Peloponnese Maps

Peloponnese is a large peninsula located in southern Greece, connected to the mainland by the Isthmus of Corinth. The peninsula covers an area of approximately 21,549 square kilometers and has a population of around 1.1 million residents. The Corinth Canal, completed in 1893, effectively separates the Peloponnese from mainland Greece, cutting through the 6.3-kilometer-wide isthmus.

The largest city and administrative center of the Peloponnese region is Patras, located on the northern coast with a population exceeding 210,000 in the metropolitan area. Other major cities include Kalamata, the second-largest city and capital of Messenia; Tripoli, the capital of Arcadia situated in the interior; and Corinth, strategically positioned near the isthmus. Important coastal towns include Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece; Sparta, the ancient city-state's modern successor; and Pylos, a historic port town.

The Peloponnese is exceptionally rich in archaeological and historical sites. Ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games in 776 BCE, features the Temple of Zeus, the ancient stadium, and an extensive archaeological museum. Mycenae, center of Mycenaean civilization, includes the famous Lion Gate, royal tombs, and palace complex. Epidaurus is renowned for its remarkably well-preserved ancient theater, which still hosts performances and boasts extraordinary acoustics. The archaeological site of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserves Byzantine churches, palaces, and monasteries from the 13th to 15th centuries.

Additional significant sites include the ancient theater and sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, the fortified city of Tiryns with its massive Cyclopean walls, and the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae, one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples. The Venetian fortresses of Monemvasia, Methoni, and Koroni demonstrate the region's medieval strategic importance.

The peninsula's geography is dominated by several mountain ranges, including the Taygetus Mountains reaching 2,407 meters at Mount Profitis Ilias, the highest point in the Peloponnese. The landscape varies from rugged mountains and deep gorges to fertile plains and extensive coastlines. The region experiences a Mediterranean climate with regional variations due to topography.

The Peloponnese economy is based on agriculture, tourism, and services. The region produces significant quantities of olives, citrus fruits, wine, and the famous Kalamata olives. Tourism plays a crucial role, with visitors attracted to ancient sites, Byzantine monuments, traditional mountain villages, and coastal resorts. The peninsula features approximately 1,100 kilometers of coastline along the Ionian and Aegean seas, offering numerous beaches and seaside towns. Traditional products include olive oil, wine from regions such as Nemea, and various agricultural goods that are exported internationally.

The Facts:
Region: Peloponnese and West Greece.
Cities: Patras, Kalamata, Corinth, Loutraki, Nafplio.
Area: 8,320 sq mi (21,549 sq km).
Population: ~ 1,150,000.