Peloponnese - Peloponnes

Peloponnese
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The (often also: the) Peloponnese located in the south Greece. Although they are through the artificial Corinth Canal is separated from the mainland, it represents a peninsula and forms the extension of the Balkans.

background

The Surname the Peloponnese means something like "island of the Pelops". Pelops is a mythological king who made up large parts of Elis and Arcadia conquered. Later the whole peninsula was named after im. You can see Pelops on the east gable of the Temple of Zeus in Olympia.

The Peloponnese is apart from Crete the southernmost Greek region. The temperatures are around 3 ° C higher than on the mainland. Nevertheless, the mountains, which are up to 2,400 m high, allow around 20 ski areas. Even if the length of their slopes cannot compete with those of alpine areas, they are mostly in operation from the end of December to mid-March.

The Peloponnese is an ancient cultural land and offers unique archaeological sites from antiquity and the Middle Ages. Mycenaeans, ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Franks, Ottomans, French and English have left their mark on the region. The peninsula also has a lot to offer in terms of landscape: the spectrum ranges from beautiful beaches to wide plains to high mountains.

Regions

Karte Peloponnes2.jpg

The Peloponnese is made up of the following prefectures:

  • AchaiaWebsite of this institution (Περιφερειακή ενότητα Αχαΐας). Achaia in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaAchaia im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsAchaia (Q2495811) in der Datenbank Wikidata.Capital Patras.
  • CorinthiaWebsite of this institution (Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Κορινθίας). Korinthien in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaKorinthien im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsKorinthien (Q208306) in der Datenbank Wikidata.Capital Corinth.
  • ElisWebsite of this institution (Νομός Ηλείας). Elis in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaElis im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsElis (Q1063649) in der Datenbank Wikidata.Capital of Pyrgos.
  • ArcadiaWebsite of this institution (Νομός Αρκαδίας). Arkadien in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaArkadien im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsArkadien (Q170054) in der Datenbank Wikidata.Capital Tripoli.
  • ArgolisWebsite of this institution (Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Αργολίδας). Argolis in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaArgolis im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsArgolis (Q191897) in der Datenbank Wikidata.Capital Nafplio.
  • Messenia (Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Μεσσηνίας). Messenien (Q11723843) in der Datenbank Wikidata.Capital Kalamata.
  • LaconiaWebsite of this institution (Νομός Λακωνίας). Lakonien in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaLakonien im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsLakonien (Q190216) in der Datenbank Wikidata.Capital Sparta.

