Peloponnese Holiday: 11 important things to know for your trip

For decades, the Peloponnese has been considered a place of longing for many Greece fans. Even though some things have changed here, the original Greece can still be felt in many places. The region, which looks like three fingers and a thumb on the map, invites you to a Peloponnese Holidays or even a round trip.

“On the historic Peloponnese peninsula, the wind whispers the stories of heroes and gods who once roamed this earth between olive groves and temple ruins.”

The landmass, which is almost completely enclosed by the sea, has an extremely charming coastline with deserted dream beaches and a mountainous hinterland with partly untouched nature – a true treasure trove for explorers.

The Peloponnese, or Pelopónnisos as the Greeks say, means island of Pelops. The mythological king once ruled over large parts of the country and even today areas such as Arcadia and Mani radiate a mystical aura. Why a trip to the Peloponnese Peninsula definitely belongs on your bucket list, we’ll tell you here:

#1 Where is the Peloponnese?

The Peloponnese, also known as the Peloponnese Peninsula, is located in the south of mainland Greece, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. About 80 km separate the Greek capital Athens from the Peloponnese, which can be reached via the Corinth Canal. In the north, the peninsula borders on the Gulf of Corinth, to the west by the Ionian Sea, to the south by the Aegean Sea and to the east by the Saronic Gulf.

#2 Does Peloponnese have an airport?

The Peloponnese has two airports, namely the Araxos Airport (GPA) near Patras and the Kalamata Airport (KLX) in the south of the peninsula. For a Peloponnese holiday in the north and west, a flight to Patras is worthwhile. If you are planning your stay in the south or east, a direct flight to Kalamata is recommended.

From May, there will be direct flights from Germany to the Peloponnese, including from Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Munich to Kalamata, as well as from Hanover and Stuttgart to Patras. In particular, the flight from Munich to Patras is extremely short. Alternatively, you can start your Peloponnese vacation from Athens, which is the Athens Airport ATH is served all year round.

→ About our partner Skyscanner* you can research cheap Peloponnese flights and book directly if needed:

➲ To flights to Kalamata*

➲ To flights to Patras*

➲ Flights to Athens*

This is how long a flight to the Peloponnese takes:

• Dusseldorf to Peloponnese Flight time: approx. 2 hrs 55 mins
• Frankfurt to Peloponnese Flight time: approx. 2 hrs 40 mins
• Munich to Peloponnese Flight time: approx. 2 hrs 20 mins

#3 How big is the Peloponnese Peninsula?

The entire peninsula Peloponnese has an area of 21,550 km², which is roughly the size of the federal state of Hesse in Germany. The Peloponnese is characterized by a rugged coastline over a thousand kilometers long and mighty mountains in the hinterland, whose peaks are up to 2,000 meters high. So if you are planning a round trip, you cover a few kilometers.

Several highways connect the larger cities of the peninsula with each other, e.g. Patras in the north with Kalamata in the south or Corinth in the east with Tripoli in the heart of the Peloponnese. The Ride from Patras to Kalamata takes about three hours (about 250 km). From Corinth to Kalamata it is about 1.5 hours (150 km).

#4 Are there beautiful beaches in the Peloponnese?

In the Peloponnese, there are beaches as far as the eye can see. In addition, many places have been spared from mass tourism, with a few exceptions. Especially the west of the peninsula has beautiful beaches and bays. One of the most popular Peloponnese beaches is the Voidokilia Beach, also called Ox Belly Bay.

The kilometre-long coastline on the Gulf of Kyparissia with its golden sandy beach alone offers everything a sun worshipper’s heart desires, from lively sections with beach bars and restaurants to secluded spots. But there are also true beach pearls in the south of the Peloponnese, e.g. at Koroni, Stoupa and Gythio or around the offshore Elafonisos Island.

→ Our recommendations for beautiful Peloponnese Beaches:

• Voidokilia Beach
• Beaches near Kyparissia
• Paralia Kalogrias
• Paralia Chelonaria
• Peroulia Beach
• Mavrouvouni Beach
• Paralia Lagkouvardos
• Kalogria Beach
• Kastráki Beach
• Skoutari Beach
• Valtaki Beach

#5 Top 15 Things to Do in Peloponnese

In addition to the world-famous Ancient Olympia numerous other sights on the Peloponnese invite you to explore extensively. From the paradisiacal dream beach to the legendary stalactite cave, from the medieval fortress to the ancient excavation site, everything is there. Many corners can be explored well on a Peloponnese road trip.

For history buffs, in addition to Olympia, Epidaurus with its huge ancient theater, Mycenae with the striking Lion’s Gate and the medieval fortress Mystras near Sparta are worth a visit. City travellers get their money’s worth in Nafplion, for us one of the most beautiful places in Greece. And the medieval village Monemvasia is unique anyway!

