Mini Guide to the Peloponnese, Greece

If you are well-versed with your Greek mythology, then you should know the Peloponnese. Located in Southern Greece, this landscape is where the Greek gods and heroes graced their presence with in its historical cities. Today, it is very popular among tourists and backpackers with its beautiful beaches and glorious mountains.

Nafplio, Greece by Jeanhousen

What to See

• Mystras. This once majestic fortress town, after experiencing a spill from the Taÿgetos Mountains is now home of Byzantine palaces and churches in ruins. Today, this Unesco World Heritage Site deemed as one of the most important sites in the region.
• Nafplio. This is a beautiful port that is made of Venetian houses and narrow streets. It is also home of the Alexandros Soutzos Museum which features 1821 Greek War of Independence exhibits.
• Stemnitsa. This village is the starting site for the walks to the Lousios Gorge. Walks of various lengths start in this place, ranging from hour-long to day-long.
• Epidavros. This region is very popular for its miraculous cures. It also hosts theater and drama performances during July and August.
• Olympia. This region is home to a number of museums such as the Archaeological Museum of Olympia which features a statue of Hermes made by Praxiteles.

Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, Greece by Fingalo

Where to Eat and Drink

• I Stemnitsa. This is a tavern open year-round in the village. Its tables lie under big umbrellas with a tasty Greek menu to boot. Their dishes are made up of generous and quality meat cuts.
• Restaurant Elysse. Its hearty cooking is what makes this a favorite in Sparta. It menu has Lakonian specialties, right from the south-central region. One fine example is the bardouniotiko, a chicken recipe with feta and onions.
• Omorfi Poli. This restaurant serves traditional dishes with their own original twists. They also have wine selections produced locally.
• Fishermen’s Tavern. Located in a seaside village, this restaurant is run by a family of fishermen, serving dishes featuring whatever was caught for the day. The most common ones include mullet, beam, and sardines.
• Hotel Kyrimai. Situated in the Gerolimenas harbor, this restaurant has a tasty menu. One of their highlights is the shrimp stuffed zucchini with saffron.

Where to Sleep

• Camping Diana. Right in the center of Olympia, this hotel is open all year and features a mini market, pool, friendly staff, and internet access.
• Hotel Marianna. This is one of Nafplio’s finest. Its rooms have terraces with traditional bedsteads and stone walls. It provides its guests with hearty breakfast meals.
• Mpelleiko. This is a stone house that dates back in the 17th century. Its rooms feature original Greek furnishings with large fireplaces. They also serve breakfast made from homemade produce.
• Ippoliti. This is a hotel that offers luxurious accommodations. The building features a grand staircase that lead to beautifully decorated rooms. It also has a gym and a small pool.
• Patra’s Primarolia Art Hotel. This hotel offers rooms with varying themes and styles, from baroque to minimalist. It also has an in-house sauna.

Resource Box:

Amy C. loves travelling to various cities and regions, particularly in the areas of the Mediterranean and the Pacific. She also performs office administration and blogging activities of World Climate, who also offers agent listing online. Want to know where she will take you next? Stay tuned for her next post.

Tags: alexandros soutzos museum, drama performances, epidaurus greece, fortress town, glorious mountains, gods and heroes, greek gods and heroes, greek menu, greek mythology, greek war of independence, meat cuts, miraculous cures, quality meat, traditional dishes, unesco world heritage, unesco world heritage site, wine selections

Category: Greece