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Peloponnese is one of the most popular geographic departments of Greece due to:
- Close distance from Athens
- Important arhaelogical sites (ancient Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae)
- Natural beauty (mountains, ski resorts, trails, rivers – rafting, caves, marvellous coastal lines)
- Nearby islands for daily cruises (Kythera, Hydra, Spetses, Poros)
and all of these reasons make Peloponnese a lovable destination for vacations.
CORINTHIA PREFECTURE
Corinthos is a city, quite close to Athens (there is a suburban connection with the central train station of Athens, Larissa station). Corinthos is also an ideal destination for one day excursion. Some of the most importants sites are:
- The canal of the Isthmus of Corinthos
- The picturesque Doxa lake
- The villages of Trikala Corinthos (especially during winter months).
- The temple of Zeus, the Stadium of Nemea and the archaelogical museum of Nemea.
Doxa lake, Corinthia Prefecture
Trikala villages, Corinthia Prefecture
Some of the most clear and seductive coasts of the area are: Vouliagmeni lake, Oreas Elenis Baths, Asos, Kechries, Kalamia. For kite and wind surfing fans Vrahati, Kalamaki, Xylokastro and Lecheo are ideal for such activities. Corinthos has two campings: Alkioni (near Schinos-Loutraki beach). In Loutraki there are thermal springs (therapeutic services such as hydrotherapy for chronic rheumatisms, chronic rheumatoid arthritis, spondylarthrite, sciatica, infections of the skin, allergic skin ailments, psoriasis, eczema and mineral water drinking therapy for heart ailments, digestive ailments, disorders of the circulatory system, liver failure, kidney stones, cholelithiasis). Another camping is Blue Dolphin in Lecheo. Corinthos is also a very popular prefecture for hiking groups, as there are a lot of trails (Ziria, Flabouritsa, Dasia lake, Karia, Stimfalia) and additionally the ski resort of Ziria.
Vouliagmeni lake, Corinthos Prefecture
Oreas Elenis Baths, Corinthos Prefecture
The coastal lines of Corinthos from above
ARGOLIDA PREFECTURE
Argolida is another prefecture of Peloponnese full of history, great monuments, ancient theatres and a lot of important sites including caves, museums, castles and furthermore breathtaking mountains and crystal blue clear waters.
Some of the sightseeings are:
- The arhaelogical site of Mycenae and Tiryns
- The ancient theatre of Epidaurus which includes performances every summer, at Epidaurus Festival
- The amazing city of Nafplio, Palamidi and Bourtzi
- The prehistoric cave of Kefalari.
Nafplio city
Some of the most incredible coasts of the area are: Tolo, Kondili, Nea Kios, Arvanitia, Karathonas, Drepano, Vivari. There are a lot of camping installations here and the presentation has been held in random series. In Plaka, Drepano beach there are three campings Τriton ΙΙ, New Triton and Argolic Strand. Triton ΙΙ has also wooden houses for rental (they are called tropical villages).
Drepano Beach, Argolida Prefecture
In Tolo beach there is the camping Sunset (it offers cabins and bungalows for rental) and Lido camping (it also offers bungalows for rental).
Tolo Beach, Argolida Prefecture
Tolo beach from above
Some other campings of Argolida are: Kastraki and Xeni (they both offer cabins, rooms and bungalows for rental) in Ancient Assini. There are two campings Skala and Iria (it offers cabins for rental) in Kantia village. Lefka camping is located in Vivari village and the camping Posidon at Irion beach (it also offers bungalows for rental). All the above campings are very close to Nafplio city.
Kondili Beach (Aghios Nikolaos), Argolida Prefecture
At the area of Palea Epidaurus and close to the ancient theatre of Epidaurus there are three more campings: Nicolas I, Nicolas II and Bekas (all of them also offer studios for rental). In Gialasi, near ancient Epidaurus there is the camping Verdeli. A few kilometers away there are the thermal springs of Methana (therapeutic for those who suffer from arthritic ailments such as slipped disc, rheumatoid arthritis, deforming arthritis, spondylitis, in dermatological problems).