→ 15 Popular Things to Do in Peloponneseat a glance:

1. Olympia
2. Epidaurus
3. Corinth Canal
4. Mycenae
5. Sparta and Mystras
6. Monemvasia
7. City of Nafplio
8. Neda Waterfalls
9. Dripstone Cave Vlychada Diros
10. Dimitrios Shipwreck
11. Kalavryta – Diakopto Mountain Railway
12. Strofylia National Park
13. Timiou Prodromou Monastery
14. South Cape Tenaro
15. Elafonisos Island

#6 For whom is a Peloponnese vacation suitable?

The Peloponnese is suitable for almost every type of holidaymaker, from those seeking peace and quiet to adventurers, from beach holidaymakers to history buffs. Only those who attach great importance to debauched nightlife and parties will not find what they are looking for in the Peloponnese, with the exception of Patras (including a huge carnival festival).

If you are looking for a relaxing and relatively uncomplicated beach holiday near the airport, you should look for a hotel or holiday villa in the south around Kalamata (including Analipsi or Kardamili) or in the region Kyllini in the northwest. The latter place even offers the opportunity to stay on the island for a few days Zakynthos.

#7 How many days do you need to visit the Peloponnese?

For a relaxed and beautiful trip, we recommend at least two weeks in the Peloponnese. The highlights can be skied in a few days. In between, you should always plan some time to relax or for city trips, e.g. to Kalamata. Due to the good accessibility with direct flights, the peninsula is also suitable for a classic one-week beach holiday.

If you want to explore the Peloponnese region intensively with excursions and outdoor activities, you should take a good month. The Arcadia Region and the area around Kalavryta in the heart of the Peloponnese invite you to go on long hikes. The coast of the Peloponnese also offers beaches for half a lifetime.

It is worth taking a detour from the Peloponnese to the surrounding islands such as Kythira and Elafonisos in the south, Spetses and Hydra in the east, and Zakynthos and Cephalonia in the northwest. So there is a lot to discover, which is why so many people keep coming to the Peloponnese to spend their holidays here.

By the way, the capital Athens is also a very good starting point for a detour to the peninsula. From Athens, you can enjoy guided tours day trips to the Peloponnese connect. These tours are especially worthwhile if you have limited time but want to get a first impression of the Peloponnese.

→ Through our partner GetYourGuide* you can book sightseeing Tours in the Peloponnese:

➲ To bus trip to Mycenae, Epidaurus and Nafplio*

➲ To the self-guided tour of Olympia*

➲ To the olive oil tour in Kalamata*

#8 Which Peloponnese places are the most beautiful?

From the large port city of Patras in the north to the small Fishing village Porto Kagio in the very south, the Peloponnese offers many interesting places that are worth a longer stay or a short visit. You can also find the typical Greek island flair with white alleys and blue windows and doors in the Peloponnese.

Patras

Patras is the largest city in the Peloponnese peninsula with just under 215,000 inhabitants. The important port city in western Greece is sometimes hectic, only in the upper district of Kastraki near the Patras Kastro there is still a little idyll. Ferries from Italy arrive at the large port. The Rio Andirrio Bridge outside the city also takes you to the Peloponnese.

Kalamata

Kalamata is located in the south directly on the Messinian Gulf. It is the second largest city in the Peloponnese (60,000 inhabitants) and in contrast to Patras more tranquil, the old town has an almost village flair. Kalamata is considered to be an important olive oil center of Greece. Oils of the highest quality are produced here. The region is an ideal starting point to explore the southern and central parts of the Peloponnese.

Corinth

Corinth is the third largest city in the Peloponnese, relatively unspectacular, also industrial, but because of the famous Corinth Canal (built in 1893) is always worth a visit. There are other Peloponnese sights to discover in the area, such as the mighty fortress hill Acrocorinth or the ancient site of Epidaurus.

Nafplio

Nafplio is picturesquely located on a headland at the end of the Argolic Gulf and is for us the most beautiful city in the Peloponnese. Almost unreally, stands the majestic Palamidi Fortress above the city. Nearby is Tolo, which has become a popular seaside resort in the region. History buffs should not miss the ancient site of Mycenae (25 mins).

Methoni

Methoni is a compact coastal town with a lot of charm on the southwestern tip of the Peloponnese. Here, the clocks tick slower and it’s fun to stroll through the pretty alleys and relax on the village beach. The highlight of the village is the Methoni Kastro with the moated castle Bourtzi in front of it, a real postcard motif of the Peloponnese.