places

places
Patras seen from the fortress
Map of Peloponnese
  • 1  Patras. Patras in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaPatras im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsPatras (Q133123) in der Datenbank Wikidata.Patras is after Athens and Thessaloniki the third largest city in Greece and has an important port, which is particularly convenient for ferry connections to Italy. The city at the entrance to the Gulf of Corinth is often only approached by tourists as a transit station, but it also has some sights to offer.
  • 2  Corinth. Korinth in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaKorinth im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsKorinth (Q103011) in der Datenbank Wikidata.The city on the Isthmus of Corinth of the same name is now a noisy and modern Greek city. The fortress of Akrocorinth is impressively located on a mountain above the city. The archaeological site of ancient Corinth is also waiting to be explored.
  • 3  Pyrgos (Πύργος Ηλείας). Pyrgos im Reiseführer Wikivoyage in einer anderen SprachePyrgos in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaPyrgos im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsPyrgos (Q216307) in der Datenbank Wikidata.The modern city of Pyrgos, which is not far from, is not very attractive Olympia is on the west coast of the Peloponnese.
  • 4  Tripoli (Τρίπολη). Tripoli im Reiseführer Wikivoyage in einer anderen SpracheTripoli in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaTripoli im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsTripoli (Q193409) in der Datenbank Wikidata.Tripols is beautifully located on the edge of a plateau, you can find comparatively good shopping opportunities and the city is at the crossroads of important roads - which would also describe the city's tourist advantages.
  • 5  Nafplion. Nafplion in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaNafplion im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsNafplion (Q202337) in der Datenbank Wikidata.Nafplion was once the first capital of Greece. The Palimidifestung towers majestically over the old town and offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Argolic Gulf. Although the city is firmly in the hands of tourists, it has a unique flair. Restaurants, cafes, boutiques, souvenir shops and guest houses are lined up in beautifully restored houses.
  • 6  PylosWebsite of this institution (Πύλος). Pylos in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaPylos im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsPylos (Q7263152) in der Datenbank Wikidata.The small fishing village, where tourism has long since arrived, is located in the southwest of the Peloponnese. The village nestles nicely on a slope and offers many places a beautiful view over the historically important bay. In the immediate vicinity there are beautiful beaches, the Palace of Nestor and a ruined fortress of the Venetians and an aqueduct that is well worth seeing.
  • 7  Kalamata. Kalamata im Reiseführer Wikivoyage in einer anderen SpracheKalamata in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaKalamata im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsKalamata (Q167895) in der Datenbank Wikidata.The noisy city of Kalamata is the economic center of the southern Peloponnese. The famous Kalamata olive oil also comes from the surrounding area. In addition to the old town and the large pebble beach, the city offers a good starting point for day trips. In front of the castle ruins with its rich history on a rocky hill in the northwest of the city of Kalamata you have a wonderful view of the city. On the hill there was an ancient acropolis before the Trojan War and later a Byzantine fortress. The ruins, from today, are the remains of the castle, which was (re) built there during the Frankish occupation at the beginning of the 13th century.
  • 8  Sparta. Sparta in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaSparta im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsSparta (Q5690) in der Datenbank Wikidata.Only a small inconspicuous excavation site today bears witness to the city's former fame after Sparta was once razed to the ground by the Ottomans. Most tourists today are drawn to the nearby area Mystras, by far the most important Byzantine monument in Greece.
  • 9  Stoupa (Στούπα Μεσσηνίας). Stoupa in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaStoupa im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsStoupa (Q7620562) in der Datenbank Wikidata.Small seaside resort at the entrance to the Mani. Characterized by smaller hotels and pensions, many holiday homes and apartments. Since there are no large hotels, the place is still charming and a bit sleepy even in high season. There are two beaches right in the village, "Kalogria" is one of the most famous in Messinia because it has wonderfully fine sand. In the immediate vicinity there are two other beaches, mostly with gravel. The landscape invites you to go hiking - but better not in hot summer. Nice trips, for example with the rented scooter, go to Agios Nikolaos, Kastania, Kardamyli.
  • 10  Gythio. Gythio in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaGythio im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsGythio (Q992256) in der Datenbank Wikidata.The small coastal town is the tourist center of the Laconian Gulf.

Other goals

Highlights

  • Cities: Patras, Naphplion
  • Ancient sites: Mycenae, Olympia, Epidaurus
  • Castles: Methoni, Monemvasia
  • Landscapes: Mani Peninsula, Louisos Gorge
  • Monasteries: Agia Lávra, Méga Spileo

Archaeological sites

Archaeological sites
Mycenae

Mycenaean culture (approx. 1600-1100 BC): All over the Peloponnese there are archaeological sites that testify to many past cultures. The most important sites of the Mycenaean culture are:

  • 1  Mycenae. Mykene in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaMykene im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsMykene (Q132564) in der Datenbank Wikidata.was one of the most important cities in Greece in the pre-classical period, after which the Mycenaean culture was named. Preserved and excavated today are, inter alia. the ruins of the Mycenaean upper town. The remains of the cyclopean curtain wall and the lion gate are worth mentioning.Unesco World Heritage Sites in Europe
  • 2  Tiryns. Tiryns in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaTiryns im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsTiryns (Q217379) in der Datenbank Wikidata.Tiryns was an important Mycenaean settlement. 1.5 km from the sea, it controlled the trade routes between the mainland and the centers of the Aegean Sea. It is believed that Tiryns acted as the port of Mycenae, largely because it never achieved its fame. Today Tiryns is a well-known but little-visited archaeological site.Unesco World Heritage Sites in Europe
  • 3  Nestor's Palace (Ανάκτορο του Νέστορα). Nestorpalast in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaNestorpalast im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsNestorpalast (Q2047396) in der Datenbank Wikidata.Remains of a large Mycenaean palace and administrative center from the late Helladic period.
  • 4  Heraion of Perachora (Ηραίον της Περαχώρας). Heraion von Perachora in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaHeraion von Perachora im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsHeraion von Perachora (Q2070087) in der Datenbank Wikidata.is a sanctuary of the goddess Hera in a small bay of the Corinthian Gulf at the end of the Perachora peninsula. In addition to a Hera temple of unusual design, remains of a number of other structures were found, including an L-shaped stoa, a large cistern, dining rooms and a second potential temple. The sanctuary of Hera in Perachora is 14.2 kilometers northwest of Corinth and 75.9 kilometers west of Athens. Although there are debates between Argos, Megara, and Corinth, the sanctuary was likely under the control of Corinth as it was outside the ports of this powerful city across the Corinthian Gulf. Cult activity in this place may have lasted from the 9th century BC. Until 146 BC When the Roman general Mummius sacked Corinth during the war with the Achaean League. In Roman times, domestic structures were built on this site, indicating that the area was no longer a sanctuary. This place is significant in exploring the origins of Greek temple architecture and rural cults.
  • 5  Pavlopetri (Παυλοπέτρι). Pavlopetri in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaPavlopetri im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsPavlopetri (Q966038) in der Datenbank WikidataPavlopetri auf YouTube.The sunken city of Pavlopetri off the coast of southern Laconia is about 5,000 years old, making it one of the oldest sunken cities and the oldest in the Mediterranean.
    youtube url used


