Landscape and Climate

The Peloponnese is a large peninsula in southern Greece, forming the part of the country south of the Gulf of Corinth. It constitutes the southernmost part of mainland Greece, although technically it is an island. It has two land connections with the rest of Greece, a natural one at the Isthmus of Corinth and an artificial one in the shape of the impressive Rio-Antirio Bridge.

With its mountainous interior and deeply indented coasts, its bustling cities and small villages, the Peloponnese is sure to please even the most discerning visitors. The region is blessed with mild climate and ever-changing natural beauty; mountains, endless coastline, lakes, rivers, caves and waterfalls coexist in the Peloponnese. For those who love the outdoors, there is a variety of activities to choose from. To list a few, there is skiing, hiking, trekking, mountain climbing, paragliding, rafting, camping, and swimming.

Activities and Sites

Visitors, as well as locals, have the privilege to pick their beach in the Peloponnese – the common denominator being, always, crystal clear waters. Golden sand beach? Check. Colourful, round pebbles? Check. Cool forest nearby? Check again. The rare white-sand beach of Kalogria, next to the popular pine tree forest of Strofilia, offers an extraordinary combination of outdoor activities. The golden sand beach of Gianiskari, in an idyllic area surrounded by mountains, is ideal when seeking privacy. The round-pebble beaches of Selianitika and Vrachneika, with their excellent tavernas, are the best options when combining traditional Greek tastes and leisure. The more cosmopolitan beach of Rio, famous for its round-the-clock party life, is yet another west coast alternative.

Patras is a waterfront city, situated between sea and mountains; it is the second largest port in Greece, and is considered the country's gateway to the west. The glorious sea and port have transformed Patras into a bustling multicultural center.  Among the city’s attractions one admires the Castle of Patras, the Municipal Theatre Apollon, the Achaia Claus Castle Winery, St Andrew's Cathedral and the Cable Suspension Bridge of Rio.

Less than an hour’s drive from Patras is the historic town of Kalavrita. Some of the many reasons to visit include the Kalavrita Ski Resort (www.kalavrita-ski.com), the historic monastery of Agia Lavra, and the Cave of Lakes, a rare work of nature.

One of the most famous sites in Greece is the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, a picturesque 2,5 hour drive from Athens. Known for its amazing microphone-free acoustics, the theatre continues to house classical Greek plays during the summer months. A short distance away is the former capital of Greece, the coastal town of Nafplion. Beautiful architecture, a seaside location and proximity to major archaeological and medieval sites make this a perfect year-round destination.

Extending southwards, a continuation of the Taygetos mountain range –the highest point in the Peloponnese – is the Mani peninsula. Its terrain is mountainous, rocky and indisputably alluring. Despite the region’s aridity, Mani boasts a long culinary tradition and what is probably the world’s best extra-virgin olive oil, soft-pressed from partially ripened olives of the Koroneiki varietal that are organically grown on mountain terraces. Mani attracts visitors for its Byzantine churches, Frankish castles and stunning scenery. Furthermore, the famous towers of Mani and the stone houses and villas fashioned after them are uniquely beautiful. Nearby towns Gytheio, Areopoli and Kardamyli are home to a significant number of foreign tourists during the summer months.

Last, but not least, the Peloponnese is home to the ancient fortress-town of Mycenae, the medieval fortress-town of Monemvasia and the famous site of the classical Olympic Games, Olympia, among others.

Transportation

The distances between Athens and the Peloponnese keep getting smaller. In May 2005 Athens was linked to Corinth via the ultra-modern Suburban Railway; the route lasts less than an hour, making Corinth a virtual suburb of Athens, thus allowing people to live closer to the sea and nature and commute to Athens daily. The railway is planned to increasingly link more of the Peloponnese to the capital in the following months and years.

Direct charter flights link the UK to both Patras and the southern city of Kalamata during the summer months. Ferryboats link Patras to Italy year-round. Alternatively, the Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos is approximately 2 hours away by car, via the newly built National Highway.

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