Explore Greece: Best Places to Visit in Peloponnese in 2024

The Peloponnese region is the three-finger-shaped peninsula that sticks out from the southern mainland. Frankly, we had never heard of it before we started looking into Greece, but we quickly fell in love with this off the beaten path spot. After a month of traveling the peninsula, we knew we just had to tell others about it, which is why we compiled this list of the best places to visit in Peloponnese.

This area is less well-known than Athens or the islands, but it is absolutely stunning. It has impressive mountains (actually, snow-capped mountains in the winter and through the month of May), dramatic gorges, and stunning beaches. It’s also the birthplace of ancient Greek gods, so it’s packed with history and legends. It’s not as touristy as the rest of Greece and actually seems to be the spot where local Greeks vacation, giving it more of the authentic feel we strive for when we travel.

The Peloponnese is close to Athens, which makes it quite accessible. There is also an airport directly in Kalamata, so there are travel options available. It has quite a few remote areas, perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures, but it also has some spots with delicious restaurants and outdoor markets that we still long for today.

The region is quite large, so we’ve put together the list below of our favorite villages and cities to visit across the Peloponnese to make it easier to plan your trip. And if you’re looking for road trip ideas, check out our post on our favorite 7-day road trip around the Mani peninsula.

How to Get Around Peloponnese

If you’re looking to travel throughout the Peloponnese region, we highly recommend driving. It’s the easiest way to get around and allows you to easily discover the best places in Peloponnese. Just note that tolls can get quite expensive and roads can be narrow and windy around the mountain regions. For car rentals, we recommend using Discover Cars. The site is very user-friendly and aggregates all types of vehicles and prices to make sure you find the best deal.

Buses are available throughout the peninsula, but they require a lot of planning ahead to ensure you don’t miss the bus and have the right route picked out. One way to save money, though, is to take a bus from Athens or Thessaloniki and then rent a car in bigger cities within the Peloponnese like Kalamata or Pylos. This will save you money on gas and tolls. You can check out bus schedules and prices here.

Best Time To Visit Peloponnese

For us, the best time to visit the Peloponnese region is between April and May or September and October. We were there in the spring, and the weather was perfect for outdoor activities; it wasn’t too hot and the beaches were empty since we beat the large summer crowds. We even got to see snowcapped mountains and the beach from the same spot. However, the ocean was pretty cold. 

If you choose to go in the spring, just make sure to plan around the Orthodox Easter holiday. They host great celebrations, particularly in smaller villages, but it is a really busy time across the country, and hotels get booked way in advance.

When we go back, we’ll certainly choose to visit in September. From what we were told, the weather is equally as beautiful as the spring, but the water is much warmer then, since it’s had three months to warm up. 

If you really want to avoid the crowds and want to stick to a budget, then the winter months are the best options for you.

16 Best Places To Visit In Peloponnese

1. Pylos

Pylos is a small historic coastal town in the region of Messenia. It’s the largest natural harbor in the Peloponnese region and was built amphitheatrically – meaning half circular and built into a mountainside. The city is packed with history, including the Neokastro (or New Fortress) that overlooks the entire bay of Navarino. It also has a nice square, with cute restaurants and impressive ancient trees.

But, what makes the town even more impressive are its beaches. Gialova Beach is perfect for a day out, with lots of restaurants and cafes to choose from, right on the water. It faces west so has incredible sunsets.

On the other hand, Voidokilia Beach is ideal for a remote adventure. The beach is in the shape of the Greek letter omega, with the sand forming a semicircular strip of dunes. The beach is much more remote, so make sure to come prepared with anything you might need for the day. There’s also a cool hike you can go on through the dunes, directly from the beach. You can read more about this and many other hikes in the Peloponnese region here.

If you’re looking for a drive from Kalamata to Pylos and the beaches, do check out this day hike for some incredible views.