Hellenistic-Roman: The ancient sites sometimes show different phases of Hellenistic (750-146 BC) and Roman rule (146 BC-395 AD). Important sites are:

  • 6  Olympia. Olympia in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaOlympia im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsOlympia (Q38888) in der Datenbank Wikidata.was the sanctuary of Zeus. It was the site of the ancient Olympic Games. On the edge of the ancient sanctuary is the modern city of Archea Olymbia.Unesco World Heritage Sites in Europe
  • 7  Epidaurus. Epidauros in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaEpidauros im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsEpidauros (Q233576) in der Datenbank Wikidata.is the most important ancient place of worship for the healing god Asklepios (Asklepieion) and his father Apollo in Greece. The well-preserved theater is particularly well-known. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
  • 8  Messene. Messene in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaMessene im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsMessene (Q1022117) in der Datenbank Wikidata.This ancient city, unlike most of the others, remained untouched by the later settlements and is therefore superbly preserved. The excavation of this site was relatively recent compared to the sites of Epidaurus and Delphi, which explains why it is still a little-known destination. Even so, the archaeological site of ancient Messene is arguably one of the most impressive given its size. The site has been continuously excavated for the past 100 years, but only a third of its total size has been completed so far!
  • 9  Temple of Apollo at Bassae (Ναός Επικούριου Απόλλωνα). Apollontempel bei Bassae in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaApollontempel bei Bassae im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsApollontempel bei Bassae (Q38278862) in der Datenbank Wikidata.is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the second best preserved Greek temple in the motherland (after the Hephaisteion in Athens). It was consecrated to the god of healing Apollon Epikourios.Unesco World Heritage Sites in Europe
  • 10  Mantineia (Μαντίνεια). Mantineia in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaMantineia im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsMantineia (Q1160195) in der Datenbank Wikidata.Ancient Greek city with an eventful history. Today some excavations can be visited. Scenic location.
  • 11  Nemea (Αρχαία Νεμέα Κορινθίας). Nemea in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaNemea im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsNemea (Q748108) in der Datenbank Wikidata.A heroon (probably of Opheltes) from the early 6th century BC is still from the sanctuary. Chr. As well as some treasure houses, also a large bath for the athletes with several wash troughs. The main attraction of the sanctuary was and is the Temple of Zeus.
  • 12  Villa of Herodes Atticus (Έπαυλη του Ηρώδη του Αττικού). Villa des Herodes Atticus in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaVilla des Herodes Atticus im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsVilla des Herodes Atticus (Q16329251) in der Datenbank Wikidata.ancient Roman villa of Herodes Atticus, on the outskirts of the municipality of Doliana.
  • 13  Tegea (Τεγέα). Tegea in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaTegea im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsTegea (Q645234) in der Datenbank Wikidata.was one of the oldest and most powerful cities in the Arcadia of ancient Greece.


