"Kalimera!" (good morning in Greek), is heard over and over again through the streets of Agrilos, a small enclave of 200 inhabitants in the southwest of the Peloponnese. Even if no one knows you, almost everyone has a moment to welcome you. The same is true of most of the towns on this historic Greek peninsula, quiet and rural in character, but with a strong Mediterranean temperament.
“Here almost all the neighbors are friendly. If you want tranquility, good food and a relaxed atmosphere, the Peloponnese is your place”, says Dan, a German computer scientist who decided to move to Agrilos a year after the start of the pandemic.
This region owes its name to Pelops, a mythological hero who, according to legend, managed to conquer the entire territory. Although most travelers who enter Greece by plane do not spend much of their vacation there, this region retains its true Hellenic character intact and the vestiges of one of the most brilliant civilizations in history.
In addition to Olympia (place where the Olympic Games were born) and Sparta (famous for its invincible army), the Peloponnese offers the traveler a tourist and cultural offer that has nothing to envy to the rest of the country.
Charming fishing villages, endless beaches, wild ruins and white chalk hotels draw a unique landscape that remains forever etched in the visitor's imagination. For all those who want to discover the most original and least known Greece, this is the most original route. we started.
Located southwest of the Peloponnese, Homer mentions it as one of the seven cities that Agamemnon offered to Achilles to appease his anger. It has a past that delights visitors eager to learn about the culture and history of the country. The place was occupied and completely fortified by the Venetians in the 13th century, a time in which it lived its maximum splendor as a commercial port towards the Eastern Mediterranean.
The castle, which is still in excellent condition, is one of its great attractions. Of course: you have to reserve at least two hours to be able to see the entire architectural ensemble. In the central square, right on the beach, there are several Greek taverns where you can eat fried fish at a good price.
Very close to Sparta, Mystrás is one of the great attractions of the central Peloponnese. It was the last center of Byzantine culture before the arrival of the Ottomans, and it shows, especially because of the vestiges that still remain. Located on Mount Taygetus, it is located in a privileged place with some of the best views of the peninsula. So much so that the ruins were declared a World Heritage Site.
The entrance costs ten euros, and you have to dedicate at least three hours to the visit, since the old city is built on wild terrain that presents a great unevenness. If you have enough spirits, it is worth going up to the top, where the ruins of the first constructions of the city are located and from where you can enjoy an unparalleled landscape.
A small peninsula within another large peninsula. Monemvasia is one of the most original towns in the region. Connected to the Peloponnese by a bridge over a narrow strip of land, it stands on a promontory barely 1.8 kilometers long and 160 meters high.
From a distance, it gives the impression that the city is itself a large rock that has fallen into the sea. It has belonged to the Venetians, Byzantines, the Turks and even to Pope Pius II. This turbulent past is, today, one of its greatest attractions, since the architectural and cultural diversity is very unique.
The walls, the citadel, the Mosque square or the incredible Byzantine temple dedicated to Santa Sofia are some of the essentials when visiting Monemvasia. In addition, it is also highly recommended to take a walk on the beach, outside the fortified city, and have a drink in one of the bars at the foot of the promenade, enjoying the views offered by this Greek rock.
Its name, according to Strabo, is due to the large number of ships that anchored its coasts in the past. The city of Nafplio, which some historical documents refer to as an ancient Egyptian colony, has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The town retains that air of a small municipality in the pure Greek style combined with a huge high-quality tourist offer.
The Archaeological Museum, with one of the largest collections of objects in the entire Argolis region, is one of the must-sees in Nauplio. The same goes for the Palamidi castle, a visit to which is the perfect excuse to stretch your legs and climb the 999 steps that lead up to its gates.
For the most curious, it is recommended to take a tour of the Kolomboi Museum, the only one in the world. There, the history of one of the most mystical objects of Greek culture is shown, which is still used today by young and old alike to entertain themselves and hang out while they walk, work or even read. A few kilometers away is the Roman theater of Epidavros, the best preserved in the world, with one of the most perfect acoustics.
It is probably the most visited city by tourists. Today it is known around the world for hosting one of the largest civil engineering works on the planet: the Corinth Canal, which connects the Aegean Sea with the Gulf of Corinth.
A few kilometers from the city is Ancient Corinth, whose temple of Apollo draws the attention of everyone who comes to visit it. Both the museum and the archaeological remains are two of the most interesting visits that can be complemented with a climb to the Acrocorinth, a rocky elevation that was used as an acropolis both in antiquity and in the Middle Ages.
The historic city center is home to several charming hostels and apartments at reasonable prices. Some of the most outstanding are the Acrocorinto Apartments, the Acro Upscale Residences or the Vasilios Marinos rooms.
