Things to do & places to visit in Peloponnese, Greece

The Peloponnese is a large peninsula on the southernmost part of mainland Greece. Its history dates back to the Bronze Age. Buses and rental cars provide the best options for seeing the region's sites, such as Mycenae's ancient theater, Sparta's Archaeological Museum and the ancient ruins of Mystras, Olympia, Mycenae, Corinth and Artemis Orthia. Held by the Turks and the Venetians until Greek independence in 1821, this center of ancient Greece is also justly famous for traditional Greek dancing.

Peloponnese #6 destination in Greece 2023. The average rating score is 4.47 based on 40.6k traveler reviews, of 151 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Athens, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 13:09.

Top things to do (19)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Monemvasia Fortress (798 reviews)
- Magical
Spent More than 3 hours Ancient Ruins • Castles

Monemvassia is one of the magical places in Greece. The city is all a fortress with its narrow streets overlooking the sea. The castle overlooks the city from above..If during the day it is full of tourists, at night it is completely peaceful.I strongly advise you to stay overnight in the city.Good restaurants and bars with wonderful views Beware of those with mobility problems. See more..
5.0 Ancient Messini (795 reviews) from $9.10
- Nice weather visit to a large site.
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

After visiting the Archaeological Museum of Messenia in Kalamata, we drove 33 km northwest to this Hellenistic city ruins that thrived from the 3rd C BC to the 1st C AD. After paying $11 each, we strolled 2.5 km to see the remarkable sites; Amphitheater, Agora, Treasury, Sanctuary of Asklepios, grave monuments and the Stadium. Very pleased to see the reconstructed parts to make sense of it all, as there are many more ruins throughout. See more..
5.0 Kastania Cave (293 reviews)
- Cavernous wonder !
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Caverns & Caves

One of the most impressive caves of Greece can be found near the village of Kastania on the southern tip of the Peloponnese, just minutes away from Neapoli. The route follows the winding mountain road leading to the forest-covered eastern slopes of Mt. Parnon. Rich in density and variety of shapes, colors and figures, Kastania Cave is classified as second of its kind in Europe. Nature needed three million years to create this fantasyscape with its unparalleled decor and numerous impressive formations such as enormous red and white "waterfalls", the gigantic columns, the "curtains" and the "sheets" that overflow like waxwork from the roof, "octopuses" and "corals" nest, "elephants" and "mushrooms", "birds" and caricatures, "exotic plants" and monumental creatures... Standing out among the numerous attractions of the cave are geological rarities such as discs, flat stalagmites, eccentrites and elictites. With a little luck, visitors may meet the cave's noble resident insect, the deaf and blind dolichopoda. The cave's surface covers 1,500 square meters separated into two levels and the visitor is guided along a 500-meter route. The cave was formed from limestones of Jurassic age (195-145 million years old) as a result of geological turmoil and chemical reaction. The stone decor owes its seven-color palette to crystalline carbonate lime enriched with several metal oxides. A cafe operates right outside the cave and nearby is the old church of St. Andrew, scarred by pirates and conquerors See more..
5.0 Kapsia Cave (283 reviews)
- Wonderful Caves
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Caverns & Caves

We went in early December and we were the only visitors. The caves are wonderful and our guide was very good and explained a lot about the history of the place. The lighting was very good but maybe the ‘atmospheric’ music, although not loud at all, wasn’t really necessary. If you’re heading across the Peloponnese then it’s definitely worth a slight detour to visit these caves. See more..
5.0 Moni Osiou Patapiou (248 reviews)
- a serene place
Spent < 1 hour Observation Decks & Towers • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

a place to feel serenity. when in loutraki, drive towards this monastery and enjoy the peace and the view. See more..
5.0 Megali Paralia (213 reviews)
- Crystal clear water!!!
Beaches

Beautiful beach with white sand and crystal clear water!!! It's my second favorite beach in Elafonisos, after Simos beach!!! See more..
4.5 Palamidi Castle (3.335 reviews)
- Great fortress
Castles

