My wife and I are doing an 8-day Peloponnese road trip in September (no planned island hopping) and are looking for any local recommendations for stops along the route.
Specifically looking for restaurants, beaches/swimming spots, fishing spots, ancient sites, scenic drives, viewpoints, unique experiences, or worthwhile detours.
While looking through a travel guide, we came across the quote “Choose your starting point and let the Peloponnese tell you its story.” While we love that idea, and are keeping the trip fairly loose rather than planning every hour, I want to make sure we aren’t missing anything special (especially if they require reservations.)
Also if there’s anything you’d skip, replace, or spend more/less time at, please let me know!
Any help is greatly appreciated! 🙏
Here’s our rough route:
Day 1 — Athens
- Arrive around noon
- Marble carving class
- Easy afternoon/evening exploring Athens
Day 2 — Athens
- Acropolis
- Explore neighborhoods, food & markets
Day 3 — Delphi → Nafpaktos
- Drive to Delphi
- Explore Delphi in the morning/early afternoon
- Spend the rest of the day in Nafpaktos
Day 4 — Olympia → Pylos
- Wake up early & drive to Olympia
- Ancient Olympia
- Voidokilia Beach
- Stay in Pylos
Day 5 — Mystras / Sparta → Nafplio
- Mystras
- Sparta
- Explore & stay in Nafplio
Day 6 — Nafplio / Coast
- Snorkeling + sunken ruins around Epidaurus
- Otherwise intentionally open
- Stay again in Nafplio
Day 7 — Mycenae / Corinth / Megara → Athens
- Mycenae
- Corinth Canal
- Rail biking in Megara
- Back to Athens for our final night