Peloponnese

CASTLES & FORTRESSES: The turbulent history of the Southern Peloponnese has left its landscapes bristling with castles and fortresses dating from Byzantine and Venetian times. Some of the most interesting and well-preserved are to be found at Methoni, Koroni and Pylos.

MANI VILLAGES: There are over 800 villages of the type unique to the Mani region, with most of their houses built in the form of stone towers of varying heights. Many are deserted now and in ruins, but there are still wonderfully photogenic and interesting villages to be seen, such as Proasteio and Kambos, and perhaps the most outstanding example – Vathia.

CHURCHES: Countless churches are scattered across the Mani and Messinia, most of them dating from the 10th Century. In many of them, wall-frescoes can still be seen, some surprisingly well-preserved. One of the loveliest and most accessible is on the main street of the small town of Kambos, while another wonderful church lies just outside Proasteio.

NATURAL WONDERS: No shortage of these, with the Viros Gorge carving its way from the High Taygetos to the west coast, the stunning Pirgos Dirou Caves, and the Polylimnia, between Kalamata and Pylos, where springs and waterfalls create a series of rock pools for swimming, even in the height of summer. Near Gialova, the Voidokoilia wetlands are home to over 250 species of bird including flamingoes, ospreys and cormorants.

Stoupa is flanked by fine sandy beaches, while in the vicinity of Kardamyli the beaches are pebble; the attractive little town of Koroni has access to several beautiful beaches, but perhaps the most strikingly beautiful and unusual is the almost completely circular Voidokoilia Bay near Gialova. Water sports and boat trips are to be found at the larger beaches.

This part of Greece is considered to be one of Europe’s finest areas for walking. The ancient stone mule paths, called ‘kalderimia’, that connect so many of the hamlets and villages of the area date from the days before roads, but are well-maintained and provide marvellous opportunities for exploring the Mani on foot and by bike.  Mountain bikes can be hired in all main centres, and guided bike treks and walks are available, as well as excellent books and maps.

The most memorable Greek meals are a combination of fresh food, especially fish and vegetables, simply prepared, washed down with local wine and consumed within sight and sound of the sea. No shortage of ideal locations in this region, then, with so many little fishing ports where you can eat on the quayside amidst the nets – Kardamyli, Agios Nicolaos, Gialova, Gythion, are just a few examples.

No visit to the Peloponnese would be complete without seeing at least one of the marvellous sites of ancient Greek history such as Mycenae or Olympia. There is little left of Ancient Sparta, but the ruined city of Mistra, set on the hills just outside modern Sparta, is both historically fascinating and bewitchingly beautiful.