Peloponnese what to see

Peloponnese, a region rich of history, natural beauty and wonderful beaches. Elafonisos Island is one of the last natural paradises in Europe, with snow-white beaches lapped by a sea of unparalleled transparency. Mystra, the exciting open-air museum with frescoed churches of the Byzantine Empire. The medieval town of Monemvasia, impregnable stronghold overlooking the sea. The rugged mountains that preserve the vestiges of the past, as the Epidaurus Theater, Olympia, the legendary place where took place the most ancient Olympics and

What to see in Zakynthos: Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Beach)

Peloponnese

---

SUGGESTED HOTEL: VENUS HOTEL  

 

What to see in Zakynthos: Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Beach)

Shipwreck Beach Zakynthos (also called Navaglio Beach) is among the most famous in the Mediterranean and its image from above is shown on all the tourist brochures of Greece. Inaccessible by road, nestled between high white cliffs, lapped by deep blue sea from the astonishing beauty. Unfortunately, his reputation was also his downfall: so beautiful from above, how utterly ruined once you reach your destination because of the disproportionate mass tourism.

During the summer season the beach is assaulted by an impressive number of boats that unload each up to 200 visitors at a time, with the result that almost can not get wet because the shoreline is entirely occupied by boats, while on the beach there are hundreds of people who do not expect anything but start after taking the classic souvenir photo to the wreck.
Also add that the beach is located on the side of the island more exposed to winds, sea often choppy and waves crashing on the sand giants of white pebbles, making it difficult for mooring boats and not always possible precisely because of the conditions of sea. Result is that if you arrive with a boat of limited size, on windy days you'll have to swim from the boat to get to Shipwreck, without being able to bring anything.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Several times I tried, unsuccessfully, to get to the beach looking for a boat departing at 9am, so you can avoid the crowds, but unfortunately there is nothing to do, both starting from Porto Vromi or Aghios Nicholaos. In both places there are no timetables and the first boat part in the achievement of a minimum number of participants, usually after 10. Meanwhile seen transiting reserved boats to hike by groups; the result is that it will lead to an already crowded beach and after a few minutes, it will be virtually impossible to live with a bustle of boats engaged in landing on the beach, already invaded by hundreds of people.
It should also be added that the beach is in the shade until at least 10:15, so it would be useless to arrive early because you lose the typical deep blue color of the water.
The excursion departing from Aghios Nicholaos lasts 2 ½ hours and costs 15 Euros. It 'will be a stop of 45 minutes on the beach (I honestly can not wait to start), a short visit to the Blue Caves and a 15-minute stop for a dip in the crystal clear waters of the nearby rocky coves, undoubtedly the most deserving of the entire round.

For your accomodation in Zakynthos Island I recommend Hotel Venus, 10-minute walk from beautiful Kalamaki beach, well appreciated by customers and with great value for money.
You can check availability and rates from here: VENUS HOTEL

UPPER VIEWPOINT

The main point consists of a small iron terrace suspended, taken literally besieged by tourists on an excursion to take the classic photo on Shipwreck Beach. However, the view from here on the wreck is only partial and for a better view you need to proceed along the path that is to the right, until you get to a point, without protection, that offers a spectacular view of the whole beach and.
The beautiful view above on Shipwreck Beach is undoubtedly the most unmissable thing during a visit to Zakynthos Island, while there is absolutely worth it reach it by boat ...

Book your hotel with  BOOKING.COM  from here with the best rates guaranteed 

 

 

 

   

 

---

Back to Peloponnese Homepage

 

Peloponnese: Medieval Town of Monemvasia

  Peloponnese

---

SUGGESTED HOTEL: HOTEL PANORAMA   

 

Medieval Town of Monemvasia

Monemvasia is one of the most idyllic and surprising jewelry of Peloponnese: this small medieval town was built at the foot of an immense rocky promontory, connected to the mainland by a narrow artificial way. Dominated by the castle (Kastro), the village has buildings constructed entirely of stone, narrow cobbled streets animated by local shops and elegant guesthouse and a small square on the sea straight out of a crib.

In the city center there are some various small churches,  including the Cathedral of Christ in Chains (internal rather anonymous). Climbing toward the kastro open unforgettable views across Monemvasia, with blue sea background intense, but unfortunately the entrance to the fortress was closed during our visit. From the fortress a steep path over the sea reaches the Church of Agia Sofia, on the top the cliff.

