A guide to the best tours in the Peloponnese, Greece. You will find cultural tours, food tours, historical tours, outdoor activities and lots more!
The best activities and tours in the Peloponnese, Greece
Peloponnese is the southernmost region of mainland Greece. It’s easily accessible from Athens by rental car or public transportation.
Its rich history and culture, along with its unique landscapes and beautiful beaches, makes it an ideal region to explore for a few days, or an extended holiday.
Popular towns to visit in the Peloponnese include like Nafplio, Kalamata, Sparta and Gythio.
Some of the best known attractions are Ancient Mycenae, Ancient Epidaurus and Ancient Olympia, the castles of Methoni and Koroni, the Mani peninsula, Monemvasia castle, and many more.
While you can explore the Peloponnese on your own, there are also plenty of organized activities you can take. Here are some of the best tours you can take in the Peloponnese, Greece.
1. From Athens: Day trip to Nafplio, Ancient Mycenae and Ancient Epidaurus
This full-day trip from Athens offers you the chance to see three of the most popular destinations in the Peloponnese: the town of Nafplion, and the UNESCO sites of Ancient Mycenae and Ancient Epidaurus.
Nafplion is a picturesque coastal town, full of neoclassical architecture and narrow cobblestone streets. Overlooked by the imposing Palamidi Fortress, Nafplion offers stunning views of the Argolic Gulf and is rich in history, having been the first capital of modern Greece.
Ancient Mycenae is the area where an early Greek civilization, known as the Mycenaean civilization, first appeared during the 2nd millennium BC. The on-site museum offers plenty of background information.
Finally, the archaeological site of Ancient Epidaurus is one of the most important sites in Ancient Greece. Its impressive theater, where performances are still held these days, is world-known for its incredible acoustics.
This tour is ideal if you want to see three of the Peloponnese highlights on a day trip from Athens.
Book your tour here:
- Private day trip to Nafplio, Mycenae and Epidaurus
- Small-group day trip to Nafplio, Mycenae and Epidaurus
2. From Athens: Follow St Paul’s footsteps: Letters to the Corinthians
This day trip from Athens offers a fascinating journey retracing the footsteps of St. Paul, one of the most significant figures in early Christianity. Among others, you will visit the following landmarks:
- Corinth Canal, an engineering marvel completed in the late 19th century
- The archaeological site of ancient Corinth, a city that was a major center of early Christianity, where St. Paul lived and preached for a significant period
- The castle of Akrokorinthos, perched high on a hill above the ancient city
- The church of St. Paul in the town of Corinth.
Book your tour here: St Paul’s footsteps tour
3. From Athens / Nafplio: Wine tasting in Nemea
The area of Nemea in the Peloponnese is well-known around Greece for its unique and diverse wines. During this tour, you will visit three wineries, where you will see the production facilities and learn more about the process of wine-making.
Then comes the best part: tasting a variety of wines, accompanied by a selection of delicious local products and delicacies. The tour guide, a wine expert, will offer more information on wine tastings and pairings.
Book your tour here: Wine tasting in Nemea
4. Nafplio: Cooking class – traditional Greek food
One of the things that most visitors love about Greece is food! And there is no better way to get introduced to the food and dishes of Greece than a cooking class in Nafplion.
This hands-on class can easily be one of the highlights of your trip to the Peloponnese. You will also get to taste what you’ve created, along with some of the best wines of the area.
Book your tour here: Cooking class in Nafplio
5. Nafplio: Sailing cruise
A half-day small-group cruise where you will be able to see Nafplio town from the sea. You can go swimming, snorkeling, fishing, or even try SUP. The cruise includes a meal and the delicious local Nemea wines.
Book your cruise here: Nafplio sailing cruise
6. Epidaurus: Sea kayaking
An active and fun activity for all the family, offering a unique blend of history, adventure, and relaxation.
