Beyond its ruins, the Peloponnese holds some of Greece's most striking natural landscapes, from underground rivers to alpine gorges.
In the rugged Mani peninsula, visitors glide by small boat through this network of illuminated underground lakes and passages, formed over millions of years and only partially explored to this day. The half-hour boat ride through narrow, low-ceilinged chambers past stalactites and stalagmites is one of the most unusual experiences in the region.
Shaped almost perfectly like the Greek letter omega, this sheltered cove in Messinia backs onto sand dunes, a lagoon popular with birdwatchers, and the ruins of a Frankish/Venetian castle on a nearby hill offering the classic aerial view of the beach's curve. Turquoise water and soft white sand make it one of the most photographed beaches in mainland Greece.
This dramatic limestone gorge in Achaea is best experienced aboard the narrow-gauge Diakopto-Kalavryta rack railway, a historic mountain train that climbs through tunnels and along cliffside tracks beside a rushing river. The gorge is also popular for hiking and rafting for visitors who want to explore it at ground level rather than by train.
Tips for Parks & Gardens
- Book Diros Caves boat tickets in advance in summer, capacity is limited and lines form early
- Bring water shoes for Voidokilia, the lagoon crossing can be muddy