Explore holidays in The Peloponnese
Considering a holiday in the Peloponnese? Welcome to a land of golden beaches, crimson sunsets and cerulean seas, where myth intertwines with history and the past is ever-present. This spectacular region lies at the southern tip of the Greek mainland, with three peninsulas reaching out towards Crete, each offering a slightly different Peloponnese holiday experience. The whole area is blissfully unspoilt and blessed with some of the longest and best beaches in Greece.
With its tempting combination of high-quality accommodation and unspoilt landscapes, a luxury holiday in the Peloponnese has very wide appeal, whether you choose family-friendly Stoupa for its soft sandy beaches, discreetly upmarket Agios Nikolaos for its excellent restaurants or the Costa Navarino for its renowned golf courses and glorious coastline, featuring one of the most photographed beaches in all of Greece. With prices generally lower than the island destinations and quality that we consider to be unrivalled in Greece, the Peloponnese is highly recommended for luxury holidays.
A selection of our holidays in the Peloponnese
* Prices include seven nights’ accommodation, flights and transfers/car hire, based on the lowest rate for maximum occupancy.
Our guide to The Peloponnese
In this section...
Introduction to The Peloponnese
Meet the Mani
The Mani is the middle of the three Peloponnese peninsulas, stretching from the Taygetos mountains to the southernmost point of Greece. The foothills of the Taygetos are densely clad in olive groves right down to the coast, a picturesque mix of long sandy beaches, steep cliffs and pebble coves perfect for snorkelling. The coastal villages are a delight. Stoupa draws an astonishingly loyal clientele, who come to enjoy its sandy beaches (including Kalogrias, the next bay around) and laid-back family vibe; get there in time for a sunset cocktail by the sea and you’ll soon start to see the appeal.
Along the coast – connected by a flat and very scenic path – is the idyllic little fishing port of Agios Nikolaos. The catch of the day still comes in here, and if you arrive early you can pick up something for dinner, although given the choice of fantastic places to eat locally, you might as well just relax and let someone else do the work. Head the other way from Stoupa and you’ll come to Kardamyli: charming, historic and flanked by two pretty beaches, it’s the place where classical and café culture meet, ideal if you want a flavour of the ancient world without turning your holiday into a history lesson.
Into the Underworld
The people of the Mani claim to be the direct descendants of the warriors of Sparta, and there’s a certain fierceness to the landscape, especially as you head south into the Deep Mani. The drive is nothing short of spectacular, characterized by the Maniot tower houses that recall a time when strangers were altogether less welcome. Here and there the tower houses have been restored to create discreet holiday homes, but many of the settlements are now hauntingly atmospheric ghost villages. There’s plenty of life here too however, in gorgeous little ports like Gerolimenas and Limeni where you can stop for lunch and a swim, or stay for a few days and enjoy this genuinely off the beaten track location. Few make it all the way, but it’s worth just a few more kilometres to Cape Tainaron where you can swim in pristine clear water by the mythological entrance to the Gates of Hades.
Costa Navarino
The western-most of the Peloponnese peninsulas is a superbly versatile holiday choice, bringing you an intriguing mix of spectacular beaches, protected lagoons, impressive antiquities and world-class golf courses. Fuel your little ones’ imagination at some of the best-preserved castles in Greece, or take a trip to see the flamingos and some 250 other species of birds at Gialova lagoon. Set sail from Gialova to discover the serene beauty of almost-circular Navarino bay, site of one of the most important naval battles in history but now an important conservation area. The jewel in the Navarino crown is Voidikilia beach; its turquoise shallows and crescent of fine sand are understandably popular but it remains unspoilt as a protected Natura 2000 reserve.
