Still, not a very popular tourist destination, if compared to the many and famous archipelagos and islands of the Aegean Sea, the Peloponnese is a fascinating region of Greece rich in history, nature, and enchanting beaches still off the beaten track from the main tourist routes.
In the middle of its territory made up of mountains and rugged and verdant valleys are some of the most important archaeological sites in Europe, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains and testimonies of ancient civilizations such as Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games; Mycenae, Argos and Sparta, an ancient rival of Athens.
Thanks to its geographic conformation, the Peloponnese is particularly suitable to be visited on a boat trip. It is in fact easily accessible and well connected to Athens, the Greek capital, and offers, along the coast, seaside resorts and towns perched overlooking the sea where to take refuge for the night.
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Where is the Peloponnese located?
The Peloponnese region constitutes a large part of mainland Greece and ideally separates the two main seas that bathe the Greek coasts, the Aegean Sea to the southeast and the Ionian Sea to the west.
In fact, it occupies the southern part of Greece and constitutes a large region that brings together several provinces such as Arcadia, Argolis, Corinthia, Messenia, and Laconia.
Island or peninsula?
Peloponnese literally means “island of Pesopo” in ancient Greek even if formally it is a peninsula connected to the continent through the narrow isthmus located near the city of Corinth, in the northeast.
However, since 1983, we can define this region as an island. In fact, in that year the Corinth Canal was inaugurated, an engineering work of considerable importance that allowed to open a maritime connection between the north-eastern and south-eastern part of the Peloponnese, saving over 200 kilometers of navigation and making the region an island in all respects.
How to reach this location?
The region is well connected with all the main Greek ports and airports. In the case of a boat trip, the most convenient solution to reach the Peloponnese is certainly to land at Athens International Airport and then set sail from one of the numerous marinas in the surrounding area, heading west and crossing the Saronic Islands archipelago.
Equally interesting alternatives may be to reach one of the Cyclades archipelago islands such as Mykonos or Santorini and then take a tour back to the Peloponnese or also set sail from the Ionian island of Zakynthos and then “dive” along with the coast sailing to the southeast.
Top places not to be missed during a boat itinerary in the Peloponnese
Numerous reasons make the Peloponnese a place of international interest and they are all linked to its millenary history. It is almost impossible to visit all the archaeological and cultural wonders that this land has to offer in a single holiday unless you have a lot of time at your disposal.
As we said earlier, the Peloponnese coasts hide some jewels including some less frequented but absolutely beautiful beaches.
Here is a list of just some of the main attractions that can be found wandering the length and breadth of the Peloponnese or, as in our case, circumnavigating its coasts:
Olympia
A must for tourists visiting the Peloponnese is Olympia, the ancient city-sanctuary famous all over the world for being the place where the first Olympic Games in history, dedicated to Zeus, were held, and where even today, after more than 4000 years, the Olympic torch is lit which gives way to modern sports competitions. Ancient Olympia is undoubtedly the most famous tourist resort in the Peloponnese as well as one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Greece.
Mycenae
This mythical city was the capital of the Agamemnon kingdom, one of the most powerful kings of ancient Greece. The famous Lions Gate, dating back to 1300 BC, opens along with an impressive system of fortifications that reaches 8 meters thick. Inside, the extraordinary ruins of the citadel await you, the Treasury of Atreus, the tomb of Agamemnon, and his famous funerary mask, one of the most famous finds of antiquity.
The Theater of Epidaurus
A few kilometers from Mycenae is the city of Epidaurus, which owes its tourist fame to the splendid theater dating back to the fourth century BC, one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in Europe still used today for shows and events. The theater is known for its flawless acoustics.
Argon
founded thousands of years ago, it is probably the oldest city in Greece. The ancient ruins are now camouflaged in the modern city, but it is worth a visit for its interesting archaeological museum, for the medieval fortress overlooking the Larissa hill, and of course for the archaeological remains.
Nafplio
the elegant city of Nafplio occupies an extraordinary position in the Gulf of Argolis. A very important port of Greece since the Bronze Age, it was the country’s first capital after independence in 1833. Its elegant historic center, with its typical narrow streets, abounds with Venetian palaces, neoclassical residences, boutiques, and cafes;
Monemvasia
One of the wonders of the Peloponnese is Monemvasia, an enchanting medieval village that stands on a rocky tower overlooking the sea whose shape resembles an iceberg and is connected to the mainland by a causeway. In Kastro, the center of the fortified citadel, only a handful of people reside and it is possible to enter only on foot to fully enjoy the charm of a maze of narrow streets and stone houses, with extraordinary panoramic views of the sea.
Kalamata
Capital of Messenia, the region south-west of the Peloponnese, Kalamata is not yet included in the itineraries of mass tourism but it is a lovely place to be discovered. Inserted in a truly evocative natural setting, between a large gulf and the Taygetos mountains behind it, Kalamata has a characteristic historic center with a lovely promenade, a couple of interesting museums, a medieval fortress and beautiful beaches in the surrounding area.
The Mani peninsula
For those who prefer a holiday dedicated to nature rather than cultural and historical itineraries, we recommend the Mani Peninsula, which can boast some of the most varied and breathtaking landscapes of the Peloponnese. Your holiday will be divided between suggestive paths in the woods in the mountains, pristine beaches bathed by crystal clear waters, villages surrounded by olive trees and the arid landscape in the south of the peninsula, with its abandoned stone towers.
Voidokilia beach
Considered the most beautiful beach in the Peloponnese and one of the most beautiful in the world according to the Times, the wild Voidokilia is a narrow crescent-shaped strip of fine sand in a bay sheltered from the open sea. The waters are very transparent, the nearest urban settlement (Pylos) is far away and there are no kiosks or taverns: in short, a paradise!
Elafonissos and the Simos beach
The Peloponnese also has its islands and among these the most famous is the enchanting island of Elafonissos. This small island of 20 sq km is a natural paradise with white beaches and turquoise sea, generally uncrowded, which will make you believe you have landed in the Caribbean. If you have time for only one of the beaches of Elafonissos, the obligatory choice is Simos Beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches not only in the Peloponnese but in all of Greece.
What are you waiting for?
At Your Boat Holiday, we specialize in preparing and managing itineraries tailored to our customer’s requests and preferences.
For any information regarding this or another possible itinerary, do not hesitate to contact us! We will be happy to answer all your questions.
Contact now YBH Charter Brokers:
You can contact us by sending an email at ask@yourboatholiday.com or by phone, calling +39 33436 00997, available also on WhatsApp for both calls and texting.
Have you ever heard of the Peloponnese? Discover this mythical Greek region on your next charter boat trip!
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