Peloponnese

Ancient Greece comes alive in Peloponnese; it is a region where mythology and early civilisations are still palpable in the classical temples, Mycenaean palaces, Byzantine cities, and Ottoman, Frankish, and Venetian fortresses. Yet aside from the rich history and culture, you will also discover snow-capped mountains, vast valleys, and beautiful beaches and bays. Witness the awesome archaeology of Olympia, with its ruins of the Temple of Zeus, traverse the many trails on mountain hikes or coastal walks, explore medieval towns like Mystras and Monemvasia, or head into the rocky caves on kayaks. A short drive from Kalamata is the small gorge Polylimnio, where you can bathe in a series of green lakes, or retreat to the coves and cobalt-sea of the various beaches. For those looking to ‘fly and flop’, relaxing resorts like Stoupa, and high-end hotel spots like Porto Heli offer something for everyone.