Destination Downlow - The Peloponnese, Greece
This week I’ve been looking at the incredible Peloponnese in Greece as a holiday destination for a client. I always like to look into the history of a place and learn as much about it as I can. The history of the Peloponnese really is fascinating and it gave me the idea to do a bit of a weekly destination downlow looking at a different place every week. Traveling through the Peloponnese feels like stepping into a living museum—one where ancient myths and modern life coexist in a landscape that is both breathtaking and deeply rooted in history.
Located in southern Greece, the Peloponnese is a peninsula connected to the mainland by the narrow Isthmus of Corinth. It’s a place where every turn reveals something remarkable: the ruins of powerful ancient cities, quiet mountain villages, and coastlines that stretch into the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. One of the highlights of any trip is visiting Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Walking through the remnants of temples and stadiums where athletes once competed thousands of years ago is awe-inspiring. In Mycenae, one can stand before the famous Lion Gate and imagine the world of Agamemnon and Homer’s epics. These aren’t just ruins—they’re the foundations of Western civilization. This is where the major cities of Sparta, Corinth, Arogs and Megalopolis were located. It is also home to Mycanae which is best known for being the kingdom of Agamemnon who led the Greeks in the Trojan War.
But the Peloponnese is more than just its ancient past. The town of Nafplio, with its neoclassical architecture and seaside charm, is incredibly beautiful; wander cobblestone streets, sip Greek coffee in quiet squares, and watch the sunset from Palamidi Fortress high above the town. Nature lovers will find plenty to explore, from the rugged mountains of Arcadia to the stunning beaches of the Mani Peninsula. Each region has its own character, shaped by centuries of history and local tradition.
The food, as expected, is incredible—fresh, simple, and full of flavour. Local olive oil, honey, cheese, and wine make every meal memorable.
Flights from the UK take around 4 hours to Kalamata Airport and we work with a wide variety of accommodation providers ranging from basic to luxury.
The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino sits with its toes in the sand of the staggering, quite wild Blue Flag Beach with nesting turtles in summer, close to the iconic white-crescent Vodoikilia Beach. Each of its ground floor accommodations offer private infinity pools while families will find a seemingly endless list of ways to spend time between the two children hubs, the Aqua Park and the remarkable sports and activities.
Also of note is The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort in Costa Navarino. The 12 tempting restaurants here range from local and international flavours to farm to table dining, and there’s a vast spa, two 18-hole championship golf courses and a fabulous kids’ clubs. Experiences include cookery classes with local women, cheese-tasting and -making, wine masterclasses, astronomy nights, mythological storytelling and even philosophy walks.
The Peloponnese is a place where time slows down, and history feels present in every moment. It’s a destination you can never forget.
