Nafplio is breathtaking (Picture: Getty Images) Souvlaki, ancient history, some of the world’s best beaches – there are endless reasons to holiday in Greece. But with popularity comes crowds, and in recent years the streets of Rhodes, Mykonos and Athens have become gridlocked with tourists (don’t get us started on Santorini). We’ve brought you coverage of under-the-radar alternatives, such as Skopelos and Paxos; Metro‘s Alice Murphy recently shared her insider’s guide to Lefkada, an island known as the ‘Greek Caribbean’. But there’s another unspoiled region well worth your time — and direct flights run regularly from London. Sprawled across the southern tip of mainland Greece, the Peloponnese is a mountainous body of land with dramatic coastlines, postcard fishing villages, and seriously good food. It may be the most popular destination on the mainland, but compared to the hordes of holidaymakers that swarm the islands each summer, the Peloponnese is practically deserted. No, it’s not a tropical island, it’s Voidokilia Beach in Greece (Picture: Getty Images) It remains one of the least explored parts of Greece and is a must-visit for lovers of history and Greek mythology. The first Olympic Games took place here way back in 776BC; it’s where the town of Sparta is located, where Paris of Troy and Helen eloped from, and where you’ll find the Gates of Hades. We can see why CN Traveller called it ‘sacred ground’. And people are quickly catching on to this ‘hidden gem’. Last October, easyJet holidays chief executive, Garry Wilson, said interest in the region was rising, as travellers look to explore new areas of a country they know and love. The Peloponnese is the most popular destination on Greece’s mainland (Picture: Metro) ‘There’s a lot of investment happening in Greece,’ said Garry. ‘Some of the smaller, maybe lesser-known areas have become popular. Certainly the Peloponnese looks to be growing in popularity.’ So, if you want a getaway that’s fit for the Gods, look no further. Here’s everything you need to know about the Peloponnese. Things to do in the Peloponnese Now for the good stuff. This is a huge region packed with a bit of everything – so whether you’re into history, hiking, or just finding a quiet beach to kick back on, you’re sorted. Average temperatures hover around 19°C in May, with highs of 23°C, making it the perfect time to explore before the summer weather kicks in. Explore the ancient sites There’s endless ancient history to soak up. You’ve got Mycenae, home to the ruins of one of the most powerful cities of ancient Greece, and Epidaurus, with its famous theatre that still hosts performances today. Entry to both is around €10-12 and they’re far less crowded than the Acropolis in Athens (we can hear sighs of relief). Walk through centuries-old structures and picture ancient Greeks living their best lives. Epidaurus theatre still hosts performances today (Credits: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Epidaurus is also home to the Sunken City, a small settlement about 45m from the shore and just 2m below sea level, which was only accidentally discovered in the 1970s after a photo was taken from a hot-air balloon. Snorkel, swim or kayak through the ruins, and check out the traces of an ancient port, walls and a few buildings. If you’ve still got Olympics fever from last summer, head to Olympia, home to the very first games. Believe it or not, the main stadium’s banks remain as they were. There are also ruins of the gymnasium, a VIP hotel and plinths for the winners. From November to March, entry to the site is at a reduced rate of just €6. The site of the original Olympic Games (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Then there’s Sparta, the town famous for its soldiers, said to be direct descendants of Hercules. You can visit the archeological site of ancient Sparta (admission is free), as well as head to the Museum of Olive and Greek Olive Oil, which costs €4. Hit the beach If you hear ‘Greece’ you’re probably thinking of turquoise waters – so you’ll be glad to know the Peloponnese is an excellent destination for a bit of vitamin sea. In the Peloponnese, you’ll find quieter, pristine spots like Voidokilia Beach – a quaint bay with soft sand in Messinia, in the southwest of the region. The stunning Stoupa beach in Messinia (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Now, to secure your seclusion, you do have to sacrifice the beach bars and sunbeds – but it’s free and you can, of course, bring snacks and beverages along for a picnic. If you’re after something more lively, head to Stoupa, a village in the south, which is a bit more developed with tavernas and bars. Here, renting a sunbed for the day will set you back around €7. Set off on a hike If you’re up for an adventure, hike through the Lousios Gorge, a mountainous area in the west. It’s one of those rugged but stunning landscape views, with rivers cutting through cliffs and quaint monasteries along the way. Lousios Gorge offers stunning views (Picture: Getty) The hike is about 5km – so pretty manageable for most – and you can reward yourself afterward with a meal at a local taverna (expect to pay about €10-15 for a hearty feast). If you’re into water sports, Nafplio is a great spot where you can try a bit of everything – from paddle boarding to windsurfing. Got a sweet tooth? No holiday is complete without a sweet treat. Diples or Thiples is a dessert from the Peloponnese, made from very thin strips of dough. The dough is rolled into long, thin strips, and then fried. Then, for that extra bit of deliciousness, they’re dipped in a sugar, honey and finished with some walnuts. Yes please. Try a traditional desert (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Their name actually comes from the Greek word for ‘fold’, as during the cooking process, you have to fold the pastry while frying. They’re usually enjoyed as a treat during Christmas time. Natural wonders Mani, the middle prong in the southernmost part of the Peloponnese, is divided into two: the Outer Mani, with pretty coastal villages and The Deep Mani, even further south, known for rugged coastlines. The must-visit attraction here is the Diros Caves (€17 for a standard ticket), flooded caves with an entrance on the beach. You can go on a boat tour, gliding through it’s winding passageways, full of stalagmites and stalactites. It’s thought the caves were abandoned after an earthquake in 4BC, and weren’t rediscovered until the late 1800s — they’re still being explored to this day. The medieval village of Vatheia is worth a visit (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto) But while the caves might feel like the underworld, Mani is also home to Cape Tenaro, supposedly the entrance to Hades. For something a little less morbid, Mani also has hiking trails, as well as the main town of Areopoli and the medieval village of Vathia. Where should I stay in the Peloponnese? The Peloponnese is a large area, of about 8,278 square miles, just a little bigger than Wales, so there’s a lot to see and do. You may want to consider staying in different parts of the area during your trip, to avoid too many long journeys, and cut down on travel time. However, if you’re looking for one base, the seaside town of Nafplio, in the east of the region, is possibly the most popular place to stay, and is popular among Athenians. Here, you’ll find chic boutiques, cafes, and beaches, and there are plenty of day trips you can take from here too. The western side of the Peloponnese is also where you’ll find the most famous tourist attractions, so it makes sense to say here. However, the southernmost part of the region, the Mani is also very popular. Your best base here is the village of Lemeni, which is great for both exploring and relaxing — it’s less than 10 minutes to Areopoli, the capital of the Mani region. How to get to the Peloponnese Getting to the Peloponnese is easier than you might think. The gateway to this region is Kalamata International Airport, which has direct flights from the UK and other major European cities during peak season. Metro found one-way flights from London Gatwick for £73 in May. If you prefer to fly into Athens, it’s about a two-hour drive to the northern part of the peninsula, with plenty of scenic spots to break up the journey. You can also hop on a bus from Athens for €15-20; this takes around three hours. This article was originally published on 21 September 2024 and has been updated.