gentle entry into the sea convenient for kids and a water entertainment center.

Elia (adm. center Pyrgos) and Messinia (adm. center Kalamata) on the west coast are distinguished by an abundance of ancient monuments, picturesque nature, beautiful lakes and the longest beaches on the peninsula.

The resort town of Killini with taverns, bars and discos on the coast is very popular among young people. From the local port you can go on a cruise to nearby islands. Kalamata is quite suitable for a resort holiday. Its beach is covered with small pebbles, and tables of bars and restaurants stand at the very edge of the water. Another resort on the west coast is Kardamyli, thanks to its rocky, sparsely populated beaches, it is attractive for lovers of secluded relaxation.

The southernmost prefecture is Laconia, called Sparta in Homer's time. There is no abundance of beaches here - the coast, cut by rocks, seems completely wild and therefore surprisingly beautiful. Pleasant exceptions are the resort town of Archangelos and Simos Beach on the island of Elafonissis, to which you need to sail by ferry. The main resort of neighboring Arcadia (adm. center of Tripoli) is the old fishing town of Leonidion, where when ordering food or drinks in taverns, an umbrella from the sun on the local beach is provided free of charge.

In Arcadia, the highest point of the Peloponnese is located - Mount Agios Ilias (2407 m) of the Taygetos mountain range.

The popular resort of Argolis - its administrative center Nafplion - is a colorful town under the supervision of three old fortresses with an abundance of taverns and bars. But it is better to relax in neighboring Tolo with a sandy beach, a gentle entry into the water and the clearest sea.

Transport

Corinth, Kalamata, Patram, Aegion and Tripoli run city buses. Tickets cost 1-3 EUR and are sold in shops, newsstands and special vending machines. They can also be purchased from the driver, but with a surcharge of 10%. When boarding, the ticket must be validated. The fine for ticketless travel is 72 EUR.

The main type of intercity transport on the peninsula is the buses of private carrier companies that are part of the pan-Greek transport syndicate KTEL. Each of the 7 prefectures has its own KTEL branches responsible for organizing bus service within the region, with the administrative centers of neighboring regions and with the capital of the country.

A bus ticket from Kalamata to Patras costs 24-35 EUR, from Patras to Nafplio - 15-22 EUR, from Tripoli to Kalamata - 12-17 EUR, from Nafplio to Kranidi - 7-11 EUR. When buying tickets in both directions, their cost is lower by 20-40%.

Taxi trips are not ruinous: landing - 1.19 EUR, 1 km trip around the city - 0.68 EUR (from 0:00 to 5:00 - 1.19 EUR), 1 km trip outside the city 1.19 EUR, calling a car by phone - 3.39-5.65 EUR, the minimum charge for the trip is 3.16 EUR, tips are not required, but welcome.

Biking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the Peloponnese. Almost every hotel has the option to rent a bike. The price of pleasure is 10-15 EUR/day.

Maps of Peloponnese

Rent a Car

A car is the best assistant for those who want to see the natural beauties and historical places of the Peloponnese. There are offices of international Avis, Eurpocar, Sixt, etc. and local rental companies at airports and major cities of the peninsula. The cost of renting an economy class car is from 50 EUR per day and from 300 EUR per week. The higher prices of international companies reflect the better technical condition of the machines.

The cost of gasoline is 1.65 EUR/l, diesel fuel is 1.39 EUR/l. A fine for incorrect parking - 80 EUR, running a red light - 700 EUR, using an anti-radar - 2000 EUR, drunk driving - from 200 to 1200 EUR with deprivation of rights.

The streets in the city center are quite narrow, many with one-way traffic. Plugs are a rarity. There are few cars on country roads, but locals love to drive, they can change lanes for no reason and are too lazy to turn on the turn signals. There are no problems with parking in the Peloponnese. The cost of paid parking: 2-3 EUR / hour, but if you wish, you can always find a free one. Along with the modern Athens-Kalamata toll highway and excellent roads along the coast, there are many narrow and winding mountain roads in the central part of the peninsula.

Communication and Wi-Fi

To reduce communication costs, it is better to buy a SIM card from one of the Greek operators - Cosmote (the largest coverage area), Wind (the most modern technical base) or Vodafone. They are sold in the salons of operators, super- and mini-markets, in newspaper and souvenir kiosks. A SIM card with a zero balance costs 5 EUR. You can replenish it at the point of purchase or with prepaid cards with a face value of 5 to 15 EUR.

A SIM card popular among tourists with the Frog Mobile tariff plan allows you to make calls within the country (per second billing) and to Russia (billing every 30 seconds) for 0.42 EUR / minute. The cost of calls in the Wind Card to All tariff is higher - 0.40 EUR/minute within the country and 0.47 EUR/minute to Russia. However, when replenishing an account in the amount of 10 EUR, it decreases by 1.5 times. In addition, Wind has very attractive prices for providing Internet traffic packages: 2 GB for 7 days - 10 EUR.

Free Wi-Fi is available in all hotels, guest houses and apartments, in most cafes, bars and restaurants, in many museums and other public places.

Peloponnese beaches

The beaches in the Peloponnese are sandy or sandy with small patches of small pebbles. Families with children should pay attention to the northern coast of the regions of Achaea and Corinthia. On the south coast there are deserted picturesque beaches.

In Corinthia, tourists prefer to stay on the city beaches of Loutraki or Xylokastro, or on the pebbly coast of Sykia, which has earned the Blue Flag for the purity of its waters. The sandy beaches of Tolo, Plepi and Porto Heli are noteworthy in Argolis. Those who choose pebbles for the transparency of sand-free waters should pay attention to Palea Epidavros, Ermioni or Arvantia.

In Laconia, another Blue Flag winner is popular - Archangelos Beach, Simos Beach traditionally comes at number two. In Elis, it is good to swim on the sandy beaches of Kuruta, Chrissi-Akti and Zacharo (each of them also proudly flies a sky-colored flag). Achaia invites you to the pebbly beaches of Simpolitia and the sandy one in Kalogria. Arcadia is famous for the coasts of Lako, Paralia Astros and Tigani.

