We have four days to drive around southern Peloponnese. We are staying the first night in Nafplio, then driving south.
Where should we go?
Should we go to Monemvasia?
How is the drive from Monemvasia to Kardamyli?
Is Kardamyli a good stop over?
From there should we drive to Pylos? What are the best towns to see on the way to Olympia?
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3401 posts
Ruth, if you want a detailed, accurate guide to seeing the Pelops in 4 days, I suggest you got to Trip Advisor Greece forum & ask, because they have people (expats) who LIVE in the pelop. and others who have visited 10 times or more. Also, they aren't limited in their reply length like Steves site (which is OK for Stevies because few contributors here are very experienced in Greece). I've been to Pelops 4 times but via bus not driving. I would suggest (unless you've already seen them) taking in the sites of Epidaurus, Mycenae, maybe Tiryns & Nemea, thus 2 nights in Nafplio. Monemvasia?? Depends. Are u more about ancient sites or Byzantine?
If you have only 2 nights more... consider going straight to Pylos area, stay at little town outside, Gialova, at Hotel Zoe...heaven on Earth. Next day, go to Olympia (if not in Hi season when it's bus-tour hell)... then don't stay over, hit the road to get back to Corinth area. Frnkly I would add one day to your tour, You cannot see all the place you list in 4 days/nights unless you just want to drive by and Wave. Greeceis not california driving!! Do some research, go on TA, and you'l have a better basis for decisions.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
5 posts
Hi, Ruth! I was in Greece (including the Peloponnesian peninsula) in September. You ask some excellent questions. We found that Monemvasia didn't have the charm that many report it to have. If you had to cut one site I would choose Monemvasia. Kardamyli was very nice but do prepare for an adventurous drive in an out. We were not prepared for how steep and twisty the roads in that region are. Since you have only four days I would suggest looking for towns that are not too far off larger highways as the back roads can eat up a lot of time you could spend relaxing, sightseeing, etc. (If you do end up going to Kardamyli, let me know. I have some great recommendations.) One option might be a night or two in Gythio before you drive up to Olympia. It seemed a little resort-like as we drove through but you might do some research on it and find something to your liking. Sparti also seemed like a hip, young place. No beaches in Sparti though (obviously.)
I hope this helps!