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 (Peloponnesos) is a rugged land and in
its interior is highlands. The climate is purely Mediterranean
along the coasts, unlike the center which has a relatively
continental climate.
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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 centers 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 Loutraki with its famous
spas and many hotels.
After we have crossed the Isthmus, we encounter Korinth,
a commercial center 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 Ionian 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.
Kaitafas 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
lead to Kalamata, the capital of Messinia, with the castle
of Geoffrey Villehardouin, the waterfront lined with taverns
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 of Mystra with its incredible
churches, monasteries, palaces, and mansions.
Crossing
the plain of Lakonia, we come to Gytheion 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 Nafplion
-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 centers 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.
Regions
Of Greece:
Attica
and Saronica Islands
Cyclades
Dodecanissa
Crete
Peloponissa
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