Peloponnese

The Peloponnese is a large peninsula in southern Greece, forming a substantial landmass that projects into the Ionian and Aegean seas. It is connected to the Greek mainland by the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, and the Corinth Canal cuts through the isthmus, allowing ships to pass between the two seas. The landscape is rugged and mountainous, with ranges such as Taygetus and Parnon, and with fertile valleys in the eastern and southern parts. The southern tip reaches Cape Matapan.

Historically, the Peloponnese was a cradle of the Mycenaean civilization and later a center of ancient Greek politics and culture. Notable sites include Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nemea, Argos, Corinth, and Olympia, the site of the original Olympic Games. In the later periods it was governed by Romans, Byzantines, Franks, and Ottomans before joining the modern Greek state. Nafplio served as the first capital of independent Greece.

In contemporary administration, the Peloponnese constitutes one of Greece's 13 regions and is subdivided into regional units such as Achaea, Arcadia, Argolis, Corinthia, Laconia, and Messenia. The economy relies on agriculture—olives, citrus, wine—and on tourism, with a concentration of archaeological sites, medieval fortresses, and picturesque coastal towns. The region remains culturally distinct for its dialects, cuisine, and traditional crafts.

Major places for visitors include Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Mystras, Nafplio, Monemvasia, Pylos, and the Mani peninsula. The Peloponnese also offers diverse scenery, from olive groves and vineyards to rugged mountains, cliff-lined coasts, and sandy beaches.