What to see in Greece

Peloponnese

Peloponnese peninsula is one of the most historically significant places in Greece. If you want to see more than just the Greek islands, we suggest you take a look at this guide on what to see in the Peloponnese and that you set a few days of your holiday aside for it. You'll be surprised.

 

What to see in the Peloponnese: the main cities

Athens

Athens is not only the capital of Greece and a city so big that you can't see its limits even from the top of Acropolis hill. Athens is the heart of Greek culture and democracy. A visit to its most emblematic places is essential.

Your trip to Greece may start and end here, especially if you arrive by plane, so you can choose whether to visit it at the beginning or at the end.

These are the places in Athens you won't want to miss:

The National Archaeological Museum of Athens, The Parthenon and the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, The Ancient Agora and the Roman Agora, The National Garden.

Mystras

Very close to Sparta, only ten minutes by car, you will find this impressive city, one of the great treasures to see in the Peloponnese. Today, the former capital of the Byzantine Empire has become a World Heritage Site. Its first fortress was built in 1249, but you will also see monasteries, palaces, churches and the remains of the castle.

The visit to Mystras can take around three hours, in which you have enough time to explore the upper and lower parts of the city. These are the must-see attractions:

The Church of Saint Theodore, The Metropolitan church of Agios Demetrios, Pantanassa Monastery, Brontochion Monastery, Peribleptos Monastery.

 

The most important archaeological sites to see in the Peloponnese

Mycenae

Mycenae is another part of Greece that UNESCO has declared a World Heritage Site. This is the place where Agamemnon, hero of Troy, was murdered.

What are the most important archaeological remains in Mycenae?

The Lion Gate, which is also the entrance point to the fortress, The circles of tombs, where the famous Golden Mask was found, The cyclopean walls, named after the legend that a cyclops, a one-eyed giant, built them, The tomb of Clytemnestra, wife of Agamemnon, The palace of Agamemnon or Royal Palace, The tomb of Agamemnon, The Archaeological Museum.

Epidaurus

Epidaurus is another place that UNESCO has declared a World Heritage Site. The ancient Greeks came here to pay homage to Asclepius, the god of medicine. There are many tales of pilgrims being miraculously healed here.

At present, its main attractions and the reason for its inclusion in our list of what to see in the Peloponnese are:

The theatre from the 4th century BC, which used to offer performances to entertain sick pilgrims. Check out its acoustics when you visit, The gymnasium, The stadium, The Temple of Asclepius, The Tholos.

Olympia

Olympia is one of the most iconic places in the Peloponnese peninsula, and it has also been honoured with the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Olympia hosted the first Olympic Games, between 776 BC and 393 AD. Some of the sports of that time, such as chariot racing, bore little relation to today's disciplines.

 

Charming villages and places to see in the Peloponnese

Corinth Canal

It is practically impossible not to visit the Corinth Canal if you land in Athens, as it is the channel that separates the Peloponnese from central Greece. The canal prevents all the boats going from the Saronic Gulf and the Aegean Sea to the Ionian Sea making a 400 km journey; and it's notable for its submersible bridges, which can be lowered every time a large boat wants to sail along the canal.

Nafplio

Greece is famous for its coastal villages dotted with white houses with blue touches and cobbled alleyways. Well, these are not only found on the islands. In fact, Napflio is a clear instance of this and you will find it in the Peloponnese.

But in addition to the typical architecture, Napflio offers you:

Bourtzi Castle, Palamidi Fortress, Acronauplia Fortress, The Archaeological Museum, The old town, Arvanitia beach.

Moreover, Nafplio is a good base from which to visit other interesting places to see in the Peloponnese, such as Mystras, Mycenae and Epidaurus.

The town of Monemvasia

A causeway is all that connects this small coastal town to the Peloponnese. It is built on a hill hidden by the cliffs, so the citadel cannot be seen from the mainland. The only way to see it is to go through the main gate, which is located under a wall. This is why Monemvasia was used as a strategic point in the many Greek wars.