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- Destinations
- Europe
- Greece
- Peloponnese Peninsula
Peloponnese Peninsula
The southern part of mainland Greece, known as Morea, consists
of the large Peloponnese Peninsula, now divided from the mainland
by the Corinth Canal. The Poloponnese was the ancient stomping
grounds of mythological heroes such as Hercules, Sisyphus,
Callisto, Electra and Perseus. Nowadays, the peninsula plays host
to virtually every tourist that comes to Greece, because most of
the country's important and imposing ancient sites are found on its
landmass, dominated by two mountain ranges, the Taygetos and
Parnon. The Olympic torch is ritually lit at Olympia by a high
priestess, just as it was in ancient times, and carried across the
continents of the world to the host country to mark the start of
the Games.
Besides the ancient ruins at towns like Sparta, Monemvassia,
Corinth, Mycenae, and Epidaurus, the fertile coastal strip of the
Peloponnese also serves as Greece's market garden and centre for
wine production. Many tourists enter Greece by sea from Italy and
other Mediterranean ports through the Peloponnese port of Patras,
the third largest town in Greece.
The peninsula is a playground too, for the Greeks themselves.
Summer sees thousands of Athenians heading south at weekends to
enjoy the many seaside resorts and beaches of the Peninsula.
Information & Facts
Climate
The Peloponnese Peninsula has a typical Mediterranean climate
with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Rain falls mostly
between October and March.
Getting Around
Buses and trains link Athens with the Peloponnese and all main
towns on the peninsula. There is regular public bus transport
between towns and major sites of interest, but a newly improved
road system means that to travel by car is the fastest and most
efficient way of getting around. Taxis are easy to hire in the
towns or between sites and run on a share basis, so other
passengers may be picked up for the journey.
Language
Greek is the national language, but English is widely
spoken.
Money
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, divided into 100 cents.
Banks and bureaux de change are widely available and travellers
cheques and major credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are
widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient
method of obtaining euros.