As a rule, on the beaches of the Peloponnese there are rental points for umbrellas and sun loungers (umbrella + two sun loungers - 10-15 EUR), taverns, cafes, bars, food kiosks, shops with souvenirs and beach accessories. Fans of outdoor activities can go water skiing for 25-30 EUR, fly on a parachute for 60 EUR, ride a jet ski for 30-35 EUR.

Messinia, perhaps, is rightfully considered one of the most picturesque areas of the peninsula. Local beaches are direct proof of this. It is worth paying attention to the coast of Costa Navarino and the unforgettable beauty of Voidokilia Bay. The city beach of Kalamata, the capital of the region, is literally a few minutes walk from the city center. Those who love a developed infrastructure should go to Mikri-Mantinia: there are a lot of restaurants near the water. The family beach of Stupa, which is 38 km from Kalamata, and the sandy Petalidi, and the coast of the former fishing village of Finikounda are also noteworthy. There are also a couple of luxurious sandy beaches near Pylos.

Peloponnese

Skiing

The ski resorts of the Peloponnese are not as popular as the Alpine ones, but from December to early April, skiers and snowboarders from all over the world can be seen on the local slopes. The main advantages of the peninsula's winter resorts are moderate prices, good infrastructure, proximity to Athens, a variety of trails - from green to black, and, of course, proximity to historical monuments.

The palm among the ski resorts of the Peloponnese belongs to Kalavryta, a tiny town in the Achaea prefecture, next to which is the Helmos ski center, one of the best in the country. A special "ski" bus runs between Kalavryta and the center (round-trip ticket price weekdays/weekends: 13/15 EUR, children 6-12 years old - 10 EUR). The ski area on the slope of Mount Helmos lies at an altitude of 1700 to 2340 m and includes 14 pistes (green, blue, red and black) with a total length of 25 km. In addition to slopes, a snowboard park and 8 ski lifts, the center has a ski school and a medical center, equipment rental, a restaurant, a cafe and ample parking. The longest Nefeli pistes in Greece (length 3210 m) are laid here, and the illuminated Danae pistes (875 m) are suitable for night skiing.

A ski pass for 1 day on weekdays/weekends costs 18/25 EUR, for 7 days - 70 EUR, for the whole season 2017/2018 - 330 EUR.

The second most popular resort is Menalo in the prefecture of Arcadia, one of the three oldest in Greece. After a recent modernization, 8 tracks with a total length of 6 km were laid here and the necessary infrastructure was built with lifts, a snowboard park, a ski school, ski equipment rental, cafes and bars. For a relaxing family holiday, you should choose the quiet inexpensive resort of Ziria in the prefecture of Corinthia with a pair of lifts - for adults and children, and the only gentle slope 500 m long.

Peloponnese Hotels

There are hotels of any category in the Peloponnese - from pretentious "five-star" hotels with huge territories to modest "kopeck piece" on the 3rd-4th lines. Regardless of the number of stars, each hotel will have Wi-Fi, and most will have free parking.

During the season, the minimum cost of a standard double room in 5 * hotels is 200-320 EUR, although there are also 1000 EUR per night. The guests of such hotels can count on quality service, well-groomed beaches, good restaurants and a lot of pleasure in the spa and fitness centers. However, the same can be obtained in 4 * hotels for a more modest fee - 80-210 EUR. In "three rubles" (40-100 EUR), you may have to put up with modest interiors, the lack of a pool and fitness, and in 2 * hotels (30-80 EUR) - in addition to everything, sacrifice the presence of a restaurant and an elevator.

Apartments are the most popular. The range of prices is impressive - from 20-25 EUR for a spartan one-room apartment for two to 790 EUR - for a luxuriously furnished villa of 200 sq. m with 4 bedrooms.

What to bring

On the shelves of the Peloponnese, Hermes, the god of trade, still reigns - his figurines made of bronze, marble or ceramics are a popular souvenir, however, like figurines of other Olympic gods. They compete with amphoras, rhytons, funny donkey figurines, models of Greek churches. It is worth taking a closer look at locally produced clothes and shoes - inexpensive and of sufficient quality. Jewelry made of gold and silver, ceramic dishes, natural cosmetics based on olive oil, aromatic handmade soap are also good.

In the vicinity of Kalamata, the best olives on the peninsula are grown with a thin purple skin, the oil from which is beyond praise. In the monastery of St. Constantine and Helena in Kalamata, they sell products made of silk woven by nuns on hand looms, preserved from the time of the Byzantine Empire; in the village of Pirgos Diru - a wonderful goat cheese "tulumisio tiri"; in the mountain village of Kaminia - warm sweaters made of sheep's wool, knitted by local residents.

Cuisine and restaurants of the Peloponnese

It is not surprising that in the country that gave the world nectar and ambrosia, the cult of food flourishes. Dinner in the Peloponnese is hard to imagine without the village salad "horiatiki". Next to it, you will surely find stuffed eggplants and zucchini, several varieties of olives, and tzatziki sauce, brilliant in its simplicity and taste, made from yogurt, cucumbers and garlic. In the menu of any establishment there are small kebabs "souvlaki" and moussaka from minced lamb, layered with vegetables. In the mountainous regions of the Peloponnese, goat meat in a pot, lamb and river trout on coals are excellently prepared. Fish and seafood are popular on the coast.

The main Easter dish of the Peloponnese is "kokoretsi" - a roll of lamb giblets, grilled. However, in the restaurant it can be ordered at any time of the year.

To appreciate authentic Greek cuisine, you don't have to look for a restaurant with starched tablecloths. It is better to choose a tavern where the Greeks themselves dine and order 5-6 dishes to try a little of everything: crispy mullet fried tomato sauce, garides saganaki prawns baked in tomato sauce, crabs with artichokes “cavouria me angininares”, charcoal-cooked octopus “khtapodi skaras” and a local delicacy - sea urchin caviar with olive oil and lemon juice.