At a glance
Map and other regions
Food & drink
A taste of the Peloponnese
Peloponnese cooking delivers a typically Greek combination of simple flavours and home-grown produce. Olive oil anoints everything, no surprise when you consider Messinia accounts for over a quarter of all the olive oil produced in Greece. Fish is a menu staple, and early birds can buy direct from the quayside at Agios Nikolaos. Meze is the traditional and delicious way to begin any meal; think whipped feta, spiced with a hint of chilli, smoky, slow-roasted aubergine that melts in the mouth, and of course, fat juicy olives. Grilling is the way to go in the heat of summer, with fresh meats and fish seared to perfection. If you visit when the evenings are a little cooler, it’s worth looking out for slow-cooked stifado and kleftiko for a rich, home-cooked flavour. All the Greek classics are here, and if you order Greek salad, be prepared for it to come with orange and potato - Peloponnese style. Another typical local ingredient is rock samphire, which grows wild on the shoreline – it’s naturally high in sea salt, and reputedly good for the digestion, fried in butter to accompany your fresh fish.
Food always tastes better by the sea, and you’ll find a great choice of waterside dining all around the coast. Our personal favourite dining spots are Stoupa and Agios Nikolaos in the Mani, and Gialova and Pylos on the west Messinian coast. Kardamyli village has a lovely leafy square, ideal for a drink and a spot of people watching after you've toured the Old Town or explored the tempting little boutique shops. You can also find a really generous spread up in the mountain villages – ask your concierge for recommendations, and they’ll be happy to make a booking for you.
Something to drink
If you want to drink like the locals, wine is ordered by the kilo! And if that sounds like a lot, you’ll generally find the wines are lighter and less alcoholic than the bottled varieties. If you’re a beer drinker, look out for Nema, produced at the Mani Brewery between Stoupa and Agios Nikolaos. The other authentic choice is ouzo of course, though if that’s too much of an acquired taste then you could also try Metaxa, a sweet digestif to round off the meal. When it’s too hot for your usual cappuccino, try a frappé – frothy white coffee that’s usually served very sweet, so ask for it without sugar if you prefer.
Beaches
Mani Peninsula - Stoupa
A deservedly popular sandy beach, excellent for swimming and snorkelling. There are plenty of sunbeds to hire, and a string of small bars, restaurants and shops to keep you going through the day. An idyllic spot for sundowners.
Mani Peninsula - Kalogria
Walk around the headland from Stoupa and you reach Kalogria, famous for its fine sand and turquoise water. Deeper than Stoupa but not as long, it’s very well serviced with a lifeguard, beach bar and volleyball court.
Mani Peninsula - Foneas
The name literally means ‘murderer’s beach’ but you’re in no mortal danger here on this beautiful white pebble cove between Kardamyli and Stoupa. There’s a massive rocky outcrop just off the shore, which gives shade for part of the day.
Mani Peninsula - Ritsa
This is Kardamyli’s beach, and combines perfectly with a visit to the town. Comprised of small pebbles lapped by crystal clear water, there are sun beds, a café and a handy boardwalk to help you navigate the pebbles.
Mani Peninsula - Kalamitsi
A romantic pebble beach backed by cypress trees. Writer Patrick Lee Fermor chose this spot to build a house when the Greek government offered him land anywhere in the country, and he swam in its emerald waters every day.
Mani Peninsula - Pantazi
Close to tiny Agios Dimitrios, a long stretch of sand and pebbles, with sunbeds to a hire and a friendly café/bar. It has a lovely peaceful feeling despite the proximity to Agios Nikolaos, and you can walk or ride here along the coastal path.
Messinia Peninsula - Chrani
A long sandy beach by the village of the same name on the east side of the Peninsula, between Petalidi and Koroni. There are sunbed sections and empty stretches, with a sandy bottom that’s helpful for little feet. If it’s not too hot, you can walk along the coast path to nearby Agios Andreas beach from here.
Messinia Peninsula - Finikounda
There are actually three sandy beaches here, one in the town and another either side, giving lots of room even in the main season, with sunbeds and cafes if you want them, and quieter, undeveloped spaces if you don’t. Just a 15-minute drive east of Methoni.