You will delve into the mysteries of the Ancient Sunken City of Epidaurus, one of the few places in Greece where you can see ancient ruins underwater. Paddling along the stunning coastline, you will reach a tranquil beach, a hidden gem that offers a perfect spot for relaxation.
Upon reaching the beach, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the natural beauty, swim and snorkel to discover the marine life beneath the surface. A traditional Greek lunch is included, providing a perfect conclusion to your adventure.
Book your tour here: Sea kayaking activity in Epidaurus
7. Ancient Olympia: The birthplace of the Olympic Games
Another important ancient site in the Peloponnese is the UNESCO site of Ancient Olympia. This is where the Olympic Games were first held in 776 BC, to honor Zeus, the King of the Ancient Greek Gods.
While you can visit Ancient Olympia on your own, there are also various tours you can take. Have a look at these ones:
- Guided tour of Ancient Olympia and the museum
- Day trip from Athens to Ancient Olympia
- Transfer from Katakolon cruise port to Ancient Olympia
8. Kalamata: Olive oil and wine tour with lunch
Kalamata olives are known around the world. It should come as no surprise that olive oil from the area of Kalamata, Messinia, is considered to be the best in Greece!
During this tour, you’ll get the chance to discover the secrets behind the best extra-virgin olive oil. You’ll stroll through olive trees in a local olive grove, learn about various olive types and their cultivation, and visit an olive oil mill to observe the extraction and bottling process.
After a thorough and comprehensive guided olive oil tasting, you will enjoy a delicious Greek lunch at a local taverna.
Book your tour here: Kalamata olive oil and wine tour with lunch
9. From Kalamata: Sea kayaking in Kardamyli
Another sea kayaking activity, this time in Kardamyli, at the foot of Mt Taygetus, about an hour south of Kalamata.
You will get to explore sea caves and hidden coves that you can only reach by sea, in one of the most beautiful areas of the Peloponnese.
Book your tour here: Sea kayaking in Kardamyli
10. From Kalamata: Hike Polylimnio waterfalls
Did you know that there are waterfalls in many areas of Greece? The ones in Polylimnio, that are nearly 30 m (100 ft) tall, are among the most famous in the Peloponnese. The area is located about a 45-50 minute drive SW of Kalamata.
This guided hike, which takes about 3 hours, is ideal for anyone who likes nature, including families. You’ll have the chance to swim and dive at the falls – if you can tolerate the cold water!
Book your tour here: Hike Polylimnio waterfalls
11. From Kalamata: White river rafting in Lousios River
Greece is famous for its beautiful beaches – but river rafting is another activity you can enjoy in certain areas of the country.
During this rafting experience, you will cross river Lousios and river Alfios, which is the largest one in the Peloponnese.
In summer, when the rivers are calmer, this activity is suitable for everyone, even complete beginners and families with young children. No experience is required, and you are in for a day of fun and good memories.
The meeting point is about 90 minutes north of Kalamata.
Book your tour here: Lousios river rafting
12. From Kalamata: Try scuba diving in Messinia
Explore the underwater world with an introductory class to scuba diving. You will learn how to use the equipment, and enjoy looking for marine life in the clear waters.
Due to the very nature of scuba diving, and to guarantee safety, this is a private experience.
Book your tour here: Scuba diving in Messinia
13. Sparta: Bring out your inner artist with a mosaic workshop
For something completely different and unique, you can try a mosaic workshop in a nice, relaxing garden that will inspire your creativity and reveal the artist in you.
In this workshop, you will create your own mosaic, based on an existing Greek / Roman pattern of your choice, or even your own design. You will learn and follow mosaic techniques that have been used for 2,000 years. At the end of the workshop, you will take your work of art with you.
Book your tour here: Mosaic workshop in Sparta
14. Gythio: Make your own olive oil soap
A unique workshop in Gythio, where you will learn how to make soap using olive oil from the Peloponnese along with various aromatic substances. You will also make your own lip balm, using olive oil and beeswax.
Book your tour here: Olive oil soap workshop in Gythio
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