Breakfast in a cafeteria costs 4-6 EUR per person, lunch in a meat tavern - 8-14 EUR, lunch in a fish tavern - 15-22 EUR, dinner in a mid-range restaurant - 25-40 EUR, ice cream on the beach - 2 EUR. The most popular fast food is gyros flatbread stuffed with meat, french fries and vegetables, priced at 2 EUR. It is followed by the ubiquitous Big Macs (3 EUR), pizza (a piece of 3-4 EUR) and boiled corn (from 1.50 EUR).

The best photos of the Peloponnese

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Mycenae, you have 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 turned it, in fact, into an island. The entrance to the "gold-bearing" Mycenae lies through the Lion's 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 the excavations of the Mycenaean burials in 1876, Heinrich Schliemann discovered many gold artifacts with a total weight of 15 kg. Today they are in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. Copies of them are exhibited in Mycenae.

Alas, when, after the capture of Troy, the king of Mycenae returned home, he was killed in the bath by his own wife. What happened then was described in detail by Aeschylus in his tragedy Oresteia. From June to September, she is still staged on the stage of the grandiose theater in the town of Epidaurus. In antiquity, the theater was part of the sanctuary of the god of medicine Asclepius, and the performances that took place in it were part of the healing process.

To see the homeland of Hercules - Tiryns, you don’t even have to get out of the car - the highway passes by its walls, built of huge blocks, 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 feat, in the west of the 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, where once there was a huge statue of the god of Thunder, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and run around the field of the stadium, 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 stadium in Olympia.
2. Repeat the feat of Hercules by descending into the underground Hades.
3. Imagine Orestes fleeing from Mycenae, pursued by the goddesses of vengeance Erinyes.
4. Experience the amazing acoustics of the Epidaurian Theatre.
5. Walk along the streets of ancient Corinth, where the 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 that connects 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 children's ticket (5-8 years old) is 10 EUR, an adult (9-64 years old) is 15 EUR, children under 4 years old and pensioners are free. On the territory there is a restaurant, a bar, a first-aid post, a left-luggage office, 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, on which even the smallest children can ride. Parents will have to fork out 5 EUR.

Popular among children and adults, there is also a tourist attraction in the coastal town of Diakopto in the prefecture of Achaea. Three times a day (5 times on weekends and holidays), a train of three small wagons leaves from here to the place Kalavrita, located in the mountains at an altitude of 737 m. The train climbs up the narrow-gauge rack railway, laid at the end of the 19th century, and its passengers do not able to look away from the harsh rocks, forested deep gorges and beautiful waterfalls. If you are lucky, you can see marmots sitting along the canvas. The length of the road is 22.5 km, the travel time is about an hour, the cost of a round trip ticket is 19 EUR.

Do not try to order a ticket via the Internet, they are still issued by hand.

Weather

The climate on the peninsula is Mediterranean - with dry summers and rainy warm winters 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, which attracts lovers of skiing and snowboarding.

The Peloponnese Peninsula (its medieval name Morea) is the largest peninsula of Greece, connected to the mainland by the Isthmus of Corinth and being its southern part.

Perhaps this region is inferior in popularity to others, but beautiful nature, clear sea and beaches, rich historical heritage, many significant sights find their fans and those who want to relax in the resorts of the Peloponnese, including those with children.

Another plus is that it is convenient to go on one-day excursions to other regions of Greece from the peninsula. There are also disadvantages - far from the airport and, accordingly, relatively expensive.

The difference between these places is that there are no large resorts. Most often these are separate hotel complexes, reminiscent of small resort villages in terms of the number of services and infrastructure.

Climate of the Peloponnese

The territory of the peninsula is large and the climate in its different parts is different. In the east it is dry, in the central part it is colder, but at the same time there is more lush vegetation. In the west it is hotter than in other parts of the peninsula (summer +30-35°С, water temperature +27°С) and more rain falls. The summer heat is relieved by a light breeze from the sea.

In general, a mild and warm Mediterranean climate is typical for the coastal regions of the peninsula. In its central part, there is a temperate continental climate.

The peak holiday season is July-August. September-October - "Velvet season". May-June - for those who love excursions and nature. Average monthly water temperature in Peloponnese: May +19°C, June +22°C, July +25°C, August +26°C, September +26°C, October +24°C.

Resorts and beaches of the Peloponnese for families with children

Geographically, the Peloponnese is divided into seven prefectures: Ilia, Achaia, Messinia, Laconia, Arcadia, Corinthia and Argolis. Surrounded by six bays: Patras, Corinth, Messinian, Saronic, Laconian and Argolis, each region of the Peloponnese has access to the sea and long sandy beaches, sometimes interspersed with small pebbles.

The best of them are located in the western part of the coast of the Ionian Sea with gentle and sandy shores. Rest in these secluded places can be recommended for a family relaxing holiday away from the noise.

It is worth paying attention to the northern coast of the districts of Achaia and Corinthia. This area is home to the best resorts and hotels in the Peloponnese for families.

Corinthia

In Corinthia, seaside resorts and beaches located on the coast of the Saronic and Corinthian Gulf are mainly represented by a well-developed infrastructure, among them:

• The sand and pebble beach of Kalamia with clear water, located in the suburbs of Corinth in the Corinthian Bay, is positioned mainly as a place for young people and a fun noisy holiday.
• The best beaches of Corinth - the beaches of Xylokastro, the urban well-maintained pebble beaches of Aristonauton and Pefkias are concentrated around the resort of Xylokastro.
• Pebble beach Melissi (5 kilometers from Xylokastro) is a separate resort and the owner of the Blue Flag.
• Pebble beach in the village of Sykia (3 km from Xylokastro).
• The resort town of Loutraki, famous for its hot springs and Roman baths. The city beach of Loutraki is very clean, pebbly (there are some large stones), stretched along the coast for two kilometers. Surrounded by lemon and cypress groves, awarded the Blue Flag.

