On a recent research trip to the Peloponnese in Greece, our Europe specialist, Emily, self-drove around the region’s most photo-worthy spots. When she wasn’t basking in the sun on Elafonisos’s beaches or devouring Greek dishes at local tavernas, she was putting on her history hat and exploring the ancient archaeological sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus. From Arcadia’s muscular mountains to the velvety sands of the Mani Peninsula, it was an adventure to remember. Read on to learn more about her two-week Greek road trip...
- Where did you visit?
- What did you get up to?
- What were the highlights?
- Did you learn about any secret spots?
- What’s your favourite thing you ate?
- What new things did you learn?
- What was something you’d never done before?
- What’s one thing that can’t be missed?
- Did anything surprise you about the destination?
- What’s a top tip you’d give to clients?
Where did you visit?
I spent two weeks driving around the pretty Peloponnese. After touching down in Athens, I visited Delphi and then Nafpaktos before driving through Olympia, Costa Navarino, Mystras, Monemvassia, Arcadia and Nafplion. What a treat!
Image by Emily Rister
What did you get up to?
I hired a car and drove to lots of beautiful beaches, local villages and ancient archaeological sites. Exploring the historic ruins of Mycenae, Epidaurus and Mystras gave me a real insight into the past. Mycenae, once a major centre of Greek civilisation between 1600 and 1100 B.C., is a must-visit for anyone interested in Greek mythology – it’s famously linked to legendary figures like Perseus. I also spent an afternoon exploring Elafonisos Island, just a ten-minute ferry from Pounda Port. The silky sands were a dream!
Image by Emily Rister
What were the highlights?
Honestly, I just loved how varied the region is, from Arcadia’s mountain-side villages to the sun-drenched beaches of the Mani Peninsula. Nafplion also really stood out to me. Whether you’re into local experiences like beekeeping or just want to relax on a scenic sailing trip, this charming harbour town has it all. And as the first capital of independent Greece, it’s also great for history buffs, offering easy access to archaeological sites like Mycenae and Epidaurus.
Image by Emily Rister
Did you learn about any secret spots?
Yes, I don’t think Arcadia is on many people’s travel radars – but it should be! It’s home to beautiful villages tucked away in the mountains and the scenery is just stunning. I stayed at Manna Arcadia, which felt like a secret spot (within a secret spot). Sitting pretty in Mount Mainalo, the hotel dates back to 1929, when it was originally used as a sanatorium for wounded soldiers. Surrounded by lush fir trees and peaceful walking trails, my stay was spectacular and so peaceful.
Image by Emily Rister
What’s your favourite thing you ate?
Lamb chops! I visited lots of local family-run Greek tavernas where you could tuck into a kilogram of lamb chops for just 15 euros (what a bargain). They were prepared on the grill just steps away from my table, which felt extremely authentic. Mornings were just as memorable, with plenty of refreshing breakfasts.
Image by Emily Rister
What new things did you learn?
On my visit to Olympia, in the north-western Peloponnese, I was surprised to learn that only men were allowed to take part in the ancient Olympic Games and women weren’t even permitted to attend. It was also pretty cool to see the exact spot where the Olympic flame is still lit today before each Games.
Image by Emily Rister
What was something you’d never done before?
I’d never been that interested in archaeological sites before, so visiting so many on this trip was a first for me – and it’s safe to say my mind has well and truly changed. I highly recommend having a local guide show you around the sites; they truly bring the history to life in a way that those little information plaques just can’t. It’s incredible when you stop to think about how all these temples and ancient buildings were constructed.
Image by Emily Rister
What’s one thing that can’t be missed?
The Mani Peninsula is a must-visit. The water is absolutely gorgeous – turquoise, calm and completely clear. It’s ideal for a refreshing dip or tranquil boat ride.
Image by Emily Rister
Did anything surprise you about the destination?
Just how authentic the region felt compared to many of the Greek islands I’ve visited before! I ate at lots of local tavernas where the owners and staff only spoke Greek – it felt super untouched which was lovely, and a nice change from other better-known, tourist-swamped parts of Greece.
Image by Emily Rister
What’s a top tip you’d give to clients?
If you can, hire a car. It's pretty much essential if you want to make the most of this diverse region. Plus, driving gives you loads of flexibility in the evenings as you can enjoy different dinner spots rather than being limited to the hotel restaurant each night.
Image by Jack Barton / Unsplash.com
Header image by Y. Papadimitriou/stock.adobe.com