Pylos

Only 10 km further north is the picturesque village Pylos right by the sea. At the sight of the white houses with the red roofs and the colorful windows and doors, you could almost think that on a Greek island like Skiathos . In addition to taverns and cafes, there are some chic holiday apartments, an ideal place to immerse yourself in the typical Greek way of life.

Koroni

We only discovered Koroni by chance on our Peloponnese trip, a tranquil, pretty village right by the sea. A well-kept Peloponnese’s insider tip? Almost, because insiders have been coming here for decades. Colourful fishing boats bob along the harbour pier and the whitewashed alleys create an unmistakable island atmosphere. You can easily spend a week here and let your mind wander.

Tripoli

Tripoli is the capital of the Peloponnese region. The city of 47,000 inhabitants is located in the heart of the peninsula and although it was founded in the Middle Ages, it is now largely made up of modern architecture. If you drive from Athens to the south of the Peloponnese, you pass the city on the A7 motorway. From Tripoli, excursions to the legendary Arcadia are worthwhile.

Sparta

The present-day city of Sparta is about an hour’s drive from Kalamata, but stands in the shadow of its historic name. Sparta was laid out in 1836 by order of King Otto I of Greece. On the outskirts of the city lie the sparse ruins of ancient Sparta. In addition, 5 km away is the Castle of Mystras, a real historical highlight.

Gythio

Gythio (also Gytheion) is a pretty small town with 7,000 inhabitants in the south of the Peloponnese on the Laconian Gulf. Along the harbour pier, where colourful fishing boats anchor, tavern after tavern is lined up, even in the high season it is cosy here. The highlight of Gythio is the Shipwreck Dimitrios, which lies like a fatamorgana on the pristine, snow-white sandy beach of Glyfada.

→ More beautiful places in the Peloponnese are: Stoupa and Kardamili (Mani region), Monemvasia, Leonidio, Dimitsana and Stemnitsa (Arcadia region), Kastro Kyllini, and many more.

#9 Bus & Car: Getting around the Peloponnese

The Peloponnese peninsula is a region of Greece that can be explored almost exclusively on your own by rental car. Although some cities, such as Kalamata, Corinth and Patras, are connected and it is possible to take Peloponnese bus tours to Olympia and Epidaurus, you will miss many beautiful places off the beaten track.

Explore the Peloponnese by rental car

With a rental car you can explore the peninsula wonderfully at your own pace. The traffic is limited except for Patras and the roads are mostly in good condition. On your exploration tours, you will always pass corners worth seeing such as small white churches, lonely bays or rustic taverns, which are worth a short detour.

Rent a car for your holiday in Peloponnese directly at the airport in Patras or Kalamata as well as in Athens and start your journey at the day of departure. You have the choice between local providers and international car rental companies. A look at Google Reviews will give you an indication of customer satisfaction. It is worth comparing prices in advance, e.g. on the portal Discover Cars*:

➲ To cheap car rental offers*

Bus connection on the Peloponnese peninsula

The bus network on the Peloponnese peninsula cannot be compared to that in Germany. There are cheap bus connections between the larger cities every day, but changes and waiting times have to be accepted. Personally, we recommend taking the bus in the Peloponnese only to Greece connoisseurs with good orientation and holidaymakers with a lot of time and patience.

→ Enclosed we have bus associations (KTEL) including bus routes in the Peloponnese listed:

• KTEL Achaias (Patras): ktelachaias
• KTEL Argolidas (Nafplio): ktelargolida
• KTEL Corinthias (Corinth & Epidaurus): Ktelkorinthias
• KTEL Messinias (Kalamata): Ktelmessinias
• KTEL Ileias (Olympia): Ktelileias

By train to the Peloponnese

In the past, the Peloponnese peninsula had a relatively well-developed rail network. However, many sections of the line have been closed in recent decades due to cost-cutting measures. From Athens, however, you can take the Train via Corinth to Egio in the north of the Peloponnese. Further exploration of the Peloponnese by train is currently not possible.

However, some short sections of the route have been maintained for tourism. Among other things, a train runs from the port city of Katakolo in the west of the Peloponnese via Pyrgos to Olympia. This connection is often used by cruise ship tourists. Also worth seeing is the Diakopto Mountain Railway in the Kyllini Mountains to Kalavryta through a picturesque landscape.

→ Information and travel times to the Olympic Train and the cable car can be found on: HellenicTrain

Taxis in the Peloponnese

Taxis in the Peloponnese are only worthwhile in the larger cities, e.g. to get around Patras, Corinth or Kalamata. The distances on the peninsula are simply too great, taxi rides quickly cost money. If you are planning a stay in Athens after your trip to the Peloponnese, a taxi transfer to the airport is recommended.

