Greece: The Peloponnese

This new, thoroughly updated fifth edition of Bradt's Greece: The Peloponnese with Athens, Delphi and Kythira remains the only dedicated guidebook to the southern part of the Greek mainland. It provides more detailed coverage than any other guide, making it indispensable for independent and group travelers visiting a fascinating area smaller than New Jersey. It also incorporates focused mini-guides to the Greek capital of Athens and the nearby world-famous site of Delphi. The Peloponnese contains a huge diversity of cultural landscapes, from sleepy, white-washed villages to Byzantine churches, medieval fortresses and ancient archaeological sites such as Olympia and Mycenae. In addition to a long Mediterranean coast lined with classic white sandy beaches, the peninsula incorporates towering mountains for hiking and skiing, olive groves which produce the finest fruit, and hillsides covered in flowers. For those eagerly awaiting the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Olympia in the Peloponnese was the Olympic Games' original home. Bradt's Greece: The Peloponnese with Athens, Delphi and Kythira provides in-depth coverage of well-known sites, including one of Europe's most spectacular train journeys and the tower houses of Mani. Such information is complemented by descriptions of lesser-known attractions often ignored by other books. Those visiting outside of high season revel in spring wildflowers, late autumn's olive harvest and winter skiing. Birds and marine life are also huge attractions. The guide also focuses on the colorful life of the paneyiri (traditional festivals) and the Greek spirit of philoxenia (hospitality). The guide is packed with information on independent tours and activities, secluded villages and sophisticated towns, agritourism spots, camping under the stars, rustic tavernas and locally grown produce - all reflecting that the Peloponnese, more than anywhere else in Greece, exemplifies the ideals of ‘slow travel'. Originally written by Andrew Bostock, a former resident of the Peloponnese, this fifth edition has been updated by travel writer and Greece expert Mike Gerrard. New elements include refreshed hotel and restaurant listings, and details of new or upgraded museums such as the Epigraphic Museum (in Argos) and archaeological museums in Argos, Sparta and on the site of Ancient Messene.