Things To Do In Pylos

• Visit the Neokastro Fortress for some history with a view
• Spend the afternoon in Gialova Beach and enjoy the sunset at one of the many cafes
• Hike from Voidokilia Beach to the top of Old Navarino Castle

Where to Stay in Pylos

Given its size, range of accommodations, and things to do nearby, Pylos is a great place to stay if you’re looking to explore the western part of the peninsula. Here are some of the spots we’d recommend:

• Karalis City Hotel – For anyone looking to stay by the beach
• Hotel Philip – For anyone trying to relax by the pool
• Pilos Sunrise Loft – For anyone who needs more space
• Zoe Seaside Resort – For anyone looking for the resort feel

2. Methoni

Methoni is a village in the western part of Messenia, Peloponnese. It’s known for its large Venetian castle built in the 13th Century. It’s impossible to miss since it covers over 9 hectares and stands right next to the ocean, making for some stunning views. We’d recommend walking around the castle, so you can see it from the ocean and from inland. All viewpoints are quite magical.

The town is small and calm, with about 1,200 residents. There is a nice sandy beach with crystal clear, calm waters and views of the castle, as well as some nice tavernas close to the sea. When we were there in April, the city felt quite peaceful and quiet. It almost had a serene feeling, but we hear it can get quite busy on nice, summer days. 

Things To Do in Methoni

• Walk around the Methoni Castle – make sure to check out the different viewpoints from the water and land
• Enjoy some traditional Greek food at one of the tavernas by the sea
• Take a dip in the crystal clear waters, without having to worry about rocks

3. Koroni

Koroni is another picturesque village, about 30 minutes east of Methoni. It also has an imposing Venetian castle, but unlike the one in Methoni, this is still inhabited today. About 5 families still live inside the castle, as well as a couple of nuns who run the Monastery of Timios Prodromos. The castle is up on a cliff and has several viewpoints with open views of the sea.

The town has a medieval vibe and is a bit bigger than Methoni, with more restaurants to choose from, directly on the water.

Things To Do in Koroni

• Walk around Koroni Castle and say hello to the five families that still live there
• Check out the Monastery within the castle for some beautiful gardens
• Grab a drink in one of the many bars and tavernas along the harbor

4. Kalamata

Kalamata is the second-most populous city in the Peloponnese region and is the capital of Messenia. Honestly, the city itself isn’t as charming as smaller ones like Kardamyli or Methoni, but it has the only international airport in Peloponnese and the food scene is wonderful. For starters, it is the home of the Kalamata olive (the large, dark brown one). It also has some fantastic, modern restaurants like Kardamo and some great traditional tavernas. Kalamata is also home to a long pebble beach, with a great boulevard to walk around and plenty of restaurants to try.

Our favorite part of Kalamata (and the reason we were so happy to have stayed nearby) is the biweekly market, held every Wednesday and Saturday morning. They have everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to local fish, meats, cheese, olives, and so much more. All the produce of the Peloponnese is there and it truly became one of our favorite parts of our whole month-long visit.

And if you’re looking for a guided tour, do check out this awesome Olive Oil Route Tour. You’ll get everything from a nice stroll through the olive trees and olive oil mill, as well as an olive oil tasting session by a certified taster. It’s overall an incredible way to explore Greek gastronomy.

Things To Do in Kalamata

• Check out the biweekly market on Wednesdays and Saturdays for the best fresh products Peloponnese has to offer
• Do a food tour of Kalamata for the best culinary Greek experience
• Walk along the long boulevard on the water and stop by any of the bars or cafes for a drink

Where to Stay in Kalamata

Kalamata is a great home base if you’re looking to explore the Peloponnese region since it’s in the middle of the peninsula and close to many of the main spots. It also has a great restaurant and bar scene, as well as some nice local boutiques. Availability is quite large in Kalamata, but here are some of our favorite spots:

• Pharae Palace – For anyone looking to stay on the beachfront
• Horizon Blu Boutique Hotel – For anyone hoping to enjoy the pool
• Messinian Icon Hotel & Suites – For anyone looking for a fantastic view
• Hyper Studio – For anyone looking to stay in a studio apartment

5. Mount Taygetus

The Taygetus is a mountain range on the Peloponnese peninsula, with its highest peak being Mount Taygetus or “Profitis Ilias”. The name is apparently one of the oldest recorded in Europe and it even appears in the Odyssey. The range extends across 70km, but what makes it so unique is that the mountains rise from sea level, creating many different ecosystems. In our hike up the mountain, we went from coastal Mediterranean weather to Alpine atmospheres and even snow in one day.

There are a few small villages throughout the mountain range that are worth checking out if you’re up for a road trip. The drive through the gorge is absolutely stunning and the villages are tiny and quite, but quite unique. Alagonia is the smallest, with less than 200 inhabitants. Nedousa is unique because it is covered in a lot of greenery and recognized by a bridge and an old-plane tree. Artemisia is one of the largest villages with some historical monuments, including the Monastery of St. John. 

