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Mythical Peloponnese

Peloponnese holds collections of the finest, the world has to offer - from charming beaches sandy or pebbly, rivers, lakes, caves to lofty snow-capped mountains and gorges. The alternation of the landscape enchants the traveler.

The prehistoric tribes who came here first, fell madly in love and wanted to stay forever. They developed great civilizations such as Mycenaean and significant city-states like Sparta, Argos and Corinth. Also, in Olympia were born The Olympics.

Peloponnese dazzles by its beauty. Therefore, during the centuries, many have wished to walk the land - from gods to great civilizations. Conquerors passed and gone, but left their mark indelibly etched, witnessed in its Byzantine temples, Ottoman, Frankish and Venetian Fortresses. All these made Peloponnese a place of myths, legend and heroes!!!

Explore Peloponnese destinations and find out where is the myth and where the reality.

Nafplio captures romanticism, adventure, awe-inspiring archaeological sites and luxury life. The amazing beaches, the clear blue sky, the sunshine, the fertile plain and azure waters makes Nafplio an all year long destination.

Stay at the old town and take romantic strolls in the cobblestone alleys between neoclassical well preserved mansions, churches and historic monuments.

Visit some of the major archaeological and mythological sites, like the Venetian fortress of Palamidi, the Akronafplia, the famous small fortress of Bourtzi standing on an islet, the Mycenaean Palace, the exceptional ancient theatre of Epidauros, the ruins of ancient Lerna it is where Hercules fought the Lernaean Hydra.

Go round the region and discover unique beaches with clear waters organized or not, small coastal villages and try the local food.

Nafplio claiming a place in your heart!!!

The town of Monemvasia calling you for a journey through time.

A land of historical importance and incomparable beauty. A huge rock 300m high, bare, steep and inaccessible from the south eastern side, detached from the mainland by an earthquake in 375 A.D. and became the refuge for locals who built a fortress to guard against invaders. The legendary Medieval fortress of Monemvasia. A Medieval town belted by walls, ramparts and towers with a single entrance, from where derives and the name. Emperos, crusades, Knights passed from here and left their traces.

Today the island is linked to the mainland of Monemvasia by a short causeway and the fortress is still inhabited and it's a time machine. As you pass through the gate the time travel begins; The arched alleys, the Byzantine churches, the Venetian mansions and stone houses, takes you to a dream world.

The mansions have been renovated and serves as luxury hotels, cafe and restaurants. Stay in or out of the fortress, swim in azure waters, taste the local food and wine and live your own fairy tale.

Arcadia a true phenomenon!!!

Birthplace of gods, myths, legends, nymphs, heroes but also power and knowledge. Arcadia has played important role in the history of humanity. Its history losts in the mists of time, when the moon hadn't appeared yet and agriculture hadn't developed. It said that Arcadia is the cradle of world civilization, since here was founded the first city in the world, Lycosura and the first civilization by the first King of pelasgians Lycaon and to the third King Arkas attributed the first farming and teaching how to make bread and clothes. In honour of their King Arkas the pelasgians renamed to Arcadians and their land Arcadia until today.

Myths and truths alternated in this magical place. Myths like Lycaon's, Callisto and Arkas and mythical gods like Zeus, Hera, Artemis, Pan, legends like Deucalion and nymphs and also the idyllic landscape of Arcadia composed the Bucolic poetry and music, invented by Arcadian shepherds in the Arcadian mountains.

During the Renaissance and the Enlightenment the Arcadian myth was destined to influence the European culture creating philosophical, literary and artistic currents that form the basis of European spirit and cultural and so, the Arcadian Ideal was born - is the reminiscence of innocent life in a pastoral paradise. It is nostalgia for the pure values of a nature life, a tribute to the Arcadian rule that doesn't allow humans to impose on nature. A world of knowledge and power. The Renaissance codified the Arcadian Ideal in the enigmatic phrase ''ET IN ARCADIA EGO'' - I too was in Arcadia.

