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Peloponnese is a region in south Greece. Originally a peninsula connected to the rest of the country by the Isthmus of Corinth, it is now cut off from the mainland by the narrow Corinth Canal, spanned by bridges connecting Peloponnese to Attica across the canal.

Cities/Towns

Upon entering through Corinth Isthmos
Loutraki a quiet resort, with very good hotels, a beach and a casino.
Corinth – a nondescript port town. Can serve as a base for Mycenae. Some miles away the ancient Corinth, with the ruins of one of the first civilizations of Greece
Along the north-west route:
Patra – Pretty nondescript city. Main point of arrival for ferries from Italy and Ionian islands.
Ancient Olympia – Birthplace of the Olympics.
Amaliada
Kyparissia – A nice town in the centre of Kyparissian Gulf.
Pylos – Very picturesque city in the southwest. Many French-style buildings, as well as a marina and a gloriously shady square.
Methoni – A seaside town south of Pylos. Its main feature is a spectacularly positioned and well preserved castle, which contains both Venetian and Ottoman elements. The town itself is also pleasingly old, and there is a small but delightful beach near the castle.
Koroni – About 30 minutes drive further on from Finikounda is Koroni, a fishing village which snuggles beneath its great Venetian fortress that overlooks the beautiful harbourfront with pavement cafes and fish restaurants with fresh local produce and authentic Greek cuisine. Just before Koroni is the beautiful Zaga unspoilt beach and beyond are many other beaches.
Kalamata – Main city of Messinia Province. Famous for its olives but also a pleasant city with an attractive seafront and stylish new marina.
Loggos – A village very close to Aigio.
Along the central route:
Nemea, a typical town of the area, hosting interesting ancient and byzantine monuments.
Tripoli – The center of the administrative area, the third biggest.
Sparta – This historic city has a population of 10,000. It has two main arteries which make navigation really easy. To the west of the City is the beautiful, rugged Mt. Taygetos. The Byzantine city of Mystras is a short 15 minute ride away. This has relics worthy of a visit. There is a museum in Sparta housing some artifacts.
Gytheion – A small fishing village. Nice seafood restaurants with plenty of beaches in the area mostly frequented by locals. Nearby Caves of Dyros is a large limestone cave system which is toured on a boat. Here you will find the point where Helen of Troy is said to have started the Trojan War. “The woman who launched a thousand ships.”
Along the east route:
Argos — one of the oldest cities of Europe, Argos boasts some ancient ruins including an amphitheater, as well as a medieval castle
Nafplio – A good base to explore surrounding area which includes Epidaurus theater and Mycenae.
Tolo
Epidaurus, a pictoresque seaside village, nearby one of the most famous ancient theaters. Catch an ancient play in the summertime.
Leonidio, a typical well preserved old town of the area
Monemvassia – The Rock of Gibraltar of Greece. Really pretty with an ancient walled city.

 

Other destinations

Along the west route:
Kalo Nero Kyparissia – Today, the village has developed into a well-organised tourist resort with all the necessary comforts, as taverns, apartments, cafe-bars and nice beaches. Family hotel Irida Resort in Paralia, is a cultural oasis in kalo Nero’s most successful tourism resort.
Gialova – An exceptionally pretty fishing village near Pylos in the Southwest. There are a couple of nice hotels to stay in, as well as an excellent campsite. The village also boasts several fine eateries, none of which are too expensive.
Finikounda – A smaller town about 10 minutes drive from Methoni. It is a little more touristy, but does offer wonderful beaches and some nice tavernas.
Along the central route:
Loussios Valey – the craddle of the Greek independence revolution, surrounded by beautiful villages and historic sites.
Mani – the southest tip of continental Europe, one of the most harsh places of Peloponnese during historic times, now hosting many interesting villages, views and beaches.
Along the east route:
Porto Heli, a seaside resort area