Argolida prefecture is very popular also for hiking excursions since there are a lot of archaeological sites and paths to discover this beautiful destination.
From Tolo beach you can participate on a daily cruise to Spetses of Hydra island. From Tolo you can also visit the unique small rocky islands Romvi, Koronisi or Daskalio. Porto Cheli has a ferry connection with the ports of Piraeus, Spetses (island), Ermioni, Hydra (island) and Poros (island). Ermioni has a ferry connection with the ports of Piraeus, Hydra, Poros, Spetses and Porto Cheli.
Hydra island
Spetses island
Spetses island from above
ACHAIA PREFECTURE
Patra is one of the most beautiful coastal cities of Greece, a magnificent combination of mountains, rivers and sealines, Patra is also famous for its carnival festival, mavrodafni wine and tendura (liquer). Some of the most important sites of Achaia prefecture are:
- The Ancient Roman Odeum
- The new archaeological museum of Patra
- The medieval castle
- Appolo Municipal Theatre
- Achaia Clauss one of the finest oldest wineries of Greece
- The longest cable bridge of Europe is Rion-Antirion
- Odontotos rack railway excursion from Diakopto village to Kalavrita village.
- Saint Andrews cathedral (the largest church of Greece).
Achaia prefecture has a lot of coasts such as Trapeza Aigiou, Aghios Vasilios, Akrata, Drepano (for kite and wind surfing), Akoli, Alissos, Rodini, Loggos and so many others. There are also many campings at the nearby areas. In Akrata there is the camping Akrata Beach Camping.
Akrata Beach, Achaia Prefecture
In Labiri village, the camping Tsolis is located (it also offers bungalows, tents, huts and windmills for rental). In Alissos there is the camping Golden Sunset, (it includes water slides and two swimming pools). In Kato Alissos village, there is the camping Kato Alissos. One of the most beautiful beaches near Alissos is Kalogria and the magnificent forest of Strofilia along the beach.
Kalogria Beach, Achaia Prefecture
Kalogria Beach from above
Some of the unique experiences while being in Patra, is related to the daily excursion to the picturesque Tsivlou lake and the forest of firs and chestnuts of Zarouchla. The mountainous Achaia has a lot of routes and trails for hiking excursions.
Tsivlou Lake, Achaia Prefecture
In Araxos, a city in the suburbs of Patra, there is also an airport. From Patras port there is a daily ferry connection with Bari – Brindisi – Ancona – Venice (in Italy), Corfu, Paxos, Antipaxi, Ithaki (Pisaetos), Kefalonia (Sami) islands of Ionian sea. From Rio port there are every day ferry ittineraries for Antirion port.
ILIA PREFECTURE
One of the most well known tourist destinations of Greece, the Valley of Gods, is the Ancient Olympia. The place of birth of the Olympic Games and undoubtedly the most important religious and athletic centre of Greece and internationaly, is located at Ilia prefecture.
Similar to the other prefectures of Peloponnese, Ilia is also an ideal destination for vacations, since it is less than 4 hours away from Athens and only 1 hour from Patras port, or Kalamata airport. There are a lot of beautiful and endless coastal lines with crystal blue waters, sandy beaches for swimming and water sports and this prefecture offers also a lot of activities to the visitors.
Some of the most popular beaches are: Glifa, Kyllini, Zacharo, Katakolo, Arkoudi, Kourouta and there are even more which will be presented further down.
The following sites worth a visit and they are very important:
- Ancient Olympia and the archaeological museum (with the sculpted decoration of the temple of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the famous sculpture of Hermes of Praxiteles)
- The temple of Apollo Epikourios in Vasses
- Foloi Oak Forest
- Neda‘s waterfalls
- Nemouta‘s waterfalls
Neda’s waterfalls, Ilia Prefecture
Neda gorge from above
Foloi oak forest, Ilia Prefecture
Nemouta’s waterfalls, Ilia Prefecture
There are a lot of camping installations in Ilia and the presentation will include only those near the sea, organized-ones and wil take place in random series. The campings Melissa and Fournia Beach Camping are near Kyllinis’ castle. Fourni also offers bungalows for rental. Kyllini has a ferry connection with the ports of Zakynthos island, Kefalonia island (Poros and Sami port) and Ithaki.
