A visit to the large peninsula known as Peloponnese that lies in the south of Greece and forms a part of the southern area of the Gulf of Corinth is definitely worth considering the next time you wish to visit Greece. It as an area that covers approximately eight thousand plus square miles and has two land connections to Greece of which one is the Isthmus of Corinth and the other is the Rio-Antirio Bridge.

You will enjoy its many mountainous interiors as also the coast and the highest point on Peloponnese is known as Mount Taygetus. In addition, there are two island groups that lie off the coast of Peloponnese that are known as the Argo-Saronic Islands that lie to the east and the Ionian Islands that are on its western side. Peloponnese has known inhabitation since the prehistoric times and it owes its present name to Greek mythology and more especially to its hero named Pelops, who is believed to have conquered this entire part of Greece. So, Peloponnese literally means “Island of Pelops.”

A visit to Peloponnese would also mean visiting some its major cities that include Patras, Kalamata, Corinth, Tripoli, Argos, Pyrgos, Aigion as also Sparta and finally, Nafplio. In addition, there are many important archeological sites here in Peloponnese that date back to the Bronze Age. Whilst you are here, make sure that you check out Bassae, Corinth, Epidaurus, Messene, Mistra, Olympia as well as Pylos and Tegea to name but a few of the places of interest on Peloponnese.

Typical of these places of interest in Peloponnese is the ancient Olympia where you can find a grandiose temple foundations and many colonnades as well as altars that are among some of the interesting archaeological finds you will come to enjoy in this quiet, tranquil and luxuriant location.

You will find many mountainous terrains on Peloponnese that is also very rugged, though the climate makes up for it as it is typically Mediterranean by the coast, though within the interior, it is more continental. This is a mythical island where in every corner lurks some piece of Greek myth and you can revel in the scents from the sea, mountains, its grapes, olives as also citrus. Korinth is a commercial center as also a transport hub. You can also experience the magic of the Vouraikos gorge that is situated among grassy mountains and a railroad.

If you want to also visit the Ionian Islands and Italy, you would do well to go to Patras that is located on the west coast and is the window from Greece to these places. Another place worth visiting is Sparti that is the capital of Lakonia and near by to its west is the Byzantine castle-state known as Mystra where you will find some outstanding churches, monasteries and also palaces and mansions. These are but few of the amazing attractions you will get to enjoy when in Peloponnese.

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