Which are the best towns to stay in the Peloponnese?
By Cedric Rischitelli. October 16, 2023
With its sandy beaches, ancient ruins and unique nature, the Peloponnese region will satisfy all travellers. The coastline is home to many beach resorts, popular with both locals and international tourists. Located in the Southern mainland, the best way to explore the region is by car. Public transport routes are also available, and two airports serve the Peloponnese. Weeks could go by as you enjoy historical sites, outdoor activities in unspoiled nature, and swimming in the crystal-clear sea. The region is known as well for its tasty dishes, rich traditions, and many cultural festivals.
The mild Mediterranean weather makes the Peloponnese an ideal year-round destination, with plenty of charming locations to stay at. If you want to visit the region for its rich history, you cannot miss Epidaurus and Olympia, renowned for its UNESCO archaeological sites. For those who prefer cities with more modern activities, Patra and Loutraki are ideal.
Mountain lovers will adore the town of Kalavryta by the Helmos mountain. If you are looking for a secluded fishing village to enjoy the beach far from tourists, Tolo, Monemvasia, and Gythio are the hidden gems of the Peloponnese. Finally, Nafplio and Kalamata are coastal cities known for their castles and convenient location.If you are interested in where to stay in the Peloponnese, you can also be interested in where to stay in Athens or where to stay in Crete.
Nafplio
Romantic / Bike-Friendly / Convenient Position
The first capital of modern Greece, Nafplio is considered one of the most romantic cities in the country. This stunning coastal city is characterised by narrow cobblestone streets, medieval castles, and neoclassical buildings. The breathtaking beaches and picturesque architecture make Nafplio a perfect destination for couples to get lost in. The city is bike-friendly, with many hotels offering cheap bike rentals. Not to miss are the many tavernas serving delicious traditional Greek food with a modern twist. You can discover the rich history of the former capital by visiting the many museums of Nafplio.
Located just two hours from Athens, Nafplio benefits from a convenient position: by car, you can easily reach the archaeological sites of Ancient Tyrins and Mycenae, the wineries of the Nemea region, and the ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. The city’s geographical position makes it a perfect base point to venture around the area.
Tolo
Welcoming / Islands Day Trip / Fishing Village
Tolo is an old fishing village that recently became a modern and charming tourist centre. The nearby islands protect Tolo’s sparkling sea from storms and large tides, making it an ideal place to swim and enjoy water sports. Day trips to the nearby islands of Koronis, Romvi, Hydra, Spetses, Poros, and Monemvasia are possible by sailing aboard the many local ferries. If you are lucky, you might even see dolphins swimming alongside you. The town is also well connected by bus to ancient sites such as Asine, Argos, and Epidaurus.
Tolo boasts of sincere local hospitality, making the many hotels and furnished apartments feel homey and welcoming. While it is a small town, there is also a great variety of family-run businesses like tavernas, cafes, shops, bars, and discos. Many restaurants and hotels profit off the beach by extending their tables onto the sand.
Kalamata
Outdoor Activities / Kid-Friendly Beaches / Dance Festival
The central port and capital of the Messina region, Kalamata is a wealthy urban centre that developed thanks to its fertile lands. Known for its brown olives, Kalamata is much more than its delicious products. The city is surrounded both by woodland mountains and azure sea water. Its kid-friendly sandy beaches make Kalamata a popular summer attraction, while autumn and spring are ideal for hiking or mountain biking. The renowned International Dance Festival occurs yearly in the legendary “Castle of Isabeau”.
The airport of Kalamata connects many European cities directly to the Peloponnese. Otherwise, the car or bus trip from Athens is three hours long. While in Kalamata, you can enjoy delicious dinners while staring at stunning sunsets over the Mediterranean Sea. Immerse yourself in the flavours of the traditional cuisine and atmosphere of the local markets. In other words, Kalamata is a perfect location both for relaxation and exhilaration.
Patra
Carnival / Nightlife / Beach Resorts
Located on the northern side of the Peloponnese, Patra is Greece’s third-largest city, a student hub home to two universities, and a place where history, entertainment and culture always mingle. From January to March, Patra hosts the Patrino Karnavali, the largest carnival parade in Greece. Patra is a city that never sleeps. Spend your days walking around the shopping area, visiting museums, and relaxing at lounge cafés. As night comes, enjoy the many bars and restaurants, and dance your night away.
Thanks to its port and students, Patra is a very active city. The beach resorts make Patra a great family destination for those travelling with kids, making the city accessible for everyone. Patra’s location is also a convenient drive away from Nafpaktos, Mesolongi, and Delphi. The dynamic port connects the region to the Ionian Islands and Italy all year round, and the airport of Araxos connects Patra to many European cities in the summer.
Monemvasia
Cliffside by the Sea / Medieval Town / Isolated
Technically an island, the only way into Monemvasia is by crossing a massive man-made bridge by car. A bit out of the way, it is a breathtaking medieval settlement nested at the edge of the sea. Entirely built into the cliffside, sleeping within Monemvasia’s walls is a magical experience. Catch a sunrise from your hotel’s balcony and eat traditional delights on the roof of a tower house looking out to the sea. The mystical atmosphere alone makes any detour to visit Monemvasia worthwhile.