• The pebble beach of Butsi (2.5 km from Loutraki) with olive, oleander, pistachio and lemon trees growing on the territory belongs to the Poseidon Resort hotel.
• Pefkias beach (pebble) and the sand and pebble beach of Vohas and the beach in the town of Velou.

Achaea

The region of Achaia (Achaia) - the northern part of the Peloponnese - is the sea gate to Europe. Its capital is the city of Patras. Here are the best beaches: the most beautiful sandy - in Kalogria and pebble in Simpolitia.

Kalogria beach is located in the Prokopos lagoon in a protected area next to the protected forest of Strofilia (near the town of Larissas). Its length is 9 kilometers, and its width is 80 meters, it was awarded the Blue Flag. From here you can go on a day trip to Olympia, Delphi and Athens.

Lakopetra (Larissos town) is a resort with a hotel complex with comfortable accommodation for the whole family, a small sand and pebble beach, with an area surrounded by flowering gardens - a place ideal for relaxing with a child.

Near the city of Simpolitia, there are beaches with a green area: Akoli, Selianitika and Logos are great places for families with children. All of them have been awarded the Blue Flag for safety and cleanliness.

3 kilometers from the town of Diakopto is a very beautiful pebble beach of Punta on the territory, shaded by pine and eucalyptus trees.

Argolis

In Argolis (the northwestern region of the peninsula), which is famous for its natural beauty, picturesque coastal settlements, historical monuments, the following resorts with sandy beaches can be distinguished:

• Plepi Resort (Ermioni), awarded with the Blue Flag.
• Porto Heli, closed from sea winds, with children's clubs in hotels, with good conditions for water sports.
• Tolo (11 km from the city of Nafplio) is a resort with the purest water in Argolis and developed infrastructure. The beach is sandy and quite crowded.
• Palea Epidavros beach - for lovers of pebble beaches. Located next to the fishing village of the same name and quite noisy. In summer, a lot of people come here for the Theater Festival in Epidaurus.
• The pebble beach of Arvanitia is also noisy and lively.

Argolis attracts tourists with the most visited historical monuments in the Peloponnese: the capital of King Menelaus - ancient Argos, Mycenae and Tiryns, where, according to legend, Hercules was born. And from the beach resorts of Argolis (the capital is Nafplion) it is easy to get to such islands as Poros, Hydra, Spetses.

Or me

The Ilia region is seaside resorts, sandy beaches with azure water, a unique landscape with historical monuments (the temple of Apollo in Bassae, Olympia, Ilis, the ancient city of Ilis). The capital of the district is Pyrgos.

Summer in this part of the peninsula is dry and hot. Sea beaches are the longest in Greece with soft sand. On the territory of the region there are three beautiful, although not very large lakes with good beaches: Kaiafas, Agulinitsa and Muria.

Near Lake Kaiafas there is a long beach with golden sand surrounded by pine trees. This place is also popular because of the hot sulfur springs.

In the small town of Zacharo (45 km from Pyrgos and not far from Lake Kaiafas) there is a beach of the same name, recommended for children's recreation. The clean white sand beach is large enough to provide plenty of room for everyone. It is surrounded by a green area of ​​olive trees and Mediterranean pines. Along the beach there are hotels, cafes and taverns.

The family resort of Skafidia (13 kilometers from Pyrgos) is a luxurious place for families with children. The magnificent beach with golden sand, stretching for almost a kilometer, with tennis courts, mini-golf, various types of water sports, sports fields, 25 swimming pools, is surrounded by mountains rising directly to the water, covered with orange orchards, vineyards and olive groves.

Kyllini (43 km from Pyrgos) is a resort with excellent hotels, restaurants and a well-maintained sandy beach, with low picturesque mountains covered with forests. Known for its thermal springs. From here you can take a rented boat to the charming island of Zakynthos.

Chrissi Akti beach (near the city of Kastro) is long (10 kilometers long and 20 meters wide), sandy with golden sand. Part of this beach is owned by the Robinson Club Kyllini Beach Resort.

The sandy beach of Kuruta (length - 20 kilometers, width - 30 meters) is located near the city of Amaliada in a green area with shrubs and trees.

Messinia

Messinia (southwest of the Peloponnese, capital - Kalamata) - one of the most beautiful and picturesque areas of the peninsula and a charming corner of Greece: indented coastline, mountains covered with forests, fertile plains, archaeological sites, wonderful sandy beaches.

The eastern part of this quiet "village" province with blooming fragrant gardens and citrus groves is more rocky. But the west coast with gently sloping beaches with soft sand, with small fishing villages, with pleasant weather and relatively low prices, is very attractive for vacationers.

Located in the southwest of the peninsula on the coast of Messinia, the resort of Costa Navarino is one of the best in the Mediterranean. An eco-friendly extra-class resort with breathtaking landscapes - these are several luxurious hotel complexes, spa centers, elite residences, a golf course and a lot of entertainment.

Here are the best golden sandy long beaches in Messinia, the Voidokoilia bay (a stunningly beautiful azure section of the Ionian Sea), the Gialova lagoon with charming pink flamingos, the Paleokastro fortress.

There are a lot of attractions near Costa Navarino: tombs and palaces of the Mycenaean era, Byzantine churches, temples, medieval castles. From here it is easy to go on an excursion to the temple of Apollo, to Olympia, Mystras, to the ancient city of Messeni, the medieval city of Monemvasia and the palace of Nestor.

Almost in the center of the city of Kalamata, among the charming nature, there is a city beach. And 38 kilometers from Kalamata there is a small resort of Stupa with three beaches recommended for families with children.

