The Mythical Peloponnese

The Peloponnese is a land where ancient Greek myths come alive. Here the heroes Perseus, Hercules, the kings Agamemnon, Leonidas and Pelopus, after whom the peninsula is named, immortalised themselves for centuries. The most important ancient theatres, stadiums and temples, Venetian fortresses and Orthodox sanctuaries can be found here. Then, there are sandy beaches, idyllic coves, olive groves, orange groves, and of course, the gentlest sea.
You can see the Corinth Canal, Acrokorinth, Ancient Corinth, Ancient Nemea, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Nafplion, Sparta, Mistra, Monemvassia, Pavlopetri, Elafonissos, Hifio, Mani Limeni, Dira Cave, Cape Matapan, Areoupolis, Kalamata, Pilos, Voidokilia, Cyparessia, Ancient Messina, Apollo's Temple of Epicurea, the Church of St. Theodora, the ancient Temple of Apollo. Theodora, ancient Olympia, Patras, the Monastery of Mega Spileo, Loutraki, and much, much more.
The Peloponnese peninsula has been divided into 7 regions since antiquity, and they have all kept their names and borders until now. You must have heard many of these names and I mention them in the itinerary.
This may not be your first trip to Greece, but I'd like to give a few tips before you set off on your journey.
Traveling around the country ✔ In order to rent a car, you must have an international driving licence and a credit card. In addition, the driver must be over 21 years old and with more than 1 year of driving experience.
✔ Bear in mind that the Peloponnese terrain is mountainous, so you should not expect to drive at high speed. Where possible, use the toll roads. You will save time and nerves in the end, the old side roads may take 3-4 times longer.
Communication and language Greeks are very hospitable and will help you if you're in a pinch. Many speak English well and some speak German. Few learn Russian unless you come across a compatriot. In a restaurant, menus are often bilingual - Greek and English. If the establishment is aimed at tourists, also with pictures of the dishes. And if you learn a few Greek words, the locals will be overjoyed. You can not imagine how respectfully Greeks treat even the timidest attempts to speak their native language, it causes their sincere and benign desire to help.
Food and Drink Food lovers are in for a treat in the Peloponnese. Every region boasts something special. The northern Peloponnese, particularly the region of Nemea, is known for its wines, which have won well-deserved awards in international competitions. In the small, family-run cheese dairies of Achaea, you can sample the unique local cheeses. The Arcadia Mountains are known for their beautiful honey. Jams and marmalades are made from everything up to olives everywhere. A separate topic is olives and olive oil, each region has its own varieties. The most famous variety, one of the best in the world, is the large black olives Kalamon (Kalamata) from the Messinia region. Some tips when visiting a tavern: ✔ Everywhere choose dishes from the products for which the area is known. In coastal areas, it's a variety of fish and seafood (octopus, squid, prawns, mussels). The mountains also offer some of the tastiest local meats (lamb, goat meat, beef, chicken), grilled or prepared according to local recipes. There are also trout and salmon farming in some places in the mountains. ✔ If you order fresh fish and seafood, always ask what is fresh today - "fresco". Bear in mind, big fish can be quite expensive, 50-70 euros per kg or even more. ✔ Don't be afraid to try new dishes, you can ask the host or the waiter for advice. They will often take you into the kitchen and show you around. ✔ Many taverns prepare their specialities in the morning, in Greek "magerevta", often based on old family recipes. You can choose your favourite dish and salad, for example, and have a quick and homemade lunch while getting a taste of the local cuisine. ✔ Take seasonality into account. Good food comes from tasty ingredients.
The portions are usually large, so meze and salads are often taken for everyone and placed in the middle of the table. Lunch or dinner is often finished with seasonal fruit or a dessert from the restaurant.
Drinks are the same as in other Mediterranean countries: ✔ Light table wine, red and white, usually available on tap in all taverns ✔ Beer - there are many local varieties ✔ Ouzo - aniseed vodka ✔ Raki - grape vodka.
What to bring as a gift from Greece ✔ Local products - olive oil and olives, honey, sultanas, spices, mountain herbs and tea, wine, ouzo. ✔ Gifts for skincare - in local shops and pharmacies you can find Greek cosmetics based on natural products: donkey milk, olive oil, mountain herbs. ✔ The Peloponnese is home to many craftsmen and designers. In Olympia they sell beautiful silver jewellery, in Nafplio they make comfortable and beautiful sandals