Sleeping in the Old Town allows visitors to sleep in historical buildings nested up the hill, while the New Town offers more affordable options. Keep in mind that cars are not allowed in the old town, making it only accessible by foot. Monemvasia is isolated from the rest of the Peloponnese, making it a perfect location to enjoy a romantic getaway far from tourists.
Loutraki
Casino / Thermal-spa / Promenade
Loutraki is a modern and elegant tourist pavilion known for its luxury casino, renowned thermal spa, and beachfront pedestrian promenade. Loutraki enjoys a thriving nightlife with many beach bars and fantastic restaurants for all budgets. The luxurious Loutraki Casino (one of the largest in Europe) offers modern gaming halls, and the Loutraki Municipal Thermal Spa gives access to therapeutical thermal waters. The impressive view of the nearby Gerania mountains promises amazing hikes in pine forests for all outdoor lovers. You can also swim in the clear blue waters of Corinth’s Gulf. The combination of sea, mountain, forest and lakes make Loutraki a natural beauty.
Coming from Athens, Loutraki is one of the first destinations you will find while entering the Peloponnese. Many archaeological sites are in the area, like ancient Corinth, Acrocorinth and the archaeological site of Heraion. The mild Mediterranean climate and the rare natural environment of Loutraki make the city an ideal year-round tourist destination.
Gythio
Sandy Beaches / Shipwreck / Undiscovered
Gythio is a colourful fishing town. It is the largest village in the southern Mani peninsula, known for its mountains and barren land. Gythio is an authentic semi-urban Greek port town with many neo-classical houses, stone towers and spectacular apartment buildings. The charming port makes for a scenic image, with its fishing boats and façade of houses looking towards the harbour. The town is surrounded by wild landscapes, ghost villages, and sandy beaches. The most appreciated beach there is Mavrovouni, with its golden sand and crystal-clear water. The nearby Dimitrios shipwreck on the Selinitsa beach makes for an unusual sight.
Gythio is small enough to spend a relaxing couple of days away from the more touristic destinations. Less than an hour’s drive away, there are the stunning caves of Diros to visit. As for accommodation and tavernas, there are plenty of options in town or on the nearby beaches.
Epidaurus
Theatre / Diving / Peaceful
When mentioning Epidaurus, most people think of the town’s Ancient Theatre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site still used every summer for the Athens & Epidaurus Festival. Epidaurus is found in the Argolida region in East Peloponnese. In Epidaurus, the beaches are shaped by pine trees, and the waters are crystal clean. You can discover the local ‘sunken ancient city’ by snorkelling or diving in the area. There are also many hiking paths passing by well-preserved ancient ruins and gardens of orange and olive trees.
Hotels are conveniently located in front of the simmering sea and near the beaches. Tavernas serve delicious traditional seafood dishes, with products coming directly from the nearby Saronic Gulf. Located 35 kilometres from Nafplio, there are not many public transports going to Epidaurus, but many guided tours are organized to visit and stay in town. Epidaurus is a peaceful location, blessed by nature and fascinating history.
Kalavryta
Ski centre, Winter destination, railway
Kalavryta is a small mountainous town and a popular winter destination thanks to its ski centre on Mount Helmos. The 12 ski runs are suitable for both advanced and new skiers. This dreamlike town is made of stone-built houses, charming alleys and small squares filled with picturesque cafés and tavernas. Kalavryta offers lovely views of the unique surrounding nature while you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or hiking. The town is also home to a few monasteries. They all are of great historical importance for Kalavryta, with one even carved in the mountain itself.
In Kalavryta, you can sleep in hotels constructed in traditional stone buildings equipped with fireplaces, indoor pools and thermal spas. In complete harmony with nature, the local Odontotos rack railway offers one of Greece’s most scenic routes ending in the Corinthian Gulf. Kalavryta is the perfect destination for all lovers of nature, winter sports, and stunning landscapes.
Olympia
UNESCO Archaeological Site / River / Film Festival
Olympia, found in the so-called “Valley of the Gods”, is one of the most celebrated sites of ancient Greece. Being the birthplace of the Olympic Games, the town had important sacred and political roles in Greek history. Walking among its UNESCO archaeological sites feels like a journey back in time. Olympia is the ideal destination for relaxing in the countryside and sightseeing the ancient temples. By the Alpheios River, you will find hiking trails, and while there are no nearby beaches, you can still swim in the lakes by the Neda waterfalls. Music and culture come to life in Olympia with the yearly Ancient Olympia Festival and International Film Festival.
Olympia is easily accessible from many areas of Greece (less than 4 hours away from Athens and only an hour away from Patras and Kalamata). There are many charming hotels just a short walk from the archaeological site, with a great view of the ruins.
Our recommended hotels in The Peloponnese
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in The PeloponneseNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
