Peloponnese

Ancient history meets epic beaches in the Peloponnese - this underrated destination is giving Indiana Jones vibes with gorgeous coastlines and less crowds to spoil your pics.

✨ Destination Highlights

• Ancient wonders galore (hello, Olympia and Mycenae!) 

• Stunning beaches without the tourist hordes

• Proper Greek mountain villages with authentic tavernas 

• Wine regions that'll make you forget all about Tuscany

• Dramatic landscapes from coast to mountains

🎉 Good to Know

• 🤩 Fun fact: This is where the original Olympic Games kicked off in 776 BC - so you can literally run where the ancient athletes did (though maybe save that for after your beach day!)

• 🏖 Best beach: Voidokilia Beach is our pick - a perfect horseshoe bay with golden sand and turquoise waters that looks like it's been photoshopped, but it's totally real.

• 🍻 Price of a pint: Around €3.50-€4.50 (£3-£3.80) - proper bargain compared to the islands, and the views of olive groves are included free!

🏨 Where to stay on your Peloponnese holidays

The absolute best spots in the Peloponnese - proper gorgeous locations with epic beaches and authentic Greek vibes.

• Loutra Killinis - this is where the magic happens! Think thermal springs, endless golden beaches, and ancient ruins all rolled into one gorgeous package. Set on the western coast with a stunning 2km sandy beach where the forest meets the sea, it's home to famous thermal baths that have been healing people since Roman times. Perfect for families and couples who want beaches, wellness, and a bit of history.

• Kalamata - the foodie capital that's got everything sorted. Famous for those incredible olives you've been munching, but there's so much more - gorgeous Blue Flag beaches, a buzzing marina, and that lovely old town with cobbled streets perfect for evening strolls. Right on the waterfront promenade with contemporary design and luxury vibes. Great for couples, culture vultures, and anyone who loves proper good food.

🏖 What are the best beaches to visit on your holidays to Peloponnese?

The Peloponnese knows how to do beaches properly - and the ones near our resorts are absolutely next level for crystal-clear waters and gorgeous golden sand.

• Loutra Killinis Golden Beach - Golden sand meets crystal-clear Ionian Sea waters, with thermal springs bubbling nearby (yes, really!). The forest literally meets the sea here, giving you natural shade and a proper magical vibe.

• Kalamata Beach - Blue Flag beauty that stretches along the palm-lined waterfront. Right by our hotels, this gorgeous stretch has everything sorted - sunbeds, beach bars, and that famous Kalamata atmosphere. Perfect for morning swims before exploring the town.

• Voidokilia Beach - Okay, this one's a bit of a drive but seriously worth it. This horseshoe-shaped stunner is basically nature showing off with golden sand and turquoise water that looks like the Caribbean.

• Arkoudi Beach - peaceful and gorgeous, just a short hop from Loutra Killinis. Crystal-clear waters and loads of space to spread out your towel without bumping into anyone.

• Kastro Beach - Near the medieval Chlemoutsi Castle (how cool is that?), so you get history and beach vibes all in one. Perfect for when you want to combine sightseeing with sunbathing.

🏨 What are the top hotels to stay at on your Peloponnese holidays?

Banging hotels that know how to deliver proper Greek hospitality with a side of luxury - these are the places where your holiday memories get made.

• Grecotel Mandola Rosa - Pure luxury that'll have you feeling like Greek royalty! This ultra-chic boutique resort sits on that stunning 2km beach in Loutra Killinis with 25 sumptuous suites and 20 extraordinary beachfront villas. Think private pools, 24-hour concierge, and rose-coloured buildings inspired by the almond blossoms of nearby Ancient Olympia.

• Horizon Blu - Right on the waterfront promenade in Kalamata with contemporary design that screams luxury. This 5-star beauty has a massive infinity pool (seriously impressive), marble bathrooms, and some rooms even come with private pools. The perfect "city resort" vibe where you get beach and urban sophistication.