Eastern Roman-Byzantine: From the Byzantine period (395-1204) there are still some fortifications that were subsequently used by Franks, Venetians, Ottomans and others. B .:

Castles
Methoni castle
  • 14 MethoniMethoni in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaMethoni im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsMethoni (Q998805) in der Datenbank WikidataMethoni Castle - actually a fortified city - is one of the most important and beautiful castles in Greece. It was built by the Venetians after 1209 in a strategic place on a rock that crosses the sea and is separated from the land by an artificial moat.
  • 15 MonemvasiaWebsite of this institutionMonemvasia in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaMonemvasia im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsMonemvasia (Q654616) in der Datenbank Wikidata, Monemvasia is one of the most important medieval fortified cities in Greece. It is also one of the most beautiful castles in the world. The area consists largely of a large plateau about 100 m high, up to 300 m wide and 1 km long. Here is a mighty medieval fortress. The city wall and many Byzantine churches date from the Middle Ages.
  • 16 Chlemoutsi CastleBurg Chlemoutsi in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaBurg Chlemoutsi im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsBurg Chlemoutsi (Q913308) in der Datenbank Wikidata: Chlemoutsi is a medieval castle built by the crusaders of the Principality of Achaia as the main fortress and is perhaps the most beautiful fortress of the early Franconian period in Greece.
  • 17 Karytaina CastleBurg Karytaina in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaBurg Karytaina im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsBurg Karytaina (Q574916) in der Datenbank Wikidata: The castle was built during the Frankish occupation in the 13th century (probably in 1245) by the famous French knight Geoffroy de Briel, Baron von Karytaina. De Briel, born in Greece, is one of the leading figures in the Chronicle of the Morea.
  • 18 Kyparissia CastleBurg Kyparissia im Reiseführer Wikivoyage in einer anderen SpracheBurg Kyparissia in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaBurg Kyparissia im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsBurg Kyparissia (Q1026705) in der Datenbank Wikidata: Kyparissia Castle is also known as Arcadia Castle, the city's medieval name. It was built by the Franks on the site of an earlier Byzantine fortress. It became one of the most important castles in the Franconian Morea.
  • 19 Androusa Castle: The high point in the history of the castle is that it was the seat of the notorious mercenaries of the "Navarrese Company", who were the last Franconian rulers of the Principality of Achaia. At that time, towards the end of the 14th century, it was one of the most important castles in the Peloponnese.
  • 20 Niokastro Fortress (Pylos): Niokastro was built by the Turks in 1573 and conquered by the Venetians in 1686. In 1715 it came under Turkish rule again, together with the Koroni and Palionavarino castles. In the vicinity of Pylos there is the older castle of Navarino, called Palaiokastro or Palaionavarino, which is also well worth seeing.
  • 21 Koroni fortressWebsite of this institutionFestung Koroni in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaFestung Koroni im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsFestung Koroni (Q954866) in der Datenbank Wikidata: A castle with impressive fortifications at the southwest end of the Peloponnese, which has existed since the 7th century AD and was completed and reconstructed by the Venetians in the 13th century. The city flourished in the centuries that followed, but it was constantly in the midst of the long conflict between the Venetians and the Turks.
  • 22 Geraki Castle: Geraki castle ruins were built by the Franks on a low hill on the southeastern slopes of Mount Parnon. It was once one of the most important castles in the Peloponnese.
  • 23 Argos Castle: One of the ancient castles in Greece. The place had been fortified since prehistoric times and remained a powerful fortress through the Classical and Middle Ages until the 19th century.
  • 24  Agia Paraskevi Castle. Very worth seeing castle, especially because of the beautiful location.

There are many other castles and fortifications, some of which are very nicely located, on the Peloponnese, a map here.

Monasteries

Monasteries
Agia Lavra monastery

The monasteries of the Peloponnese are sometimes very old and are often worth a visit. In the past, some monasteries - especially during the Ottoman rule - played an important role in the transmission of Greek customs and the language and formed the nucleus of the beginning Greek struggle for freedom. Significant and beautifully located monasteries are:

  • 1  Taxiarchis. famous monastery near Aigio.
  • 2  Méga Spileo. Méga Spileo in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaMéga Spileo im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsMéga Spileo (Q1917135) in der Datenbank Wikidata.The three lowest floors fill the space of a cave, the higher ones were glued like swallow nests to the approximately 190 meters rising rock wall. In the church on the second floor, a picture of Mary is shown as the work of the apostle Luke, to whom the monastery owes its reputation as a place of pilgrimage. The monastery, which, according to the founding legends, dates back to the 4th century, was re-established in the 13th century by the Empress Euphrosyne and received its present form in 1640. At the turn of the 20th century, it was considered the largest and most respected monastery in Greece with (1889) 109 Residents. On December 8, 1943, it was destroyed by the German Wehrmacht, and 22 monks and visitors were also murdered. The monastery makes a very modern impression from the outside, it was rebuilt around 1950. Opinions can be divided about the architectural style. Photographs should not be taken inside the monastery walls, under no circumstances with a flash. The monastery church has a bronze portal that is well worth seeing, also note the icons and the rather somber-looking painting of the dome from 1653. Liturgical vestments and vessels are on display in the monastery museum. One floor below you get into the cave, the local spring is said to have healing effects.
  • 3  Agia Lávra. Agia Lávra in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaAgia Lávra im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsAgia Lávra (Q2519943) in der Datenbank Wikidata.It was built in 961 on Mount Gelmos at an altitude of 961 meters. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the Peloponnese as well as a symbol of the independence of Greece. The flag of the Greek Liberation Army was blessed here on March 25, 1821. The Greek national holiday on March 25th goes back to this date. The monastery was partially destroyed in World War II and rebuilt around 1850.
  • 4  Emialon. Emialon (Q21588795) in der Datenbank Wikidata.One of the most beautiful, albeit less known, monasteries. It was founded in 1608 and originally built into the rock where today the visitor can see many of the ruins of the first cells. An open-air museum on the subject of hydraulic engineering is also worth a visit nearby.
    ,
  • 5  Prodromou and Filosofou. and other interesting monasteries near Dimitsana.
  • 6  Loukous. Loukous in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaLoukous im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsLoukous (Q1872254) in der Datenbank Wikidata.The monastery near Astros is actually called Moni Metamorphossis Sotiros Loukous. The Transfiguration Monastery is still inhabited by a few nuns. In the center of the complex is a cross-domed church, built around 1400, the stones are from antiquity and come partly from a sanctuary, partly from a nearby villa of Herodes Atticus. On the approach to the monastery you pass the remains of an aqueduct, which has been given a mysterious appearance by sintering and is at least as worth seeing as the monastery itself.

