Are you looking for hidden gems in the Peloponnese?
When you think of the Peloponnese, you probably think of the famous sites, Olympia, Mycenae, and Nafplio, but there’s so much more to the Peloponnese. This region of Greece is so diverse, and there’s a quieter side that most travellers miss.
When we travel, we always like to seek out the hidden gems, and we often find that the best experiences are not in guidebooks or on Instagram. Often they are places that other travellers recommend, or friendly locals.
In this post we’re highlighting our seven favourite Peloponnese hidden gems. From ancient ruins to peaceful lagoons, rugged coastlines, and small towns with character. These lesser-known places on the Peloponnese might just become some of your favourite stops too.
If you’re planning a road trip around the Peloponnese, make sure to download our FREE Peloponnese Road Trip Checklist to help you hit all the must-see stops AND the hidden gems.
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7 Peloponnese Hidden Gems
1. Ancient Messene
You might be like us and be confused about the name of this site. Messene sounds quite like Mycenae after all. However, they are completely different. Unlike Mycenae, this site is spacious, quiet, and easy to explore.
Highlights of Ancient Messene include the stadium, the theatres, the many columns and the incredible views across the surrounding plains. We spent several hours just wandering through the ruins and imagining life here thousands of years ago.
We visited during winter on the first Sunday of the month, which meant entry to the site was free. (Normally €15). Even though it was a free entry day, there were very few other people here.
For campervan travellers, there is easy parking right near the entrance, BUT we have heard reports of vehicle break-ins here, and there are signs. We took all our valuables with us, and would recommend you do the same.
After you’ve visited the main site, continue on the road to see the impressive walls and fortifications. The circular gate is a further 800m along.
2. Argos
The town of Argos is just a short drive from Nafplio, and makes a great half day trip if you’re staying there. The town itself isn’t anything special, the main reason for coming to Argos is to see its Ancient Theatre.
The Argos Theatre is enormous! It’s one of the oldest theatres in Greece, and almost completely overlooked by tourists. The theatre was built completely into the rock of the hillside.
You can climb to the top of the stands, but be aware that it’s pretty rough, and some of the steps are quite high. Nigel had to hold my hand a couple of times, and I did go down on my butt once or twice. Standing at the top of the theatre you can see all the way to Nafplio and the coast.
Within the same complex as the ancient theatre are some more ruins including Roman Baths which are currently being excavated and reconstructed.
Across the road from the theatre is the Argos Roman Forum, which is really just a pile of rocks. We only spent a few moments here. This site is perfect for a short visit. Entry is €10 per person. We spent about an hour here exploring the theatre, and then made our way to Larissa Fortress.
3. Larissa Fortress
The Larissa Fortress is just a short drive from Argos, but it’s a spectacular drive up to the hilltop fortress. The views over Argos and out to the coast are breath-taking. You’ll be able to spot several other archaeological sites from here too.
The fortress itself is vast, with crumbling walls hinting at centuries of history. We enjoyed spotting the obvious different building periods here.
Most people rush by, but spending an hour here exploring the ruins and soaking in the panorama makes the effort worth it. Bring water and comfortable shoes as the paths are uneven.
The Larissa Fortress is free to enter. Although there is a gate, it didn’t appear to ever be closed and there was nobody monitoring the site.
4. Mycenaen Acropolis of Tiryns
Also near to Nafplio, you’ll find the Mycenaean Acropolis of Tiryns. This site is best known for its cyclopean walls, so named as they were believed to be built by the Cyclops, one eyed giants. These walls are massive, and walking through them gives you a real sense of the engineering prowess of the Mycenaeans.
Even though Tiryns is UNESCO-listed, it is quiet, and we had the place completely to ourselves.
A short visit is enough to see the highlights, but take a few minutes to pause at the viewpoints overlooking the Argolid plain. We were really surprised that the site is right next to a local prison, and from the top we could look down at the inmates in their exercise yard!
Tiryns is often missed by travellers focusing only on Mycenae. If you leave Nafplio early enough, you can visit Tiryns on the way to or from Mycenae.
Entry is €10 per person.
5. Gialova Lagoon
The Gialova Lagoon is a peaceful wetland on the west coast of the Peloponnese. It’s somewhat overshadowed by the nearby Viodokilia Beach and Navarino Fortress, but if you have the time, a walk around the lagoon is definitely worthwhile.
The lagoon is home to a variety of birds and wildlife, including a flamboyance of flamingos. It is easy to walk along the paths and causeways to see the birds.
We combined our visit to the Gialova Lagoon with both the beach and fortress. There is a 10km loop hike that takes you around the lagoon, along the beach and up and over the fortress. We thought this was one of the best hikes in the Peloponnese.
6. Cape Tainaron
Cape Tainaron sits right at the tip of the Mani Peninsula, and is almost the southern most point of mainland Europe. This place is remote and rugged, even the drive down to the cape is spectacular, with abandoned stone tower villages dotting the countryside.
At the end of the road you’ll find some archaeological ruins, including the Temple of Poseidon and some floor mosaics that have just been left, and are quite overgrown.
You can walk all the way down to the tip of the peninsula, where you’ll find the 19th century lighthouse. The hike takes about 40 minutes each way, and it is quite rough and exposed, so make sure you wear good shoes and a hat and carry drinking water.
When you return, head down past the Temple of Poseidon to the little beach. A cave nearby is the legendary entrance to the underworld, where according to myth, Hades took Persephone. The beach is nice for a swim, but be aware there are lots of sea urchins here.
7. Gythio (Gytheio)
Lastly we have Gythio, a beautiful port town with plenty of mythological history of its own. Gythio (also spelled Gytheio) is the historical port of Sparta and myth tells us this is where Paris and Helen spent their last night in Greece before sailing to Troy (and thus starting the Trojan War).
You can walk along the waterfront and out over the causeway to the Cranae Island where there is a peaceful park and the lighthouse.
The waterfront is lined with cafes and small tavernas. We had a delicious lunch of calamari, moussaka and Greek salad at the Kritamo Restaurant. We really enjoyed watching the local fisherman sitting on the edge of the water here, catching fish. We enjoyed it almost as much as the stray cat did!
There is ample parking in the Port, except maybe on Wednesdays, when the ferry leaves here for Crete.
Watch our Peloponnese Travel Films
We produced three travel vlogs as we were travelling the Peloponnese. These films give you an insight into what it’s really like to explore the Peloponnese in a Campervan or Motorhome. See more on our YouTube channel.
Final thoughts
These seven stops show a Peloponnese that most travellers miss as they’re rushing from highlight to hotspot. This is why we love slow travelling, you can take the time to visit these places.
From the quiet streets of Gythio to the ruins of Argos and Tiryns to the remote Cape Tainaron cliffs and the peaceful Gialova Lagoon, each place offers its own story, history, and adventure.
Don’t forget to download our FREE Peloponnese Road Trip Checklist, designed to make your adventures on the Peloponnese even more enjoyable.
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