Kyllini Beach, Ilia Prefecture
In Kourouta there is the camping Harmony Resort (it offers tents, rooms and bungalows for rental). Kourouta beach during summer months looks like an island full of life, stores, taverns, bars and clubs and amazing night life. Near Kourouta, at Palouki beach there are two more campings: Palouki and Paradise (it also offers caravans for rental).
Kourouta Beach, Ilia Prefecture
Zacharo beach is a very popular destination due to its sandy endless coastal lines. There are two campings here, Apollo Village and Tholo. In Glifa beach the camping Aginara also offers bungalows for rental.
Very close to Zacharo beach, there are the thermal springs of Kaiafa and Iraia. Kaiafa’s springs have a cave nearby and they are therapeutic for those who suffer mainly from their musculoskeletal system diseases (lower-back morbidity, ischialgia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cervical syndrome, spondyloarthritis, psoriatic rheumatism), gynecological and skin diseases and at a distance of about 200 m, there is the Gerani thermal spring, the waters of which, are ideal for positherapy (water drinking therapy). Iraia’s springs are therapeutic for those who suffer from rheumatisms, arthritis, skin ailments, gynecological ailments, cervical syndrome. Near Vartholomio village there are also the thermal springs of Kylllini (therapeutic through balneotherapy for those who suffer from arthritis, rheumatisms, skin diseases, asthma and through mud therapy for those who suffer from diseases of the spinal column, nervous system, urinary system, blood vessels and inflammations).
Zacharo Beach, Ilia Prefecture
Zacharo beach from above
And if you wish to participate on rafing activities Erimanthos and Alfios rivers will please you with their unique paths through verdurous scenery.
LAKONIA PREFECTURE
Lakonia is the land of Sparans and also a very special destination of Greece due to the important historical monuments, castles and caves, beautiful coasts. Every year thousands of tourists select Lakonia for their vacations due to the following reasons:
- The archaeological site of Mystras
- The land of Mani
- The medieval castle of Monemvasia
- Diro’s cave
- Kastania’s cave
Some of the most picturesques beaches are Simos in Elafonisos, Plitra and Charakia (Monemvasia), Gerolimenas and Marmari (Mani), Vathi and Mavrovouni (Gythio).
In the list of the first three best campings of Greece, Simos is considered one of the top due to Elafonisos crystal blue waters. The accomodation includes bungalows for rental (there are also bicycles available for rental). The nearby sites to visit are Kardamili and Stoupa beach and from Gythio port a tourist has the opportunity to travel to Kythera island (during summer months there are daily itineraries). From Neapolis port a visitor can participate to hiking excursions as well as to climbing activities to Cape Maleas.
Elafonisos Beach, Lakonia Prefecture
Elafonisos beach from above
Some other campings of the prefecture are: Gythion Bay Camping (it also offers caravants, tents and bicycles for rental). Another camping is Meltemi (near Areopolis, it has also bungalows for rental), Mani Beach Camping and Porto Ageranos (its accomodation includes rooms and studios for rental). Dias camping is established in Vathi-Gythio area. From Gythio there is a ferry connection with Kissamos (Crete, Chania prefecture) and Kythera-Antikythera islands.
Monemvasia castle, Lakonia Prefecture
Lakonia prefecture is full of impressive gorge for hiking and canyoning (Louka, Milon, Smynos, Kastora. Evrotas‘ (river) delta is one of the last breeding grounds in the Mediterranean for Caretta-Caretta sea turtle and also a loveble destination for canoe-funs. In Mystra there a lot of taverns with excellent cuisine and inspirational view to the valley of Evrotas’ river.
ARCADIA PREFECTURE
Arcadia is located in the center of Peloponnese. It is surrounded by great mountains (Menalo, Parnonas, Taygetos) and furthermore green landscapes, incredible atmosphere and traditional villages. Arcadia has a lot of known monasteries some of them chiseled on the rocks of the mountains and they are looking like pendulous through the clouds. Lousios and Alfios rivers, are passing through this beautiful prefecture and the rafting lovers have the opportunity to meet with the beauties and the virgin nature of this land. The chestnut forrest of Vlachokerasia is an ideal destination for hiking excursions.
