12 Aug THE ULTIMATE PELOPONNESE MINI GUIDE IN GREECE

This The Peloponnese in Southern Greece is  for travelers who are looking for an authentic Greek experience. Prepare yourself for some amazing culture, history, nature, great food, stunning beaches, extraordinary views and charming villages. Book a unique accommodation and rental car via Eliza was Here and bring this ultimate mini guide of The Peloponnese along.

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Peloponnese in a nutshell

• The Peloponnese is located at the southern tip of the mainland.
• The Peloponnese is close to Athens (1.5 hours drive)
• It has a Mediterranean climate with very hot summers, up to 40 degrees. The best time to visit Greece are between April – June and September – October. The weather is pleasant and most places have few crowds. Between June and September temperatures rise and it get’s busier, this is when most sun and beach lovers visit.
• Rent a car (which is included in your package with Eliza Was Here): You must have a car to explore different areas and when staying more off beaten.
• The drive from the airport to the coast of the southern Peloponnese peninsula takes more than an hour. The drive and the views are spectacular, with a long coastline full of wonderful beaches and breathtaking mountains.

 

In this article we will read you about:

• Our incredible (private) accommodation in Peloponnese.
• Charming villages we loved
• Best Beaches
• Where to eat
• Drinks & Cafés

 

Our Off beaten accommodation

We spent 5 days in the beautiful luxury villa Earth & Sky, perched in the hills of The Peloponnese. This gorgeous villa has a modern trendy interior, kitchen with coffee machine, living area and 2 bedrooms (In the 3-room villas, the 2 bedrooms are located separately (patio with 1 bedroom on each side. One of the bedrooms is therefore separate and not accessible from the inside). There are only 3 villa’s available for rent, so you have neighbors, but still feels super private. 

It was incredible having our own private pool with the most stunning sea view. Eliza Was Here is specialized in offering unique stays, and that’s exactly what this accommodation was: Off beaten but situated close to the picturesque villages and beautiful beaches.

Discover all the by Eliza Was Here accommodations at Peloponnese!

Rent a car

The best way to explore The Peloponnese is by car. This will give you the opportunity to reach easily the most unique places and you have the freedom to move around. The best part is that when you book via Eliza Was Here you don’t have to search for a rental company (which can take a lot of your time) since it’s always included in the package. They arrange everything for you and you are fully insured. Easy!

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The most beautiful beaches on Peloponnese

The Peloponnese is an ideal destination for a summer holiday, blessed with many beautiful beaches, with gold sand and crystal clear turquoise waters.

Kalogria beach, Mani

This beach is located in the small town of Stoupa, in the Mani region. It’s a popular beach spot in the Peloponnese, so it can get busy during high season. It’s a beautiful sandy beach, surrounded by lush green hills and rocky cliffs. The perfect place if you’re looking for a bit of relaxation, there are a plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas for rental. There is a large choice of great restaurants to choose from, making it a convenient location for a day trip.

Foneas beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in the Peloponnese in my opinion. We were warned about its popularity during high season, but when we were there in the morning it wasn’t crowded at all. The rock formations and small caves around create a nice scenery. This pebbles beach with small cafe is stunning with clear crystal water. There’s a small cave (you can swim or walk into) and some rocks where you can jump off.

Tip! Bring your crocs (or other shoes that are light and and keep in mind that there’s are no beach facilities like chairs and umbrellas. Bring also your snorkeling gear, explore the underwater world in its clear waters, and witness the colorful fish.

Stoupa beach

The beach of Stoupa is located right on the main street of the village. It is a great beach with fine golden sand and turquoise waters. There’s a wide variety of vibrant shops, cafes and restaurants, where you can taste the delicious dishes of local gastronomy. The nice large beach with facilities make you want to stay the whole day.

Ritsa beach

Ritsa Beach, nestled in the charming village of Kardamyli, is offering a more intimate beach experience. It has big white pebbles and crystal-clear waters and is surrounded by lush green hills and olive trees. There are enough beachside tavernas to enjoy delicious fresh seafood dishes and traditional Greek dishes.

Limeni

Limeni is the little jewel of The Peloponnese. It’s a small village on the Mani peninsula, known for its clear turquoise water, stone towers around the coast, swimming amongst sea turtles and its famous fish restaurants and taverns. Definitely worth to visit!

