Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of the Peloponnese, a hidden gem found on the peninsula at the southernmost tip of Greece. It’s a region where majestic mountains and lush landscapes await the adventurous spirit, and ancient history and tranquil villages reveal a warm, enchanting culture. Choose a self-guided cycling trip in the Peloponnese, and you can savour all these Greek delights at your own leisure.
Imagine ascending into verdant hills and pedalling along serene coastal roads, with the azure waters of the Mediterranean as your companion, that whisper tales of a bygone era. As you traverse this picturesque peninsula, the Peloponnese invites you to voyage into a rich tapestry of culture, history, and exquisite Greek cuisine, enjoying both the thrill of exploration and the wonderful warmth of Greek hospitality. Our Sales Support Executive, Sara Burton, took to two wheels earlier this year to explore this fascinating region. Below, she shares her highlights and advice on how to make the most of your visit.
The Peloponnese region is home to some of the most influential Ancient Greek settlements, so this trip is a goldmine for history lovers. For Sara, one of her top highlights was visiting the legendary city of Mycenae, a place she had studied from a book at school!
Here, the Bronze Age and the kingdom of the mythical King Agamemnon come alive amidst the imposing ruins and majestic Lion’s Gate. Take time here to delve into the ancient world, exploring the royal tombs and the magnificent Cyclopean Walls, named after the legend that the walls were built by these giant mythical creatures with one eye. It’s a riveting place where the myths and realities of an ancient culture are intertwined.
With 6,000 years of history, it’s no wonder the city of Argo is also a memorable place for Sara during her trip. There’s plenty to see here, with two large and several small archaeological sites to explore. Sara especially recommends visiting the amphitheatre, “It was really impressive, having the capacity to seat 20,000 people!” Within the charming maze of old narrow streets, lined by traditional houses and shops, you’ll also discover a huge market selling everything from food to clothes. Pause for a coffee in one of the inviting cafes and take time to soak in the warm hospitality.
Another highlight of our cycling trip in the Peloponnese is the ancient city of Mantineia, just 14 kilometres north of Tripoli. A treasure trove of classical Greek history, it boasts well-preserved ruins of a theatre, the ancient Agora, Roman baths, and fortified walls, all of which tell a story of strategic importance and cultural prosperity. Meanwhile, the intriguing remains of temples possibly related to the worship of Zeus and Hera, offer a fascinating insight into Greek mythology.
Save some time that day, and you can also visit the nearby wonders within Kapsia Cave. Renowned for its stunning array of colourful stalactites and stalagmites, this underground marvel showcases an otherworldly landscape. Explore its intricate chambers, admiring the unique formations and the rare crystal ‘curtains’ that adorn its walls, a testament to nature’s artistry over millennia.
Stepping out into the sunshine, there are many more beautiful natural spectacles for you to enjoy along your cycling route. Sara loved cycling through the orange groves, “They seemed to go on forever,” and seeing the change of colours in the orchards as she followed the route from mountain landscapes down towards the coastline. Sara recommends visiting this area in spring or autumn for this reason. “Spring is great for witnessing orange trees full of fruit, cherry and apple blossom in the orchards and lots of butterflies; autumn is great for seeing the olive trees ready for harvesting and having warmer sea water!”
When it comes to the activity level, this cycling trip is rated a mid-level 2, meaning a good level of fitness is required, but no specific technical skills are needed. Sara reassures those interested in this adventure, “With an e-bike, you can easily conquer the hills, so the grading is just right for a leisurely cycle. We had plenty of time to take breaks, walking around villages or pausing to take in the views and visiting the main sites.”
One of her favourite moments of the holidays was during one such pause, where she discovered a panoramic viewpoint in Paralio Astros, with a church and small garden, “You could see right across to the town, along the coast and up to the castle.”
All this activity will likely have worked up quite an appetite. With Greece infamous for its delicious food, a trip to the Peloponnese will undoubtedly satisfy. Sara enjoyed the spanakopita, a classic spinach and feta cheese pastry dish. She advises getting them freshly made directly from the local bakeries along your route. Greek salads and fresh fish dishes were also favourites throughout her trip.
Sara also highly recommends the local Peloponnesian cuisine. Known for its simplicity and richness, it emphasises fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Two favourites to try are Kagianas and Diples: Kagianas is a simple yet delicious dish made with scrambled eggs, ripe tomatoes, and olive oil, often flavoured with local herbs. It’s a staple in Greek home cooking and embodies the fresh, rustic flavours of the region. Meanwhile, Diples are a type of Greek pastry, often made for special occasions like weddings and Christmas. Made from thin sheets of dough rolled into ribbon-like shapes, they are fried until crisp, drizzled with honey, and sprinkled with cinnamon and crushed nuts.
Throughout your cycling trip in the Peloponnese, you will stay in four hand-picked hotels, each perfectly positioned throughout the route. Sara was keen to mention the wonderful experience she had at the 4-star Hotel Ippoliti in Nafplio. “The staff were so friendly. Breakfast was extensive, and the location was great; easy to wander out into the nearby streets for shopping and a great choice of restaurants.” She also highly praised the Ariadne Hotel in Paralio Astros, “It was by far the most welcoming. We were treated to all the local specialities for our breakfast along with homemade jam!”
Reflecting on her time in the Peloponnese, Sara sums up her experience, “Greece is one of my favourite destinations in Europe. It is steeped in history, with fantastic views and amazing cuisine, all of which you can enjoy while cycling on relatively easy terrain. There are lots of opportunities to take some fantastic photos, soak up the sun and take a dip along its beautiful coastline. Cycling down through the mountains and seeing the landscape change in front of your eyes, from snow-topped hills to cherry blossom trees, is incredible. And with nothing but the sound of your tyres on the tarmac, there’s time for a little peace and reflection.”
If Sara’s trip has inspired you to discover this region of southern Greece by bike, you can find all the details of our Self-Guided Cycling Trip in the Peloponnese here.
