The Peloponnesos is a peninsula 21,549.6 km² in size, situated in the most southern part of the Greek mainland. Since the construction of the Corinth Canal it is is separated from the rest of the mainland and if you look at it in a technical way it has since that separation in fact become an island. Nevertheless they still speak of the Pelopnonnese as a peninsula. The Peloponnese is the largest of the Greek peninsulas and is connected by bridges to the rest of mainland of Greece.

The Peloponnese is a mountainous and green area and has four "fingers" that extend to the south. The scenery is beautiful with lots of oak and pine trees, ruins (Corinth, Mycenae and Olympia) and sandy beaches in beautiful bays. Mountains that can reach an altitude of 2000 meters, interesting towns, antiquities, fertile valleys and beautiful sandy beaches interchange here. On the east side of the peninsula lie the Argo-Saronic islands like Spetses, Hydra and Aegina and west lie the Ionian Islands (for instance Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos). South of the Peloponnese peninsula lies the island of Kythera which is also concidered one of the Ionian Islands. The easiest way to visit the islands of Elafonisos, Kythera and Antikythera from the mainland is to take the ferry from the harbour of Neapolis.

People that want to travel to the Peloponnese by plane fly to either Athens or Kalamata airport. Kalamata is the capital of the district of Messinia, which is located in the southwest of the Peloponnese in a bay with the same name (the Gulf of Messinia). There are approximately 45,000 people living in Kalamata. The city has an international airport and a an important port, where also the ferries to the islands of Kythera and Antikythera leave. In the Gulf of Messinia there are several long sandy beaches.

The landscape of the Peloponnese is surprising and there are many historical monuments. You can find monasteries, Venetian fortresses and ancient Greek and Roman remains. Near the ruins of the Byzantine city of Mystras or Mistras you find the remains of the ancient city of Sparta, which was the largest rival of Athens for a long time, and just outside the town of Corinth are the ruins of the ancient city of Corinth.

25 Km southwest of Corinth lie the remains of another historic city, Mycenae, the city of the famous monarch Agamemnon, who played such an important role in the Trojan War. Here the golden "death mask of Agamnon" was found which is now exhibited in the museums of Athens. At Argos is the temple of Hera. Greek temples are dotted everywhere around the peninsula. In the northeast of the Peloponnese lies the extensive ancient sanctuary of Zeus, the famous Olympia, where the Olympic Games had its origin. Also the largest known ancient Greek theatre, the theatre of Epidaurus, is situated on the Peloponnesos peninsula.

Epidaurus or Epidavros is the name of an ancient Greek city on the Argolis peninsula. Palia Epidavros (Old Epidaurus) is the ancient harbour. The remains of the ancient harbour are partly under water. There are also remains of a theather and an early Christian basilica. Antique Epidavros is situated about 10 miles inland. Here the famous place of worship of the demi-god Asclepius and the well-preserved theater can be found. All in all there is plenty of choice for the people that love ancient history.

Nafplion or Nafplio is a nice harbour on the Gulf of Argolis in the region of the Peloponnese. It is a tourist attraction because of its beautiful architecture that shows the prosperity of the town. Like for example in the capital of the island of Syros, there are many streets lined with marble and the houses look elegant.

The area of Nafplion has been continuously inhabited from 3000 BC. According to legend, the city was named after King Nauplios, who unmasked Odysseus when he was dressed up as a woman, in order to not take part in the Trojan War. Byzantines, Franks, Venetians and Turks have owned Nafplion before November 30th 1822, when it became the first city that was retaken by the Greeks from the Turks. From 1829 to 1835 Nafplion was regarded as the first capital and seat of government of the Greek state.

Above the town on a 216 meter high mountain stands the Palamidi fortress, which was completed by the Venetians in 1714. Already in 1715 it fell into the hands of the Turks, who had possession of it until their fall in 1822. The smaller Bourtzi fortress that stands on an island in the harbour of Nafplion dates from 1473 and was built by the Venetians to protect themselves against pirates. In the area of Nafplio there are several beautiful beaches. The most popular are Tolo of Tolon beach (10 kilometers south of Nafplion) and Nea Kios.

Stoupa is a coastal town in the Peloponnese, which is situated 45 kilometers southeast of Kalamata (with its airport - bus connection to Stoupa 4 times a day). Not long ago Stoupa was a small fishing village but especially in the last decade, the travel agencies in the various countries and individual travellers discovered this seaside resort.

If you want to rent a car in Athens or Kalamata - for example directly at the airport - you can easily do this at rentalcars.com. They compare all providers, such as Hertz, Europcar, Budgetcar, Avis and Auto Union and give a list of cars and prices that you can choose from, with reviews from the car rental companies. The Peloponnese peninsula is large and therefore it is worthwhile to explore the region with your own transport.

