While it’s usually the islands of Greece that tend to get all the attention, mainland Greece is a fantastic place to travel. Hire a car in Athens and take a road trip around the stunning Peloponnese peninsula. Here are a few stops to make along the way.
Nafplio
Picturesque, romantic and steeped with fascinating history, the small town of Nafplio is the perfect first stop on your Greek road trip. Enjoy a stroll past medieval fortresses and Ottoman fountains, and down flower-adorned cobblestone streets. Be sure to stop for some syrup-soaked loukoumades (Greek donuts) at Pergamónto.
Leonidio
A mecca for rock climbers, the small town of Leonidio is surrounded by dramatic red cliffs. If you’re a climber, you’ll find some stunning routes to explore and plenty of gear available to hire. If you prefer a more relaxing stay, enjoy delicacies made with the local speciality – striped tsakoniki eggplant, and listen to locals chatting in one of the oldest dialects on earth.
Mani Peninsula
Less travelled by tourists, the Mani Peninsula extends to the southern edge of mainland Greece. It has a stark and beautiful rocky landscape, stunning turquoise beaches tucked away in sleepy fishing ports, and a series of dramatic stone fortresses topping each hill. If you want to get off the beaten track and truly relax, head down to the Mani and don’t rush back!