Regional Guides

No. If your measure of a Greek holiday is beach clubs and DJ line-ups, the Peloponnese will disappoint you, and it is not trying to do otherwise. This is the Greece of ancient Olympia, Mycenae and Epidaurus, of stone villages, vineyards and two long coastlines, and its evenings are built around the table rather than the dance floor. The honest follow-up, though, is that "not a party destination" does not mean the lights go out at nine. The peninsula has a livelier pulse than its reputation suggests; it just beats in a different rhythm.

If you have spent time in Greece, you may have developed a habit of reaching for bottled water. That habit makes sense in many island contexts, where water comes from desalination plants and the taste reflects it. The Peloponnese is a different story. The peninsula draws its water from mountain catchments and aquifers, and tap water across its main towns and cities meets EU drinking water standards.

If you've seen the famous islands and wondered what Greece looks like with fewer crowds, the Peloponnese is the answer, and yes, it's well worth the trip. This large southern peninsula holds an extraordinary amount in one place: some of the most important ancient sites in the world, Byzantine towns, mountain villages, and quiet beaches, all within easy reach of Athens. It has the history and scenery people travel to Greece for, without the summer crush of Mykonos or Santorini. For visitors and would-be owners alike, that combination is hard to beat. Here's what makes it special.

Ioannina Island is fairly unknown to tourists, but is in fact one of the most unique places in Greece. Found in Epirus in Northwestern Greece, it is one of the few inhabited lake islands in the world, and one of two of its kind in Greece. Driving up to Pamvotida Lake from the neighboring city of Ioannina, you will likely see its fishermen first. Every morning, the people of Ioannina Island sustain themselves by fishing. A lot of these fish will be either eaten on the island or exported to Romania.

What will you see in Greece in the Spring? Why is Spring one of the best times of year to visit Greece? Most travelers to Greece come during the summer, when the weather is hot. It's an ideal time to be on the beach, and you can enjoy a taverna meal late in the evening outdoors. The spring, however is very special in Greece and is one of the best times to visit.