Andrew Bostock

Greece: The Peloponnese

This new, thoroughly updated fifth edition of Bradt's Greece: The Peloponnese with Athens, Delphi and Kythira remains the only dedicated guidebook to the southern part of the Greek mainland. It provides more detailed coverage than any other rival guide, making it indispensable for independent and group travellers visiting a fascinating area slightly smaller than Wales. It also incorporates focussed mini-guides to the Greek capital of Athens and the world-famous site of Delphi. The Peloponnese contains a huge diversity of cultural landscapes, from sleepy, white-washed villages to Byzantine churches, medieval fortresses and ancient archaeological sites such as Olympia and Mycenae. In addition to a long Mediterranean coast lined with classic white sandy beaches, the peninsula incorporates towering mountains for hiking and skiing, olive groves which produce the finest fruit, and hillsides covered in flowers. Bradt's Greece: The Peloponnese provides in-depth coverage of well-known sites, including one of Europe's most spectacular train journeys and the tower houses of the famed Mani. Such information is complemented by descriptions of lesser-known attractions often ignored by other books. Those visiting outside of high season can revel in the delights of the wildflowers of spring, the joys of the olive harvest in late autumn and skiing opportunities during the winter. Birds and marine life are also a huge attraction at any season. The guide also focuses on the colourful life of the traditional paneyiri (festivals) and those who still embrace the Greek spirit of philoxenia (hospitality). The guide is packed with information on independent tours and activities, secluded villages and sophisticated towns, agritourism spots, camping under the stars, rustic tavernas and locally grown produce - all reflecting the reality that the Peloponnese, more than any other part of Greece, exemplifies the ideals of 'slow travel'. Originally written by Andrew Bostock, a former resident of the Peloponnese, this fifth edition has been updated by Greece experts Dana Facaros and Mike Gerrard. New elements include refreshed hotel and restaurant listings, and details of new or upgraded museums such as the Epigraphic Museum (in Argos) and archaeological museums in Argos and Sparta.