Summary
Connected to the rest of Greece by the Isthmus of Corinth, the Peloponnese represents a peninsula rich with ancient cities and natural wonders that resonate with the collective memory of humankind.
This region boasts an array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from the Bronze Age tombs of Ancient Mycenae to the remarkably well-preserved Great Theatre of Epidaurus, which has stood for over 2,300 years.
The multitude of ancient marvels in Peloponnese allows visitors to trace the footsteps of the traveller and historian Pausanias, who explored many of these locales almost 1,900 years ago.
Moreover, medieval history permeates the Peloponnese, evident in places where both natural allure and man-made beauty converge, such as the Byzantine city of Mystras, the fortified island of Monemvasia, and the rock-hewn monasteries nestled in the Lousia Gorge.
Let us examine the top attractions in Peloponnese:
1. Great Theatre of Epidaurus
Within the ancient city of Epidaurus, the monumental theatre, constructed in the 4th century BC by the architect and sculptor Polykleitos the Younger, is a must-see.
The Theatre of Epidaurus is frequently regarded as one of the finest ancient theatres, celebrated by Pausanias in the 2nd century AD for its symmetry and aesthetic appeal.
At its peak, the theatre accommodated 16,000 spectators.
Barring the skene (the structure behind the orchestra), which has since been lost, the theatre remains largely unchanged from its appearance over 2,300 years ago due to extensive restorations performed in the 1900s and 1950s-60s.
Thanks to its exceptional acoustics, a person speaking at a normal volume in the orchestra is easily audible from the uppermost row of the theatre.
The Epidaurus Festival in June and July offers the opportunity to attend a performance.
2. Mycenae
During the 2nd millennium BC, Mycenae emerged as a principal center of Greek civilization, exerting influence over much of southern Greece and areas of Anatolia.
At its zenith between the 17th and 12th centuries BC, this hilltop city near modern-day Mikines supported a population of approximately 30,000. Utilizing Pausanias’ 2nd-century AD description of the Lion Gate, Venetian Proveditor General Francesco Grimani identified Mycenae in the early 18th century.
The iconic image depicting two lionesses flanking a column is the sole monumental sculpture to have survived from Bronze Age Greece.
The Tholos tombs at the site are nothing short of spectacular, notably the Treasury of Atreus (also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon), which housed the largest dome in the ancient world for a millennium and features a lintel stone weighing 120 tons.
3. Mystras
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mystras is a Byzantine fortified town perched on Mount Taygetos, overseeing the Evrotas river valley in proximity to ancient Sparta.
Founded by William II of Vilehardouin, the Prince of Achaea, in 1249, Mystras served as the capital of the Byzantine Despotate of Morea during the 1300s and 1400s, transforming into a hub of arts and philosophy during the Palaeologan Renaissance.
This archaeological site represents one of the most intact examples of a medieval walled town in Greece, featuring remaining palace complexes, castles, and grand private residences.
The churches, including the magnificent Panagia Odigitria, still showcase vivid frescoes from its cultural apex.
4. Ancient Corinth
The ancient city of Corinth was established in the 8th century BC at a strategically significant location on the renowned Isthmus. By the 5th century BC, it was home to approximately 90,000 inhabitants.
Positioned on the main east-west trade route, the city amassed considerable power and wealth during the Classical and Hellenistic periods.
The Romans dismantled Corinth in the 2nd century BC and subsequently rebuilt it as the provincial capital of Greece.
Continuous excavations have taken place since the late 19th century, offering visitors the chance to view the Temple of Apollo, the impressive Fountain of Peirene, the agora, remnants of ancient streets, and the foundations of the theatre—all clearly labeled.
The museum is also noteworthy for its collection of statues, mosaics, and frescoes, providing insight into the historical depth of the site.
To Christians, Corinth bears special significance as the destination for St. Paul’s mission around AD 50.