Landscapes

natural beauties
Vouraikos train
  • 1  Vouraikós gorge (Βουραϊκός). Vouraikós-Schlucht in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaVouraikós-Schlucht (Q1871901) in der Datenbank Wikidata.The small river Vouraikós has its source in the Aroania Mountains (also Chelmos Mountains) and flows into the Gulf of Corinth in Diakopto. Hikes in the Vouraikós Gorge in the upper reaches of the river are quite popular. A narrow-gauge rack railway runs through the valley, the tracks of which have only been renovated in recent years.
  • 2  Louisos Gorge (Λούσιος). Louisos-Schlucht in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaLouisos-Schlucht im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsLouisos-Schlucht (Q1872337) in der Datenbank Wikidata.The Lousios Gorge was formed by the Lousios river of the same name, a tributary of the Alfios. It has a length of approx. 5,000 meters and runs in a north-south direction. A well-developed and popular hiking trail leads through the gorge. The village is at the top of the gorge Dimitsana. At the bottom of the gorge is the ancient one Gortys with a freely accessible Asclepius sanctuary. The entrances to the gorge can be reached on foot or by car via serpentine roads. Gortys at the southern entrance can be reached from the junction from Elleniko-Stemnitsa street. A special feature are those built into the rock walls of the gorge Prodromou and Philosophou monasteries (old and new). The manuscripts and scrolls preserved from the Ottoman period are now kept in the museum in Dimitsana. The old Philosophou monastery directly in the rock face was abandoned in favor of the new one. The monasteries Prodromou and Philosophou (new) are still inhabited by monks today. Visitors are welcome provided they adhere to the dress code.
  • 3  Taygetus Mountains (Ταΰγετος). Taygetos-Gebirge in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaTaygetos-Gebirge im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsTaygetos-Gebirge (Q515809) in der Datenbank Wikidata.Today the Taygetos Mountains are well developed for tourism. Quite a few hiking trails like that European long-distance hiking trail E4 invite you to extensive tours.
  • 4  Mani Peninsula (Μάνη). Mani-Halbinsel im Reiseführer Wikivoyage in einer anderen SpracheMani-Halbinsel in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaMani-Halbinsel im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsMani-Halbinsel (Q745295) in der Datenbank Wikidata.The Mani, characterized by the up to 2,400 meter high Taygetos Mountains and its southernmost foothills, was a refuge for many people fleeing from foreign conquerors and for the same reason also ideal for pirates until the 20th century because of its impassability. Due to the special topography, the Mani was an area almost free from government interference and developed a special class of people with their own cultural form. Although there were individual churches in fortified places much earlier, Christianity did not really gain a foothold until the 9th century, when countless churches and small churches were built and some of them are still decorated with beautiful frescoes. However, none of the “occupying powers” ​​over the centuries was able to suppress the manias, they always remained free, wild, unpredictable and at odds with one another, which is expressed in the sometimes very high maniotic defensive and residential towers. Family feuds spanning generations left their mark on the maniacs. It was precisely in this region that the beginnings of the Greek liberation from the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire were organized and started. Important tourist places are the one below Areopoli Itylo and the one to the north Stoupa on the sunny side of the Mani. The stalactite cave at Pyrgos Dirouwhich can be accessed by boat, as well as the village Vathia with twelve well-restored residential towers are among the main attractions of the Mani. Could one of the oldest places in Mani Kardamili already mentioned in Homer's Iliad.
  • 5  Pirgos Dirou caves (Σπήλαιο Γλυφάδα Διρού). Höhlen von Pirgos Dirou in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaHöhlen von Pirgos Dirou im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsHöhlen von Pirgos Dirou (Q2455477) in der Datenbank Wikidata.The stalactite cave at Pyrgos Dirou is one of three caves that are located directly on the sea in the Bay of Diros. The stalactite cave, also known as Glyfada or Vlychada, is open to tourists and one of the main attractions of the Mani Peninsula. Visitors can visit the cave on a 2800 m long boat trip of about 25 minutes and a subsequent 300 m long climb. The guides pound the boats through the rock labyrinth with narrow passages and large halls.
  • 6  Kastania cave (Σπήλαιο Αγίου Ανδρέα Καστανιάς). Kastania Höhle in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaKastania Höhle (Q16330306) in der Datenbank Wikidata.large, very attractive stalactite cave.
  • 7  Diro's cave (Σπήλαιο Γλυφάδα Διρού). Diros Höhle in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaDiros Höhle im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsDiros Höhle (Q2455477) in der Datenbank Wikidata.A very nice cave system that is shown in an approx. 20 minute boat trip. Occasionally you have to bow your head because the ceiling is very low. The cave visitor shouldn't have claustrophobia. Allow for long waiting times.
  • 8  Kapsia cave (Σπήλαιο Κάψια). Kapsia Höhle (Q38283235) in der Datenbank Wikidata.Interesting cave. Safe passage. The catchiest [if a little creepy] are the human bones of captured victims from the ancient past, bones have become one with the rock.
  • 9  Kaiades cave (Καιάδας). Kaiades Höhle in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaKaiades Höhle im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsKaiades Höhle (Q12878616) in der Datenbank Wikidata.Allegedly a place the ancient Spartans are said to have thrown disabled or infant babies to secure their eugenic race.
  • 10  Lakes cave (Σπήλαιο Λιμνών). Lakes Höhle in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaLakes Höhle im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsLakes Höhle (Q16328676) in der Datenbank Wikidata.The very interesting cave is an old underground river, which consists of three levels. At the end of winter, when the snow melts, it turns into a flowing river with waterfalls. In summer it dries up and leaves 13 lakes behind.
  • 11  Franchthi cave (Σπήλαιο Φράγχθι). Franchthi Höhle in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaFranchthi Höhle im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsFranchthi Höhle (Q1441331) in der Datenbank Wikidata.The cave, which is well worth seeing, can only be reached via a 20-minute walk from Lambayana Beach in Fournier to the north. There is the officially signposted parking lot for the by no means barrier-free footpath to the Franchthi Cave.
  • 12  Polylimnio water trap. Nature is breathtakingly beautiful. The completely undeveloped and little developed area is not (yet) overrun with tourists and invites you to relax and bathe in the refreshingly cool water. The path through the gorge is easy to walk, but the last stage leads up a steep path that requires time and some experience as well as good shoes. Be sure to bring your swimwear with you!
  • 13  Neda waterfall (Νέδα). Neda Wasserfall in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaNeda Wasserfall (Q1641987) in der Datenbank Wikidata.Beautiful waterfall with a small lake in beautiful surroundings. Only accessible on foot and via dirt road.
  • 14  Stenosia & Kalamaris waterfalls. Great waterfall and small lake with a small rest area at the top, take sturdy shoes! You can walk down quite a long way, but not that easy with slippery passages. Not for elderly or disabled people! The Kalamaris waterfall and lake is about 2 km further east in the parallel valley. Very beautiful waterfall in a great landscape, also only accessible on foot.
  • 15  Nemouta waterfalls. In this water-rich environment there are a number of beautiful waterfalls in wonderful surroundings. Accessible only on foot. The access to the falls is not easy. The signage is also patchy, so ask the villagers if you have any doubts. From Nemouta it goes in countless, sometimes very steep, serpentines into the beautiful valley. From the large parking lot you can then go to the waterfalls, a board shows the locations of the waterfalls. You should have sturdy shoes with you if you want to visit these beautiful, yet rather unknown waterfalls.

