When most people think of Greece, they’re dreaming of sunsets in Santorini, sailing adventures on the cobalt waters of the Mediterranean, or dancing on tabletops in Ios.
Been there, done that. (And I recommend it!)
But for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, I highly recommend a Peloponnese road trip.
Now I’m a more mature traveler (can I barf at that?) I’m looking for travel adventures that go beyond stunning beaches and views.
So, I was thrilled at the opportunity to explore the Peloponnese region of Greece thanks to TBEX.
Briefly, TBX is one of the biggest travel blogging conferences in the world and they are usually held in lesser-known destinations. I spoke at the event, and like any good Aussie, I used that as an opportunity to explore the region more in-depth. There is no way I’m flying more than 8 hours and NOT staying longer!
TBEX party – Kastraki Castle Bar
I’m so glad I did. I had a fantastic adventure that took me to the ancient wonders of Corinth and Acrocorinth to the charming coastal town of Nafplio, the picturesque vineyards of Nemea, and the vibrant city of Kalamata.
In this post, I’ll share information on the highlights of a road trip of the Peloponnese, things to do, practical tips on car rental, where to stay, and offer a 7-day itinerary outline based upon my own personal experiences (and lessons learned). If you find it helpful, please share it with a friend!
Table Of Contents
Why Visit the Peloponnese? Firstly, Travel Insurance Hiring a Car in Greece At A Glance: 7 Days in the Peloponnese Road Trip Itinerary Map of this Peloponnese Itinerary Alternative Options The Best Peloponnese Road Trip Itinerary Day 1: Ancient Corinth & Acrocorinth Stop 1: Corinth Canal Stop 2: Ancient Corinth Stop 3: Acrocorinth Stop 4: Epidaurus Stop 5: Epidaurus Theater Day 2: Day trip to Mycenae and Nemea for Wine Tasting Stop 1: Ancient Mycenae Stop 2: Wine Tasting in Nemea Day 3: Nafplio / Nafplion Stop 1: Hike the 999 steps to the Palamidi Fortress Stop 2: Kayak to Bourtzi Castle Stop 3: Explore the Nafplio Beaches Stop 4: Walk from Old Town Nafplio to Arvanitias Beach Where to Eat in Nafplio Where to stay in Nafplio Day 4: Kalamata, Home of the Olives Enjoy a drink with a view at Kastraki – Meteoro Bar Where to Eat in Kalamata Where to Stay in Kalamata: Grecotel Filoxenia Day 5: Day Trip from Kalamata to Kardamyli Stop 1: Sea Kayaking in Kardamyli Stop 2: Visit the Patrick Leigh Fermor House Day 6: Day Trip to Polylimnio Waterfalls and Voidokilia Beach Stop 1: Hike the Polylimnio Waterfall Trail Stop 2: Visit Voidokilia Beach Day 7: Drive back to Athens FAQs About Visiting the Peloponnese Where is the Peloponnese? What cities are in the Peloponnese? What popular towns are in the Peloponnese? Is it easy to drive in the Peloponnese? Where to Stay in the Peloponnese Top Selling Tours in the Peloponnese Final Thoughts on a Peloponnese Road Trip
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HANDY BOOKING CHECKLIST:
You’ll find more information on the following below, but to make it easy for you, here are our top recommendations for your pre-trip booking.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: See policy options with Allianz Travel Insurance.
CAR RENTAL: Find best price and availability via DiscoverCars.com
eSIM: Get the best rates for your Wi-Fi connection in Greece with Airalo
HOTELS:
Central Hotel Athens : Great Plaka location with Acropolis views.
Kapodistrias Hotel Nafplio : Perfect Old Town location with views and affordable price
The Grecotel Filoxenia Kalmata : A little more resort luxury with beachside location
TOURS:
Sea Kayaking in Kardamyli Amazing scenery and lunch on the beach
Winery tour of Nemea : Leave the car at home for worry free sampling
Nafplio City Walking Tour : Romance and history in one stroll
Why Visit the Peloponnese?
Nafplio – the first capital of Greece
You may have heard of the Peloponnese: Think Sparta, St Paul, kalamata olives, Greek mythology, and so much more.
This region of Greece only two hours west of Athens offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and authentic Greek culture. You’ll find ancient archaeological sites, breathtaking mountainous and coastal landscapes, delicious food and award winning wine.
I was surprised at the diverse travel offerings and how lush and scenically beautiful it was.
It is possible to explore the Peloponnese using public transport, or even on a guided tour, but I wanted the freedom to explore at my own pace , uncover hidden gems, and immerse myself in the local way of life.
Plus, a mom who’s traveled with her kids for 15 years, seven of those full time, I wanted an easy travel experience for this solo adventure.
