Authenic Greece loves the Peloponnese

 

The Peloponnese is a peninsula and geographic region in southern Greece. It is separated from the central part of the country by the Gulf of Corinth. During the late Middle Ages and the Ottoman era, the peninsula was known as the Morea. It was here that the Greek War of Independence began in 1821. The Peloponnesians have almost totally dominated politics and government in Greece since then. In 2016, Lonely Planet voted the Peloponnese the top spot of their Best in Europe list.

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Monuments from every period of the eventful Peloponnesian history, great archeological sites such as Ancient Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycene, Ancient Messini, Mystras, Sparta and Tirynth, Byzantine churches, unique settlements and amazing castles, natural beauties such as mountains, forests, rivers and caves surrounded by the sea, beautiful beaches, sandy and smooth coasts on the west – rocky and dentelated on the east, make this part of Greecee ideal for holidays, touring, sports and connecting to the history and culture. NB. The Peloponnese has more than 100 km's of beaches.

Peloponnese with its gulfs in Korinthos, Patras, Saronic, Messinia, Argolida and Laconial ooks like a plane tree leaf and that is why it was formerly called "Morias". It has dry climate on the east, cold, snow and rich vegetation in its central and mountainous parts and rain and heat on the west.

 

People settled in Peloponnese from the middle Paleolithic era (circa 100.000 years B.C.). The Greek civilization began during the Copper era and after 2000 B.C. came in the area the first Greeks. Few centuries later, Mycenaeans are the center of Greek world. Excavations verify the legend of Homeric Mycenaean, while the ruins in Pylos match the references for the well known King Nestor's palace in west Peloponnese.

 

The weather in the South of the Peloponnese is winter time generally better than elsewhere in Greece, due the inland winds. The winters are mild and agreable. 

 

Areopoli

 

Areopoli is a town on the Mani Peninsula in the Peloponnese.  The word Areopoli means "city of Ares", the ancient Greek god of war. Areopoli was called Tsimova by the invading Slavs during the 7th century AD. The Greek War of Independence was started at Areopoli on the 17th of March 1821 by Petros Pierrakos, also known as Petros Mavromichalis, the last bey of Mani. Now Areopoli has grown into a flourishing town. Its tower houses, constructed with field stones, are distinct from the traditional blue and white buildings that characterize many Greek villages.

Areopoli is situated near the west coast of the Mani Peninsula, 1.5 km from its port Limeni. It is 20 km southwest of Gytheio. There is lively open air market in the main square each Saturday, with a lot of local producers present. 

 

Areapolis is the heart of the Mani district and is one of the most attractive traditional villages in Greece. It shares with the villages of Vatheia and Kita, also in Mani, the designation of traditional village of exceptional beauty in Greece. Areopolis literally rises out of the past. Stroll along the cobbled lanes that wind everywhere in the village and you will learn a lot about  the tower houses and fortified building complexes of the Mavromihalis, Pikoulakis, Barelakou and Kapetanakou families. They are among the most imposing buildings in Mani and allow those who walk along the lanes to discover the well-hidden secrets of the past.  You can walk across historic 17th March Square, where the leaders of the Greek War of Independence in 1821 first prayed in the seventeenth-century church of the Archangels, the one with the tall bell tower, raised the flag of the revolution and then began their task of freeing Greek towns and villages before joining ranks with forces from the rest of Greece. Byzantine churches with unusual wall paintings, the War Museum, the Cavalry Museum, the old olive press and millstones, the Museum of Maniot Religious Beliefs in Pikoulakis Tower, buildings made of huge blocks of stone that bear witness to its great age, these things and many more combine to make you feel you are walking in a mediaeval castle where time has stood still since the 19th century.

 

Areopolis is an attractive tourist destination summer or winter since it has lots to offer and make your stay a pleasant one at any time of the year. Traditional taverns, pubs that stay open so you can enjoy yourself until the early hours of the morning, as well as friendly, hospitable people.

 

Nafplion & Tolo

 

Nafplio is a seaport town in the Peloponnese in Greece that has expanded up the hillsides near the north end of the Argolic Gulf. The town was an important seaport held under a succession of royal houses in the Middle Ages as part of the lordship of Argos and Nafplion, held initially by the de la Roche following the Fourth Crusade before coming under the Republic of Venice and, lastly, the Ottoman Empire. The town was the capital of the First Hellenic Republic and of the Kingdom of Greece, from the start of the Greek Revolution in 1821 until 1834. Nafplio is now the capital of the regional unit of Argolide.

 

Tolo has grown into a lovely tourist resort from a small fishing village while retaining its traditional Greek charm

The locals are friendly and easy to get to know, remember faces from years past and always make people welcome. Tolo is perfect as a base from which to visit the many archaeological sites of the Peloponnese. But do not forget thta the beaches are excellent in and around Tolo. As Tolo is not too fare away from Athens, is located in the heart of many archeolical sites, it is also a good winter destination.

 

Kyparissia

 

Kyparissia is a townin northwestern Messenia, Peloponnese. The town has around 5,800 inhabitants. The town is situated on the Gulf of Kyparissia, a bay of the Ionian Sea. It is 38 km north of Pylos.  The town has a port, which is mainly used for cargo purposes. 

Kyparissia is a beautiful seaside town on the western coasts of Peloponnese. The modern town is located in a walking distance from the long, sandy beach, while on the slopes of the hill above there is the Old Town of Kyparissia. An old Medieval Castle (Frankisch Period) stands on top of the hill, offering nice view to the sea and the sunset. A relaxing place for family vacations, Kyparissia has many clean beaches in the region and interesting sights to see. In the day, swim in the lovely beaches, while in the evening enjoy the sunset from the Old Town or a drink at the bars above the beach promenade. Its convenient location makes it a great base for day excursions, including road trips to Kalamata, Pylos and Olympia.