Those who want to travel by plane to the Peloponnese can fly to Athens or Kalamata. Kalamata is the capital of the Messina district and is located in the southwest of the Peloponnese in a bay of the same name (the Gulf of Messina). Approximately 45,000 people live there. The city has an international airport and an important port where for example the ferries to the islands of Kythera and Antikythera depart. Various long sandy beaches can be found in the Gulf of Messina.

- Hotels boeken in de Peloponnesos - Aegean Airlines

These two (nowadays three, see www.figleafvillas.com) wonderful naturist villas are set in an acre of beautiful terraced gardens with fabulous views of the Messinian Gulf and the Taygetos mountains beyond. There is a swimming pool (10m x 5m) surrounded by a sun terrace with sun loungers, a Petanque area and a bar serving drinks, cocktails and delicious home-cooked Greek food. Throughout the villas and gardens naturism is welcomed and there are many naturist-friendly beaches nearby. The extremely friendly and helpful owners, Cliff and Quee, also have a 43ft yacht and their guests thoroughly enjoy sailing trips in the gulf. Although the resort is predominantly for naturists, textile weeks are also available - not at the same time of course!
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Akti Kamares Apartments are located on the beachfront in Kamares and has a complimentary beach service, providing guests with deck chairs and umbrellas. All accommodations are air-conditioned with free internet. All apartments offer a bedroom, a seperate liveng room and balcony with sea-view. These self-catering accommodations are fully equipped with modern amenities as well as satellite TV. The grounds around Akti Kamares Apartments include a children's playground and private parking for guests.

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Featuring a private pool with sun terrace, Villa Katharina is split level. It offers a fully equipped unit with panoramic views over Finikounda Bay. The town of Methoni is 8 km away. Tastefully decorated, the bright and air-conditioned villa at Katharina opens to a terrace and a balcony. It consists of 3 bedrooms, a seating area with flat-screen, satellite TV and a kitchen with stove and dining table.

Guests may relax at the sun loungers available by the pool. Set amid a garden with grassy areas, the property includes vineyards and olive trees. The fishing village of Finikounda with several restaurants is a 10-minute drive away. Pylos Town is 17 km away and Koroni Town is at a distance of 24 km away.

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The Grand Sarai is located in the Old Town of Nafplion, right opposite the Catholic Church. Former first Court of the Modern Greek State, it currently houses a breakfast room, restaurant and bar. The Grand Sarai offers light rooms with panoramic views of the Gulf of Argolis, the Old Town and Palamidi. Each has a safe, LCD TV, minibar, internet connection and telephone line. Each includes a fully equipped private bathroom. Their outer window frames are characteristic of the local traditional architecture.

Breakfast is served in the spacious and light breakfast room, and includes hot and cold dishes, aromatic coffee and fresh juices. A lounge and a bar with atmospheric décor are also featured. Multilingual staff will be happy to offer you information about the city and surrounding attractions. They are at your disposal 24 hours a day. The historic Syntagma Square, the waterfront overlooking Bourtzi and the scenic bars and taverns are all within 5 minutes walk. Free, public parking can be found at 50 and 200 metres from Grand Sarai.

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Centrally located in Neapoli Town, Hotel Arsenakos is only 20 metres from the beach and within 300 metres from restaurants and a supermarket. It features rooms and suites with free Wi-Fi and a balcony. Simply decorated, all units at Arsenakos are air conditioned and include a TV and mini fridge. Fitted with a bath or shower, private bathrooms also come with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Guests can enjoy direct or side views of the Laconian Gulf.

A bus stops just outside the property, while the town of Sparta is 120 km away. Ferries connecting to the nearby islands of Elafonisos and Kythira can be found at a distance of 300 metres. Free parking is available on site.

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Built according to the local, traditional architecture, Diotima Homes are in Kalamata Town. They feature fully equipped and tastefully decorated accommodation with a hot tub and views of the Messenian Gulf and the mountain. Free WiFi is available throughout. Fitted with a fireplace and stone walls, all air-conditioned and split-level villas of Diotima open to a furnished balcony. Each consists of 2 separate bedrooms, a living room with flat-screen TV and a kitchen with dining area and oven with hobs.

A mini market and a restaurant can be found within a short drive, and the nearest beach is 3 km away. The Public Library - Gallery of Kalamata is 6.8 km away and Benakeion Archaeological Museum of Kalamata is 7 km. Kalamata Port is 8 km away and the town's airport is 13 km from the property. Free airport and port shuttle service can be provided upon request.

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