The Peloponnese is an untapped source for pristine beaches, agrotourism, rich history and the unexpected, luxury hotel along the way. Road Trip Through the Peloponnese.
Greek Summers are epitomized by lazy days on the Aegean, usually on tourist-laden beaches and club-thumping nights of the islands. I too, have had my fair share of tan lines and ouzo, but my roots always bring me back to the Peloponnese – a rugged peninsula and the southernmost part of Greece – to a small village, Arxaies Kleones, whose name translates to Ancient Kingdom, where my father was born. A village of far more olive trees than the 800 residents. It is here, in the Peloponnese where gods were said to have walked the Earth and where Byzantines, Venetians and Ottoman Turks have all left their mark.
The best way to see the Peloponnese is by car. If you’re willing to forego the expected Cycladic island hop, I’ve put together a 10-day road trip for those looking to explore an untapped part of Greece. This is why a road trip through the Peloponnese should be your next trip.
Itinerary Overview
1st Day Athens – Epidaurus – Porto Heli. After a lesson in history visiting Epidaurus, head to Amanzoe for a dose of luxury. Stay two nights to counter the effects of jetlag and catch a live performance at the ancient theater of Epidaurus. Their summer festival is note-worthy.
3rd Day Porto Heli – Nafplio – Mystras. Meander the day in the romantic, Venetian port town of Nafplio. Followed by a drive down to mystical Mystras for a 2 night stay at Euphoria Retreat.
5th Day Mystras – Monemvasia. The Gibraltar of the East, Monemvasia is a medieval world all its own, with fortresses and cobblestone streets. Stay at the restored 13th-century Byzantine manor, Kinsterna.
6th Day Hop on a ferry to Elafonisos, an under-the-radar island that boasts some of the best, sandy beaches and pristine waters of Greece for the day.
7th Day Monemvasia – Gouves. Head deep into the Mani and reconnect with the land at the organic agriturismo farm, Eumelia. Lay your head under the stars after a full day spent olive oil tasting and cooking class with freshly-picked produce.
8th Day Gouves – Kardamili. En route to Kardamili, stop for a lunch-break at the traditional fishing village of Gytheio for seafood. Continue on to an overnight stay at the recently restored home of Patrick Leigh Fermor.
9th Day Kardamili – Ancient Olympia – Amaliada. Visit the archeological site of Ancient Olympia; part of the Panhellenic games and the first to be established in 776 b.c. Head 30 min west to the seaside for beach and sun at the newly opened, Dexamenes Resort.
10th Day Amaliada – Nemea – Athens. En route to Athens, stop in Nemea and the surrounding villages that collectively create the largest vineyard zone of Greece. With over 45 wineries, stock up on local varieties to take back home.
Hotel Spotlight
Rub shoulders with the country’s elite and globetrotters in Porto Heli, the Peloponnese’s riviera. Amanzoe, toting the title of best, luxury resort in Greece doesn’t come without a matching price tag. A food-lovers-paradise with calm, warm waters and a laid-back vibe is why there happens to be such a concentration of wealth here.
Counteract the effects of jetlag and soak in the mystical energy of Mystras with a stay at Euphoria Retreat, a member of Healing Hotels of the World. Nestled in the olive groves, overlooking the Taygetos mountains, Euphoria offers a personalized and holistic approach deeply rooted within the philosophy of Ef Zin – or living well according to the Ancient Greeks – at its very core.
Ease slowly back into reality by venturing deep into the Mani and stay at Eumelia Organic Agrotourism Farm. As the name suggests, this is a truly immersive experience with olive harvesting. There’s even oil and wine tasting with a sommelier along with cooking classes. Guests stay in their own private house with verandas that overlook the surrounding olive groves.
Housed in a 13th century manor and the surrounding Byzantine cistern, Hotel Kinsterna has been thoughtfully restored to respect its long history. This 5-star resort is set amidst the vineyards and fruit orchards with expansive views of the Aegean Sea. Explore the estate horseback, indulge in a spa service and dine at Sterna for a fresh spin on Mediterranean dishes.
For design-aficionados and the perfect end to the road trip, head to Dexamenes boutique hotel. This reimagined boutique hotel is set in former 1920’s wine tanks, directly on the sea. With occasional art experiences in collaboration with sunset yoga on the beach, the stay itself is the destination.
Points of Interest
The Theatre of Epidaurus, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s best preserved, ancient theater, hosts a Summer festival every year of live performances for the arts.
The undeniable Venetian influence of the port town, Nafplio, makes it incredibly charming. Narrow streets, overgrown with bougainvillea beckon you to explore. Make a stop at the Archeological Museum which is said to house one of the best collections in Greece.
Monemvasia’s name translates as “single entrance” and it comes as no surprise as the Medieval city sits hidden behind its fortress. Explore the cobbled streets, taste local Malvasia wine and visit the 6th century Christos Elkomenos Church.
The recently restored home of travel writer, Patrick Leigh Fermor once drew a bohemian crowd of artists and intellectuals in the 1970s and once again, is available for overnight stays to the public. An absolute must.
LOOKING FOR OTHER GREEK TRAVEL IDEAS? HERE ARE A FEW OF MY ALL-TIME FAVORITES:
- A Weekend Guide to Hydra
- An Authentic Guide to the Island of Milos
- A Guide to the Best Beaches in Milos
- A Weekend Getaway at Guide at Eumelia Agriturismo Farm
- A Guide to Charming and Delicious Sifnos
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