The Peloponnese peninsula is the ultimate summer destination on the Greek mainland. Untouched nature, clear blue water, and a rich history turn the region into a holiday paradise. The Peloponnese offers a huge variety of sights, from ancient Mycenae to the beautiful beaches in the Mani region. There is so much to see that it might be hard to create an itinerary. For this reason, we have created this 10-day road trip through the Peloponnese. Including the perfect mix of culture, religion, history, nature, and beaches.
We made a map with our favorite places on the road. You can easily download it on your phone to be prepared for your next trip in Greece!
The 10-day road trip through the Peloponnese
Day 0: Get to Greece and rent a car
You can start this road trip in two ways. For the first option, you fly to Athens and rent a car around the airport. From here, you can get to Corinth, the start location of Day 1, in but more than one hour.
If you have the option to fly to Kalamata, you can save some kilometers on this 10-day road trip through the Peloponnese. However, international flights are a rare find, and a transfer takes longer than a journey by car. Renting a car in Kalamata, you can take the highway to Corinth and follow the guide below. But it is also possible to reverse the route.
A tip: Almost all Greek car rental companies require a credit card. Make sure you have one for this trip. Besides, reserve a car up-front! During the summer months, the availability is scarce.
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Day 1: Corinth, Mycenae, and Nafplio
Start your day early to avoid the Greek mid-day summer heat. Get to the Corinth Canal, an impressively deep and long man-made canal. You can enjoy a coffee at Isthmia or visit the ancient Diolkos at Poseidon.
After the Corinth Canal, you drive to Mycenae, one of the oldest ancient sites in Greece. The site is famous for its Lion Gate, but don’t miss out on the underground Cistern and the Tholos tombs.
For day 1 you want to book accommodation in either Tolo or Nafplio. Nafplio is a must-visit. With the fortress of Palamidi and the Bourtzi Castle. Tolo, however, has beautiful beaches around and a more relaxed atmosphere.
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Day 2: Epidaurus, hidden caves, and sea
In the morning you visit the ancient site of Epidaurus. This site is famous for its well-preserved ancient theatre with amazing acoustics. Make sure to bring a coin to drop in the middle and experience the theatre at its best.
A lesser-known sight, is the sunken city, just 16 km (10 miles) further. Bring your snorkeling gear and explore Greece’s history from a new perspective.
After this refreshing swim, it is time for nature and religion. The dolines of Didyma and the Franchtchi Cave. The latter offers a great unorganized beach, but if you want to end your day relaxing on a sunbed, Kiveri is a great option!
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Day 3: Religion in the mountains
From Kiveri, you will leave the famous tourist sights and enter the unexplored territory of Greece. The first stop is the monastery of Timiso Prodromes. The ride there is full of breathtaking views and the experience at the monastery is unique.
From here, get back to the scenic road along the coast, heading South. There are many small beaches on your way. Kryoneri is a great option for the afternoon.
In the evening, you can stay in Leonidio. Leonidio is an unknown but special town, surrounded by giant cliffs from 3 sides. For dinner, however, I can recommend the fish tavern Aranemo. They serve delicious and traditional food, combined with an amazing view.
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Day 4: Untouched nature and Monemvasia
Today you will drive even more South. The final destination is Monemvasia, but the way there is as much of an experience. The road will take you through the mountains, along cliffsides, and over the highlands.
The first stop is Vlychada Beach, but only if you feel safe driving next to an abyss. The road to the beach is scenic, but quite dangerous and scary as well. If day 3 gave you trouble, it is unfortunately better to skip this stop.
For lunch, you will go to a small fishing village, Limin Ieraka. The lake of the herring, priest or hawk. The food here is delicious and fresh, the town is quiet and relaxing, and the scenery is extremely beautiful.
End day 4 in Monemvasia, which can feel quite busy after two days off-grid. Nevertheless, Monemvasia is a unique town, a must-see of the Peloponnese.
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Day 5: Neapoli and the petrified forest
Today is the last day you drive South. The first stop is the Petrified forest. A geological museum with fossils of tree trunks, from 2 to 3 million years ago!