Before you walk from the city centre hundreds of stairs all the way up, you also can get to the entrance by car. The entrance fee is 8 euro’s or 20 which is valid for three days and includes some other museums and sites. The fortress is huge and reasonably accessible but not for wheelchairs. You can’t buy anything to drink or eat, so be aware of that. There are no rooms decorated with contemporary furniture, so all you see are walls. Still pretty impressive. The views around are beautiful. See more..
4.5 The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus (2.632 reviews)
- Getting to Epidaurus from Poros/Galatas with no hire car
Spent 1-2 hours Ancient Ruins

Fantastic site We were staying in Poros - got the water taxi for 1euro to Galatas then instead of going through the trouble of hiring a car for the day we hired Mr Kostas Broustas a lovely local chap. We had a fantastic day and got driven to all the local sites. It cost €100 for about 7 hours slightly more than the cost of hiring a car but far less stress and hassle- Tel (+30)6978926969 See more..
4.5 Corinth Canal (1.913 reviews)
- Easily accessed viewpoint of a historical site.
Sunday: Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water • Points of Interest & Landmarks

We stopped here at the 19th C bridge for the classic view(we had photographed in 1989 while traveling with our daughter) of the 300’ deep and 4 mile long canal, joining many visitors running to snap a quick photo. I found a dirt lane 500 m farther that accessed a disused railroad bridge and walked along the canal to view a huge landslide (Nazi’s bombed on their retreat) that may have closed this canal in the past. I read there is an effort to open this canal to single lane boats and even swimmers this year? See more..
4.5 Archaeological Site of Mystra (1.622 reviews)
- Difficult visit to a large 13th-15th C Byzantine site.
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

We arrived before the 8:30 AM opening, as this UNESCO site is only 7 km from our Sparti hotel. After paying $13 each, we began the torturous climb up and down the irregular cobbled path of this large 13th-15th C Byzantine site. The morning sun highlighted the beautiful architecture as we concentrated on visiting the open churches to see their interior paintings, passing all types of ruins in between. Later, we drove 2 km up the hill to visit the top half of this site parking near the shaded castle. This is a difficult visit even for those dropped off at the top and hike down through the site. The views to the valley below with its olive groves are mesmerizing. See more..
4.5 Simos Beach (1.426 reviews)
- Amazing Beach on the Peloponnesus in Lakonia region. Lives up to the hype!
Beaches

Crystal clear, warm waters with soft sand. The water almost glows an amazing Aegean blue. The sea was very warm and comfortable. Beach was very clean. There are two areas which provide and chairs, umbrellas and food service for a cost but well worth it. Worth the drive and ferry to get there! See more..
4.5 Archaeological Site Mycenae (1.380 reviews) from $14.99
- Very interesting old archaeological site
Spent 1-2 hours Ancient Ruins

Very interesting old archaeological site, located between too mountains. The entrance fee is 12 euro per person. The most interesting piece was the Lion Gate. Amazing pink flowers growing among the ruins, in deserted areas. See more..
4.5 Nauplion Promenade (1.281 reviews)
- Hey - there are two promenades!!
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Piers & Boardwalks

Dear reader, be adviced that people in this forum talk about two different promenades in Nafplio. One promenade is along the harbour with nice views to the coastline, the small castle and the restaurants. It’s a nice little walk, though not spectacular. The Arvanitia Promenade, on the other hand, takes you from the city limit to the small (and very popular) Arvanitia Beach. The well maintained stretch is approx. 1 mile each way - and it’s very, very beautiful. In each end the path is closed to the public (because of the risc of falling rocks), but it’s easy to get past the gates - everybody does it! See more..
4.5 Voidokilia Beach (1.143 reviews)
- Brilliant Hike around Voidokilia Beach
Beaches

This circular hike takes you to the Gialova Lagoon, round Voidokilia beach, up to the old castle, Paleokastro down via a precarious climb, Nestor's Cave and back along the beach. Would recommend sturdy shoes, hat, sun-screen or cover up - we did meet people in flip flops, but no idea how they managed it! We found the hike in Bradt's 'Greece:The Peloponnese', called 'Around the Cow's Belly' and the instructions were spot on...so if you're visiting the area and looking for a guide, would recommend. It took us 2.5 hours and as it was July was rather hot...but with plenty of water it was fine. See more..
4.5 Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos) (1.014 reviews)
- In ancient footsteps
Ancient Ruins • Historic Walking Areas

