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Second trip to Peloponnese itinerary?

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Hello, I visited Greece in June a few years ago and did Athens, Santorini and the Eastern Peloponnese /the mani (nafplio, monemvasia, mystras, gytheo, aeropoli, limeni). Absolutely loved it!

Going back with family in October (and our two year old). I have the first 6 nights planned. The first night near Mycenae since our flight lands 4pm and we don’t want to drive too far. Will visit Mycenae the next day then drive over to Pylos area where we have the next 5 nights (will visit koroni, methoni, etc but any recommendations appreciated!)

Not sure what to do for the next 5 nights. We loved the mani and nafplio but I’d also like to see new stuff. These are my ideas but open to anything:

-ferry to zakynthos or kefalonia (adds some logistical complications with ferry times and rental car…would it be worth it?)

  • karadmyli/mani/nafplio (we missed karadmyli last time and I’d like to see it - also only stayed one night in nafplio. So maybe 3 nights near kardamyli and 2 nafplio? Maybe day trip to hydra?)

  • fly to another island for 5 nights but return would be on the same day as international flight so a little risky (any recommendations for this?)

Any thoughts? We like exploring pretty villages and ruins, strolling around cute towns, light hiking, beautiful views, mountains and cliffs, good restaurants, some beaches but not really sit on a beach all day type people. Also travel at a slow-ish pace due to toddler. Thanks for the advice!

Posted by
1412 posts

You might like Mystra, the last Byzantine capital. It’s a huge and scenic site with some beautiful buildings. The village of Mystra is pretty and, despite being near a major site, is quite peaceful and local feeling in the evenings.

https://www.greeka.com/peloponnese/mystras/

You can stay in Sparta which is only 20 minutes in a car but I’d stay in the village itself.

Posted by
1199 posts

If you can schedule it check out the area known as Kynouria which is south of Nafplio and doesn't get the tourist crowds but is filled with spectacular mountain scenery and villages. There are several towns/villages you could base yourself in like Paralio Astros in the north or Leonidio in the south.

Between them is a vast inland area which gets few tourists and October you may have the entire area to yourself.

There are magnificent centuries old monasteries in the mountains situated on mountain crags only eagles could get to but you can drive to some.

I was based in the pretty village of Agios Andreas in the north and I was the only tourist there. Several shops, markets and tavernas and welcoming locals with limited English but enough to get by. If you want a bit more services then Paralio Astros may be a good option.

Leonidido in the south is in a beautiful area with magnificent red rocks cliffs known for drawing climbers, lovely main square and lots of options for services.

If you want a "real" Greek experience then this area will offer it.

You can read my trip report to the area from another forum:

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowTopic-g189483-i1277-k14775687-Peloponnese_Trip_Report_Kynouria-Peloponnese.html

Check out this website if interested:

https://visitkynouria.gr/kynouria/

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