Peloponnese; an epic adventure in 10 mythological destinations
An incredible road-trip dotted by epic narrative, mythological archeology and classic art from ancient Greece
Hellenic civilizations shaped the world when delving into birth places and implications of Greek mythology on ancient and contemporary thought, no journey matches the narrative power from Peloponnese geographical area. Composed by impervious peninsulas, swept by winds and waves and completed by polis complete hosting temples, theaters and cult architectures immersed in a colorful vegetation, the route from Argolida to Laconia via Olimpia and Aeropoli will illuminate even the most experienced and discerning kind of traveler.
1: Admire the sunrise over Epidaurus
A few kilometers from Corinth (another historically and strategically unmissable place) and immersed Ulisse’s native land (Argolis), the site of Epidaurus offers insight in the best preserved outdoor theater in the world. Venue of enchanting poetry, Epidauro acoustics still rivals contemporary auditoriums while the rocky hills covered by conifers and Mediterranean scrubs, provide visitors with unforgettable glances on those very same landscapes that inspired mythology and dramaturgy from the Hellenic period.
2: King Agamemnon and the Lions Gate
After a pleasant night in livel Nafplio - town in the Argolic Gulf fortified by the Venetians in 1388 – the winding road leads to Ancient Mycenae. Today, the ruins of the first Hellenic city founded in 1,600 BC during the Bronze Age, can only provide small hint of its former grandeur which can be still perceived when admiring the well-maintained Lions Gate. Just a short hop from the archeological site dominating the below valley, stands the eternal resting place of the legendary King Agamemnon whose megalithic tomb is one of the nations’ main attractions.
3: Ancient Olympia between myths and reality
After having crossed Peloponnese central mountain ranges - where some views resemble Switzerland and in other cases the Balkans – sacred Olympia founded more than 2,500 years ago, is a site to behold both visually and spiritually. We are of course, right in the birthplace of Olympic games and of the Olympic values. Find your favorite spot in this soothing park and feel like a champion while contemplating the large stadium, the monumental colonnades that used as gymnasiums or the temples dedicated to Hera and Zeus. The not to be missed visit of the adjacent archaeological museum of Olympia provides further depth in the Hellenic world from around 500 b.C via depictions of battles and glorious statues of Hermes, Dionysius and of the Nike of Peonius.
4: Lovely coastal roads
Messinia, Mani, Corinthia, Arcadia and Laconia share formidable coastal and mountain routes. The journey by car and motorcycle presents travelers with a magnificent variety of landscapes ranging rocky offshoots in the Aegean, to long white beaches of the Costa Navarino and all the way up towards spectacular mountain roads. Particularly enjoyable is the drive along Kyparissia gulf that especially on the Kalamata - Kardamili stretch encompasses a varied scenery of verdant hills, dry stone walls, wild cypresses, bounganvillae and solitary physiognomies of the Mani peninsula.
5: Fine Hellenic Hospitality
A few minutes from the pretty fishing village of Kardamili hidden by an ecosystem of beach, olive trees and wild slopes, is charming and chic Liodentra House. This elegant traditional style villa, boasts refined attention to detail and quiet natural environments a stone's throw from the beach (where guests can enjoy facilities of the Liodentra House beach-club). As in Greece hospitality by Aria Hotels is synonymous with uncompromised excellence and authenticity, another not to be missed stay close to Kardamili is the Patrick & Joan Leigh Fermor House; a historic property with high cultural value managed by Aria Hotels together with the Benaki Museum.
6: Charming Peloponnese villages
Stone houses, red roofs, turquoise waters and clear skies. Almost everywhere in the Peloponnese, small urban settlements shine a light thanks to rich history, superb location and stunning landscape. Amongs many, two of the most picturesque villages of the region are located on the road to the Mani where the hamlet of Limeni is recognizable by a spectacular lagoon with Polynesian colors and typical fishing boats. Above Limeni and at a much higher altitude, pretty Aeropoli (city of the wind dedicated to the god Ares) offers colorful architecture, watchtowers and plenty of historical memories as this is where the Greek war of independence began in 1821.
7: Turquoise lagoons and geological wonders
The naturalistic and spiritual magic of Peloponnese seascapes and landscapes is inseparable from a lush nature that inspired myths and mythology. If in Greece beautiful and crisp clean waters are almost a somatic feature, some of the country’s most spectacular wonders are hidden to the eye. One of them, are the incredible caves of Diros located 70 meters below sea level. Stalactites and stalagmites can be almost caressed (but please don’t touch them) during an excursion in small rowing boats gently passing by wonderous formations reflecting on icy waters. Dark tunnels, huge natural vaults and sculptured minerals confirm once again how nature will always be the most sublime of artists.
8 Fertile Messenia
Messenia is the most fertile Peloponnese peninsula so much so that during the Middle Ages, Franks and Venetians bitterly contended the control of its valleys. The same happened with Spartans (for those wishing to deviate to Sparta, not to be missed venues are the tomb of Leonidas and the site of Mystras dating back to Ottoman period) that until their decline at the hands of the army of Epaminondas, tried to annex this strategic polis. Surprisingly and not without difficulty, Ancient Messenia has survived centuries of wars allowing this amazing archaeological to retain its urbanistic plan and jewels such as mosaics from the Roman era as well as a basilica, pristine theater, gymnasiums, sanctuaries, fountains and the temple of Asklepios.
9 Monemvasia; a sight to behold
Architecturally harmonious, born as a Minoan settlement and built on a cliff jutting into the big blue, Monemvasia is one of the most beautiful villages in the world. By virtue of its almost impregnable position created by medieval walls, marine perimeter and steep cliffs, Laconia’s pearl alternates Hellenic, Ottoman and Venetian testimonies. Among the many attractions, there is a fatiguing yet rewarding (especially for the views) climb towards the castle built in elevated position. To reach it, one goes through tunnels dug into the rock and leading to beautiful Santa Sofia perched on a dramatic cliff.
10: Kinsterna Vibes
A short distance from the archaeological site of Kastraki and surrounded by a lush park, Kinsterna Hotel is a microcosm of the complex local history. The fertile land adjacent to the property (where vegetables, fruits and honey are produced) adjacent to centuries-old agricultural tools and cisterns that supply the entire structure with pure water, are an integral part of a recovery and environmental project launched by the Kinsterna Hotel. Dating back to the eighteenth century and at the time inhabited by a wealthy Venetian family, the historical destination worked together with the ephorate for Byzantine antiquities to ensure that a conservative and careful restoration would preserve artifacts, materials, arts and crafts expressive of its notable past. The result is an extraordinary open-air museum with soothing rooms, panoramic swimming pool, wellness treatments and an excellent seasonal cuisine based on mainly organic local produce.
Matteo Morichini
My childhood memories are of arts, literature and visits of far away lands and now, I love writing about tourism, travel&motoring experiences as well as gastronomic cultures. Following the Degree in History & Politics and the Masters in International Relations at London School of Economics, I start my journalist career in 2004. Since then, I made it a point to visit all of the seven continents, while daily enhancing my passion and curiosity towards cuisine, charming hospitality and millenial traditions from the beautiful Italian territory
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