• Grecotel Filoxenia - completely renovated and absolutely gorgeous! This seafront estate in Kalamata is designed like something from eras gone by, with 162 spacious rooms and suites, stunning infinity pools that flow into the sea, and olive gardens that'll have you planning your next visit. Plus, there's no road between you and the beach - proper convenient.

• Grecotel Ilia Palms and Aquapark - family fun central with the biggest aqua park in Greece! Located in that gorgeous 500-acre wooded estate in Loutra Killinis, this place has waterslides, pools galore, and endless sandy beach with shallow waters perfect for the kids. All-inclusive options available, plus horse riding, tennis, and more activities than you can shake a stick at.

🧳 Peloponnese Holidays 2025 / 2026 Travel Guide

💕 Things to do in Peloponnese for couples

Romance is basically built into the Peloponnese landscape - from sunset castle walks to wine tastings in ancient vineyards.

• Explore Monemvasia's medieval streets - this 'Gibraltar of the East' is like stepping back in time, minus the crowds.

• Wine tasting in Nemea region - sample wines where grapes have been growing since ancient times. 

• Sunset dinner in Nafplio's old town with views over the fortress - peak romantic vibes.

• Take a boat trip to Spetses island for a day of exploring charming harbours. 

• Couples spa day at Costa Navarino - because sometimes you need to be pampered together.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do in Peloponnese for families

Kids will love the mix of beach time and proper adventure - plus the Greek myths come to life here.

• Visit Ancient Olympia where the Olympics began - let the kids race on the original track. 

• Explore Diros Caves by boat - underground lakes and stalactites that feel like a real-life adventure movie. 

• Beach days at Simos Beach with shallow, safe waters perfect for little ones. 

• Visit a traditional olive farm and learn how olive oil is made (plus tastings for the grown-ups). 

• Take the rack railway through Vouraikos Gorge - scenic mountain views without hiking.

🎉 Things to do in Peloponnese for groups

Group holidays here are all about good food, great wine, and epic scenery to backdrop all your photos.

• Rent a villa in the hills with a pool and mountain views - perfect for lazy days and BBQ nights. 

• Organize a wine tour through Mantinia and Nemea regions with a designated driver. 

• Beach-hopping along the coast with different tavernas for lunch each day.

• Group cooking class learning to make traditional Greek dishes (and eating them after). 

• Hiking in Taygetos Mountains followed by a proper Greek feast in a mountain village.

🍽 Things to do in Peloponnese for foodies

This is where Greek cuisine gets serious - proper traditional dishes made the way your yia yia would.

• Try Kalamata olives where they actually come from (spoiler: they taste way better here). 

• Sample pastitsada in Corfu-style tavernas - layers of pasta, meat, and cheese that'll change your life. 

• Visit local cheese makers and try graviera and feta straight from the source. 

• Hunt down the best souvlaki at tiny village tavernas where recipes haven't changed in decades. 

• Take a cooking class focusing on Peloponnesian specialties like sofrito and spetsofai.

🚍 Getting Around on your holidays to Peloponnese

• 🚗 Car Rental - This is your best bet for exploring properly. The roads are decent, mountain views are epic, and you can stop at random beaches and villages whenever you fancy. Plus, Greek drivers are... let's call them 'enthusiastic', so you'll fit right in.

• 🚌 Buses - KTEL buses connect the main towns and are pretty reliable. Not always the quickest option, but you'll get proper local vibes and the chance to practice your Greek with friendly passengers.

• 🚕 Taxis - Available in bigger towns like Kalamata and Nafplio, but can get pricey for longer journeys. Great for airport transfers or when you've had one too many wines at dinner.

Other Greece Holidays:

• Athens

• Corfu

• Crete

• Halkidiki

• Kefalonia

• Kos

• Mykonos

• Preveza

• Rhodes

• Samos

• Santorini

• Skiathos

• Zante