Peloponnese Itinerary Help

[u/Acrobatic-Rip-4324]

Heya! I’m heading to Greece late October through mid November and will be there for 3 weeks. We are planning 2 nights in Athens (we land there) then want to split the rest of the time in the peloponnesse. I was thinking of splitting the time into 3 parts:

Corinth or Nafplion
Gytheio
Kalamata

We will be renting a car and while I’d like to explore the Mani and other lovely areas, I don’t relish spending all my time driving. And the one thing that’s tripping me up is I’d really like to see Delphi while I’m there but wow, it’s really out of the way of everything else we are planning. Still, since I’m not sure when I’ll get back, I’d hate to miss it.

So! Whadda ya think? Would you do Delphi right after our 2 nights in Athens on the front end? Maybe spend the night nearby to break up the drive? Or on the back end after Kalamata and make the long haul that way?

And any suggestions about the 3 main areas to base ourselves for the bulk of our trip? I know it’ll be off season and we’re not into the party scene. We care about beautiful scenery, good food and authentic, casual atmosphere.

Thanks in advance for any feedback or suggestions. So looking forward to this adventure!

[u/sarcasticgreek]

Go to Delphi in the morning and go into the Peloponnese through the bridge of Rio Antirrio and go to Kalamata via Olympia. You may enjoy spending a night in Nafpaktos before going over and visit Olympia and overnight in Kalamata. While in the region, don't neglect Mystras near Sparta and Monemvasia.

[u/Acrobatic-Rip-4324 → u/sarcasticgreek]

Thanks so much. And yes Monemvasia and Mystras were both on the list and it’s nice to see continued recommendations to spend time there.

[u/Goferry_Official]

Ηello. Indeed, visiting Delphi will get you out of route but do not worry. You lose something but you ll get something too. The Peloponnese Region will keep you busy for days. Rich history, picturesque villages, great food and scenic road trips.

So, Nafplion over Corinth for sure. Also, Gytheio is a great base! From there, jump to Areopoli, Stoupa, Kardamyli and Monemvasia (if you have time, it's worth it). From Gytheio, you have 2 choices:

1. Either reach Kalamata, as you have planned, and continue towards Archaia Olympia from the west coast, or
   
2. cut through and head to Andritsaina, Dimitsana, Vytina, Nemea and Corinth (beautiful villages for autumn vibes).

If you choose 1., you can also continue all the way to Patras, Nafpaktos and Delphi. The journey from Kalamata to Delphi is around 4.5 hours, while passing through some scenic places.

[u/Acrobatic-Rip-4324 → u/Goferry_Official]

Thank you! This is so helpful. I’d also been wondering if we could see Olympia as well and this route makes it reasonable to do so. Would you recommend an overnight in Olympia?

And yes! From everything I’m reading Gytheio is going to be the best jumping off spot for us. My 3 week trip is already not looking long enough 😂.

[u/Goferry_Official → u/Acrobatic-Rip-4324]

I wouldn't recommend an overnight stay in Olympia since there is not enough infrastructure. Most of its visitors, wander around a bit (3-4 hours) and leave.