Villages worth a visit

By all means, The Peloponnese is home to many charming villages, each with its own unique character, history, and scenic little alleys. Getting there by car or scooter would be the easiest, continuing by foot. Here are some notable ones to put on your list.

Kardamyli

This charming little town (our fave for sure) has a magical setting between mountains and sparkling seas. It has some very nice shops, amazing restaurants, cafes and bars as well as a couple of little parks with playgrounds, all within easy walking distance.

Limeni

Limeni is a charming Greek coastal village in the Mani peninsula in southern Peloponnesus. This picturesque village is know for its amazing architecture and turquoise waters that you can easily explore in a day. In Limeni there are great restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy food and drinks with a sea view.

Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is a picturesque active fishing village with a small harbor with many fishing boats. At the harbor there are many great restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal or refreshing drink while taking in the breathtaking views.

Where to eat

Meze Mani
Mezé Mani, located at the pier of Agios Nikolaos’s fishing village, is a charming and cosy tavern in Agios Nikolaos, Mani. It’s specialised in serving traditional small plates with amazing Greek finger food. They have a nice terrace where you can enjoy their culinary fresh dishes. The desserts are also delicious here, but you can also go for an ice-cream next door (not cheap, but worth it).

ΤΟ ΛΙΜΑΝΙ

A great fish restaurant in Agios Nikolaos. They weren’t very welcoming, but the food is great. The fish that they catch on that day is served here!

Mili Food 

Mili is by far one of the best restaurants of Kardamyli. Not only the beautiful atmosphere with a special view of the village and the magical sunsets are amazing here, but also the dishes are wonderful. The food is Greek with a slightly elevated twist, and they serve great portions.

Bonatsa

Located in Kardamyli on the road you will find this cute cafe with courtyard, with beautiful plants and nice seats. You can enjoy some Greek small dishes and some lovely desserts, but also a great place for an aperitif after a hot beach day. 

Elies

Elies restaurant is part of Elies Hotel and is located at pebble Ritsa Beach in Kardamyli. A true taste of the Mediterranean is what you get here. Experience the elegance of traditional Greek cuisine at restaurant Elies. Enjoy your food in their garden, have dinner under the lush olive trees with an amazing view.

Ammos Gyros

A very small place right at the beach at Stoupa where you can eat very nice qualitative gyros for a very good price!

Akrogiali

Nice local restaurant in Stoupa, right at the beach. This family run restaurant serves authentic Greek dishes and fresh fish. 

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Drinks & Cafés

Niriides

This buzzling place in Agios Nikolaos is perfect for a beer and snack. It’s the cosiest bar around the area with nice staff and an amazing outside terrace.

Aquarella cafe

For the best coffee in town you will have to visit Aquarella cafe. This amazing cosy cafe in Kardamyli helps you to get the vibes of Greece. Enjoy a great coffee, lunch, and cocktails on a nice outdoor terrace with a stunning sea view. Located above the rocks, so the perfect spot to watch the sunset

Cafe Bonatsa

Located in Kardamyli on the road you will find this cute cafe with courtyard, with beautiful plants and nice seats. You can enjoy some amazing desserts, lunch and coffees. But also a great place for an aperitif after a hot beach day.

Aloni
Great cafe-bar on the main road through of Kardamyli. Lovely little tables to sit at and watch the people walk by while enjoying a great coffee and some amazing fresh baked snacks from a world class bakery in Athens.

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Shops

Pandora

A nice little fashion store in Kardamyli where you can buy dresses, shorts, skirts from local designers. A little bit more expensive, but you can tell from the fit and fabric it’s worth it.

Stellar

In this beautiful shop in Kardamyli you find clothes, gifts, homeware and accessories of young and talented designers, lots is handmade and unique. You can also shop amazing mugs and clay creations.

Equinox bookstore

Equinox Bookstore in Kardamyli is a very cute, artsy shop with a great selection of art, antiques and books. They sell used English language books and amazing Greek gifts.

2 Cute Fashion

I could have literally bought everything at this small boutique store in Stoupa. From nice dresses and bikini’s to the most amazing colorful necklaces and rings.

Enjoy Peloponnese!

Cheers,

Sarah