What to See in the Peloponnese

last edited Dec 11, 2019

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Location Map of Peloponnese

Peloponnese Open the interactive map

Numerous ancient sites (including several like Mystras, Olympia, and Epidaurus inscribed on the UNESCO list), beautiful sea and mountain landscapes perfect for hiking, such as in the Mani Peninsula, as well as some lovely beaches for swimming enthusiasts.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The Peloponnese has 6 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:

Epidaurus (1988)
This magnificent ancient theatre (and more broadly what is known as the Sanctuary of Asclepius) is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Mistra (1989)
Bordering Sparta, this is a stunning medieval site designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It features several religious buildings, a fortress with its ramparts, a palace, and numerous residences.

Mycenae (1999)
Not far from the small town of Argos, this archaeological site and its "neighbour" from the same period, Tiryns, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Olympia (1989)
This archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is where the Olympic Games were held in antiquity. The site also houses an interesting museum.

Temple of Apollo at Bassae (1986)
These are the remains of an ancient Greek temple built in the mountains of the Peloponnese. Its architectural value earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.

Tiryns (1999)
Not far from the small town of Argos, this archaeological site and its "neighbor" from the same Mycenaean period, Mycenae, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Cities and Cultural Heritage

Argos
The city is home to an ancient theatre and other ruins, a monastery, and a medieval castle. Nearby, the UNESCO-listed sites of Mycenae and Tiryns are located.

Corinth Canal
This canal, built in the late 19th century, connects the Gulf of Corinth to the Ionian Sea. You can watch boats passing through it.

Chlemoutsi
This is a medieval fortress from the 13th century overlooking the sea, built in the municipality of Kastro-Kyllini, south of Patras.

Corinth
On the banks of the canal of the same name, this port city features in its old quarter the remains of what was once one of the greatest cities of ancient Greece.

Epidaurus
This magnificent ancient theatre (and more broadly what is known as the Sanctuary of Asclepius) is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Gythio
This large coastal town in the southern Peloponnese is popular for its beaches and seafood.

Ithome
This mountain in the heart of the Peloponnese was once home to an ancient fortress. At its foot lie the ruins of the city of Messene.

Kalamata
A large city in the Peloponnese with an old urban centre, beaches, and a marina. It also serves as a stopover for cruises in the region.

Leonidio
A charming town on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese, with its port (Plaka) somewhat off-centre from the rest of the town.

Mistra
Bordering Sparta, this is a stunning medieval site designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It features several religious buildings, a fortress with its ramparts, a palace, and numerous residences.

Methoni
Near Pylos, the town (also called Methoni) has beaches and the remains of a beautiful fortress.

Monemvasia
At the southern tip of the Peloponnese, this is a stunning medieval town nestled at the foot of a massive fortified rock overlooking the sea.

Mycenae
Not far from the small town of Argos, this archaeological site and its "neighbour" from the same period, Tiryns, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Nafplio
It's a charming seaside town with colourful architecture. You'll discover old neighbourhoods, museums, and a fortress.

Nemea
An ancient city not far from Corinth, where you can see the ruins in a rather beautiful setting.

Olympia
This archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is where the Olympic Games were held in antiquity. The site also houses an interesting museum.

Patras
In the north of the Peloponnese, this port is primarily known for its ferry connections to and from Italy. Patras also has old quarters and some historical remains.

Phigalia
These are the (few) remains of an ancient Greek city located in the west of the Peloponnese.

Pylos
A seaside town in a pretty bay, home to a 13th-century fortress.

Sparta
It's a town in the south of the Peloponnese known for its famous ancient city, of which nothing now remains. On its outskirts, however, you can discover the superb medieval site of Mistra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as the Taygetos mountain range, ideal for hiking.

Temple of Apollo at Bassae )
These are the remains of an ancient Greek temple built in the mountains of the Peloponnese. Its architectural value earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.

Tiryns
Not far from the small town of Argos, this archaeological site and its "neighbor" from the same Mycenaean period, Mycenae, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Natural Heritage

Loussios Gorge
In the heart of the Peloponnese, the Loussios River flows through high rocky cliffs. Several charming villages nearby and hiking opportunities.

Vouraikos Gorge
Explore these beautiful gorges on foot or by a small cogwheel train that runs from Diakofto to Kalavryta.

Parnon Massif
This mountain range, parallel to the Taygetos Massif and east of Sparta, is, like the latter, an ideal spot for hiking.

Taygetos Massif
Peaks over 2,000 m, forested areas, and gorges (Koskaras, Vyros) make this mountainous region between Kalamata and Sparta a favourite spot for hikers.

Mani Peninsula
This stunning southern peninsula, rather arid, offers magnificent landscapes, small villages to discover, some historical ruins, and peaceful beaches.