Peloponnese, Greece Guide

Magical and majestic, the Peloponnese is a land of natural wonder with an incredible history. Home to many ancient sites from the Greek literature and myths including from Homer’s Epics, there are numerous wonderful sights worth a visit. The Peloponnese landscape is truly unique from sandy beaches with calm warm waters to soaring awe-inspiring mountains. 

Discover many remnants of the Classic Age from the UNESCO ruins of Mycenae, the Epidaurus Ancient Theatres or the Ancient Olympia Archeological Site, birthplace of the Olympic Games. The Peloponnese also offers an unspoilt and beautiful coastline to enjoy, with quiet and secluded areas across the peninsula, from small pretty ports to sandy beaches with charming shoreside restaurants offering the finest local cuisine.

Our luxury villas are set in stunning unique locations across the Peloponnese, the ideal base from which to explore the rich culture and history of this remarkable region of Greece.

Peloponnese, a large peninsula located in southern Greece, has a rich and fascinating history dating back to ancient times. It is believed that the first inhabitants of Peloponnese were the Pelasgians, a prehistoric people who arrived around 4000 BCE. They were followed by the Mycenaeans, an advanced civilization that flourished from 1600 BCE to 1100 BCE and left behind impressive ruins and artifacts.

The Mycenaeans were eventually conquered by the Dorians, a group of ancient Greeks who migrated to the region in the 11th century BCE. They established several powerful city-states, including Sparta and Corinth, which became major players in ancient Greek politics and culture. During this time, Peloponnese also played host to the famous Olympic Games, which were held every four years in the city of Olympia.

In the 5th century BCE, Peloponnese was at the center of the Greco-Persian Wars, a series of conflicts between the Greek city-states and the Persian Empire. The most famous battle of this war, the Battle of Thermopylae, took place in Peloponnese and saw the legendary Spartan king Leonidas lead a small force against the massive Persian army.

In the following centuries, Peloponnese continued to be an important region in the Greek world. It was home to the powerful city-state of Sparta, known for its fierce warrior society and strict military training. However, in the 4th century BCE, the city-state of Thebes rose to prominence and challenged Sparta’s dominance. This led to the Peloponnesian War, a series of conflicts between Sparta and its allies against Thebes and its allies.

During the Hellenistic period, Peloponnese fell under the control of the Macedonian king, Philip II, and later his son Alexander the Great. After Alexander’s death, the region was divided into several smaller kingdoms, including the Achaean League, which briefly united the city-states of Peloponnese.

In the 2nd century BCE, Peloponnese became part of the Roman Empire, and its cities flourished under Roman rule. However, in the 4th century CE, the region was attacked by barbarian tribes, and its cities were heavily damaged. Peloponnese then fell under the control of the Byzantine Empire, followed by the Ottomans in the 15th century.

In 1821, Peloponnese played a crucial role in the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. The region was the site of many battles, and in 1828, the decisive Battle of Navarino took place, leading to the liberation of Peloponnese and the rest of Greece.

Today, Peloponnese is a popular tourist destination, known for its picturesque landscapes, ancient ruins, and beautiful beaches. Its rich history and cultural heritage continue to attract visitors from all over the world, making it an essential part of Greece’s vibrant past and present.