PELOPONNESE
The southernmost geographic section of mainland Greece.
Originally it was an island, but intense geological upheavals in
the region united and separated it from the mainland twice.
Later, a new retreat by the sea formed the isthmus of Corinth.
This land bridge was cut in the late 19th century to make the
Corinth canal making the Peloponnese an island yet again. The
Peloponnese (Peloponissos) is a rugged land and in its interior
is highlands. The climate is purely Mediterranean along the
coasts, unlike the centre which has a relatively continental
climate. A mythical land whose every corner brings to mind some
Greek myth, the Peloponnese is composed of images and music, the
scents of the sea, of the mountains, of grapes, olives, and
citrus. The cities, towns, and spas of the region were important
centres in antiquity, and remain so today. Villages seem to grow
out of the grey rock, the wild stones next to the hostile furze.
Other villages lie by the vast open sea, but everywhere the
people are vital, hospitable, haughty, and proud.
Three main road networks lead to places with abundant physical
beauty, important archaeological sites, land and stones
testifying of other eras. Just before we arrive at the Isthmus
we have our first view of the Peloponnese, coming to Loutrakl
with its famous spas and many hotels. After we have crossed the
lsthmus, we encounter Corinth, a commercial centre and transport
hub. In the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth we find the
ruins of the brilliant ancient city. Roads extend among the vast
olive groves, grain fields, and vegetable plots, leading to
modern villages and towns, ideal resorts. From Kiato to ancient
Sikyona and from there to Stimfalia. Then, on to Xilokastro an
interesting vacation spot. Diakofto is the starting point for
unforgettable excursions to historic Kalavrita, Megalo Spilaio
(big cave), and the monastery of Agia Lavra. Magical journeys
through the Vouraikos gorge, between tall, verdant mountains
with the railroad. Truly ancient Egio has a special attraction,
the monastery of Panagia Tripiti, which is built into the living
rock. Pretty pebbled beaches can be found nearby.
Patras, on the west coast, is Greece's window to the lonian
islands and Italy. Its attractive squares, neoclassical
buildings, and the ruins of a castle on top of a hill, add charm
to this working harbour-city, which is the fourth largest in
Greece. Enchanting shores drowning in eucalyptus and acorn
bushes, indigo waters and a vast sandy beach at Kilini, known
since antiquity for its spas.
Further south, we encounter Pirgos, an attractive town with two
jewels; the neoclassical buildings designed by Chiller.
Peaceful, serene, verdant, is Ancient Olympia with the grandiose
temple foundations, the colonnades, the altars, the numerous
interesting archaeological finds crowned by that masterpiece of
sculpture, the Hermes of Praxiteles.
Kaifas is the next spa, also known since antiquity, set amidst a
thick pine forest. The soil here is fertile, ideal for
vineyards, olive groves and citrus orchards. The roads that lead
to Byzantine monasteries, Frankish towers, ancient temples, such
as the temple of Apollo Epikourios at Vasses, and famous
palaces, such as Nestor's palace in Pylos, begin here. Roads
that lead to Kalamata, the capital of Messinia, with the castle
of Geoffrey Villehardouin, the waterfront lined with tavernas
and pastry shops, and Mt. Taygetos proudly rearing up, while
between its foothills pretty beaches can be found.
From Kalamata, the road sweeps up to Tripoli in the heart of the
Peloponnese, a perfect base for enchanting excursions to Vitina,
Dimitsana, and Stemnitsa, picturesque villages clinging to the
Arcadian mountains, and to Mantineia and Lykossoura with
significant ancient ruins.
Entering into Lakonia, we reach its capital, Sparti. To the west
is the Byzantine castle-state ot Mystra with its incredible
churches, monasteries, palaces, and mansions. Crossing the
plain of Lakonia, we come to Githio and from there to Areopoli,
the Diros caves, the traditional settlement of Vathia, and
passing through virgin landscapes, steep mountaintops and deep
gorges which end up in the clear blue sea, at pristine golden
beaches or pebbled shores, we arrive at unique Monemvassia. From
up high on its castle one can see the moon rising among the
waves.
The northeastern Peloponnese welcomes us at Argos, the ancient
strong-point, today a point of departure for Nauplia -the first
capital of free Greece- with the Bourtzi, an islet topped by a
miniature fort, and the Palamidi rock. Ancient Tiryns and
Mycenae, the ruins of the two power centres of the ancient
Mycenean world, can also be reached from Argos. We get to
Epidaurus (Epidavros) passing through pine forests. Here in the
summer, during the Epidaurus Festival, one can appreciate the
incredible acoustics of the ancient theatre, which is next to
the sanctuary of Asclepius. Apart from Epidaurus, the Eastern
Peloponnese has much physical beauty on offer, at Ermionida, at
Porto Heli, at Kosta and Galatas, from where one easily crosses
to Poros or Methana with its famous spas.