Today Arcadia of the fertile plains, the lofty mountains, the virgin forests, rivers, caves, gorges and indented pristine beaches, of the wealth ancient, historical and Byzantine monuments, the traditional cities and villages, of the luxurious hotels, villas and sports in the rivers and mountains but also great food and famous wine Moschofilero Mantinia, invites you to find out the secret of '' ET IN ARCADIA EGO'', because Arcadia, like all miracles, can not be explained, Just experienced...

Messinia is a destination for travelers who wish to collect different experiences and images in only one region. Messinia boasts that has everything the human mind can imagine and even more. The capital city of the region, Kalamata constitutes an important urban, economic, commercial and cultural centre for Peloponnese, as it has port and international airport. A modern city with picturesque touches with many cafes, taverns, restaurants, beach bars and clubs.

The only river in Greece with female name is here, took the name from the mythological nymph Neda which said that raised god Zeus in the springs of the river. Emanate from mount Lykaion and the stunning waterfalls and gorge with the lush vegetation mentioning to a paradise and carrying in the world of nymphs, who once lived there.

The west side of the imposing Mountain Taygetos located in Messinia. Composed mainly of limestone and marble, rich in waters and gorges covered by fir and pines with dozens of species beneficial herbs for human health and embraces the Messinian Mani with numerous stone, picturesque villages, castles and unique beaches, worthy exploration for lovers of trekking and wild beauty.

The vast olive groves of Messinian land constitute spectacle, admirable, since grown here from antiquity. Their products, the famous ''Golden Liquid'' according to Homer the excellent Messinian olive oil is classified in extra virgin olive oil and the delicious Kalamon table olives are famous all over the world for the extra fine quality.

Treasures are hidden in the spectacular Navarino bay, the cave of Nestor, the Nestor's Palace, the castles of Pylos, the voidokilia beach which has been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Its sands form a semicircular strip of dunes. On the land-facing side of the strip of dunes is Gialova lagoon an important wetland with hundreds of species of migratory birds and species of plants which is included in the European program Life Natura 2000 and due its easy access, the location is ideal for bird watching and walk in nature pathways. Amazing coastline with historical value since the bay played important role to the Greek war of independence with the naval battle of Navarino on 20 October 1827 led to the creation of the independent Greek state in 1832 after nearly 400 years of Ottoman rule.

Also in Methoni and Coroni there are medieval castles and have been important trade and marine centres during the Middle Ages and after.

Try all the local foods cooked with natural products of Messinian land, such as the sausage with orange zest, pasto ( cured pork ), kagianas ( scrambled eggs with tomato fried ) and the savoury pig roast ( gournopoula in Greek ) prepared with their special Messinian way as well as the sweets like tsapeles ( dried figs ), pasteli ( sesame and honey bar ) and of cource diples ( thin dough rolled into long, thin strips, fried and spinkled with warm honey, crushed nuts and cinnamon ). Messinia will delight your palate, eyes and soul!!!

ILIA WAITING TO BE EXPLORED

Ilia is one of the most fertile regions of Peloponnese.

Myth and history, all in one place.

The labours of Hercules, erymanthian boar and cleaning the manure of Augeas, the temple of Epicurean Apollo and ancient Olympia entangle and create a jumble of emotions.

Ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Olympics.

An invention of inhabitants of ilia to ensure for their land sanctity, immunity and military neutrality. They managed to make this spectacle, life purpose of the ancient but and modern world. Olympia is one of the most powerful places of the planet. From the moment you step your foot to the archaeological site, all this energy dissipated in your body.

The mythical forest Folois which is named by the king of Centaurs of Peloponnese. It is one of the largest oak forests and is one of the few pure high forest in Europe and is included in the environmental program Natura life 2000, because of the morphology is ideal for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

The rivers Peneus and Alpheus have created at the coast of Ilia important wetlands, as Caiaphas and Strofilias.

The therapeutic mineral springs of Caiaphas and baths of Kyllini attracts visitors from around the world.

Ilia combines mountain and sea. Kilometres of white sand stretches in western Ilia and mixed with the crystal clear waters overlooking the unique Ionian sunset.

Ilia contains everything you are dreaming from major archaeological sites, luxury hotels, spas, beach bars, nightlife to picturesque mountainous and coastal villages full of myths that are waiting to be explored.

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