Peloponnese is located in the southernmost geographic section of mainland Greece. Peloponnese was originally an island, but intense geological upheavals in the area united and divided the region from the mainland twice. Peloponnese features numerous historical sights, a hinterland with beautiful nature, several villages with notable architecture, high tourist infrastructure, and many developed cities.
A visit to Peloponnese provides you with an intriguing view of the remains of great kingdoms and empires of the past eras. The 4th century BC theater at Epidauros is a must visit. This theater is beautifully preserved, and is the place where Olympia first hosted the games that started in the year 776 BC. This once thriving city has till now not lost its appeal, and this is the reason why art lovers flock here to marvel at the Hermes of Praxiteles.
Though most of the charm of the Peloponnese peninsula lies in its history, there are also many beautiful beaches displaying the blue sea, sandy dunes and cloudless sky. The activities most common in Peloponnese are water sports; there are paddle boats to be hired and windsurfing lessons are held in many beaches. Some resorts also encourage water skiing and jet skiing. Northern Peloponnese has the highest concentration of classical ruins, the reason why virtually every second person one could meet there is an archeologist or a historian. Some of the major attractions include the ancient city of Olympia, the Temple of Zues, and the remnants of the Olympic stadium.
Traditional music and dance performances here are very famous. One can watch traditional dance forms including the Tsakonikos, Kalamatianos, and Tsamikos. Dancing is a part and parcel of the lives of the people of Peloponnese, and is also part of Greek weddings. And as the guest list to a wedding usually includes the whole village, you may most likely be invited too!
Most of the local taverns and restaurants serve home cooked food and fish. There are also many local specialties of lamb and beef. Regarding wines, light wine from Mantinea is a favorite among locals, even though other varieties such as light, dry white, heavy and sleep inducing red wines are also in demand.