miscellaneous

Corinth Canal
  • 11  Kalavryta (Σφαγή των Καλαβρύτων). Kalávryta in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaKalávryta im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsKalávryta (Q2579077) in der Datenbank Wikidata.The place Kalávryta, accessible from Diakopto via a winding country road and the rack railway, is the center of the municipality of the same name. The memory of the mass execution of the German military on December 13, 1943 is maintained by a memorial and by the Kalavryta City Museum.
  • 12  Vatheia (Βάθεια Λακωνίας). Vatheia in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaVatheia im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsVatheia (Q2511324) in der Datenbank Wikidata.The place Vathia mostly consists of less inhabited residential towers, which are concentrated like a fortress on the tip of a rocky promontory not far from the Messenian Gulf. Some residential towers are used as holiday apartments. The picturesque location of the place is also an attraction for tourists. Due to the special architectural value, the village was placed under monument protection. Preservation and restoration measures were carried out on selected building ensembles consisting of residential towers, oil mills and other buildings, and they were converted into small hotels and guest houses.
  • 25  Corinth Canal (Διώρυγα της Κορίνθου). Kanal von Korinth in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaKanal von Korinth im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsKanal von Korinth (Q182873) in der Datenbank Wikidata.With a length of 6,346 m, the canal separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland. It was built in the years 1881-1883 and connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. The side walls of the canal have an angle of inclination between 71 ° and 77 °, they are over 80 m high at the highest points. However, the idea of ​​building a canal at this point comes from ancient times. From 600 BC. up to 100 BC There was the Diolkos, a paved road with ruts on which ships were transported across the country. Finally, under the rule of the Roman Emperor Nero, construction of the canal began. The ruler died three months later and work was stopped again. Since the canal is only 24 m wide at the water surface, it is now mostly crossed by tourist ships and fishing boats. A good observation point is at Isthmia on a road bridge near the Isthmia Prime Hotel, it crosses the canal next to the A8 Athens - Patras motorway. The best time to observe is around 10 a.m. when the sun hits the surface of the water. There is an iron walkway under the road bridge, from where there is also bungee jumping.

getting there

By boat

With the ferry Venice or significantly shorter and cheaper from Ancona, Brindisi, Trieste or Otranto. Arrival at the port of Patras.

1 Katakolo on the west coast is the port for cruise ships, which is mainly used for trips to Olympia.

By car

The highway A8 connects the Peloponnese near Isthmia with the Greek mainland, it comes from Athens and extends up to the coast of the Gulf of Corinth Patras. It has been fully developed since 2017, places are usually bypassed extensively, the road conditions are good. The rest of the traffic routing on the country roads is mostly single-lane, overtaking is sometimes possible. The driving style on this road along the north coast takes getting used to, even by Greek standards.

From the west coast of Greece you can get there via the Rio-Andirrio Bridge at Patras on the Peloponnese.

By plane

Inexpensive charter flights to Kalamata airportFlughafen Kalamata in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaFlughafen Kalamata (Q924954) in der Datenbank Wikidata(IATA: KLX) are available from German-speaking countries. The Athens-Eleftherios Venizelos AirportWebsite of this institutionFlughafen Athen-Eleftherios Venizelos in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaFlughafen Athen-Eleftherios Venizelos im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsFlughafen Athen-Eleftherios Venizelos (Q211734) in der Datenbank Wikidata(IATA: ATH) is served daily in scheduled services. With the S-Bahn Proastiakos to Corinth the Peloponnese can be easily reached.

mobility

It is advisable to make a round trip with your own vehicle. You can get to most of the sights by bus, but that is very time-consuming.

