Map of the Peloponnese: the seven areas, towns and how to plan a trip
From Corinthia to Messenia: how the Peloponnese is laid out and what each area offers.
- The Peloponnese has seven areas, and the closest to Athens is Corinthia.
- In the south are three fingers: Messenia, the Mani and Cape Malea.
- Short trip: Corinthia and Argolis. A week: add Laconia and Messenia.
If you plan a Peloponnese road trip, choose areas by number of days first, and hotels second.
Map of the Peloponnese: how the region is laid out
The Peloponnese is the large peninsula at the southern end of mainland Greece. It joins the mainland on one side only, at the Isthmus of Corinth, where the famous canal was cut. In the north-west it is also linked to western Greece by the Rio–Antirrio bridge, opened in 2004. For trip planning it is easiest to split it into seven areas (regional units), each with its own character.
The seven areas of the Peloponnese
| Area | Where on the map | Main towns and sites |
|---|---|---|
| Corinthia | North-east, closest to Athens | Corinth, the canal, Loutraki |
| Argolis | East | Nafplio, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Argos |
| Arcadia | Centre, mountainous | Tripoli, mountain villages |
| Laconia | South-east | Sparta, Mystras, Monemvasia |
| Messenia | South-west | Kalamata, Pylos, Methoni |
| Elis | West | Ancient Olympia |
| Achaea | North | Patras, the largest city in the Peloponnese |
The three "fingers" in the south
In the south the Peloponnese ends in three peninsulas that look like fingers on the map: Messenia in the west, the Mani in the middle and Cape Malea in the east, separated by the Messenian and Laconian gulfs. The Mani, with its stone tower villages, is one of the most special areas for a road trip. In the north-east there is a fourth peninsula, the Argolid, home to Nafplio.
Using the map to plan a trip
- Short trip from Athens (2–3 days): Corinthia and Argolis: the canal, Nafplio, Epidaurus and Mycenae.
- A week: add Laconia and Messenia: Monemvasia, the Mani and Kalamata.
- The full loop: add Olympia in the west and return via Patras or the bridge.
A day-by-day route is in our Peloponnese road trip, and transport options are in how to get to the Peloponnese.
Guides by area
- Argolis: Nafplio guide and our Nafplio page.
- Corinthia: Corinth Canal and Loutraki with kids.
- Messenia: Kalamata and kosher food and Shabbat in Kalamata.
- The whole region: best Peloponnese beaches and Peloponnese weather.
FAQ
How many areas does the Peloponnese have? Seven regional units: Corinthia, Argolis, Arcadia, Laconia, Messenia, Elis and Achaea.
What is the largest city in the Peloponnese? Patras, in Achaea in the north.
Which part of the Peloponnese is closest to Athens? Corinthia, about an hour's drive, followed by Argolis with Nafplio.
Is the Peloponnese an island? Not quite: it is a peninsula joined to the mainland at the Isthmus of Corinth, though the canal cuts through the isthmus.