Messinia Peninsula - Zaga
Close to Koroni on the Messinian gulf, another very long sandy beach that offers both developed and undeveloped sections. Combine with a visit to Koroni castle or perhaps dinner by the harbour.
Messinia Peninsula - Romanos
Also known as Glyfadaki, this is a stunning sweep of sand and clear blue water in the Costa Navarino area. One end of the beach is managed by a luxury hotel chain, but the rest is wild and undeveloped, with a just couple of beach restaurants at the southern end.
Messinia Peninsula - Gialova
A sandy, family-friendly choice just outside Gialova village, where you’ll find excellent restaurants and all the facilities you need. The beach shelves gently and feels nicely sheltered in the calm waters of Navarino bay.
Messinia Peninsula - Voidikilia
The postcard beach for Messinia and arguably all of Greece, this beach is protected and therefore unspoilt, though it can get very busy. Backed by Gialova lagoon wetland reserve, home to flamingos and 100s of other wildlife species.
Things to do
Ancient Olympia
The site of the original Olympic Games is one of the most evocative in Greece, and the Olympic flame is still lit here every four years. See where the very first Olympian athletes trained and competed, and discover the temple of Zeus, in whose honour the games were created. A 2hr 30mins drive from Stoupa or a more convenient 1hr 30min drive from Costa Navarino.
Discover the Deep Mani
Venture into a wildly beautiful landscape of tall cliffs, fortified villages and azure seas in the southern Mani peninsula. Make sure to stop at Gerolimenas or Limeni for lunch and a swim – there’s a good chance a loggerhead turtle might join you.
Kalamata Farmer’s Market
This bustling market is a kaleidoscope of colours, flavours and fragrances: heaven for foodies and photographers. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, you can combine a morning here with shopping in the atmospheric Old Town.
Waterfront Dining in Agios Nikolaos
This charming little harbour bustles with life, and has a fantastic choice of places to eat; meze gets a modern makeover mixing traditional dishes with new ingredients, or keep it simple with the catch of the day.
Diros Caves
Roughly an hour's drive south of Agios Nikolaos, this spectacular network of caves was one of the earliest inhabited places in Greece. The atmospheric tour takes you by boat across an underground lake, blissfully cool on a hot summer day.
Patrick Leigh Fermor’s House
British author and adventurer Patrick Leigh Fermor lived in this house close to Kardamyli, which can be visited by arrangement. His book The Mani is also essential Peloponnese holiday reading.
Fish Lunch at Kitries
Close to Kalamata, this is one of the very best places for a fresh fish lunch right by the sea. Kitries is a small fishing village, with more boats than buildings and a beautiful little beach lapped by emerald sea.
Cliffs and Castles
The strategic importance of the Peloponnese made it a much-contested land, evidenced by its many castles. Messinia has three of the best, all handily close to each other at Koroni, Methoni and Pylos.
Navarino Bay Cruise
Set sail from Gialova or Pylos (allow time to visit both little towns too if you can) to explore the historic naval battle site, Sfaktiria island and hidden coves, with time for snorkelling in the clear blue depths.
The Road Less Travelled
We asked our local representatives to share a few of their favourite ‘off the beaten track’ experiences. Here are some of their suggestions…
Ebike to Trachila
Hire an ebike and head out along the coast, just south of Agios Nikolaos, starting from Agios Dimitrios on the breath-taking (but wide and safe!) coastal route, past cliffs and caves to Trachila at the end of the road; simply stunning.
Mountains of the Mani
Take a scenic tour into the Taygetos mountains; the road is surprisingly good, with herb and honey stalls along the way. Stop into the Museum of Mani Life at Exohori for an intimate glimpse of local history.
Greek Night
This weekly event in Pigi village draws a loyal crowd of locals who come for the generous meze and mounds of fresh grilled meat and fish, and stay for the live music and traditional dancing; a great night.