activities

Voidokilia Beach
Elafonisos island Simos Beach

beaches

The Peloponnese offers an endless number of beautiful beaches, some remote ones are also suitable as Naturist beaches. Some of the most famous and of course well-frequented beaches are:

  • 1  Glyfa Beach (Γλύφα). Glyfa Beach (Q53629575) in der Datenbank Wikidata.Very long sandy beach, not very crowded in places.
  • 2  Kourouta Beach (Κουρούτα). Kourouta Beach (Q53632570) in der Datenbank Wikidata.very well developed, very long sandy beach.
  • 3  Zacharo Beach. Zacharo Beach in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaZacharo Beach (Q8063926) in der Datenbank Wikidata.very good, very long sandy beach, only partly with beach bars and loungers.
  • 4  Romanos Beach. The landscape is very beautiful. Sandy beach with clear water.
  • 5  Voidokilia (ox belly bay). Voidokilia (Ochsenbauchbucht) im Reiseführer Wikivoyage in einer anderen SpracheVoidokilia (Ochsenbauchbucht) in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaVoidokilia (Ochsenbauchbucht) im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsVoidokilia (Ochsenbauchbucht) (Q890802) in der Datenbank Wikidata.circular bay with fine sand.
  • 6  Golden Sand (Gialova Beach). elongated sandy beach in the immediate vicinity of the ox belly bay.
  • 7  Kalamata Beach (Ανατολική Καλαμάτα 1 / Ανάσταση). Kalamata Beach (Q53632885) in der Datenbank Wikidata.long, organized sandy beach with all tourist offers.
  • 8  Foneas Beach. Foneas Beach (Q25162387) in der Datenbank Wikidata.Great pebble beach with sunset parking and snack available. Clean.
  • 9  Skoutari Beach. Beautiful beach. Park. Tavern clear water with gravel or sand.
  • 10  Mavrovouni Beach. Long beach length, mostly organized, sand with not so shallow water.
  • 11  Plytras Beach (Πλύτρα-Παχιάμμος). Plytras Beach (Q53633575) in der Datenbank Wikidata.Clear water and flat sand. Ideal beach for families with children.
  • 12  Elafonisos - Simos Beach. Elafonisos – Simos Beach im Reiseführer Wikivoyage in einer anderen SpracheElafonisos – Simos Beach in der Enzyklopädie WikipediaElafonisos – Simos Beach im Medienverzeichnis Wikimedia CommonsElafonisos – Simos Beach (Q96408) in der Datenbank Wikidata.it is a fascinating double beach and an impressive natural spectacle.
  • 13  Karathona Beach (Καραθώνα). Karathona Beach (Q53632512) in der Datenbank Wikidata.Great, long beach, just outside of Nafplio. Lots of beach bars.
  • 14  Tolo Beach (Τολό). Tolo Beach (Q53629189) in der Datenbank Wikidata.long, popular sandy beach.

hike

Also for hike there are many interesting trails, e.g. in the gorges mentioned above and to the waterfalls.

kitchen

See also: Eating and drinking in Greece.

Many dishes are prepared with a lot of oil and a lot of garlic and are usually characterized by a high proportion of meat. Lamb, chicken, beef and pork are offered in many varieties. Especially near the coast there is often a considerable selection of fish dishes, which are often a little more expensive than meat dishes. The Greek fishing grounds are so overfished that the fish has to be brought from far away. At the beginning of every meal you are given a basket of bread.

AppetizersOften found on the cards of a taverna are stuffed vine leaves, fried zucchini, tzatziki, seafood or tuna salad. The most popular Main courses are likely Giros, moussaka (Casserole made from minced meat, eggplant, potatoes) and Souvlaki (Pork or mutton skewers). Popular dessert are Baklava (Puff pastry filled with honey and nuts) and yogurt with honey.

language

Because of the large number of tourists, you can get by with English everywhere, German is also widely understood.

security

As in all of Greece, crime is very low and you can move around freely anywhere.

climate

Hot, dry summers and cool, mild winters. The difference in temperatures and rain is naturally high between the coast and the mountains. The season is from the end of April to mid-November.

monthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
max temperature in (° C)141517202529323228241915
min.temperature (° C)66810152022211914118
Precipitation (days)887552123579
Precipitation (mm)7975583829948207396110
Sunshine (hrs)4568101112129754
Water temperature (° C)151414161821232423221916

trips

Web links

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