→ For taxi transfers around Athens we recommend Manolis and his team: Taxi TransferAthens

#10 Peloponnese hotels: How do I find good accommodation?

On the Peloponnese there are nice hotels in all price categories. Until a few years ago, the southern Greek peninsula was still considered a purely individual travel destination, where people stayed in family-run hotels, guesthouses or holiday apartments, but in recent years resorts and large hotel complexes have also been built, including near Pylos (Costa Navarino), which appeal to package holidaymakers.

→ About our partner Booking.com* you will find many Hotels in the Peloponnese and you can check prices here:

The tourist expansion of Patras and Kalamata airports has significantly accelerated this process. The Peloponnese can be easily reached from Germany by plane in less than three hours. Real holiday centres have developed around Patras and Kalamata. Kalamata, the olive oil city of Greece, is also worthwhile for a city trip lasting several days.

We can personally recommend the following studios and apartments in Kalamata recommend (links to Booking.com*):

• P&K LUXURY APARTMENTS*
• City’s Best-Kept Secret, Eclectic & Luxe Getaway*

The following studios and apartments in Patras we can recommend you for your holiday (links to Booking.com*):

• DAYS City Suites*
• Blue Domino Luxury City Villa Patras*

Hotel recommendations for the Peloponnese Peninsula

Aetoma Hotel

Stylish hotel in the heart of the old town of Nafplion. Modern and historic at the same time, friendly staff, varied breakfast and very fair prices. Our recommendation for Nafplio. More information about the Peloponnese Hotel on Booking.com*:

➲ Book Aetoma Hotel*

Bay View GuestHouses

Modern apartment complex outside Kalamata on a hillside with stunning views of the Messinian Gulf. Friendly hostess, well-equipped kitchen and large balcony or terrace. More information about Peloponnese accommodation on Booking.com*:

➲ Book Bay View GuestHouses*

Desa Green Homes

Despina rents out four tasteful holiday homes on her idyllic property. A true oasis of well-being in the middle of nature not far from Epidaurus. Only 15 minutes from the sea, delicious breakfast and many attentions from the hostess. Perfect for family vacations! More information about Peloponnese accommodation on Booking.com*:

➲ Book Desa Green Homes*

Tainaron Blue Retreat

Spectacular mini-hotel in the Mani region at the southern tip of the Peloponnese. Exclusivity, authenticity and hospitality in a restored medieval tower (Mani Tower). More information about the Peloponnese Hotel on Booking.com*:

➲ Book Tainaron Blue Retreat*

The Bold Type Hotel

Elegant hotel in the heart of Patras. Modern rooms with that certain something, fantastic garden, first-class food and breakfast. Ideal for a short trip to Patras. More information about the Peloponnese Hotel on Booking.com*:

➲ Book The Bold Type Hotel*

#11 Our experiences & more travel tips for the Peloponnese

We have already traveled individually in the Peloponnese several times and in 2019 we did a three-week Peloponnese round trip around the entire coast. For us personally, it is always amazing how authentic it is here compared to the Greek islands. Apart from the top highlights such as Olympia, Epidaurus or Mycenae, of course.

Above all, nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet will find their place of longing par excellence on the Peloponnese peninsula. In the mountainous and green heart of the Peloponnese, in the Arcadia region, many places exude a wild romance that is unparalleled in Greece. In Arcadian villages such as Stemnitsa and Demitsana, you can immerse yourself in a life in harmony with nature. If you have time, Arcadia should not be missed.

In addition to Olympia, we personally liked Messene near Kalamata and Mystras near Sparta best of the many ancient sites in the Peloponnese. We felt like Robinson Crusoe on the lonely sandy beach on the kilometer-long coast of the Gulf of Kyparissia. Where else can you find that today in Greece or in whole Europe?

→ Our personal Must-Do’s in the Peloponnese Holiday (unsorted):

• View from the bridge of the Corinth Canal
• Visit to Ancient Olympia incl. Museum Tour
• Hike to Prodromou Monastery above the Lousios Gorge
• Sunrise in Monemvasia
• Visit the village of Leonidio at Easter
• Hike to the South Cape Tenaro
• Visit to Mani Ghost Village Vathia
• Ascent to Navarino Castle above Voidokilia Bay
• Excursion to the Strofylia National Park
• Ride on the Odontotos cogwheel railway
• Sunset from Palamidi Castle in Nafplio
• Walk along the Dimitrios Shipwreck Beach

Peloponnese Youtube Video

An extensive documentary about the Peloponnese, showing the many facets of the peninsula, can be seen here:

→ Here you can get more information and Travel tips for your Peloponnese vacation:

• Mani Peloponnese
• Peloponnese Tour
• Athens Holidays

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