The Peloponnese Peninsula is Greece's mythical heartland - round every corner you will rediscover the birthplace or setting of a different myth. The time of the ancient Greeks seems still very much alive - existing not in the past or in the ruins you can visit across the region, but in a sort of parallel dimension that seems ever-present. It is almost possible to believe, as you traverse this land steeped in magic and mystery, to believe that the gods are still whimsically toying with humanity.
But it is not just about ancient civilisation and myth, nor simply about the wealth of history to be found here. The varied beauty of the Peloponnese Peninsula also makes it a fantastic road trip destination. Whether the road trip you take is in a motorised vehicle or you take a bicycle and travel under your own steam, the Peloponnese Peninsula is bound to put you under its legendary spell.
The site of a millennia of Olympic Games, Olympia, the Homeric palaces of Nestor at Pýlos and Agamemnon at Mycenae and the incredibly well preserved Greek theatres at Epidaurus are just a few of the many ancient Greek sites to explore. Other time periods are also extremely well represented in this region. There are a vast number of castles of varying ages, and a plethora of fresco-filled churches and other historic buildings, far too many to name. You will forge your way from one historic settlement to the next. Be sure to travel off the beaten track to find some true gems, for example the mountain villages of Arcadia or the Máni tower villages. Take a break from the roads to travel through Vouraikós Gorge on the old rack and pinion railway line.
But the marks made by humanity on this landscape are just a part of the beautiful whole. It is not for no reason that the central area of the peninsula, Arcadia, has given its name to our perfect model of a classic, rural idyll. The interior is a mountainous region of thick, lush forests creeping up craggy peaks and encroaching on dramatic gorges and valleys, while round the coast you will find a range of beautiful beaches, the most unspoiled and quietly scenic of which are found on the West Coast. Take the time, if you can, to hike into the Loúsios Gorge and the area around the mountain villages of Stemnítsa and Dhimitsána in Arcadia, or explore the harsh and underpopulated landscape of the south-eastern Vatika Peninsula. There are many wonderful walks to take all across the Peloponnese.
So, for an epic adventure, why not head to the Peloponnese Peninsula and make some legends of your own? The large and rugged peninsula could take a long time to explore properly. No matter how long you have though, be sure not to stick to the major roads. Take your time to explore lesser-travelled routes and don't be afraid to leave the car or bike behind to properly explore a more remote or mountainous area on foot. Remember, the true Peloponnese Peninsula is found where the majority of tourists are not, so forge your own path, meet locals and see what this area is really all about.
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