So, let’s dive into the practical details of planning your Peloponnese road trip!
Firstly, Travel Insurance
Travel Happy!
We never leave home without travel insurance (a $1,000 lesson makes sure of it!) We even have an annual travel insurance policy with Allianz Travel – our long-term partner and sponsor of this content – so we don’t have to worry about purchasing a policy for every trip.
We hope you never have to use your travel insurance policy, but you’ll definitely want one for security and peace of mind. Should something unexpected happen that is covered by your policy, you can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in lost pre-paid expenses.
One of the added benefits of having travel insurance when renting a car for a road trip, is you may be able to skip the added extra expense of purchasing a Collision Damage Waiver depending on your policy , as rental car loss/damage coverage is included in some single trip and annual travel insurance policies. You may also be able to add it to your policy if it’s not!
Traveling in Europe, especially during peak season, can be a headache with delays and lost luggage. Your travel insurance policy may also help you in those instances.
This content is sponsored by Allianz Partners (AGA Service Co.) and I have received financial compensation but all opinions expressed are my own.
Hiring a Car in Greece
To embark on this incredible adventure, you’ll need a reliable vehicle to explore the Peloponnese. Hiring a car is a popular choice as it provides flexibility and convenience.
Opt for a small, comfortable, and fuel-efficient car to navigate the winding roads and hilly terrain of the region.
Not only that, but you may also be driving down extremely narrow streets, like I did in Nafplio and Athens. You will need a tiny car.
Be conscious of luggage . My car only had room for one suitcase in the boot/trunk.
I picked up my rental at Athens airport as I stayed in Athens for two nights before my Peloponnese Road trip.
This meant driving through Athens and parking at my hotel (for free). I did not need it while in Athens. But it worked out more cost effective to hire the car for the entire time and drop it back off at the airport when it was time to leave.
I rented my car through DiscoverCars.com. I loved the ease of their search filters to help me quickly find a reliable, efficient vehicle with great rates.
As it’s a search comparison site, you can easily find a car to suit your needs. i.e. one at the airport, or one at a rental provider in the city of Athens.
Their booking communication was excellent with helpful tips and guides on visiting Athens! They do a fantastic job of being more than just a car rental booking site.
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Be sure to book your car in advance to ensure you don’t miss out! See rates and availability from Athens here.
At A Glance: 7 Days in the Peloponnese Road Trip Itinerary
View from the road
If you don’t have much time, here is a brief itinerary outline based upon my experiences. My advice is to be as flexible as you can.
I switched my days around in Nafplio as I had a full day of rain and did not want to explore the beaches and stunning viewpoints on that day!
Check out the map with all the places mentioned in this itinerary guide mapped out for you!
Day 1 : Pick up your rental car, and drive to Nafplio. Explore Ancient Corinth, Acrocorinth, and Epidaurus Theater along the way. Explore Old Town Nafplio.
Day 2 : Visit the ancient sites of Mycenae and Nemea and indulge in wine tasting. Overnight Nafplio
Day 3 : Explore the Palamidi Fortress and the beaches of Nafplio. Overnight in Nafplio.
Day 4 : Drive to Kalamata, stopping at scenic spots along the way. Explore the city center and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Overnight in Kalamata.
Day 5: Take a day trip to Kardamyli on the Mani Peninsula. Spend the day relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Kalamata or take a day trip to nearby attractions such as the Mani Peninsula or the stunning Voidokilia Beach. Overnight in Kalamata.
Day 6 : Hike the stunning Polylimnio Waterfalls and the Voidokilia Beach
Day 7 : Depart for Athens, returning to your rental car at the airport before your departure.
Map of this Peloponnese Itinerary
Below you will find a map of this itinerary, including all the key attractions, places to eat, and places to stay.
Alternative Options
Kardamyli on the Mani Peninsula
If you have more time, or want to add in a few other top attractions in the Peloponnese to your itinerary, here are some suggestions (I’m coming back for them)
The Site of Ancient Olympia (home to the first Olympic Games)
The ancient site of Mystras
Sparta
Mani Peninsula
Costa Navarino (Navarino Bay)
You’re also not too far from a ferry ride over to the island of Zakynthos .
Take a boat trip over from Piraeus to Hydra
Delphi Archeological Site
I highly recommend you explore Athens either before or after your Peoloponnese road trip. I’ll have a post sharing my tips for Athens soon. If you join our email list, you won’t miss it!
The Best Peloponnese Road Trip Itinerary
Kondyli Beach, Nafplio
Below is how I recommend you spend a seven day itinerary. I’ve broken the following attractions and things to do in the Peloponnese into the order in which I did them, but you can switch up this itinerary into any order that suits you.
