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The
southernmost geographic section of mainland Greece, originally the
Peloponese was an island but intense geological upheavals in the region
twice united and separated it from the mainland. Later, a drop in
sea level formed the Isthmus of Corinth. This land bridge was excavated
in the late 19th century to make the Corinth canal, making the Peloponese
an island yet again. |
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Peloponese (Peloponissos) is a rugged land and in its interior is
highlands. The climate is purely Mediterranean along the coast, unlike
the centre which has a relatively continental climate. A
mythical land whose every corner brings to mind some Greek myth, the
Peloponnese is composed of images and music, the scents of the sea,
of the mountains, of grapes, olives and citrus. The cities, towns
and spas of the region were important centres in antiquity and remain
so today.
Villages
seem to grow out of the grey rock, the wild stones next to the hostile
furze. Other villages lie by the vast open sea, but everywhere the
people are welcoming, hospitable and proud.
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Three
main road networks lead to places with abundant physical beauty,
important archaeological sites, land and stones testifying of other
eras.
Arriving
at Loutraki, we come to the Isthmus, we have our first view
of the Peloponese.
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After
we have crossed the Isthmus, we reach Corinth, a commercial
centre and transport hub. At the archaeological site of Ancient
Corinth we find the ruins of the magnificent ancient city. Roads
extend among the vast olive groves, grain fields and vegetable plots,
leading to modern villages and towns, ideal resorts. From Kiato
to ancient Sikyona and from there to Stimfalia.
Then
on to Xilokastro an interesting vacation spot. Deakofto is the starting
point for unforgettable excursions to historic Kalavrita, Megalo
Spilaio (large cave), and the monastery of Agia Lavra, magical
train journeys through the Vouraikos gorge between tall verdant
mountains.
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ancient Egio has a special attraction; the monastery of Panagia Tripiti,
which is built into the living rock. Pretty pebbled beaches can be
found nearby. |
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Patras
on the west coast is Greece's gateway to the Ionian islands and Italy.
Its attractive squares, neo-classical buildings, and the ruins of
a castle on top of a hill, add charm to this working harbour city,
the fourth largest in Greece. Enchanting shores drowning in eucalyptus
and bushes, indigo waters and a vast sandy beach at Kilini, known
since antiquity for its spas. Further south we encounter Pirgos, an
attractive town with the neo-classical buildings. |
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serene and verdant is ancient Olympia with the grandiose temple
foundations, the colonnades, the altars and the numerous interesting
archaeological finds crowned by that masterpiece of sculpture, the
Hermes of Praxiteles. |
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Kaifas
is the next spa, also known since antiquity, set amidst a thick
pine forest. The soil here is fertile, ideal for vineyards, olive
groves and citrus fields. The roads that lead to Byzantine monasteries,
Frankish towers, ancient temples, such as the temple of Apollo Epikourios
at Vasses, and famous palaces, such as Nestor's palace in Pylos,
begin here. From here we go to Kalamata, the capital of Messinia,
with its castle of Geoffrey Villehardouin, its waterfront lined
with tavernas and pastry shops and Mt. Taygetos proudly rearing
up and while between its foothills pretty beaches can be found.
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| From
Kalamata, the road sweeps up to Tripoli in the heart of the Peloponnese,
a perfect base for enchanting excursions to Vitina, Dimitsana,
and Stemnitsa, picturesque villages clinging to the Arcadian mountains,
and to Mantineia and Lykossoura with significant ancient ruins. |
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Entering
into Lakonia, we reach its capital, Sparti,. To the west is the Byzantine
castle state of Mystra with its incredible churches, monasteries,
palaces and mansions. |
| Crossing
the plain of Lakonia, we come to Githio and from there to Aeropoli,
the Diros caves, the traditional settlement of Vathia. Passing through
verdant landscape, steep mountains and deep gorges which end up in
clear blue sea, at pristine golden beaches or pebbled shores, we arrive
at unique Monemvassia.
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The north-eastern
Peloponese welcomes us at Argos, the ancient stronghold, today a point
of departure for Nauplia, the first capital of free Greece, with the
Bourtzi, an islet topped by a miniature fort, and the Palamidi
rock. Ancient Tiryns and Mycenae, the ruins of the two power centres
of the ancient Mycenean world, can also be reached from Argos. |
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We get
to Epidaurus (Epidavros) passing through pine forests.
Here, in the summer during the Epidaurus festival one can appreciate
the incredible acoustics of the ancient theatre, next to the sanctuary
of Asclepius. |
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Apart
from Epidaurus, the eastern Peloponnese has much physical beauty on
offer, at Ermionida, Porto Heli, Kosta and Galatas, from where
one easily crosses to Poros or Methana with its famous spas. |
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