Incorrectly named as the "Island of Pelops" by the Ancient Greeks, the Peloponnese peninsula has actually been an island since 1893 when the Corinth Canal was built. Despite its geographic ambiguity, its a beautiful place with more history than you can fit in a box that is specifically designed to hold history.
Before arriving however, we took a quick look at the Ionian Sea for the first time since October 2011.
Upon arriving in the peninsula, we rolled through the Vouraikos gorge.
Peloponessos has been home to formidable fighters from the militant Spartans, right through to the rebellion that lead to Greek independence in 1821. When Nazi Germany took over in the Second World War, the area was a centre for a guerrilla resistance. We learned the tragic price paid for such resistance in the town of Kalavryta, where all 696 male citizens above age 12 were shot, with only 13 survivors. The women and children were locked in this school, but managed to escape.
Kastria Cave of the Lakes
From there we based ourselves in the beautiful town of Nafplio,
which is protected by Palamidi Castle.
What was once the great city of Mycenae, home to the Mycenean civilisation which dominated Greece from 1600BCE to 1100BCE.
The honeycomb tombs are very well preserved and very fun to yell "Echo" in.
The final old place was Epidaurus (or Epidavros).
People came here from all around to be cured by Asklepios and his snake.
We've seen many theatres, and this one is also theatrical. P.S. Where's Yaz?
We enjoyed the ruins, the towns and the food of the region greatly, but what we'll remember most are the stunning hills and coastline.
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