Travel guide – peloponnese peninsula
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Overview
The southern part of mainland Greece, known as Morea, consists of the large Peloponnese Peninsula, now divided from the mainland by the Corinth Canal. The peninsula plays host to virtually every tourist that comes to Greece, because most of the country's important and imposing ancient sites are found on its landmass, which is dominated by two mountain ranges, the Taygetos and Parnon. The peninsula is a playground, too, for the Greeks themselves. Summer sees thousands of Athenians heading south at weekends to enjoy the seaside resorts and beaches of the Peninsula. Besides ancient ruins, the fertile coastal strip of the Peloponnese also serves as Greece's market garden and centre for wine production. Many tourists enter Greece by sea from Italy and other Mediterranean ports through the Peloponnese port of Patras, the third largest town in Greece. The Olympic torch is ritually lit at Olympia by a high priestess, just as it was in ancient times, and carried across the continents of the world to the host country to mark the start of the Games.
Nafplion is a favourite weekend getaway destination for hot and bothered Athenians, and no wonder because it is not only a lovely city, but exudes a cool and relaxed atmosphere soothing to busy locals and foreign tourists alike. It was capital of the Greek state from 1828 to 1834 after the war of independence, although its history is modern compared to the rest of Greece, and particularly the Peloponnese, it is a popular holiday spot for its charm alone. Nafplion gets by without any classical ruins. The town does sport picturesque streets overhung with wooden balconies cascading with flowers. Some lively outdoor cafes and fascinating mosques add to the atmosphere. Energetic visitors can climb the 857 steps to the Venetian Fortress of Palamidi that overlooks the city, but most prefer to just enjoy the tavernas on the waterfront, the open-air cinemas and the beaches, while using the town as a refreshing and comfortable base from which to explore the archaeological sites of the Peloponnese.
Climate
The Peloponnese Peninsula has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Rain falls mostly between October and March.
Health
There are no specific health risks in Greece, but visitors who plan to walk through forested areas are advised to consider vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis. Medical facilities in Greece vary; those in major cities are excellent but many of the islands are some distance from a decent hospital. Food and water are safe, but those visiting for short periods should consider sticking to bottled water. UK nationals are entitled to a refund on emergency hospital treatment under a reciprocal agreement between the UK and Greece, and a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) should be taken on holiday for this purpose. Despite this, all visitors are advised to take out medical insurance. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required for those arriving from infected areas. Bird flu was detected in swans in northern Greece in February 2006, but stringent measures have been taken to contain the outbreak; no human infections have been reported. The risk to people is believed to be very low, but visitors are advised to avoid any contact with caged, wild or domestic birds, and to ensure that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked as a precaution.
The basics
Getting Around
Buses and trains link Athens with the Peloponnese and all main towns on the peninsula. There is regular public bus transport between towns and major sites of interest, but a newly improved road system means that to travel by car is the fastest and most efficient way of getting around. Taxis are easy to hire in the towns or between sites and run on a share basis, so other passengers may be picked up for the journey.
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