Larger than it looks on a map, Ancient Corinth spans the ages from pre-history though the Mycenaean and Classical periods and beyond. These are the streets St Paul walked - the building where he was tried (case dismissed) rubs shoulders with temples to the pagan deities. And ancient shops! So many, many shops, a testament to the wealth of a city whose prosperity lasted millennia. An excellent museum holds fine examples of the art and craft of a city rightly famous in ancient times for the skill of its artisans. And whose citizens (focussed on mammon as well as the divine) seem not so unlike ourselves. See more..
4.5 Methoni Castle (835 reviews)
- A really good castle, excellent photos
Spent 1-2 hours Castles

A wonderful example of medieval castles built in the 13th century. A large area covered by the exterior walls, sea on parts, a now dry moat on the other. The bridge over the moat into the castle through the broad walls is particularly impressive. At one time parts of the own lay within the walls, now largely overgrown with low vegetation. The paths lead you towards the seaward side of the castle and through a gate to another stand alone structure, the Bourtzi of Methoni castle. The view to here, and from here back to the main castle is excellent with the clear water twinkling in sunlight. A bargain €3 entry fee, free parking 150 metres from the bridge to the main entrance gate. See more..
4.5 Offshore Hydropower Museum (614 reviews)
- WORTH VISITING
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums

The Open-Air Water Power Museum, in Dimitsana (Peloponnese), highlights the importance of water-power in traditional society. Focusing on the main pre-industrial techniques that take advantage of water to produce a variety of goods, it links them to the history and daily life of the local society over the ages. See more..
4.5 Lion Gate (578 reviews)
- Mammoth walls earned the description Cyclopean
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

It is truly an impressive entry to the Citadel that was reserved for the rulers of the territory. Early Greeks were so in awe of the massive stonework in the gate posts that Cyclopean was how they described the edifice. Remarkably preserved sculptures of a pair of lions separated by a column stand upright with front paws resting on a stone platform. See more..
4.5 Citadel and Treasury of Atreus (564 reviews) from $14.99
- Impressively preserved
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

This is the second part of the Mycenae archaeological site, set beneath the main one and is included in your 12 Euros ticket. When driving to the main site you will first pass this one on your left hand side. Considering its age of over 3000 years I find it perfectly preserved. The Treasury vault is intact, contrary to the one you see at the main site. Namely, the ruler of Mycenae - Agamemnon was buried here. The site is very small and you'll cover it within 10 min. See more..
4.5 Polylimnio Waterfall (526 reviews)
- A must see!
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Waterfalls

This was our second visit to these wonderful waterfalls. A dry summer meant less dramatic falls than in May. But they are still a wonderful sight. Interestingly, swimming in the many pools was a little easier! A trip not to be missed. See more..
4.5 Limni Vouliagmeni (514 reviews)
- Like a tropical island
Bodies of Water

A dream place. A sea like a pool. It reminded me of the island of King Kong. We stayed aaaaaall day there and relax to the fullest! If you have the chance, don't miss it... You 'll make everlasting memories! If I had a sixth star, I would put it here! See more..
4.5 Archaeological Museum of Nauplion (507 reviews)
- Treasures covering vast swathes of historical eras
History Museums

A more perfect home for the superlative collections could not be found. Regarded as one of the best preserved Venetian buildings in the country, it served as the old Navy Arsenal. From the remote Mesolithic times onwards treasured finds are displayed. Excavations began at Franchthi Cave in 1967 and were anticipated to be only a short stop-gap, but what was found exceeded all expectations, comprising artefacts at the nexus of hunter-gatherer to settled lives. Bronze Age exhibits are marvellous and show a range of pottery, figurines and vessels. Mycenaean Palace culture from areas under its rule is fascinating and reflect the sophistication and trade links underway. Armour and other items from Dendra were another highlight. See more..
4.5 Akrokorinthos (504 reviews)
- Nice visit in spring
Sunday: Spent 2-3 hours Ancient Ruins

