Greece’s little-known holiday getaway that’s 23C in May | World | News
The Peloponnese peninsula is an enchanting and lesser known part of southern Greece, which feels like sacred ground between ancient ruins, charming seaside towns and natural beaches with crystal clear waters. This stunning region is even the birthplace of the Olympic Games which was both an athletic and important religious event. The first Games is thought to have been held as early as 776 BC where athletes would be compete in honour of Zeus.
These games were held every four years for over a millennium until the area came under Roman rule. These were then later revived in Athens in the first modern Olympics which took place in 1896, and were inspired by the ancient Games.
From Monemvasia, a walled town perched on a massive rock rising out of the sea, to the ruins of Ancient Messene at the foot of Mount Ithome, the Peloponnese is a gem filled with both history and natural beauty.
The journey through the Peloponnese brings visitors across Byzantine churches, Roman ruins, and medieval castles, like the hilltop fortress of Mystras which was built in 1249.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a maze of sophisticated frescoed churches, monasteries, and the Palace of the Despots, where visitors can walk the same paths that were once used by past monks and emperors.
The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is another highlight and is considered to the best preserved ancient theatre in the entire country and held multiple games and music shows from the 4th century BC.
The peninsula offers a wealth of ruins and incredible sites to explore, including the ancient city-state of Messene with its stadium and theatre, the sea citadel of Monemvasia, the cliff-top fortress of Mycenae, and the majestic ruins of Corinth.
The peninsula is not only a treasure trove of history and culture, but it is also filled with an array of stunning and unspoiled beaches and coves with an average temperature of 23C in May, according to Weather2Travel.
Some of its best beaches with crystal clear waters and breathtaking views include Simos Beach, Voidokilia Beach, Kalamata Beach, Mavrovouni Beach, and Karathona Beach.
On TripAdvisor, multiple describe their awe at Simos Beach with one describing it as “one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.” Someone else said: “The most beautiful beach I have seen so far in the Mediterranean. Amazing water, not too crowded in July.”
Another person added: “Just enchanting! The beach of Simos in Elafonisos is a real paradise with golden sand and turquoise, crystal clear waters that resemble an exotic destination.”
One cannot mention the Peloponnese without referring to the incredible Isthmus of Corinth, the narrow land bridge that connects the Peloponnese to mainland Greece, which links the Aegean Sea to the Ionian Sea through its scenic canal.