Day 1: Ancient Corinth & Acrocorinth
I skipped the town of Corinth due to time and low expectations. Instead, I chose to visit the following outstanding ancient sites. I was quite blown away by them.
Stop 1: Corinth Canal
The Corinth Canal
Firstly, you may want to stop off at the Corinth Canal. I found it overrated but I know many others who love it.
The Corinth Canal is an engineering marvel that connects the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea. It is incredibly narrow and is meant to be a sight if a boat is coming down it.
This can be an easy five-minute stop on your road trip, and you’ll have to pass through it anyway so you might as well. There is a parking lot on the right just as you cross the bridge (you’ll see loads of buses). Then walk on the bridge and take a peek.
Stop 2: Ancient Corinth
Have you heard of St Paul and his letters to the Corinthians?
This is where history will come alive for you as it’s where St Paul lived for 18-months in his attempts to convert the gentiles. It’s a top attraction in the Peloponnese for Christians.
You’ll only need about an hour to explore the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth.
Wander among the well-preserved ruins and temples, marvel at the iconic Temple of Apollo, and the Bema, a large, elevated rostrum standing prominently in the centre of the Roman Forum where St Paul was put on trial for illegal religious teachings but was found not guilty because he was just having discussions.
Berna of St Paul
There’s also a small archaeological museum, which highlights artifacts from the area.
Outside of the Ancient Corinth Gates are a row of restaurants to fuel up with coffee and lunch before driving up the mountain.
I had no idea you could get a self-guided audio tour of Ancient Corinth. I wish I knew as I really enjoyed the one I had touring the archeological sites in Athens.
Stop 3: Acrocorinth
Acrocorinth – worth a climb!
All good things come to those who are prepared to climb. Acrocorinth is where you can escape the crowds. Acrocorinth was a maybe for me on my road trip and quickly became one of my favorite attractions in the Peloponnese.
I saw it sitting high atop the mountain from Ancient Corinth and was intrigued to follow that winding mountainous road.
Acorointh is the ancient fortress perched so high in order to monitor the isthmus of Corinth and protect Ancient Corinth below.
The Views from Acrocorinth
There are multiple trails running through the crumbling ruins, all leading to the most spectacular views.
The rich history and stunning vistas make Acrocorinth a must-visit attraction in the Peloponnese.
View from the road
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IN-DEPTH POST: Read my in-depth guide to Ancient Corinth and Acrocorinth, including history, why visit, what to see and planning logistics. It includes lots of beautiful photos!
Stop 4: Epidaurus
Views on the drive
From Acrocorinth, drive to Epidaurus and enjoy some stunning coastal views along the way.
Epidaurus was a small city in ancient Greece, on the Argolid Peninsula at the Saronic Gulf.
Stop 5: Epidaurus Theater
Visiting the ancient Theater of Epidaurus is an absolute must for any history enthusiast or theater lover.
This magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site , and home of ancient healing grounds, holds immense cultural significance.
The Theater of Epidaurus, dates back to the 4th century BC, and was built to host religious ceremonial events in honor of God Asclepius.
Walk to the top for beautiful views of the lush valley surrounding it. It is renowned for its near-perfect acoustics, allowing the audience to hear even the softest of whispers. Stand in the middle of the stage and whisper to a friend up at the top level and test it out!
It’s a unique opportunity to witness the enduring legacy of Greek theater and experience the magic of this historic venue. In summer, it hosts performances of ancient Greek drama.
Asklepios sanctuary
Just steps away from the theater is the ancient Asklepios sanctuary, dedicated to the God of Healing. It included a temple with the god’s cult statue; an altar; a sacred spring; an offering pit; two stoas; and an athletic field.
DO NOT buy a coffee from the cafe here – it was uber expensive and not very good! The freshly squeezed orange juice, however, was the refreshing burst of hydration I needed.
Epidaurus is about 30-minutes from Nafplio (your overnight destination).
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You can get pre-purchase a skip the line ticket here.
Day 2: Day trip to Mycenae and Nemea for Wine Tasting
On my one full rainy day in Nafplio, I decided to head to the ancient site of Mycenae and do some wine tasting in Nemea. Both are an easy day trip from Nafplio (only forty’ minutes’ drive in total)
Stop 1: Ancient Mycenae
Mycenae
First stop only twenty minutes’ drive away was Mycenae, an ancient archaeological site that holds immense historical and cultural significance.
I knew about this only because Savannah learned about the powerful Mycenaean civilization in school, which flourished during the Late Bronze Age.
People visit to explore the remnants of Mycenaean civilization but also to delve into the rich tapestry of Greek mythology.