USEFUL INFORMATION

If you visit Monemvasia by car, you can park on the edge of the access road, but often the queue is very long, especially in the evening. Alternatively, there is a shuttle service that connects Gefyra with the entrance gate of the village.
Sleeping in Monemvasia in an elegant guesthouse definitely be an enjoyable experience, but remember that access is forbidden to cars so you need to reach accommodation on foot, up and down the stairs. Alternatively, it is more comfortable to stay in Gefyra , where there are also numerous seaside restaurants. For the night I recommend the excellent hotel Panorama, with spectacular views of the cape and lovely rooms, with a great value for money.
If you found this article useful, you can book here: HOTEL PANORAMA

Book your hotel with  BOOKING.COM  from here with the best rates guaranteed 

 

 

   

 

---

Back to Peloponnese Homepage

 

 

 

Peloponnese: Mani Peninsula

Peloponnese

---

SUGGESTED HOTEL: CASTELLO ANTICO   

 

Mani Peninsula

Rugged mountains overlooking the sea, abandoned villages with imposing stone towers, sights of stunning coves, picturesque harbors, enchanting underground caves: this is the Mani Peninsula, an entirely different Greek! The inhabitants consider themselves the descendants of the Spartans and claim never to have been dominated by anyone. This territory has always been closed to the outside world, he has experienced bloody clashes between different clans, with residents forced to build higher and higher defensive towers to protect themselves from enemy attacks. An endless circular road all the twists and turns allows you to travel throughout the circumnavigation of the peninsula.

Aeropoli

A charming town, capital of the Mani peninsula, with much of the old town consists of stone buildings, the famous turreted houses and quaint narrow alleys that branch off from Athanaton square. Beautiful main church of the village where stands the bell tower with four floors. In a typical turreted home it was set on Pikoulakis Museum (admission € 2), with a valuable collection of Byzantine art.

Diros Caves

Diros caves are quite spectacular and are just a short detour from the main road down to the sea. The tour is divided into two parts, the first, the most exciting, on board rowing boats on underground lake, which infiltrate in some passages where it seems impossible to pass, surrounded by beautiful concretions that are reflected in the crystal clear water. The second with a short walk that leads to the exit, right by the sea, from which it's back to square one with a path carved into the rock.
The entire tour lasts half an hour, the cost is a bit expensive: € 12 (concessions € 7 up to 13 years). Summer hours: 10-18

Vathia

Among the more than 800 medieval stone towers that characterize this region, those of Vathia are undoubtedly the best preserved and located in the most spectacular and scenic location. A quick stop for a few minutes allows you to see up close these curious buildings, some recently renovated. Shortly after the village, on the way to the Tenaro Head  (one of the most southern point of the European continent), it is a splendid lookout that offers a dazzling glance of the village and over the peninsula.

 

Other places don't miss

The fishing village of Gerolimenas deserves a stopover, with the small town consists of stone buildings that overlook the lovely bay. Half way you can relax a few hours in the beautiful and unique sandy bay of Hands: Marmari .
Not far away, on the opposite side, there is a beautiful vantage point on the small village of Porto Kagio and the beautiful surrounding bays, with the mountains that seem to dive into the sea of a thousand shades. Unfortunately the road does not reach Cape Tenaro, the end of the road requires a walk of about an hour to reach the lighthouse.

For overnight stays recommend the excellent Hotel Castello Antico, ideal base to discover the wild Mani Peninsula, 3 km from the scenic seaside town of Gythio; the hotel is a typical architecture of the place with a lovely pool to relax: you can check availability and prices here: HOTEL CASTELLO ANTICO

Book your hotel with  BOOKING.COM  from here with the best rates guaranteed 

 

   

 

---

Back to Peloponnese Homepage

 

 

Peloponnese: Epidaurus and Mycenae

Peloponnese

---

SUGGESTED HOTEL: AMALIA NAFPLIO   

 

Epidaurus and Mycenae

Epidaurus and Mycenae, which are only a few kilometers apart, are considered along with Olympia among the most fascinating archaeological sites in the Peloponnese, thanks to their spectacular secluded mountains and surrounded by green valleys.
Epidaurus is known primarily for its beautiful theater, the best  Greece ancient preserved; theater dates back to the fourth century BC and is especially appreciated for its remarkable acoustics. The guides invite visitors to flip a coin in the proscenium, so that the spectators seated on the highest bleachers can hear the sound. In ancient Epidaurus it was known primarily as a place of healing, with people coming from far away to enjoy the miracle cures of the Asclepius Sanctuary.
Unfortunately not much is left of the ancient temples and the Sanctuary and are visible only the foundations and the remains of Tholos. Inside the archaeological site you can also visit the small museum where you can admire some bas-reliefs that adorned the tholos, considered the most spectacular of the entire complex.
Admission to Epidaurus € 12 - summer hours from 7.45 to 18.45

Mycenae, declared a World Heritage Site, gave his name to the important Mycenaean civilization and is called the Agamemnon's citadel. The visit to the site is divided into two parts: the fortified citadel sits atop a hill and surrounded by massive cyclopean walls as high as 13 meters. Access to the city was allowed by the Lion Gate, the best preserved part of Mycenae, an imposing passage consisting of huge stone blocks, surmounted by two lionesses.  Agamemnon's Palace and the Roomthere Throne are only a few large boulders and you can only fantasize on the richness and beauty of the ancient civilization. However, the surrounding scenery is spectacular and everyone is amazed to think how that had, at one time, to carry up to here these huge blocks of stone.

