If you're looking for a great Greek vacation but aren't too excited about big crowds and expensive attractions, this gorgeous peninsula might answer your prayers.
The Peloponnese is a huge peninsula at the southernmost tip of mainland Greece. With a history dating back to the Bronze Age, it also has beautiful beaches, coastlines and delicious food.
“Legends persist in the Peloponnese. Literally,” says Lonely Planet. “It was here that Hercules fought the Nemean lion and that the gods walked the earth.”
It was the site of the first-ever Olympic Games in 776 BC and is also home to the warrior nation of Sparta and the Gates of Hades.
For lovers of Greek myths and legends, the Peloponnese is a must-see. There, your every step is connected to a rich cultural history.
It's worth going just for the food. The Peloponnese was recently named the second best food destination in the world by Taste Atlas.
According to Taste Atlas, the victory came from 477,287 ratings on 15,478 foods in its database, giving the Peloponnese the second-highest average score of all food regions in the world.
A spokesperson said: “Fresh seafood is abundant in the region and is often grilled or baked with herbs and lemon. The region is known for producing high-quality olive oil. It is also home to some of Greece's most famous wines, including Nemea and Mantineia.
Since it is located in Greece, the weather is nice all year round. Off-peak temperatures in spring and fall hover around 20-25 degrees Celsius, and crowds are thinner.
If you want some winter sun, even the coldest months are usually around 12-16 degrees. It's still warm, but it's a good idea to bring a jumper.
Getting to the Peloponnese is easier than you might think. The gateway to the region is Kalamata International Airport, with direct flights from the UK. Skyscanner currently has flights departing in February for as low as £127.
