Welcome to the Peloponnese, a picturesque part of mainland Greece that’s spread out across a fork-shaped headland – similar in shape to Halkidiki.

Whether it’s the beaches, history or lip-smacking cuisine that draws you to its shores, you’re bound to find a corner of the Peloponnese that ticks all your Greek holiday boxes. The best part? This region of mainland Greece is far less crowded than many of the country’s popular islands, so you’ll often find more locals here than tourists!

Want to explore but not quite sure where to start when it comes to places to stay? Let’s take a look around…

For city exploring… Kalamata

Get the best of both worlds when you stay in Kalamata. Dazzling golden beaches make up its coastline while just a few minutes’ walk away, city streets bustling with locals and a maze-like Old Town await. Bougainvillea-draped streets give it that quintessentially Greek feel like they’ve been plucked straight out of a postcard, and the artisanal shops that you’ll pass as you stroll through are not to be missed! When it comes to history hunting and sightseeing, you’ll have a hefty to-see list to work through. Castles, museums, churches – there are plenty here!

If you fancy a beach day in between all your dining, shopping and sightseeing, you’ve got a Blue Flag stretch just steps away. Plus, the airport is right on your doorstep too, so your transfer time to your hotel will be next to nothing!

For authentic Greece… Agios Nikolaos

If you want to live like the locals on your next getaway, then make it the sleepy fishing village of Agios Nikolaos. At the heart of the village is the dinky harbour which is lined with a handful of café-bars and restaurants. Pull up a chair and enjoy a fresh Greek coffee as you watch the local fishermen come and go.

Not forgetting the lush Taygetos Mountains that surround the resort and offer the ideal setting for adventures. In between laidback days of sunbathing, why not head up into the mountains for an early morning hike? Along the way, you’ll come across the stunning Vyros Gorge which makes a great photo stop. There’s also a beach just a few minutes’ drive away which is rarely crowded and perfect for swimming.

For peace and quiet… Stoupa

Around a ten-minute drive along the coast from Agios Nikolaos will bring you to Stoupa, a real get-away-from-it-all setting that’s primed for chilling out. It’s also framed by the mountains and rich olive groves. The sweeping, horseshoe-shaped bay attracts both tourists and locals alike and there are usually plenty of loungers to choose from, so there’s no waking up at the crack of dawn to reserve your spot!

If you’re looking to explore but want to take it easy, why not hire bikes and head further afield at your leisure? The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mystras is closeby while the breathtaking Caves of Diros are also worth a visit.

The handful of tavernas here are all family run, so you can expect top quality Greek food, locally-grown ingredients and delicious recipes that have been passed down through generations. After your meal, you could head to one of the sea-view bars to enjoy a sweet sundowner.

For brilliant beaches… Skafidia

Golden sand? Check. Tranquil turquoise water? Check. More beachfront facilities than you could shake a parasol at? Check! If you’re after a fly and flop holiday, then put Skafidia at the top of your list. Bamboo umbrellas and comfy loungers line this unspoilt stretch of sand and the water is clear and warm, so just perfect for bathing and swimming! Don your snorkel as you dive in and you might just catch a glimpse of some colourful creatures that live beneath the surface.

Dense olive-green forests back the beach, so whichever direction you look in, the views are spectacular. Leaf through the pages of a good book, take part in some of the water sports or join in a game of beach volleyball, there’s something for everyone here. Stay until late and you’ll be wowed by the red, orange and pink sunset over the water.

Want to see it all for yourself?