The best family beach in Messinia, ideally equipped for children's holidays (and the largest of them) is the magnificent Stupa Beach. Kalogria is the second sandy beach located among flowering shrubs and eucalyptus trees next to Stupa Beach. And the third is the rocky little beach of Halikura.

The sandy and long beach of Memi (52 kilometers from Kalamata) is also a good option for a family holiday. For a relaxing holiday, we can recommend the sandy beaches of Petalidi (28 kilometers from Kalamata) and Agios Andreas (38 kilometers from the capital).

Stunning sandy beaches are located near the resort of Costa Navarino in the ancient picturesque town of Pylos (there was once the residence of King Nestor) in the Bay of Navarino (52 kilometers from Kalamata).

The resort has many shops, restaurants, taverns, supermarkets. There are practically no noisy youth entertainments. But on the other hand, this is the best place for a quiet relaxing holiday, and from here it is convenient to go on excursions to the sights of the Peloponnese with children.

Laconia

Laconia (south of mainland Greece) is one of the popular destinations for tourists with magnificent landscapes and rich history. The regional capital is Sparta.

Attractions - the city of Mistra, the fortress city of Monemvasia, the Mani tower houses, as well as the amazing landscapes of the Taygetus mountain range, the Diru caves with the largest underground lakes in Europe, Cape Tenaron.

Particularly famous in this area is the sandy beach of Archangelos, 120 meters long and 10 meters wide, located near the port, which receives hundreds of yachts from all over the world in summer. There are many first-class hotels on the beach.

The city beach of Neapolis is sandy and long, well-maintained and quite lively. Not far from the beach, from the village you can take a boat to the island of Elafonissos and Simos Beach with long sand dunes, with calm, impeccably clear water, which is one of the best in Greece.

The sandy beach of Porto Kagio - secluded and serene - is located in the Laconicos Bay. In the south of Laconia, there is another calm and uncrowded beach of Gerolimenas. And next to the picturesque town of Gytheio is Scutari beach. Very beautiful and calm, but almost wild, without any infrastructure.

Arcadia

Arcadia is located in the center of the peninsula on the shores of the Argolic Gulf and the Mirtoo Sea. The relief of the area with the beautiful mountains of Parnon, Menalo is unusually diverse and picturesque (in the descriptions of idyllic scenes from the life of farmers and shepherds in ancient literature, the word "Arcadia" was synonymous with an ideal country, a carefree and happy life). There are many architectural monuments and medieval cities. The capital of Arcadia is Tripoli.

There are many beaches and resorts in the eastern part of the region.

The beaches of Plaka and Lako are located between the slopes of the mountains in a green valley near the ancient city of Leonidion. Next to it is the rocky island of Hydra, where you can only move on a donkey or on foot (cars are prohibited). The beaches on this island are wild, small and rocky.

Paralio Astros is a fairly large resort with a sandy beach, surrounded by shady groves, gardens and taverns. Away from the city, another sandy beach 2.5 kilometers long with sections covered with pebbles is Callisto. Scattered nearby are orange, olive and lemon groves. Tigani Beach (near the city of Tiro) is a large sandy beach with a pebble bottom.

The review of the resorts of the Peloponnese turned out to be quite voluminous, which means that the beaches of the peninsula are very diverse and you can meet all types of coast here. Basically, these are well-organized beaches, on municipal beaches it is even possible to use umbrellas and sun loungers for free.

But if you focus only on the beaches for families with children, then for a family holiday on this peninsula, the following can be distinguished: Navarino, Paralio Astros, Archangelos.

Peloponnese hotels for families with children

As noted earlier, there are fewer hotels in the Peloponnese than in other resort areas in Greece. But at the same time, it is here, on the west coast, that the hotels of famous Greek hotel brands, such as Grecotel and Aldemar, are located:

• Aldemar Olympian Village 5* (Skafidia)
• Aldemar Royal Olympian & Suites 5* (Skafidia)
• Grecotel Olympia Riviera Thalasso 5* (Killini, Elijah)
• Grecotel Mandola Rosa Suites & Villas 5* (Killini, Elijah)
• The Westin Resort Costa Navarino 5* (Messinia, Costa Navarino)
• The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort 5* (Messinia, Costa Navarino)
• Grecotel Olympia Oasis 4* (Killini, Elijah)
• Grecotel Lakopetra Beach 4*
• Grecotel Ilia Palms 4*
• Sunrise Village Beach 4* (Petalidi)

Attractions Peloponnese

In these places, all the most important and significant events of Ancient Greece took place, later described in legends and myths. The history of the peninsula is turbulent and rich in historical events.

Thanks to this, a lot of archaeological monuments have been preserved here: Mycenae - the center of the most ancient civilization, ancient Olympia, where the Olympic Games were first held, numerous Byzantine churches, fortresses and unique settlements, the oldest theater in Epidaurus, where theatergoers come every year. It is also the birthplace of 300 Spartans and the once prosperous city-polis of Sparta.

How to get to the Peloponnese?

The Peloponnese is the southernmost region of Greece on the mainland, close to its capital, Athens. Therefore, you can get to the peninsula by plane through Athens. In the high season, many charters land at the airports of Tripoli, Kalamata, Araxos from Russia and other European cities.

You can also get there by ferry (sea communication with other cities of Greece and Italy is developed), by train, car and bus (the peninsula is connected to the mainland by modern routes). From Athens, the road takes 1.5-3 hours. It depends on the location of the chosen hotel (on average it is 120-260 kilometers).

Peninsula Peloponnese (Πελοπόννησος) is an administrative region of Greece. Peloponnese in Greek means "Island of Pelops". The island got its name in honor of the grandson of Zeus, who became famous for the establishment of the Olympic Games in Greece.

A unique rich history, an abundance of delightful historical monuments and ancient ruins, a wonderful climate, enchanting blue sea, incredible greenery of dense pine forests and olive groves, picturesque villages, delicious local cuisine, amazing beauty and tranquility - this is literally "in a nutshell" about amazing places Peloponnese.