This was the town of the legendary King Agamemnon , the leader of the Greeks during the Trojan War. It’s also founded by Perseus, son of Zeus and Danae, and heroes immortalized by the Homer’s Epics.
Surrounding the ruins are the remains of huge Cyclopean walls said to be constructed by the mythical cyclops.
See the headless lions?
Begin by walking through the famous spot in Mycenae, the Lions Gate into the old civilization to wander amongst the ruins of palaces, tombs, and fortifications that once symbolized the might and opulence of Mycenae.
There are different burial chambers called tholos, or beehive tombs, which are a circular vaulted chamber with an entrance way.
A highlight of Mycenae for visitors is the Treasury of Atreus, the vaulted tomb of King Agamemnon.
King Agamemnon’s tomb
There were too many school tour groups for me to really enjoy the tomb. But I did enjoy the ruins of Mycenae and the impressive views of the surrounding countryside.
The Lion’s Gate is another notable landmark in the site.
Mycenae is a pilgrimage for history enthusiasts, offering a fascinating glimpse into Greece’s ancient world and leaving visitors in awe of the incredible achievements of the Mycenaean civilization.
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BOOK IN ADVANCE : This skip the line ticket is actually cheaper than what I paid at the gate. It also includes an audio guide.
Stop 2: Wine Tasting in Nemea
Wine Time
Nemea is known for its vineyards and the legendary Ancient Nemean Games held every other year in honor of Zeus.
I did not get time to visit Ancient Nemea (and I was a bit ancient Greek tired!), but you can visit to see the Temple of Zeus and the ancient stadium.
Instead, my purpose for Nemea was wine tasting! I really wanted to join a tour for this so I could enjoy the tasting without worrying about blood alcohol limits. But it didn’t happen, so I chose to visit two vineyards, spacing them out with tasting to equal one glass at each over a prolonged period.
Nemea is one of the best wine regions in Greece, known for the acclaimed Agiorgitiko grape variety.
Ktimi Bairaktaris Winery
Pretty wine tasting garden at Ktimi Bairaktaris Winery
Perfect for wine tasting
I arrived at Ktimi Bairaktaris Winery. at the right time. A tasting tour had just started so I joined for just 15 Euro.
We went behind the scenes to learn about the process of making wine before sitting down in the tasting room. They bought out a small charcuterie board of cheese, bread, and olive oil and three samples of wine: white, rose, and red. All were delicious!
I quickly became a fan of Greek wine on this Peloponnese trip.
Papantonis Winery
My next winery was Papantonis Winery south of Argos, only twenty minutes from Nafplio. I don’t know how I found this place, but I’m so glad I did.
This was no fancy winery with a small tasting bar amongst the barrels and office space. Owner Antonis joined me with a glass of wine and brought out a plate of the most delicious feta cheese and olives (grown on his farm) and poured me a glass of wine way beyond normal sampling size.
Such great wine
Delicious feta
This was the one time I was rueful I was traveling on my own and driving! I had to politely decline the huge servings, taking small sips of delicious chardonnay and possibly one of the best red wines I’ve ever tasted – Meden Agan made from the Agiorgitiko grapes.
Award winning superb wine
Antonis told me of his life working as an accountant in Libya, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia, saving up enough money to quit and start this award-winning winery and farm. The wine was so delicious and the conversation so fun, I knew I had to cut the visit short!
But, not without taking a bottle of that red wine home with me to savor properly in the US.
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WINE TOUR: This wine tasting tour also includes a visit to Ancient Nemea. It is expensive, and you can only book with two people. I thought it meant 2 people minimum on tour, but it won’t let you book unless you have two people. I tried multiple booking sites. Hopefully you have better luck if you don’t want to drive. I made it work but be vigilant.
Day 3: Nafplio / Nafplion
Now it’s time to explore one of my favorite places in the Peloponnese, Nafplio, the first capital of Greece.
It’s known for its romantic ambiance and Venetian charm, which you’ll fall in love with on your first steps through the meandering cobblestone narrow streets of Old Town.
Wander and wonder at the colorful buildings and shops, linger in inviting cafes, and enjoy sunsets on the water’s edge.
Here are a few other top things to do in Nafplio.
Stop 1: Hike the 999 steps to the Palamidi Fortress
Hiking to Palamidi Fortress, a citadel perched on top of the hill behind Old Town, is not as exhausting as it sounds. The reward will be breathtaking views over the town and the Argolic Gulf.
Built by the Venetians in the 18th century , this fortress served as a stronghold to protect against enemy invasions and played a significant role during the Greek War of Independence.
You can wander through the fortress and enjoy the views. Be sure to crawl your way into the damp, dark prison cell as a reminder to follow the law!
Go early for the best light conditions and to avoid crowds.
Stop
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