3 days ago
Greece's best-kept secret revealed with hidden beaches and mountain villages
A travel expert has revealed where Greece 's best underrated hidden gem is and it's a destination that many people miss.
Many people are looking to get off-the-beaten-track this summer and escape the crowds flooding popular spots like Corfu, Santorini and Mykonos.
But where's Greece's best-kept secret?
According to Ed Sharp, head of Car Hire at TravelSupermarket, its the 'scenic' Peloponnese peninsula.
He says: 'One of Greece's best-kept secrets is the Peloponnese peninsula. Connected to the mainland via the Corinth Canal and the Rio-Antirrio Bridge, this scenic region is packed with ancient ruins, hidden beaches and mountain villages.
'Public transport in the area is sparse and the best sites are spread out and best explored at your own leisure.'
Ed recommends flying to Athens Airport then taking a one and a half hour drive to Nafplio which he describes as the 'ideal base'.
Located on the southern tip of the mainland, the Peloponnese is the perfect destination to experience 'authentic Greek culture' says Lonely Planet.
And the region is the ideal hotspot to dive into Greek mythology. In the west of the Peloponnese is ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games.
It's also home to Mycenae, the base of King Agamennon and Messini, a 4th century city.
The peninsula also has some spectacular mountain villages where tourists can taste local delicacies and explore ravines.
When it comes to beaches, visitors are spoilt for choice. While the region's best beaches are located on Elafonisos, an islet that's a short ferry ride from the mainland, the area's coastline is vast and varied.
Voidokilia Beach in Messinia is a 'perfect sandy crescent', says Lonely Planet, with clear waters.
If you're a fan of olives, make sure to fit in a visit to Kalamata, the birthplace of one of Greece's most famous varieties.
The region is also famous for honey and tourists can join a food tour to understand more about the production process.
Nafplio was once Greece's capital and it's one of the country's prettiest spots with coastal views and whitewashed homes.
In the west of the Peloponnese is ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games
Due to its coastal location, visitors can expect to see menus centred around seafood dishes, including grilled octopus and fried calamari.
Daniel Carrizalez, who moved to Nafplio from London in 2010, previously told MailOnline Travel that the city 'feels very safe'.
The expat described the city as the 'perfect blend of culture, scenery and close-knit community'.
He revealed that his favourite taverna in the coastal city is which has views of the sea.