 

At the foot of the citadel, there is a modern museum where you can admire, pottery, coins and jewelry, even the funeral mask that you thought belonged to Agamemnon .
The second part of the visit you can admire the best preserved part of Mycenae, the famous Treasury of Atreus; the imposing tomb dome Agamemnon is constituted by a huge and very high circular room entirely built with blocks of stone, which are becoming smaller up to the top.
Whether at the Citadel that the Treasury of Atreus are parking and ticketing. Combined ticket with the museum  € 12 - summer hours 8:00 to 19:30

Best place to stay for visit the area is Nafplio, where I recommend Amalia hotel, one of the best facilities in the area, bookable from here: AMALIA NAFPLIO

Book your hotel with  BOOKING.COM  from here with the best rates guaranteed 

 

   

 

---

Back to Peloponnese Homepage

 

 

Peloponnese: what to see Elafonisos Island, Best beaches

Peloponnese

---

What to see in Elafonisos Island. Best beaches, where to stay and eat

The small Elafonisos Island is undoubtedly one of the most precious jewels of Greece, especially for lovely and secluded beacheas where you can cut a corner for yourself. Reach it is not easy: the island is located in the extreme southeast of the Peloponnese in Laconia region; the closest airport, Kalamata, is about three hours and a half drive, a road across switchbacks and rugged mountain scenery, as well as fifteen minutes by ferry. But those who decide to go this far, will find his lost paradise with, in my opinion, the most beautiful beach in the Mediterranean! The island is small: a charming village where you can enjoy fresh fish, two beaches that are not easily forget, lots and lots of tranquility in a corner of untouched Greece.

Check availabitliy and best rates for all accomodation in Elafonisos: ELAFONISOS ACCOMODATION

Simos Beach

The most famous beach in Elafonisos, Simos, is located south-east: a thin strip of soft sand separates two sections of the sea from the intense blue and the unparalleled transparency. The east side beach is the smaller and more sheltered from the wind, with a beautiful lagoon often calm. The west side beach is endless, a couple of kilometers long and almost deserted, except for a couple of small umbrellas rental. Here the winds blow stronger and the sea remains agitated, always maintaining a cristal clear water.

You can get on the small promontory to admire a beautiful view across the bay: do it after noon, the colors are a delight!
An umbrella with two / three beds costs 8 Euros for the whole day. The best part of the beach is near the sandbar, accessible from the parking lot in less than 10 minutes' walk.

Panaghia Beach

The smallest Panagia beach is of on the opposite side of the island: the sand is less white than Simos, but the colors and transparencies of the sea are still a charm! The first part of the beach is equipped with a couple of small rentals (€ 8 umbrella and two chairs), but away from the central part are beautiful deserts landscape. Parking is convenient, right off the beach where there is also a bar-tavern.

Where to stay: Berdoussis Hotel

The familiar and small Berdoussis Hotel is a gem, where the care and attention to detail will impress you from the first moment. The hotel looks brand new, rooms and common areas are immaculate and carefully chosen furnishings. Each room, very spacious, has all comforts and a private terrace, good wi-fi signal and well appointed bathroom. Breakfast is served on the lovely shaded terrace and dishes are quality and presented with care: homemade jams, cheeses and local products, fresh fruit. The location is quiet, on the edge of the village, but two minutes walding from the harbor and restaurants. Price paid for triple room with breakfast € 85.
You can check price here: BERDOUSSIS HOTEL

To check prices and availability for all accomodation in Elafonisos: ACCOMMODATION IN ELAFONISOS

 

Where to eat: O Boukas Fish Tavern

After trying the restaurant of legendary Peter on the first night, we have not moved from here; I do not know quality for the other restaurants, but you can hardly eat better that O Boukas Fish. However, prices are now slightly lower than those found at the port and this is already a good reason. Do not miss the spaghetti with octopus, the delicious moussaka  (never eaten so good in another Peloponnese), the baked feta with paprika and chilli. Magic atmosphere just steps from the sea on the beach. O Boukas Fish is on the opposite side of the harbor: the little church looking the sea, go left until you turn the side, here it begins the town beach and the restaurant is the first you come across.

How to get

Unfortunately no longer it is trafficking Ryanair flying to Kalamata. Therefore, at th moment it is necessary to fly to Athens which is 350 km (4 hours) from the small port of Pounta Vigklafia . From here, a continuous ferry service connects the island in 15 minutes, he runs every half hour / hour and you can ferry with your own car. The tickets are made directly to the dock in a minute.
Cost: € 1 per passenger, € 10,50 per car one way.
You can not drop to Elafonisos any rented car in Athens, will therefore also rented for the duration of your stay on the island.
The alternative is to get to Patras by ferry from Italy, which is 370 kilometers (about 5 hours) from Pounta Vigklafia . Obviously, the advice is to plan some stops along the way to discover the Peloponnese's beauty.

 

   

 

---

Back to Peloponnese Homepage