ARGOLIS

Separating the Saronic and Argolic gulfs is the Argolis Peninsula. Nafplio and the ancient cities of Mycenae, Tiryns, Argos and Epidaurus are the region’s main attractions. Located on the Argolic Gulf, Nafplio is one of Greece’s loveliest towns. The threadlike streets of the old town are lined with refined Venetian homes and elegant neoclassic mansions. Three Venetian fortresses dominate the town: the sprawling fortress of Palamadi, which towers over the town, the small island fortress of Bourtzi, and the oldest, Akronafplia. There are a number of fine restaurants in the old town and a lively nightlife with numerous bars to choose from. There’s a succession of good sandy beaches along the coast to the east of Nafplio. Situated 30km east of Nafplio is Epidaurus, one of the most famous of Greece’s ancient sites. The place was a religious center and a fashionable spa. In addition to the temples and colonnades devoted to Asklepios, there were hospitals, sanatoria, hotels, and baths. The Theatre, the best preserved of all Greek theatres, dates from 4C BC. It is now celebrated as the center of an annual summer festival of music and drama.

ARCADIA

The lovely pastoral prefecture of Arcadia is mainly located in the central Peloponnese. In this remote region you will discover medieval villages, isolated monasteries and Frankish castles. Enswathed by lush mountains, running streams and shaded valleys, Arcadi also has about 100km of unspoilt coastline on the Argolic Gulf, stretching from the pretty town of Myli to Leonidio (dramatically located at the mouth of the Badron Gorge). The beaches here are excellent. Beneath the slopes of the Menalon Mountains you can explore a web of medieval villages. This region is high above sea level, so the nights can get quite chilly.

LAKONIA

Amongst the main attractions in Lakonia are the splendid Byzantine churches and monasteries at Mystras, to the west, and the medieval town of Monemvasia in the southeast. Mystra a purely medieval town in its ruin, should on no account be missed. Churches, monasteries, palaces and houses line the narrow winding streets. Within the walls of this enchanting site are some of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in Greece. An impregnable fortress crowns the summit. One needs a full day to explore. Often referred to as the Gibraltar of Greece, Monemvasia is an imposing rock, towering dramatically out of the sea. Inaccessible to cars and motorcycles, it can be reached by a causeway from the mainland village of Gefyra. Behind its massive fortifying walls is amagical, medieval town of stone houses, narrow cobbled streets and spiraling staircases.

MANI

This area encompasses the central peninsula in the south of the Peloponnese. It is famous for its historic tower settlements, erected as refuges from the clan wars, starting in the 17th century onwards. The rocky, barren mountains of inner Mani (Lakonian Mani) blessed with a profusion of wild flowers on its lower slopes. Its steep cliffs plunge into the sea. It is mainly here, you will find the imposing stone towers, restoration of these austere buildings is increasing. The rugged coast of Messinian Mani is dotted with numerous small covesand beaches, backed by mountains that remain snow-crested until late may.

MESSINIA

Located on the southwestern corner of the Peloponnese, Messinia is the least visited of the regions, which is surprising. Finikounda has a string of some of the best beaches in the country, and the Venetian towns of Koroni and Methoni are lovely, unspoilt hidden spots. Located on the coast Methoni is a lovely town, with a spectacular 15th century Venetian fortress, and a stretch of sand beach. The sprawling fortress is separated from the mainland by a moat. It is easy to spend half a day here exploring the buildings, baths and underground passages. There is also Bourtzi castle nearby to visit. Koroni’s main attraction is Zaga Beach, a long stretch of golden sand.

ELIA

Most come to this agriculturally rich region for one reason, to visit Ancient Olympia. Situated in a beautiful valley, the setting, in great contrast with most Greek sites, is pastoral, green, and lush. Olympia was a sacred precinct occupied exclusively by temples, dwellings for the priests and officials, and public buildings in connection with the games. It was also a sanctuary of Greek treasures. The Games were held regularly here for over a 1000 years, starting from 776BC. This World Heritage listed site is not to be missed.