The first settlements in the Peloponnese appeared around 100,000 BC. e. This delightful peninsula is home to the mythical ancient Greek hero Hercules. The most powerful ruler ruled on these lands - the legendary king Agamemnon, who led the troops of Greece during the famous Trojan War. This is the birthplace of the courageous Spartan king Leonidas. Every corner of this amazing mythical land of the island is reminiscent of the incredible myths of Ancient Greece.

The Peloponnese peninsula is divided into 7 regions. 5 of them - Corinthia (Κορινθία), Messinia (Μεσσηνία), Laconia (Λακωνία), Arcadia (Αρκαδία) and Argolis (Αργολίδα) - located in the administrative district of the Peloponnese, and 2 areas - Achaia (Αχαΐα) and Elis (Ήλις) belong to Western Greece.

Capital of the Peloponnese Tripoli (Τρίπολη) . The area of ​​the peninsula is 15,490 sq. km.

Geographical position and relief

The magnificent peninsula extends to the south of the mainland of sunny Greece. The eastern coast of the Peloponnese is washed by the Aegean Sea, and the western coast by the waters of the Ionian Sea. In the north, the region borders on the periphery of Western Greece, and in the northeast, on the administrative region of Attica.

The peninsula is connected to the mainland by the 6-kilometer Isthmus of Corinth. In prehistoric times, the Peloponnese was an island, however, due to tectonic changes, it was connected to the Greek mainland by the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, which was subsequently dug up by a canal.

The peninsula has a unique mountain landscape. Majestic mountain ranges and gorges alternate beautifully with picturesque fertile valleys bordered by olive trees on the slopes of the mountains. On the charming peninsula you can see impregnable rocks, dense pine forests, beautiful mountain lakes, rivers, and beautiful sandy beaches.

The highest mountain of the peninsula is Tayget (2407 m). The mountains are crossed by fast-flowing rivers: Alfios, Evrotas and Pinlos. The superb valleys of Argolis and Messinia are among the most fertile in the country.

Climate

The climate along the beautiful coastline is of the Mediterranean type, while the climate in the center of the Peloponnese is continental. Summers here are often hot and dry, refreshed by seasonal trade winds, and winters are quite mild. The island is characterized by a large number of sunny days a year. The swimming season lasts from mid-May to mid-October. In summer, the water in the seas warms up to +22...+26 °C. The air temperature in summer is +30..+37 °C.

Population

The Peloponnese peninsula has 650,310 inhabitants. Mostly Greeks live on the peninsula.

Peloponnese beach resorts

The charming peninsula is ideal for a quiet, family holiday. At the service of vacationers there are excellent opportunities for unforgettable hiking and cycling. The peninsula has many incredible attractions, numerous sandy and sandy-pebble picturesque beaches, most of which are Blue Flag holders. Various water sports are especially popular in the Peloponnese.

Corinthia (Κορινθία)

It is the second most populous nome on the peninsula. County capital city Corinth . Not far from the capital is the famous Corinth Canal, which provides the shortest route between the Aegean and Ionian Seas.

Corinth has beautiful promenades and magnificent beaches. The city is famous for its numerous cafes, bars, restaurants and clubs. In September-October, a luxurious theater festival is held here.

In the suburbs of Corinth in the Corinthian Bay is located Kalamia beach part of which is sandy and part is pebbly. The beach is 1 km long and 10 meters wide. Kalamia is a city beach, but cars are not seen or heard here, since car traffic is prohibited in the vicinity of the beach. Kalamia Beach has a Blue Flag. The purest water, a beautiful beach, cafes, taverns, restaurants, night discos and concerts... This is a wonderful place for youth recreation.

Popular resort cities include Xylokastro . The best beaches of Corinthia are concentrated here. On the territory of Xylokastro you can enjoy various water sports. Two well-maintained urban beaches, Aristonauthon and Pefkias, are Blue Flag holders.

At the foot of Mount Gerania is a resort town Loutraki . The city is known for its stunning hot springs and Roman baths. The magnificent city beach stretches along the picturesque coast for 2 km, the width of which is 20 meters. Beautiful cypress and lemon groves surround a wonderful pebble beach. On the beach there is a rental of water bikes, boats and canoes.

Argolis (Αργολίδα)

The region is located in the northeast of the peninsula. The capital of the nome is the city Nafplio . One of the most romantic cities in Greece is located against the backdrop of a beautiful landscape at the foot of a rocky peninsula, towering over the expanse of the picturesque Argolis Gulf.

Opposite the ancient fortress of Akronafplia there is a cozy small pebble beach, Arvantia . 2 kilometers from the center, near the fortification of Palamidi, there is a beautiful sandy beach Carathon .

A popular sandy beach is located 11 km from Nafplion Tolo , famous for the cleanest water in the Argolis. Along the entire beach there are apartments, shops, cafes, taverns.

On the southeastern side of the peninsula near the town of Ermioni there is an excellent rocky Ermioni beach washed by incredibly clear clear water. This is one of the most beautiful coastal areas.

Messinia (Μεσσηνία)

This is the southwestern tip of the Peloponnese. This is the most delightful corner of Greece - a charming quiet province, surrounded by beautiful olive groves and magnificent flowering gardens. The eastern part of Messinia is rocky, while the western part is more gentle, charming with wonderful sandy beaches and unusual small fishing villages along the picturesque coast of the Ionian Sea and the Messinian Gulf. The capital of Messinia - Kalamata - is located in a deep bay of the Messinian Gulf. The city of Kalamata has a large marina and charming long sandy beaches.

Laconia (Λακωνία)

The southernmost part of mainland Greece with an incredibly rich history and amazing landscapes. The capital of Laconia is the famous Sparta. On the territory of Laconia there are 2 large mountain ranges: Taygetos and Parnon, between which the main river of the region, the Evros, flows.

