The Peloponnese is one of the most fascinating parts of Greece. Rich in history and varied landscapes, this large peninsula has something to offer everyone. To make the most out of your visit, we have listed the 5 top things to do in the Peloponnese!

Top Things to Do in Peloponnese

The Peloponnese peninsula is located southwest of Athens and constitutes the southernmost part of mainland Greece. It is connected to the mainland by the Isthmus of Corinth, at the famous Corinth Canal. The Peloponnese is very popular. The close distance to Athens, the many luxury resorts, and the interesting monuments attract visitors to the Peloponnese all year round. From Athens, you can easily visit the area for a day or a weekend. But it’s a great place for a longer holiday too. You might ask, “What should I definitely see and do in the Peloponnese? This question is hard to answer because there are so many exciting things to find in the area. That is why we decided to list a mix of the best that the Peloponnese has to offer in this post. From amazing beaches to ancient history, and from outdoor experiences to cultural highlights. So whether you will be visiting during Christmas, Spring break, or your summer holiday, these top attractions and activities should be included in your wish list!

1. Outdoor activities

Due to its varied landscape, there are a plethora of outdoor activities in the Peloponnese.

The Peloponnese hosts the famous Menalon Hiking Trail, the first certified trail in Greece.  This awarded 75 km track has 8 sections, of different lengths and difficulty levels. Some of them are family-friendly, such as Section 4, at the picturesque villages of Elati and Vytina. Other tracks are only suitable for parents who leave their kids at the hotel with the nanny.

Winter sports are also available in the Peloponnese. In fact, the Kalavrita Ski Resort is one of the best-organized ski resorts in Greece. The slopes feature tracks at all difficulty levels and there are lessons for beginner and advanced skiers and snowboarders, including lessons for children. In case your children are very young and do not ski yet, you can get help from a winter nanny. That way you can enjoy the slopes while your young children are at the chalet.

Climbing-loving families will love Leonidio, a small town in the Peloponnesian region of Arcadia, 3 hours south of Athens. It is close to the sea and surrounded by stunning red and grey cliffs that are great for climbing. There are more than 1000 routes here across a wide range of grades.

2. The Nemea region

The Peloponnese is known for its excellent wines, and Nemea is the most famous wine-producing area. The region bursts with small and large (ecological) wineries, where parents can go participate in wine tasting while the kids safely play around the green estates. Together, parents and kids can visit Ancient Nemea, an archaeological site with an ancient stadium where the Nemean Games (one of the four Panhellenic Games of Ancient Greece) took place. Surrounded by beautiful green hills covered in cypresses, Ancient Nemea also features the ruins of an ancient temple and a small archaeological museum.

3. Historic towns

The Peloponnese’s rich history is reflected in its many beautiful towns. The most impressive are Medieval Monemvasia, the late-Byzantine Mystras, and Nafplion, the first capital of Greece. In these towns, you will find castles and fortresses, narrow alleys, and cobblestone squares. Nafplion is the most family-friendly. It has car-free roads, kid-friendly museums, bike paths, and lots of ice cream shops! If parents want to climb the Palamidi castle in Nafplion, they can hire a nanny for the kids.

Further, consider these romantic towns for an adults-only weekend away from Athens. Nafplion and Mani feature several top-notch boutique hotels, such as Petra & Fos. In Monemvasia, we recommend the Kinsterna Hotel, with historic suites and private pools. Around Mystras you can find the five-star Euphoria Retreat (one of the best in Greece) and the Kyniska Palace Conference & Spa. Here, parents can recharge and spend quality time together.

4. Archaeological highlights

There is no other part of Greece with such an overwhelming number of archaeological sites than the Peloponnese. Parents will love visiting Mycenae and Epidaurus. In the summer, the Ancient theatre of Epidaurus is used for musical performances. Kids will learn about the Olympic Games at the ancient site of Olympia. But you can also go to Ancient Corinth, closer to Athens and ideal for a day trip, or the Archaeological Site of Ancient Messene. All of these sites are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Program.

5. Amazing beaches

Last but not least, the Peloponnese has some of the best sandy beaches in Greece. The most famous beaches are in Argos and Ilia. The Voidokilia or ‘ox belly’ beach is a stone’s throw away from the golf resorts at Costa Navarino. Voidokilia is the best beach for families in the Peloponnese because it is located in a protective bay. Its shallow warm water and pink sand are ideal for young kids to play at, while older children will love climbing up the castle near the beach.

Did you like our 5 top things to do in the Peloponnese? Whenever you travel, either for a weekend or for your holiday, whatever type of family you are, either looking for a relaxing beach or ancient monuments, you will find it in the Peloponnese!

If you decide to take some time off, leave it to us to arrange the perfect (holiday) nanny for your family. Our nannies have all the energy and enthusiasm necessary to keep your kids happy and entertained and make your weekend break or family outing a memorable and fun experience for everyone.