Close by is a great snorkeling location, the Kaptan Ismail Hakki shipwreck. With children or non-experienced swimmers, however, I would skip this location.
In the afternoon you can visit the Kastania Cave, take a ferry to Elafonissos, or swim at Pounta. At night, Neapoli is a great town to stay.
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Day 6: From Mystras to Mani
Today you this 10-day road trip will bring you to the most beautiful region of the Peloponnese, Mani. Before that, however, there are two more sites on the list.
The first stop is the Dimitrios shipwreck at Gythio. An impressively sized but rusty ship on a sandy beach home to sea turtle nests.
Next up is history. The archeological site of Mystras. This Byzantine city is extremely well preserved and on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
From Mystras you enter Mani. A good place to end the day is Kotronas. Visit the small Chersonisida peninsula, which becomes an island during the winter months. There is a clear sea to swim in. As well as a church and the temple of Artemis to discover.
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Day 7: The most southern part of the Greek mainland
Time to explore the beauty of the Mani region! Start at Paralia Tainaro and explore the cave of Hades and the Roman baths. From here, you can hike to the most Southern tip of the Greek mainland, marked by the lighthouse, Tenaro.
In the afternoon, you can explore one of Mani’s traditional stone ghost towns, or explore the many paradise-like beaches. A great place to stay is the town of Gerolimenas. This is a small town, directly located on the sea.
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Day 8: Traditional towns and blue waters
Start your day with a visit to the famous Caves of Diros. Make sure you reserve a ticket up-front during the summer months since it gets really busy. You enter the caves by boat, go through them, and exit by foot. This site can not be missed when you are in the area!
After the caves, it is again time to explore the region. A swim in the turquoise waters of Limeni is a must-do, and the traditional town of Araopoli offers great food.
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Day 9: Relax in Kardamily
There are two beaches you can not miss today. Foneas and Delfinia. However, since you’re about to end this trip, take it easy and relax today. Kardamily is a great place to do so. Especially for couples, due to the town’s romantic character.
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Day 10: Souvenir shopping in Kalamata
The final day of this 10-day road trip through the Peloponnese! You will probably have to return your car or even catch a flight. If you have some time to pass, you can visit Kalamata. This city lies directly on the beach and has a long boulevard. The city is also a great place to buy souvenirs or enjoy your last traditional Greek food.
Tips for when you have more days:
Methana
This small peninsula in the North East of the Peloponnese is home to over 30 craters. The area is great for hikers and nature lovers. You can add Methana after the caves on day 2.
Elafonissos
This small island lies just off the coast of Pounta, close to Neapoli. You can reach by ferry in just 10 minutes. The island is home to one of the bluest waters I have ever seen! You can add the Elefonissos on day 5.
Sparta
Do you want more of Greece’s history, visit Sparta on Day 6.
Do you have an extra week?
Are you able to visit Peloponnese for more than 14 days? Include the most Western part as well! Some interesting sites are the beautiful Voidokilia Beach, ancient Olympia, and the city of Patras.
What do you need to bring?
There are a couple of things you are going to need on this road trip. The first is sunscreen, a head, sunglasses, and summer clothes, musts for every summer holiday in Greece. Besides, there are standard things like your wallet, travel documents, and medication.
However, there are some things you will need for this trip that you might not find in the standard packing list for Greece. The first is Teva slippers. You will walk a lot, visit pebble stone beaches, and even encounter sea urchins. For this, you want comfortable but water-resistant and fast-drying footwear. The best for this is the Teva sandal.
Secondly, you want to bring snorkeling gear. The mask and tube. The flippers are not needed. Although they sell these in the Greek towns you will pass, the quality of these is often not great. The best is to buy a good pair before you leave and use this on other holidays to come!
Finally, there are bathing suits. Yes, suits! You will be in the car, driving from beach to beach. The last thing you want is to sit on wet swimwear or change continuously. For this trip, I took about four bathing suits and I used all of them.
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