5. Corinth Canal
The Corinth Canal, a long and straight fissure through the isthmus, was conceived in ancient times.
The project was initially proposed by Tyrant Periander in the 7th century BC; however, the initiative faced numerous delays and would not commence until 1881. The channel stretches 6.4 kilometers but is only about 20 meters wide at water level, making it soon obsolete for modern shipping.
As a tourist attraction, the Corinth Canal dazzles with its stark limestone walls, towering at 90 meters.
About halfway across, a footbridge offers a panoramic view of the man-made canyon in both directions, and a boat cruise provides another perspective on the scale of this impressive engineering achievement.
6. Bassae
Nestled amid formidable mountains and ravines, Bassae is frequently overlooked as a tourist destination.
However, for those who do traverse to this locale, a nearly solitary UNESCO site awaits.
The highlight of Bassae is the extraordinarily well-preserved Temple of Apollo Epicurius, erected between 450 BC and 400 BC. Its remote location contributed to the monument’s preservation, as its stone quarry was situated too far from any settlement.
In recent years, the temple has been housed under a protective tent for restoration, restricting external photography of its façade.
Nevertheless, the structure remains intact under the canopy with the Doric columns on the outer peristyle paired with the oldest Ionic and Corinthian columns in Ancient Greece supporting the temple’s core.
7. Nafplio
Nestled at the northernmost reach of the Argolic Gulf, the charming port city of Nafplio lies beneath the imposing Palamidi fortress, which will be addressed next.
Nafplio boasts a history dating back to prehistoric times and, following a lull during the Roman era, became a thriving harbor for Byzantines, Franks, Venetians, and ultimately the Ottomans.
Immediately after Greece achieved independence in the 1820s, Nafplio served as the nation’s capital.
Noteworthy sites include the Acronauplia, the city’s oldest section, located on a fortified spur to the south of Nafplio’s peninsula.
Along the waterfront, a picturesque promenade lined with palms allows for views of the Bourtzi, the Venetian sea fortress dating back to the 15th century.
Just a few blocks inland, the archaeological museum, housed in a Venetian barracks, features exhibits such as Mycenaean armor from Denrdra.
8. Palamidi
Situated east of Acronauplia in Nafplio, the Venetian Palamidi fortress dominates a rocky outcrop rising over 200 meters.
Engineers Giaxich and Laselle designed this extensive system of eight self-contained bastions interconnected by a wall.
One remarkable aspect of Palamidi is its swift construction, completed in just three years ending in 1714. The ascent from the center of Nafplio involves a challenging climb of 999 steps to reach the fortress.
Look for the rainwater cisterns that remain in use, along with the Chapel of Agios Andreas found in the central bastion.
This monument serves as the focal point of Nafplio’s independence celebrations on 30 November.
On this day in 1822, a service was held in the chapel following its liberation from Ottoman control.
9. Diros Cave (Vlychada)
Among three caves located at Diros in southern Laconia, a visit to the Vlychada Cave offers an intriguing experience reminiscent of venturing into Hades.
The exploration commences on a slow-moving subterranean river spanning 1,600 meters, adorned with stalactites that have formed over millennia, reaching just a meter above the water’s surface.
Equipped with a lifejacket, visitors navigate the river on a guided rowboat for approximately 30 minutes, occasionally ducking under the stunning pink and red formations.
The latter part of the visit proceeds on foot through an additional 300 meters of chambers decorated with fantastical concretions.
During busy summer periods, visitors may receive a timed slot and might experience a waiting period of up to 90 minutes, although a picturesque beach is conveniently situated just steps from the entrance.
10. Heraion of Perachora
The ruins of this sanctuary located by the beach on the Perachora Peninsula have been recognized by Pausanias as early as 1,900 years ago.
This captivating site has been revered since the 9th century BC, and the temple, constructed in the 6th century, was ultimately destroyed approximately 200 years later.
The Heraion of Perachora is situated in an exquisite setting at the base of scrub-covered cliffs not far from the cape’s lighthouse.
