The Peloponnese is a well-known destination for road trip aficionados. You probably remember my trip up to Kalavrita in late spring. Driving south, you will find yourself spoiled for choice: Ancient Olympia, the Olympics birthplace, Mycenae and the lions, Epidavros with the ancient theater operating in summer, Nafplio and Monemvasia with their forts and the byzantine castle city of Mystras just off of Sparta. There are many layers of history tangled around the lush green mountains of Taygetos, the spine of the Peloponnese, and many stops worth the drive until you hit the beach. I left everything behind though and headed straight for the shore. I made Gytheio my base and went ahead to explore the middle finger, Eastern and Inner Mani. Continue reading →

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