And if you are thinking of hiking up Profitis Ilias, do check out our post on our favorite Greek hikes here for some tips and advice.

Things To Do in Mount Taygetus

• Hike through the forest in Alagonia, passing by Nika’s fountain and reaching a small waterfall
• Check out the old-plane tree in Nedousa, which can apparently fit up to ten people inside its trunk
• Get lost through the streets of Artemisia and explore some of the village’s historical monuments

6. Kitries

Kitries is a small village in Messinia, Peloponnese, about 30 minutes east of Kalamata. It’s quite small, but it has some nice restaurants right on the water and serves as a great base if you’re looking to stay in between towns like Methoni and those further southeast.

However, the coolest part of this village comes during the Easter celebration, particularly on Good Friday. The church holds a mass in the evening, and then they have a procession that goes from the church at the top of the mountain, all the way down to the ocean. The entire town gathers around to see it, as the offering is placed on a boat and eventually lit. For foreigners like us, it was quite magical.

Things To Do in Kitries

• Spend Easter in the village to experience the Good Friday celebrations
• Find a cute, stone home that can serve as your base to explore Peloponnese
• Try some fresh fish and greek salad at one of the three tavernas on the water

7. Kardamyli

Kardamyli is about an hour southeast of Kalamata, on the Mani Peninsula (the “middle finger”), and it is definitely one of the prettiest villages in the Peloponnese. In reality, it’s at the top of our list of the best places to visit in Peloponnese!

The roads getting to the village are quite windy, but it is so worth it. It’s filled with old stone houses, with the ocean on one side and the peaks of the Taygetus mountains on the other. Many of the buildings also have a unique mix of traditional Greek and Venetian designs.

Kardamyli has some really good restaurants, including Aquarella Cafe, overlooking the crystal clear waters. There are lots of cute little shops and cafes on the main street to browse. And there is an older town that completely surprised us. Just follow the signs to “Old Town” and you’ll find incredible ruins of a medieval castle and the church of Saint Spyridon. It’s also the start of some nice hiking paths too.

Things To Do in Kardamyli

• Walk around the city and stop at all the beautiful boutiques for lovely jewelry or souvenirs 
• Check out the Old Town of Kardamyili and get lost in the magical ruins
• Grab a drink and a small bite at Aquarella Cafe over sunset

Where to Stay in Kardamyli

Despite being quite small, Kardamyli has great restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. It’s also in a really central location for exploring the Mani peninsula. There aren’t many large hotel options, but there are a few great apartments and villas:

• Katikies Manis Suites – For anyone dreaming of an amazing pool
• Papanestoras Apartments – For anyone looking to stay in the center
• Pyrgos Fassea Kardamyli – For anyone looking for a great view

8. Coastal Villages

The coastline between Kardamyli and Areopoli is packed with small, charming coastal villages. While they are smaller and often characterized as “sleepy” towns, they are worth the stop and make for a fabulous road trip. Stoupa is about 15 minutes south of Kardamyli, in the Peloponnese region. It has a beautiful sandy beach, with a backdrop of the Taygetus mountain range and olive-covered hills, and a few nice cafes.

You can take a 10-minute drive from there or follow an hour-long walking path by the sea that leads you to Agios Nikolaos. This is a small fishing village (still active today), with cafes and restaurants overlooking the ocean. The water is rougher here, so it isn’t really meant for swimming, but it makes for a great afternoon.

And if you keep driving for another 15 minutes, you’ll reach the village of Trahila. This is another peaceful site and a great stop when making your way south in the Mani peninsula. 

Things To Do Between Kardamyli and Areopoli

• Take a road trip down the Mani Peninsula and stop in the different picturesque villages right on the coast
• Take a walk on Stoupa Beach and enjoy the mostly sandy path and crystal clear water
• Enjoy some seafood at one of the delicious tavernas in Agios Nikolaos overlooking the crashing waves

9. Limeni

The village of Limeni is about an hour south of Kardamyli and it is truly stunning. Depending on where you park, you’ll either be driving or walking down a hill into the village. This means you’ll have some amazing views of the crystal clear water and the stone towers, creating a magical contrast.

