The Peloponnese contains a huge diversity of landscape, everything from the classic image of Greece - white sand beaches and sleepy white-washed villages through to the ancient sites of Olympia and Mycenae, Byzantine churches and medieval fortresses; towering mountains for hiking and skiing, olive groves which produce the finest fruit, and mountains covered in flowers. In recent months Greece has undergone a well-publicized economic meltdown. However cheaper prices and the expense of long-haul tourism has actually led to an increase in visitor numbers. The government is keen to invest in tourism as a way to reinvigorate the country. Specific examples of this are the new year-round flights from Athens to Kalamata and a major new international spa / golf resort in Messinia. Greece is no longer an 'easy' travel destination and there as been an increase in the trend towards independent travel, away from package tourism. The new edition reflects this with reviews of the plentiful new accommodation, details of independent tours and activities as well as excellent coverage of off-the-beaten-track sites and attractions. Greek expert, Andrew Bostock leads travellers to hidden villages, sophisticated towns, and to other top attractions - one of Europe's most spectacular train journeys and the tower houses of the famed Mani. He explores the lesser-known sites and attractions, including details of places not covered anywhere else. The guide is packed with information on agritourism spots, eco-conscious boutique hotels, camping under the stars, rustic tavernas and locally grown produce. Traditionally the tourist season in Greece is the summer, but this is fast changing, with savvy travelers discovering the wild flowers of spring, the joys of the olive harvest in late autumn, and skiing opportunities during the winter. Bird life and marine life are also a huge attraction for visitors to the Peloponnese. The guide also focuses on the colourful life of the traditional 'paneyiri' and those who still embrace the Greek spirit of 'philoxenia'.

Table of Contents:
Introduction vi Part One General Information 1 Chapter 1 Background Information 3 Geography and climate 3, Natural history 3, Mythology 8, History 12, Government and politics 18, Economy 18, People 19, Language 20, Religion 21, Education 21, Culture 22 Chapter 2 Practical Information 23 When to visit 23, Highlights and suggested itineraries 23, Tour operators 25, Red tape 26, Getting there and away 27, Health 29, Safety 31, Disabled travellers 32, Travelling with children 32, Gay and lesbian travellers 32, What to take 32, Money and budgeting 34, Getting around 35, Maps 38, Accommodation 38, Eating and drinking 40, Public holidays 46, Shopping 46, Arts and entertainment 47, Museums and archaeological sites 47, Photography 47, Media and communications 47, Buying a property 48, Cultural etiquette 49, Travelling positively 49 Part TWO T HE GUIDE 51 Chapter 3 Corinth and the Argolid 53 Corinth 53, Nemea 60, Mycenae 63, Argos 70, Nafplio 72, Epidavros 78, The southeast 82, The southwest 85, Recommended walk 87 Chapter 4 L aconia 89 Sparta and Mystra 89, Geraki 105, West of Monemvasia 106, Monemvasia 107, South of Monemvasia 110, North of Monemvasia 115, Up the coast: Geraki to Astros 116, Over the top: Mount Parnonas 117, Recommended walk 119 Chapter 5 the mani 121 History 121, Into the Exo Mani 123, Kardamyli 124, Stoupa 129, Into the mountains 133, South from Stoupa 135, Itylo Bay 136, Areopoli 137, Deep into the Mani 138, South to Gerolimenas 140, Gerolimenas 141, Down to Cape Tenaro 142, Cape Tenaro 143, Up the east coast 143, Gythio and around 145, Recommended walk 147 Chapter 6 messinia 151 Kalamata 151, Ancient Messene 156, South to Koroni 161, Koroni 162, Finikounda 164, Methoni 165, Pylos and Gialova 167, Northern Messinia 176, Recommended walk 178 Chapter 7 arcadia 181 Tripoli 181, Megalopoli 185, Karitena 186, Andritsena 188, Th e Lousios Gorge 191, Vytina and around 196, Olympia 197, Th e West Coast 206, Recommended walk 206 Chapter 8 the north 209 Ancient Elis 209, Th e West Coast 210, Patra 210, Th e North Coast 213, Kalavryta 215, Mount Killini 220, Recommended walk 223 appendix 1 language 227 appendix 2 further Information 231 Index 233 Index of advertisers 240 List of maps: Ancient Corinth 57 Ancient Messene 157 Arcadia 180 Argos 70 Corinth and the Argolid 52 Epidavros 79 Greece 4 Kalamata 152 Laconia 90 Mani, The 122 Messinia 150 Mycenae 66 Mystra 99 Nafplio 73 North, The 208 Olympia 198 Patra 211 Peloponnese colour section ii-iii Sparta 92 Tripoli 183