SELFDRIVE PELOPONNESE

Strictly taken by digging the Canal of Corinth, the Peloponnesus became only then a peninsula. This mountainous peninsula is famous because of its many remainders of old Greece, the most important ones Epidaurus and Olympia. During this self drive all the important archaeological findings in this area can be visited. The route is lined out so the most beautiful areas can be explored, forgotten beaches can be visited and the many villages where time seems to have stopped.

Athens is the starting point of this trip. After receiving the rental car the road goes to Nafplion. On the way a stop at the Canal of Corinth is a must; a visit to Old Corinth is also worth a visit.

Nafplion with its small alleys, idyllically squares and the beautiful alighted fort is the most romantic spot to be.  The following day is a day to get to know the surrounding of this city. The Palamidi fort of Nafplion, Mycene and the grave of Agamemnon and a visit to the open – air theatre Epidaurus can not be left out.  The journey continues passing the capricious shore line going southwards. Before reaching the final destination of the day, Gythion, a stop in the unknown but impressive Byzantine town Geraki with its many Byzantine churches is definitely worth it.

Gythion is a picturesque little port known for its good fish restaurants. In the 2-day stay in this port, excursions to for example the caves of Pyrgos Dirou, the most colourful caves of Greece, is one of the many possibilities. Further are in Mani (the so called middle finger of the Peloponnesus) many characteristic small villages, famous for their tower houses. Also the Byzantine town Monemvassia, the “Gibraltar” of Greece, is a must to see. Climb up to the highest point for a breathtaking view on the old city and the sea.

On the west coast of the Peloponnesus is the town Pylos with her fort. In this area the strategies situated palace of Nestor and its museum can be found in the little village of Chora. From here you have a magnificent view on the Navarino bay. A get away to the island of Sfaktira is a possibility to do as well as a drive along the south coast passing the small towns Methoni and Koroni with their Venetian forts.

Via Olympia, where thousand of years before the Olympic Games started, the drive goes through the green mountain area to Levidi, a small village at the foot of the Menalo Mountain. The silence, hospitality and the beauty of the environment will relax the visitor.

The day of departure from the Peloponnesus knocks on the door. Driving over small by-paths and passing wonderful landscapes takes the holiday-maker to the highway at Corinth to continue the road to Athens.

A day in Athens is just enough to see the most important highlights like the Acropolis, the Agora and the National Archaeological Museum before returning home.