Take a moment to inspect the remnants of columns and the cistern before making your way up to the lighthouse, which offers splendid views and an opportunity to bathe in the light blue waters at the adjacent beach.
11. Monemvasia
The island of Monemvasia consists of a large plateau with steep cliffs, having separated from the mainland due to an earthquake in 375 AD. Crossing the bridge to this small yet formidable island is a captivating experience, as visitors encounter cliffs ascending 300 meters akin to the bow of an immense vessel.
This island exhibited remarkable resilience during a three-year siege led by William of Villehardouin in the 13th century, showcasing considerable medieval architecture.
There are Byzantine structures such as Christos Elkomenos and Agia Sofia, along with the Frankish defensive walls.
Passing through the principal gate leads into a bewildering maze of stairways, archways, and ruins that resemble the works of Escher.
Most of the archaeological sites ascending the slopes are accompanied by informative boards, and once exploration concludes, visitors can enjoy a meal at a local taverna in the welcoming lower town.
12. Simos Beach
If one were to envision the quintessential Greek beach, Simos Beach on Elafonisos would epitomize this ideal.
Although the island adjacent to Cape Malea is not geographically part of the Peloponnese, it lies only 100 meters away, accessible via a brief ferry ride from Pounta.
Furthermore, Elafonisos was classified as a peninsula along the mainland in Pausanias’ era.
Simos Beach is recognized as the finest of four idyllic beaches on Elafonisos, reachable via a raised wooden walkway that navigates over the dunes.
This beach features a dreamlike horseshoe shape of soft, pale sand, gently sloping into aquamarine waters that barely rise above knee level, even 20 meters offshore.
13. Ancient Messene
Pausanias visited Messene around the 150s and his account of the ancient city continues to serve as a key reference for historians.
Once again, this site experiences minimal tourist traffic, allowing for a potentially solitary exploration of the ruins.
Nevertheless, Messene represents far more than a mere collection of stones; it offers a meticulously restored representation of its ancient form.
Founded in the 4th century BC by the Theban statesman Epaminondas, Messene was established on the remnants of Ithome, a city that had been destroyed by the Spartans and left abandoned for a century.
Key features include the nearly complete odeon, stadion, and theatre, along with residences adorned with mosaics, a gymnasium, asclepeion, and remnants of a defensive wall meant to keep Spartan forces at bay.
14. Lousios Gorge
In Arcadia, the Lousios Gorge presents a 15-kilometer chasm within a verdant landscape, sculpted by the river of the same name.
Your trek through the gorge can commence at Dimitsana, following a path adorned with oak, maple, and sage trees, beneath limestone cliffs that exhibit the touch of human craftsmanship.
A profound monastic tradition thrives in Lousios Gorge, with ancient hermitages giving rise to the monasteries of Aimyalon, Philosophou, Timiou Prordomou, and Panagias Palamiou, many of which are partially carved into the rock and supported by wooden posts.
The Lousios River is historically reputed as the site where Zeus bathed, affirming its turbulent waters as an enticing choice for white-water rafting enthusiasts.
15. Agios Patapios Monastery
Situated on the initial ridge of the Geraneia range, the Agios Patapios Monastery was established adjacent to a cave in 1952. This location, perched 650 meters above the town of Loutraki, possesses a rich history that stretches back centuries.
The cave had been functioning as a hermitage since the 12th century when, during the 15th century, it was designated to house the relics of St. Patapios (who lived around 300 AD) and St. Hypomone (died 1450). After the fall of the Byzantine Empire, their remains were transported from Constantinople.
High in the mountains, the cave gradually faded from memory until rediscovered by a priest in 1904. Their relics are preserved in the monastery’s church, where the attentive nuns will guide you through the site.
The view from the terrace is truly remarkable, making the journey worthwhile, along with the option to purchase homemade beauty products and honey from the onboard shop.