On the island of Elafonissos, one of the best beaches in Greece is located - Simos Beach, which is about a kilometer long. This is a gorgeous crowded beach with amazing sand dunes and clear water. On the beach there is an equipped campsite, a beach bar and a restaurant.

Arcadia (Αρκαδία)

The central region of the Peloponnese is the "heart" of the Peloponnese, this is its most central region. The inhabitants of Arcadia are considered the oldest inhabitants of the peninsula. The capital of the most beautiful region of Arcadia - Tripoli . High cliffs covered with forests, unusual villages, amazing monasteries, a small stretch of sea with beautiful sandy beaches of Paralio Astros, Livadi, Tiro and Sampatiki... The unique Arcadia has a rich range of interesting sights and unforgettable experiences.

Near the port city of Astros is a resort town Paralio Astros . The urban sandy beach is surrounded by magnificent shady gardens and taverns. There is a sailing school here.

On the northern coast of the peninsula there are resorts focused on families with children. On the southern coast of the Peloponnese there are semi-desert picturesque beaches. In the southeast of the peninsula, which is especially appreciated by connoisseurs, there are also beautiful lakes. The central highlands of the Peloponnese offer a romantic getaway in tents.

Attractions

Peloponnese is the place of origin and development of the civilization of Ancient Greece. The amazing peninsula has many historical sights that have preserved traces of many civilizations. Majestic Roman and Greek temples and churches, unique Byzantine fortresses, delightful Venetian palaces and chapels, excellent theaters and Turkic settlements, Turkish mosques and baths were built on this land...

One of the most significant archaeological reserves in Greece - Epidavros (VI century BC) - an ancient Greek port and resort town with a legendary history. The Ancient Theater (IV century BC) is one of the most delightful attractions in Greece. The unique theater is a two-story stage and with an auditorium in the form of an amphitheater, almost untouched by time. The theater is famous for its amazing acoustics. Until now, magnificent festivals of ancient drama are held every summer in the Antique Theater, the repertoire of which includes wonderful comedies by Aristophanes and tragedies by Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides.

The most important historical monument on the island is the ancient walled city Mycenae (Μυκήνες) . Settlements on the Mycenaean hill appeared from the beginning of the III millennium. The ancient ruins are located 32 kilometers from the Argolicos Gulf, near the small modern village of Mycenae. Among the ruins of ancient Mycenae are the Lion Gate, which borders the entrance to the tomb - the unique treasury of King Agamemnon (1250 BC). This is an extraordinary underground domed building, which was built without the use of masonry mortar. Many interesting myths of Ancient Greece are associated with Mycenae.

Amazing Corinth Canal - one of the famous sights of Greece. The narrow gorge of the canal was dug in the 6-kilometer isthmus virtually without the help of technical means, and the canal was opened in July 1893. This canal enables ships to pass from Italy to the Aegean without going around the Peloponnese. Initially, the idea to dig a canal belonged to Emperor Nero, but the construction that had begun was not completed. Only in 1893 was the famous Corinth Canal opened (length 6434 m, width 23 m, depth 8 m), thanks to which ships could arrive directly in Piraeus. This canal is still used today, but not as often as it used to be, since large-tonnage ships cannot pass through the canal.

In the south of the Peloponnese in the valley of the river Evrotas was one of the main Greek policies Sparta (Σπάρτη) famous for its warriors. In 1834, the modern city of Sparta was founded. The main attractions in the vicinity of modern Sparta include the ruins of Ancient Sparta. Some fragments of ancient buildings (VII century BC - II century AD) have survived to this day: the majestic Acropolis with the temple of Athena (VI century BC), magnificent temples (VII-V centuries BC), theater (I-II centuries AD).

Byzantine ghost town Mystras located a few kilometers from the legendary Sparta, on the slope of the mysterious Taygetus. In the city of Mystras, a medieval castle and seven Byzantine churches with amazing frescoes have been preserved.

In the northeast of the Peloponnese, 1.5 km from the Argolis Gulf, on a low rocky hill stands a prehistoric fortified city in Greece - Tiryns . The city is halfway between the Greek cities of Nafplio and Argos. First of all, the grandiose fortifications and the preserved remains of the magnificent palace of the Cretan-Mycenaean era are of interest.

Peloponnese is not only a commitment to tradition, an incredible concentration of cultural attractions, but also a place of various entertainments for every taste. On the picturesque Greek peninsula, the necessary conditions for an unforgettable vacation have been created.

The Peloponnese is a peninsula that is connected to the mainland by the 6-kilometer Isthmus of Corinth, known for its beautiful landscapes, beautiful beaches, numerous coves, ancient significant monuments.

In ancient times, it was called very romantically - Morea. According to Greek etymology, the origin of this name is associated with the ancient Greek word Moria (μωρια) - mulberry. The peninsula received its name "Peloponnese" later, in honor of the king of ancient Olympia Pelops.

Geography

The peninsula is the southernmost region of mainland Greece, bordered by the Ionian Sea to the west and the Saronic Gulf to the east. Being the southern part of the Balkan Peninsula, it is connected to it by the Isthmus of Corinth. The highest point, Mount Agios Ilias (2404 m), is located in the mountains of Taygetos.

Climate

The air temperature in summer is +30…+33 degrees, the water in the sea is +23…+27 degrees. A characteristic feature of the local climate is the presence of a large number of sunny days a year.

Mythology and history

Pelops (or Pelopos), according to Greek mythology, was the son of Tantalus. The cruel father killed his son and invited the gods to a feast, where the main treat was dishes from the body of Pelops. However, the gods rejected such a terrible "treat" and asked Hermes to revive Pelops. Having resurrected, Pelop received extraordinary strength and beauty as a gift from his saviors.

Other legends and historical events are also associated with the Peloponnese. So, Elena the Beautiful was born on the peninsula, it is the birthplace of the Olympic Games and Ancient Sparta.

The first settlements of the peninsula appeared in the middle of the Stone Age, and the first Hellenes settled it around 2000 BC. e.

