Our first trip to Greece - skipping Crete, Corfu, many options this time, We plan to spend 2 weeks in the Peloponnese in April 2018. My main question is what bases and how much time at each? Besides sight seeing we would love to do some hiking (2-5 hours max ).
We fly into Athens, stay 4 nights (including Delphi/Corinth day trip w local friend). Ferry to Hydra for 2 nights. Ferry to Ermioni to pick up a car (Swift/Avanti do arrange with drop off in Athens) and head to Nafplio (3 nights). Drive south to Monemvasia (1 night, could do 2). Questions: drive to Mystras from Monemvasia (about a 2 hr drive?) before heading to Mani....or is there a better time in trip to do this stop? Do we need a full day at Mystras or can we do site justice in 3-4 hours? Should we stay some where close Mystras for one night to avoid too much driving or could we drive from Monemvasia, see Mystras and stay somewhere in Mani (Gythio?). Next base would be Areoropoli or Kardamyli for 3-4 nights. Other places we would love to see are areas around Pylos, mountain towns of Dimitsana/Stemnista/Karitena/Andritsena/hike some of Lousios Gorge. Also interested in Vouraikos Gorge Cog Railway from Diakofto to Kalavryta (can one get on at either end?). Big question is should we concentrate on Southern Peloponnese and skip any northern areas before we have to head back to Athens to drop off car? Should we skip Pylos area and head north from Kalamata to Aracadia Mtns towns and Kalavyta? We plan to spend our last week in Greece on a few Cyclades Islands, probably fly to Santorini for 3-4 nights, ferry to either Milos (sea kayaking?) or Naxos for 3 nights (need to decide) and then fly back to Athens day before flight back home. I have booked places to stay in Athens, Hydra, Nafplio and Monemvasia already. Easy to change but I wanted to get something reserved due to Easter holiday, etc. Most appreciative of any comments/suggestions/ definitely do/don't do?