The village itself is fairly small. It doesn’t have a beach, since the water is stopped directly by big rocks. But, there are a few steps leading down to the water where you can swim. There are also a few nice restaurants and bars. We highly recommend checking out O Takis and grabbing a seat on their terrace for some great fish and wines with a view.

Things To Do in Limeni

• Park at the top of the hill and walk down into the village to enjoy some stunning views
• Grab a bite at O Takis near sunset for some magical skies
• Walk around the village and take in the tall, stone towers and the old Byzantine churches

10. Areopoli

The city of Areopoli is just one kilometer from Limeni in the south of the Peloponnese region. It’s the financial and cultural center of the region and it’s actually where the Greek War of Independence started against the Ottomans in the 1800s.

The town is not on the water and is bigger than most of the others listed in this guide, but it is still quite charming. We didn’t have huge expectations but were pleasantly surprised at how pretty the town was. What stands out the most are its stone-paved streets, stone towers, and traditional houses that take over much of the old part of the town. There are lots of nice restaurants and boutique shops to choose from as well.

Things To Do in Areopoli

• Get lost in the town’s stone-paved streets and check out many of the old chapels for some incredible frescos
• Walk around the historic center and look for the sign where the Revolution flag was first raised
• Explore the caves of Diros, just 10km away from Areopoli – they are considered one of the most beautiful stalactite caves in Greece

Where to Stay in Areopoli

Areopoli is a great home base if you’re looking to stay in a larger town and quite central in the Mani peninsula. There are lots of great options throughout the city, but these are some of our favorites:

• Antares Hotel Mani – For anyone looking for the traditional feel
• Armantanis Luxury Suites – For anyone looking to stay close to the center
• Ariá Estate Suites & Spa – For anyone hoping to enjoy the pool
• Salvia Areopolis All Suite Hotel – For anyone looking for magical views

11. Gerolimenas

Gerolimenas is a small, picturesque village at the southern end of the Mani peninsula. It used to be one of the most remote areas of Peloponnese and could only be reached by boat until the 1970s. Like the other coastal villages, it has the charming feel of stone buildings, fishing boats, and crystal clear waters crashing against large rocks, making for a wonderful stop.

The village has a small beach which is ideal for swimming since the bay is protected from the wind, just note that it is one of the pebble beaches so having water shoes is helpful. It’s also a great spot for lunch since there are a few restaurants and cafes throughout the town, and a great place to stock up if you’re heading further south since it is the last place you can do any real shopping. 

Things To Do in Gerolimenas

• Take a dip in the peaceful Gerolimenas beach
• Walk around the village and make sure to find the spots in between stone buildings that look out into the water
• Stock up on supplies if you’re heading further south – this will be the last spot with significant stores

12. Vathia

This is an incredibly unique village, in the southeastern part of the Mani peninsula (not to be confused with the more modern town called Vathi further east). It certainly is the most unique in this list of best places to visit in Peloponnese. The village is known for its stone tower-houses built on a hill, overpowering the countryside. From afar, the village is striking but almost looks abandoned. We actually thought it was, so just took pictures from afar and sadly didn’t even stop to see it. 

Only later did we learn that some of the houses have actually been restored. A few dozen people still live in the village and there’s even a guesthouse and a restaurant, but nothing else. You can walk around and explore the village freely, but we’ve heard that some of the streets are narrow and overgrown the further in you get. So, if you’re driving through the windy roads on your way to Cape Matapan, make sure to drive up to the village itself to check it out.

Things To Do in Vathia

• Drive around the village and take photos of the striking clusters of towers from afar
• Walk through the almost abandoned village and feel the lonely and spooky sensation often described
• Explore the hills surrounding the village, which are generally covered with wildflowers in spring and summer

13. Cape Matapan

Cape Matapan (or Tenaro) is the southernmost point of mainland Greece, within the Peloponnese region. It’s been an important spot for thousands of years, especially because of the cave that Greek legends argue was the home of Hades – the god of the dead. 

You’ll take a windy and narrow road, all the way to Kokkinogia village, where you can park your car. From there, you’ll have to continue on foot. You’ll get to see the temple in honor of the Gates of Hades, as well as Roman baths, and you can continue on foot for about 35 minutes until you reach a large, stone lighthouse. The path is not too difficult, but it is rocky and can get quite windy as you approach the lighthouse, so make sure to bring comfortable shoes.

