Meteora vs Mani Peninsula

There are probably thousands of people every year who face the same dilemma as you.

Those who chose Meteora will say it was worth it.

Those who chose the Peloponnese will also say it was worth it.

By asking on this forum, it seems you're going to follow the famous quote from Michel de Montaigne, the French writer who said: “Since I am unable to choose, I will take the choice of others.” :)

Anyway, in 5 days it will be impossible to properly visit all the places in the Peloponnese that you mention.

I’d stick with the Peloponnese ,good luck!

We have been to Meteora and yes, it was worth it. We spent two nights there and one in Delphi after a trip to Crete. It was certainly worth the drive from Athens.

The problem from my perspective, is that that five nights is probably too much but it is a lot of driving to go to Meteora and Nafplio.

I would probably go to the Peloponnese but you aren’t going to see much of it in five days. It is really big. We spent four nights in Nafplio but you really need at least three to see the town and some of the surrounding sights. That leaves two nights. You could go to Mystras and Monemvasia in that time. You aren’t going to be able to see all that you would like to see.

Never been to the Mani peninsula, but we've been to Meteora twice and it is absolutely unmissable. A completely unique experience. More than worth the 4 hour drive.

But agree 5 days might be more than you need. With that amount of time, I would make day trips to Igoumenitsa/Corfu and/or Ioannina.

You are already spending a fair amount of time by water when you are in Mykonos and Santorini. Why not pick the mountains of Central Greece and Meteora/Delphi for a change rather than more water near Napflio/Mani etc? What appeals to you more?

As this is your first visit to Greece, IMO 2.5 days isn't enough to do justice to Athens, if you are interested in the Antiquity sights and museums. Assuming you are flying to Athens from the US, you will have to factor in jetlag as well. So you may have more like 2 days to see Athens before flying to the islands. You could easily spend a day or two longer in Athens after returning from Meteora. Note that not all Meteora monasteries are open every day. If you want to visit specific monasteries, you have to pick the days they are open.

Peloponnese is far too big for 5 days as others have commented. In your place, I'd defer it for another trip when I could spend more time there to do it justice.

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful and insightful responses!