The Peloponnese, Ionian Islands, and Argo-Saronic Islands

The Peloponnese and the Ionian islands are not as widely visited as other parts of Greece, yet undeservedly so:

You’ll find some of the best Greek beaches on the Ionian islands, delicious Greek food with many local specialties, and cities with a mixture of Venetian and Greek culture.

Corfu, of course, is an exception to this part of Greece: it is a popular tourist destination but also does have much to offer for the discerning traveler. Ithaka (Odysseus’ presumed homeland) is a small gem of an island, while the north of Kefalonia has some atmospheric villages that were untouched by the big earthquake of 1953 and Myrtos, considered one of the best Greek beaches if not one of the best European beaches.

From Kefalonia take a ferry to the Peloponnese, where you will find a rich history that includes many treasures from ancient Greece such as Olympia, Nemea, Sparta, Epidaurus, and Mycenae. But this large peninsula has much more to offer in terms of Greek culture and sheer beauty: Nafplio is one of the most appealing cities of Greece, Monemvassia a stunning fortified town on a rock, the medieval Byzantine town of Mystras (now an open-air museum), and the mysterious Mani peninsula with its spectacular Diros caves.

From the Peloponnese, take a short hydrofoil ride or even a water taxi to visit the quiet, intimate, and romantic Argo-Saronic islands, including Hydra and Spetses, where the only visitors are usually the Athenians and the Greek food consist of simple but delicious seafood specialties.

You may want to make a detour to visit Delphi, one of the greatest treasures of ancient Greece, and close by, the charming little fishing village of Galaxidi at the gulf of Corinth.

There are several ways to approach a visit to the Ionian islands, the Peloponnese, and Argo-Saronic islands:

• Fly into Athens, rent a car, and drive off.

• Fly into Corfu or Kefalonia and start your Greek explorations from there.

Based on flying in and out of Corfu, following is a suggested 14-day itinerary, excluding a highly recommended 3 or 4 days of relaxation on Corfu at the beginning or end of your travels. However, you can easily follow only a part of this itinerary and make it as short or long as you wish:

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[The following pages are in development and will be made available as they are completed.]

• Corfu

• Lefkada

• Ithaka

• Kefalonia

• Olympia

• Methoni, Koroni, and The Mani

• Monemvassia, Sparta, and Mystras

• Mycenea, Nemea, Naplio, and Epidaurus

• Spetses

• Hydra and Poros

• Galaxidi and Delphi

• Ioannina, and back to Corfu

Return from the Peloponnese to the Travel Europe Differently home page

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