Lousios gorge, Arcadia Prefecture
Some of the most remarkable sites of Arcadia are:
- Vitina, Stemnitsa, Karitena picturesque villages
- Kapsia cave
- The Open-Air Power Water Museum, in Dimitsana.
The majority of the campings are located at the beaches of Tiros, Astros and Leonidio.
Fokianos Beach, Arcadia Prefecture
In Tiros, there is the camping Zaritsi, in Astros there are the campings Thirea and Astros, in Leonidio there is the camping Semeli (where a camper can rent a bicycle, attend scuba diving lessons, participate to hikings). From Astros, Tirow and Leonidio during summer months there are daily cruises to Spetses and Hydra islands.
Astros Beach, Arcadia Prefecture
The mountainous Arcadia is very popular for its gastronomy. Do not hesitate to taste wild boar casserole, winy cock with lazanaki (homemade pasta), herbal pies, marmalades and spoon sweets from female partnerships of Arcadia.
Astros beach from above
MESSINIA PREFECTURE
Messinia is located to the south western part of Peloponnes and it is one of the most beautiful destinations due to several reasons. First of all the soft climate conditions (during most months of the year the weather is shinny), secondly there are so many picturesque villages, green valleys, mountains, gorges and caves, numerous sandy beaches even palaces. Some of the places of interest are:
- Niokastro (or Navarino) castle of Pylos
- Palace of Nestor, in Pylos
- The castle of Methoni
- The castle of Koronis
- Polilimnio (with small lakes and waterfalls)
- The arhaeological site of Ancient Messene
The capital city of Messinia is Kalamata, a lively city with plenty of different entertainment options (taverns, clubs, cafes). There are so many different and unique beaches such as: Petalidi, Kalogria, Finikountas, Analipsi, Foneas, Voidokilia, Chrissi Akti, Gialova lagoon, Glossa, Kiparissia.
Voidokilia Beach, Messinia Prefecture
Voidokilia Beach from above
Polilimnio, Messinia Prefecture
Polilimnio from above
There are a lot of organized campings and near the sea in Messinia prefecture. In Finikounta there are also wind surfing clubs (for begginers). The campings are presented below in random series.
Finikounta Beach, Messinia Prefecture
Finikes camping, it is enlisted in the 10th best campings of Greece. It offers rooms for rental. There is plenteous vegetation and a lot of natural shade for tents and enough parkings areas for cars. Anemomilos, the information about this camping is provided through facebook page. To my experience, this is a very clean and safety camping. Thines, the information about this camping is provided through facebook page. And the last camping of the area is Loutsa.
In Methoni, there is Μethoni camping. In Koroni there is Koroni camping.
Methoni Castle, Messinia Prefecture
Methoni castle from above
Koroni Castle, Messinia Prefecture
Another camping of Messinia prefecture is Navarino in Gialova area, northern of Pylos. In Tsapi Chrissokelaria beach (near Koroni) there is Tsapi camping. In Petalidi beach there is Petalidi camping. In Kalamata there is Golden Coast camping (it also offers appartments for rental).
Messinia is a region with one of the highest biodiversity ratings in Europe, in terms of both species and ecosystems. In Koroni, Arhelon (is a national organization) operates a program for the protection of sea turtle Caretta-Caretta.
Messinia land has also a lot of routes for those who like hiking excursion, gorge of Rintomo, Viros and Fonea (with beautiful caves, stone bridges and monasteries nearby).
In Kalamata there is also an airport.
Would you like to discover the islands of Greece? Then visit:
- Ionian Islands
- Cyclades Islands
- Sporades Islands
- Crete Island
- The Islands of North-east Aegean Sea
- Dodecanese Islands
Would you like to find out more useful information about vacations in the inland parts of Greece? Then have a look at:
The most amazing coasts of Greek islands are here. Just click below and dream on being there:
“My warmest wishes for unforgettable journeys in Greece”
