Recommended Things to Do in the Peloponnese, Greece

In May 2025, I went on a trip to Greece with my siblings, which included Athens and the Peloponnese region. I was in charge of finding accommodations and planning the overall itinerary. To be honest, most of our route was based on a perfect place I found to stay in the town of Epidaurus. I didn’t plan a strict daily schedule in advance, but rather marked a few spots on the map worth visiting that were relatively close to our hotel. During the trip, we discovered some especially stunning places and excellent food. Some of the recommendations came from our hotel owner, and others we found through Google Maps.

Must Do in the Peloponnese Greece - Traveling outside the box

Table of content hide

1 An Amazing Boutique Hotel

2 The Town of Epidaurus

3 The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

4 Authentic Beaches

5 The Town of Nafplio

6 The Methana Peninsula

7 Spa and Thermal Pools in Loutraki

8 Q&A About the Peloponnese Area

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An Amazing Boutique Hotel

Of course, I’ll start with our hotel, Yialasi Hotel, which made our trip even more successful. It’s a small boutique hotel with 14 rooms located in a quiet area slightly above Epidaurus. From the rooms, pool, and balconies you get a breathtaking view of the sea and the town. The hotel is very clean, the rooms are spacious, it smells great, and everything is well-maintained. I had a room to myself, my brother had his own, and my two sisters shared a suite. We all agreed that the beds were especially comfortable.

The hotel has a lovely outdoor pool, both indoor and outdoor seating areas, and we booked it with breakfast included – though we ended up eating there every evening too, simply because the food was excellent. Every night they offer different specials, like homemade moussaka or grilled fish. After our day trips, we would sit and read a book with a glass of wine or homemade lemonade. The atmosphere is very peaceful – like a small retreat. The hotel owners were also wonderful and gave us great tips for exploring the area. The price was relatively low for what the hotel offers, and the glowing reviews are justified.

To book the hotel and for more reviews

The Town of Epidaurus

Epidaurus (also spelled Epidavros or Palaia Epidavros) is a small, pleasant port town in eastern Peloponnese, with a simple local vibe, a small fishing harbor, waterfront restaurants, a quiet promenade, and natural coves. There’s also a beach with very clear water and even a snorkeling area with underwater archaeological ruins. In the evenings, you can see locals playing backgammon or sipping ouzo at the taverns. The place is quiet, not overly touristy, and that’s what makes it special.

When we arrived in mid-May, it felt lively but not crowded. We enjoyed walking around, dining by the water, and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. If you’re looking for a base to explore the region, this is an excellent spot – with easy access to both historic sites and nature.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

We visited the ancient theatre in the morning – I recommend arriving as early as possible since it’s a very popular site, including large tour groups. Admission is €20 per adult, which felt a bit expensive at first, but it’s truly impressive and worth it.

The theatre is from the classical period and considered one of the best-preserved in the world, with amazing acoustics – you can stand in the center and be heard all the way from the top rows. The complex also includes other archaeological sites like the Temple of Asclepius, an ancient hospital, and more. There are food and drink stalls at the entrance. Set aside at least two hours for your visit, and note that there’s very little shade. Directions.

Authentic Beaches

What I especially loved about the Peloponnese was the beaches – simple, beautiful, and with crystal-clear turquoise water. One of the places we stopped at was Johnny Beach, an organized beach with sunbeds and umbrellas, but the snack bar was closed when we arrived, so we couldn’t get drinks.

From there, we continued to Kastraki Beach, which has a restaurant just above the shoreline. We sat at a high table overlooking the sea, ordered iced coffee, and enjoyed the calm and relaxing vibe. The beach has thatched umbrellas, and the view is stunning.

The Town of Nafplio

Nafplio is a small port town with a relaxed Greek vibe. It was the first capital of independent Greece and has a lovely blend of Venetian architecture, colorful alleyways, ancient fortresses, and beautiful sea and mountain views. It’s much less crowded than Athens and perfect for leisurely strolls, afternoon coffee, and a mid-walk ice cream.

We visited in mid-May as part of our trip based in Epidaurus. The drive from Athens takes about 2.5 hours by car, but you can also go with organized guided tours. The town features a hilltop fortress (Palamidi), boutique shops, small galleries, excellent pastry shops like L’amande, quiet coves for swimming, and a beautiful promenade, especially at sunset.

A Detailed Post About the Town of Nafplio

The Methana Peninsula

We visited Methana following a strong recommendation from our hotel owner. He said it’s his favorite place – less touristy, with small villages, waterfront taverns, and hiking trails. Methana is a mountainous peninsula with dormant volcanic activity, connected to the mainland by a narrow bridge. The scenery is wild and unique, and there are even thermal waters.

The drive from our hotel took about an hour. From Athens, it’s around three hours. Our first activity was hiking up the volcano near the village of Kameni Chora – about a 4 km trail. It’s not too hard but requires some attention. The view during the climb is amazing, and it’s recommended to keep both hands free, as sometimes you need to use them to climb.

After the hike, we stopped at a local tavern right on the waterfront called Ο Κάβος του Παυσανία for coffee and a light meal. Nearby, there’s a thermal pool called The thermal bath of Pausanias with hot, sulfur-smelling water. We just dipped our feet, but those who enjoy such things can fully relax there.

We ended the day with a fish dinner at Theoni Kolias, there’s no set menu, just what was caught that day. The place was quiet and pleasant, and the food was good.

A Detailed Post About the Methana Peninsula

Spa and Thermal Pools in Loutraki

Before heading back to Athens, we wanted one last pampering stop and chose the Loutraki Thermal Spa. It offers massages and thermal pools and is located by the beach. Most of the visitors seemed local, though there are probably some tourists too.

We booked treatments in advance by email – highly recommended since spots aren’t always available. We paid for a 20-minute back massage and 20 minutes in the pools. Before entering, there’s a short check-up with a doctor, then you go to the changing rooms. Massage clients receive a robe.

The pools were pleasant, with good water jets, and there are both indoor and outdoor options. The massage was fine – my sister and I were happy, our other sister liked it less, and my brother said it was average. We stayed for about an hour and a half, then stopped for a simple coffee before heading back to Athens. It’s not a must-do or a luxury spa, but it was a good choice after a few days of walking.

Q&A About the Peloponnese Area

How do you get to the Peloponnese?
We rented a car in Athens from Europcar via the Paapm Paapm search engine. The drive takes 2–3 hours depending on the destination.

When is the best time to visit the Peloponnese?
The best times are April–June and September–October, when the weather is nice and the area is less crowded.

Which towns are especially recommended?
Nafplio, Epidaurus, and Methana – three quiet towns with beautiful views, beaches, taverns, and cultural points of interest.

Are there direct flights to the Peloponnese?
There are no direct flights – most visitors land in Athens and continue by car or public transport.

How much time should you spend on a trip?
At least 4–5 days is recommended. If you have a week, even better. It’s a region suited for a relaxed trip with lots of stops.

What is there for kids in the Peloponnese?
There are quiet beaches, easy walking trails, historical sites, and even hot springs. It’s not a theme park area, but there’s plenty of nature, sea, and open space.

Hope this post helped you! If so, I’d love for you to leave a comment – and if you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments or message me on the blog’s social media: Facebook or Instagram.

Looking for more information on the Peloponnese? I have more blog posts about the Peloponnese and about Greece in general.

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