THE PELOPONNESE, GREECE

Ancient wonders, magnificent landscapes and diverse wines made with dedication, from local varieties – this dramatic peninsula in the south of mainland Greece has much to offer the adventurous traveller. Make the most of a holiday here with a wine-focused road trip, says Ines Salpico

- Ines Salpico

The Peloponnese peninsula, set in the heart of the Mediterranean south from mainland Greece, is a multifaceted territory, impossible to fully grasp if you only visit once. Vast and fascinating in equal measures, its landscape changes dramatically throughout the seasons and its sub-regions offer such a wide array of landscapes and interest points that you’ll easily be seduced to return.

Above all, the Peloponnese challenges the easy stereotypes of what Greece offers to visitors: warm seas, sun-drenched white terraces, fresh seafood… Yes, there is all of that, in abundance, but there are also snow-peaked mountains, endless architectural and historical landmarks, tempting local meat dishes, extreme sports havens. And there is, of course, the wine. The Peloponnese is home to the largest number of Greek wine PDOs, and its strategic location and the variety of its​ terroirs have made it an area of intense and diverse wine production since ancient times.

So how, as a first-time visitor, should you approach the region and start discovering its hidden treasures? The key advice is to trust the locals and stay away from the touristy hotspots that give a pale idea of the region’s true character. As appealing as it might sound to fly to Kalamata and settle on a seaside resort in the south Peloponnese, a more adventurous exploration will have its rewards – especially for the wine-loving traveller.

Ancient & modern