Things To Do in Cape Matapan

• Take the short hike, all the way to the lighthouse for some strong winds and incredible views
• Explore the cave presumed to be the gateway to Hades – the realm of the underworld
• Walk around the remains of a Roman mosaic floor and ancient Roman baths

14. Gytheio

Gytheio is a small, port town on the eastern shore of the Mani Peninsula. It has a long strip of fish restaurants and cafes, and some historical buildings, including a lighthouse. You can also climb up narrow uphill alleys for some wonderful views. Though the town itself doesn’t have a beach, Mavrovouni Beach and Selinitsa Beach are quite close. Unlike the beaches on the western side of the peninsula, these aren’t as rocky or wavy, but instead are quite calm and sandy, and great for swimming.

Directly north and visible from the town is the Profitis Ilias peak, within the Taygetus mountain range. It’s also a great place from which to start the drive to make the hike. Overall, Gytheio would make a great base from which to embark on your Peloponnese adventure – it’s about 30 minutes from Areopoli, and in between other popular spots like Kardamyli and Monemvasia.

Things To Do in Gytheio

• Climb up the village’s narrow alleys for some wonderful views of the coast and enjoy some delicious seafood at any of the many tavernas
• Drive out to the beaches of Mavrovouni and Selinitsa – both are calm, sandy, and perfect for swimming
• Drive north to the Profitis Ilias mountain range where you can walk through any of the trails or hike up to the summit. For more details on the hike, check out our post on our favorite hikes in Peloponnese here.

Where to Stay in Gytheio

Gytheio is a great base for exploring Mani and the Peloponnese as a whole since it’s right in the middle of the peninsula. There is an array of restaurants and some hotels to choose from, but here are some of our favorite spots:

• Pantheon City Hotel – For anyone looking to explore
• Aktaion Resort – For anyone looking for the resort feel
• Aktaion City Hotel – For anyone looking to stay in the center

15. Mystras

Mystras is a fortified town on Mount Taygetus, near ancient Sparta, and one of the most famous Greek archeological sites. It actually used to be a former Byzantine capital but it was abandoned in the 1830s when the town of Sparta was built.

Today, it still has a number of impressive historical sites, including the Palace of Despots, the second most important palace of the Byzantine Empire, after Constantinople, and the Cathedral of Agios Demetrios. It’s also known for its fortress, built by the Franks. It’s a bit of a hike up, but the views are worth it.

Things To Do in Mystras

• Explore the Palace of Despots for some history and some magnificent views of lower Mystras and the landscape
• Walk around and search for the many Byzantine churches in the village, including the Cathedral of Agios Demetrios and Church of Agia Sofia
• Make sure to check out the upper and lower cities of Mystras – both are quite unique and distinct from each other

16. Monemvasia

Last, but certainly not least, is Monemvasia – a town in the “third finger” within the Peloponnese region. This might be one of the most memorable spots of our whole visit, and certainly top-3 favorites in this list of best places to visit in Peloponnese.

The town is essentially built within a medieval castle, carved on the slopes of a rock. The town was constructed on a small island, invisible from the mainland to avoid attacks. Today, there is a strip of pavement that allows you to drive into the island, but after that, most of the streets are only for pedestrians. 

You can walk on top of the castle, through the ruins, and look down at the city. Or you can walk inside of it, getting lost in the cobblestone streets. There are beautiful churches, stone homes, guesthouses, restaurants, and boutique shops to choose from. The village is small, but you could easily spend all day here.

Things To Do in Monemvasia

• Climb up to Ano Poli (the Upper Town) for some incredible views of the village and to visit the stunning Church of Hagia Sophia
• Walk out to the lighthouse, following the East Gate of the village
• Get lost in the village,  check out the local boutiques, and make sure to sample some Monemvasia wine

Where to Stay in Monemvasia

Monemvasia is quite a small town, but its charm and magic make it an ideal place to stay when exploring the western part of the Peloponnese region. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and boutiques to keep any and all entertained. These are the spots we recommend:

• Likinia Hotel – For anyone looking to stay inside the castle
• Theophano Art Hotel – For anyone searching for magical views
• Romeo’s House – For anyone looking to stay by the beach
• Alkinoi Resort and Spa – For anyone looking for the resort feel

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