Destination Peloponnese

The Peloponnese

Peloponnese, a peninsula in the form of a maple leaf, is 212 km long ending at Cape Matapan, the southernmost point of Europe, after Tarifa, Spain. This ancient earth was home to the legendary Pelopidian King, Agamemnon, sovereign of the brilliant Mycenaean civilisation, whose expedition to Troy became the theme of Homer’s “Iliad.” In the Bronze Age, Mycenaean rule extended to almost the entire peninsula, which is rich in myth, history and rare beauty. Today, the ancient “Isle of Pelops” is divided into seven prefectures.

Argolis, in the Eastern Peloponnese includes the ancient site of Mycenae, Naplio, first capital of modern Greece, the ancient theatre of Epidaurus and, on its southern coast, the magical landscape of Porto Heli Bay. Porto Heli is built on the ruins of an ancient city and archaeological finds tell the story of a prosperous people who made their wealth through commerce, farming and ceramics. The town is gateway to the charms of the area including the mystique of ancient cultures, flourishing vineyards, the mesmerising crystalline blue waters of the bay, memorable sunsets and the picturesque port dotted with traditional fishing boats.

Excursions

Epidaurus – Mycenae – Nafplio

Epidaurus
The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus was built in the 4th century B.C. and is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Located in a mystical setting in a forest, the ancient amphitheatre with its perfect acoustics captivates the visitor. Architecturally, the theatre was positioned in a way so that the sound would be clearly heard even in the last row of seats.

The modern, summer festival of Epidaurus first began in 1954. Since then, it has become the foremost institution of ancient drama, with the tragedies of Sophocles, Aeschylus, and Euripides performed at the ancient theatre by distinguished theatre companies. The theatre has also hosted a number of classical concerts, as well as select, foreign theatre productions.

Mycenae
The centre of Mycenaean civilisation. The ancient site of Mycenae is characterised by its fortification walls. According to tradition, only the Cyclopes, with their super human strength, could have lifted the large, heavy stones to construct the walls. Thus, the name Cyclopean walls. Entrance to the Citadel is through the Lion’s Gate, named by the relief carved on the slab of stone. Of particular interest are the domed tombs of the kings, highlighted by the impressive tomb of King Agamemnon, with its exquisite, gold, royal treasures.

Nafplio (78km)
Nafplio (78 km), historically, an important seaport on the Gulf of Argolis, Nafplio is a charming town dominated by the Palamidi rock. Beautiful neoclassical buildings, historic squares, Venetian balconies, old churches and Turkish mosques, are all a part of the colourful tapestry of the town. The church of St. George, adorned by replicas of great Italian painters and the Folk and War museums are places of interest.

Mistras – Monemvasia

Mistras
Mistras, located 5km outside Sparta, is a Word Heritage Site fortress, which was originally built by the Franks, and provided the foundation for the development of a Byzantine town. The deserted, medieval town is fantastic for exploring the old churches and the fortress, the despot’s palace and, especially, the church of Saint Sofia within the fortress walls.

Monemvasia (by boat)
The municipality of Monemvasia is built on a small island on the southeast edge of the Peloponnese and is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of earth. Time seems to have stopped in this Byzantine, medieval town with its cobblestone streets, stone mansions, Byzantine churches and coat of arms. Within its walls, you will feel you are walking back in time to another age.

Ermione – Kilada – Spetses – Hydra

Ermione
Located between Spetses and Hydra, Ermione, with its quaint harbour, has kept the name of the ancient city once located on the same site. The name is derived from Greek mythology, the daughter of Menelaus and Helen of Troy.

Kilada
Kilada is approximately ten kilometers northwest of Porto Heli. A traditional, fishing village, it is noted for its famed boatyards and preservation of the traditional craft of building the typical, Greek wooden fishing boat. Following the coastal, dirt road leading to the north end of the bay, you will arrive at the Frachthi cave, which was inhabited during the mid-Palaeolithic Age. (3000 B.C.)

Spetses (4 nautical miles) – Hydra (8 nautical miles)
These islands are distinguished in modern, Greek history for their brave revolutionaries who played a major role in the Greek Revolution. On Spetses, visit the Bouboulina Museum, the stately home of a noble woman who was a famed revolutionary and, on Hydra, the stately homes of the freedom fighters Miaoulis and Koundouriotis. You can reach these islands by local caiques, water-taxis from our hotel piers, or the catamarans that depart from Porto Heli harbour.

Events

• July: Agro tourism Festival in the harbour of Ancient Epidaurus
• July: Musical Festival at the Small Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
• July – August: Festival at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
• September: Armada Festival. On Spetses, on the second Saturday in September, there are festivities in commemoration of the Naval Battle of Spetses (1822), as well as the destruction of a replica of the Turkish Armada and fireworks display.

Information

Transportation
www.aia.gr, www.popscar.gr, www.ktel.gr, www.road.gr

Wine
www.nemeawines.gr, www.skouraswines.com, www.papantonis.gr

Culture
www.culture.gr, www.greekfestival.gr

Conferences
www.aksconference.com, www.synedrio.gr, www.hapco.gr

General
www.meteo.gr, www.e-city.gr, www.sete.gr, www.travel.travel, www.spetses.gr