This site is amazing, but I only recommend to visitors with a good physical condition as some climbing on rocky paths is needed. The Acrocorinthos is a hill, and you can freely (and for free) visit the ruins on your own. There are a few information panels. I recommend to wear mountain walking shoes and to bring some water. Do not expect many tourist facilities here. This site was ramarkably calm when we were there. We came by car and there is a car park at the entrance, where there is also a small restaurant (I suppose that is also the only way to find toilets). I recommend visiting in spring as the entire site is covered in flowers and it is not that hot. See more..
4.5 Mavrovouni Beach (502 reviews)
- Kilometers of sandy beach
Beaches

Beaches in Greece are often pebbled and rocky … Mavrovouni a little outside picturesque Gythio is a pleasant surprise - kilometers of sand; a really nice spot for tanning and bathing. At first, neither the beach nor the surroundings are particular charming. The dirt road (with lots of free parking) next to the beach is sloppy looking - this is clearly not a nifty neighbourhood. But lying in the sand the beach gets to you. Blue-ish mountains in the background, the clear water (with sudden depth), the relaxed atmosphere. There are a few tavernas when you get hungry and/or thirsty … you can easily spend a day (or a week) here. See more..
4.5 Kalamata Beach (443 reviews)
- Relaxing on Kalamata beach
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

Clean waters and great cafés nearby. Ideal for families with small children. I Always go when I'm close to the region. Definitely worth it! See more..
4.5 Agia Sofia Church (361 reviews)
- Lots of history
Churches & Cathedrals

The upper part of Monemvasia is where the nobles lived and the garrison protected them against pirates and marauders. Originally Byzantine it changed hands between Ottoman and Venetian after briefly being a Frankish fort. The climb is not too demanding and the views are totally stunning. The church,deliberately echoing the Agia Sophia church in Constantinople is open daily at 8am, closing mid afternoon. It has been restored as part of a €1,000,000 renovation of the area. Totally worth a visit. See more..
4.5 Archaeological Museum of Ancient Mycenae (343 reviews) from $14.99
- Yes, it is open and great
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice History Museums

Both, on TA and Google is written the museum is closed, but in fact it is open and included in your 12 Euros entry fee. The museum is small, but excellently displayed and very informative explaining the far prehistoric era of Mycenae. I suggest visiting it after the site to cool yourself after the heat and there're also restrooms. See more..
4.5 Lake Doxa (337 reviews)
- Magnificent place !
Spent 2-3 hours Bodies of Water

A man-made lake on the mountains of Corinth, near the villages of Feneos and Goura. You can stay at one of the nearby villages, there is plenty of hostels that can accommodate you, and enjoy the local cuisine of the area, and have some sport activities, like canoe-kayak inside the lake or bike around the lake. See more..
4.5 Koroni Castle (316 reviews)
- Dramatic headland site with plenty to see inside.
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

This is not a particularly easy site to get to - it’s impossible to park up in the higher area of the town, but this should not deter you, as the castle will repay a fairly lengthy visit. It’s best to park down in the town and then find a path up between some of the houses until you find the road leading to the castle gate. It’s not a difficult walk, and once there you can explore the fortress at your leisure. It's an extensive site with spectacular views over the sea and down to the town. Like many fortifications in this region Koroni castle is Venetian originally but was then subject to some rebuilding by the Ottoman Turks thereafter. You won’t find impressive ramparts and towers, as you will at Pylos or Methoni – my favourite feature of Koroni castle was the church of Agia Sofia, where you will fond some superb 13th century images on the iconostasis. See more..
4.5 Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil (284 reviews)
- An unexpected treat - don't miss this gem of a museum
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums

The Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil, in Sparta (Peloponnese), transports you to the culture, history and technology of the olive and olive oil production in the Greek realm, from prehistoric times to the early 20th century. The Museum's objective is to highlight the ineffable relation of the olive with the identity of our country and, more generally, the Mediterranean basin. The olive and olive oil are presented here from different optical angles: the economy, nutrition and the olive's uses, religious worship, art and technology. The Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil offers you the opportunity to see the very first testimonies about the presence of the olive tree and the production of olive oil in Greece: Rare fossilized olive leaves, 50,000-60,000 years old, from the island of Santorini, the oldest findings offering proof of the presence of the olive tree en Greece Linear B Tablets of the 14th century BC (exact replicas), with the first written testimonies about the olive and olive oil. See more..