The oldest population of the Peloponnese is the Achaeans. However, in 1104 B.C. e. they were supplanted by the Dorian tribes, who founded several states, the most powerful of which was Sparta.

In 146 BC. e. The Peloponnese was subjugated by the Romans and formed the province of Achaia with central Greece, which later belonged to Byzantium and Venice.

In the XIII century, the Peloponnese came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Only in 1827 the Peloponnese, as a result of the national liberation struggle, was again returned to Greece.

Traditions and customs

As elsewhere in Greece, many of the traditions and customs of the Peloponnese are associated with religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter. The Greeks themselves believe that the real Easter is celebrated only in two places in Greece, one of which is located in the east of the Peloponnese in the region of Arcadia - this is the village of Leonidio. What makes the Easter night in this village special and unforgettable is the “night of balloons”. Before Easter, balloons two meters high and above are made from reed and paper in all houses. With the first "Christ is Risen!" hundreds of these giant lanterns rise into the sky, which is also accompanied by explosions of numerous firecrackers.

In addition, the Peloponnese is world famous for its carnival in Patras, which has traditions that come from the deep past - the first costume festivals appeared here more than 180 years ago. It is interesting that carnival events last more than a month and fall on winter time - before the start of Lent.

Resorts and cities

The largest city on the peninsula is Patras, the second largest city Kalamata, Korin f is in third place. Other major cities: Tripolis, Argos, Pyrgos, Sparta, Nafplio, Zacharo, Xylokastro.

Corinth- the most important of the cities in ancient Greece. Known for the fact that at the beginning of our era it became one of the main centers of missionary activity of the Apostle Paul.

One of the most famous and visited cities, Patras, located on the coast of the Gulf of Corinth - this is the northernmost point of the peninsula. The city port plays an important role in maritime communications between Greece, the Ionian Islands and the cities of Italy.

Kalamata known worldwide for its olives and olive oil. However, it is also a famous port, and a cultural center with many museums and art galleries, a place of attraction for believers. The Church of the Holy Apostles is the symbol of the city.

There are much fewer large hotels in the Peloponnese than in other resorts. However, there are hotels belonging to the famous Greek "chains" - Grecotel, Costa Navarino, Aldemar, on the west coast.

A distinctive feature of the local resorts is the presence of modern spas.

Attractions

Beaches

The shape of the Peloponnese resembles a chestnut leaf and has a large number of cozy coves with beautiful sandy and pebble beaches.

Amazing turquoise water, golden sand, greenery of olive, oak, pine groves and orange gardens attract many tourists from all over the world.

One of the most famous beaches Sarakiniko, is located on the small island of Elafonissos. It conquers with the cleanest sea, golden sand and is distinguished by excellent service on the shore.

Voidokilia, 11 kilometers from the town of Pylos, is considered one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Greece.

No less popular Kuruta 3 km from the town of Amaliada, where the water attractions center operates, Languvardos, located 2 km from the town of Marafoupoli, Arcudi 1 km from the village Killini, Loutra Killinis 40 km from Pyrgos, Plaka 10 km from the city of Nafplion, Candia 17 km from Nafplion, Kalogria in Messinia, also known as Zorbas beach, Zacharo in the region of Elijah, Paralia Thiru at the foot of the resort village of Tiros, 75 km north of the city of Tripolis and many others.

Entertainment

Peloponnese is suitable for both lovers of a relaxing holiday, and for those who cannot imagine themselves without sports.

The cities of Peloponnese are famous for their nightlife, great cafes and bars on the seashore.

In summer, art festivals are held on the peninsula, and in winter, the best and most colorful Greek carnival takes place in Patras.

shopping

Peloponnese will delight those who want to buy "something Greek" here. Ceramic tableware, interior items. Here you can even follow the process of the birth of a ceramic product in one of the workshops. Jewelry And leather products here are also distinguished by originality and excellent quality, they can not only be bought, but also made to order.

Souvenirs and gifts can be bought in numerous shops and shopping centers, such as Laiki Techni, while art objects are concentrated in the Palissandros Art Space gallery in Patras. And, of course, it is impossible to leave the peninsula without tasty and healthy products and sweets: olive oil, olives, wine, ouzo, fragrant spices, nuts, traditional pastry sets, jam, honey.

Transport and movement

You can get to the Peloponnese by air via Athens. During the holiday season, charter flights fly to the airports of Kalamata and Araxos.

You can also get here from Athens by bus or train. Since Patras is a port city, ferries also go here.

The peninsula is also connected to the mainland by modern and comfortable routes (1.5-3 hours drive to the capital), maritime communication with ports not only in Greece, but also in Italy is well developed.

Cuisine and food

As they say, the most "real" Greek cuisine is in the Peloponnese, since some of its areas have never been under the rule of the Turks, and the culinary art has not been influenced by others.

The Peloponnese prefers easily accessible local products: fish, seafood, bread, olive oil, fresh vegetables and fruits.

Fish is prepared in all known ways and is used as a filling for other dishes. In the seaside villages, fishermen deliver their catch every day. Here you can appreciate real traditional fish dishes and homemade wine or "raki" - local grape vodka.

The cuisine of the Peloponnese is also known for its meat dishes, most often grilled. In addition, the peninsula is known for its dishes cooked in pots. The recipes are varied, but the aromatic spices of the region are invariably used.

A traditional dish is prepared in Gythion and Messinia Lalangia(brushwood), in Neapoli - cheese bread, in Mani - eliotyropite u (cheese pies with olives), as well as a traditional Greek pie Ladopita.

Traditional sweets are horns stuffed with walnuts, rose and Corinthian raisin jam, homemade cakes and even yogurt with honey.

Speaking about the cuisine of the Peloponnese, it should be noted that olive oil, as well as Kalamata and Messinia olives, are the most famous outside of Greece.

But the peninsula is also known for other products. So, in the region of Sparta and Argos, delicious oranges are grown.