From Athens to the Peloponnese to Thessaloniki - 30 day draft itinerary and lodging conundrums

Just returned from two weeks in Greece. Stayed in Corinth on first night, but in retrospect had wished we had simply stopped to visit the archaeological site and headed on to Nafplio for the night (Aetoma Hotel). On our return we stayed at Hotel Cokkinis. While it served the purpose of bringing us close to the airport for our day of travel back home, I don’t think I’d stay there again. (Great views, nice staff, basic rooms, isolated.)
Had the pleasure of spending two nights in Pylos at the beautiful Karalis Beach Hotel. If you like to swim it is the perfect spot as the hotel sits right on Navarino Bay and the views are breathtaking. There are two ladders to climb down into the see, and we enjoyed swimming both before breakfast and after returning from touring for the day.
Hope this helps. Feel free to message me.

Thank you VERY much!! After much thought, we've decided to stop in Corinth for a few hours before heading to the Peloponnese - because that is really where we want to be. We were in Napflio last September and, although we enjoyed it as a base for Epidaurus and Mycenae and wandering the town, I wasn't as wowed as Rick is - we thought it was lovely town but surely not our favorite (we stayed for 5 days and found it to be 2 too many), We may plan on Pylos for next year - I just booked our hotels and hope that the reviews in trip advisor and elsewhere are valid. The Karalios Beach looks wonderful and I do love top plan... In sticker shock over the high car rental prices ($100 per day if you are over 70 - and I dread the gas prices) - but so looking forward to going!!

You're very welcome! Would love to see your complete itinerary to get ideas for next time. Thanks!! Have a wonderful time!

Again - many thanks!!

We traveled around the Peloponnese in April/May and had a great time. I agree that the Karalis Beach Hotel in Pylos is a special place. We spent 4 nights there and had a memorable and relaxing stay.

Koroni is a small seaside village with some cute shops, a fascinating castle and good tavernas by the sea but 5 nights may be too many - we spent 3.

We spent two nights in Kastoria on a previous trip and while it was ok, I think there might be more interesting cities for a 2 night stay. The Byzantine Museum there is very nice. We liked Metsovo quite a lot.

We’re fans of the Electra Palace Hotel in Thessaloniki - we always enjoy the view from the top at breakfast.

You’ll have a great time whatever you decide - it sounds like a relaxing trip with plenty of time at each stop.

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement - so nice to learn that others have gotten a bit off the well-beaten tracks to explore Greece. I'm hoping that this will be in our future but, unfortunately, a health issue has popped up - fingers crossed thAt we will cross the ocean! If we do, we will follow in some of your footprints as, yes, the Electra Palace is on our list.

I know that you’ve been planning this for quite awhile…I hope that everything works out and that all is well!

Take care!

Thank you so much - so kind of you. Yes, all is well at last -surgery last week and radiation to come - but ready to go by September. So very happy!!

That's excellent news!

Happy Travels!

Going to be great. My two cents: I love Hotel Cokkinis. Whenever I land in Athens later in the day or night and need to get to the Peloponnese, that is always my first-night stop. Done it about five times.