Peloponnese Road Trip: Best Campervan Itinerary 2024

Discover the Hidden Gems of the Peloponnese: Embark on a Peloponnese road trip in the off-peak, more serene months of autumn or winter.

And with a camper, you have the freedom to explore endlessly. Honestly, if our schedule had allowed, we would still be road-tripping through this gorgeous part of Greece!

This Peloponnese Road Trip Guide offers a detailed itinerary through this spectacular region, spotlighting the best places to visit in Peloponnese, many of which are off the beaten path. It includes expert tips on where to park and what to see in Peloponnese, Greece.

Whether you’re navigating the many winding roads in a campervan, motorhome or cruising in a car, this article ensures you’re well-prepared for an unforgettable Peloponnese adventure – one of our highlights amongst our Europe road trips.

⭐️ READ MORE: Learn more about the allure of Greece here.

Peloponnese Road Trip Map

How to Use This Peloponnese Map

To use this map, expand it using the square symbol at the top right-hand side. The key is on the left-hand side. You will find extra information by clicking each location, such as overnight camper stops.  

The Motorhome overnight stops are marked with an orange circle with a motorhome icon, and the places we visited are marked with purple icons.

Planning Your Peloponnese Road Trip

This journey is an extension of our broader Greece Road Trip. Starting and ending in Patras, this route is perfect whether you’re entering Greece via ferry or planning a comprehensive tour that includes mainland Greece.

For those arriving in Athens, to optimise travel logistics, consider reversing the itinerary to explore clockwise, starting from Corinth instead. You might also want to consider a tour from Athens instead, like this 5-day tour of the Peloponnese taking in all the best sights with a guide.

If you’re considering expanding your road trip beyond Greece, our experiences campervanning in Europe provide a wealth of insights and tips.

Our journey through the Peloponnese offered many opportunities for free parking and wild camping on pristine, isolated beaches. We relied on resources like PJ’s Greece Camper Stops and Camper Contact to find suitable stops for overnight stays.

Choosing to travel during the quieter months of November and early December not only helped us avoid the tourist crowds but also provided many sunny days to enjoy the region’s beauty.

Must-Visit Locations in the Peloponnese

While every stop on our Peloponnese road trip offers something unique, here are our top picks of the best places in Peloponnese that you really shouldn’t miss:

• Lousios Gorge Hike: For breathtaking views and ancient monastic history, this hike is a spectacular venture into nature.
• Kamares Beach: Known for its stunning clear waters and serene atmosphere, it’s perfect for a day of relaxation.
• Agrita Church in Cape Tigani: This isolated church offers a peaceful escape with panoramic views of the cape.
• Monemvasia: Step back in time in this fortified town, where history meets the beauty of the Aegean.
• Elafonisos: Famous for its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

Each location provides a unique slice of the Peloponnese, blending stunning scenery with rich history and cultural charm.

Your Passport to Stress-Free Peloponnese Road Trip Planning

Planning a road trip can be daunting; our road trip planner and guide on how to plan a road trip offer structured approaches to ensure you don’t miss anything important.

Click on the download button below for a free instant printable planner.

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As you prepare for a road trip across the Peloponnese, brushing up on some essential motorhome tips and checking out our recommended campervan accessories can enhance your journey.

Motorhome Rental in Peloponnese, Greece

If you are looking to hire a motorhome, then we highly recommend Motorhome Republic . They can search for the best deals for you with various pick-up points around the world.

When we used them, they were incredibly helpful, and we saved more money going directly to them rather than to individual rental companies.

Campervan Motorhome Overnight Stops

We have included all of our motorhome overnight stops on our map above (each stop has coordinates and is marked in orange on the map).

We used many of the PJ Greece Stopovers, found some of our own wild camping spots and used Camper Contact.  

Places to Visit on Your Peloponnese Road Trip

There are so many unforgettable places to visit in the Peloponnese, and every turn brings a new discovery. From ancient ruins steeped in mythology to serene beaches, charming villages, and historical sites, this guide highlights must-visit spots that capture the essence of Greece.

Whether you’re seeking serene beaches, charming villages, or historical sites, this guide highlights must-visit spots that capture the essence of Greece and are the best places to visit in a motorhome.

Stop #1 Patras

If you arrive in Patras via the ferry, you won’t need to cross the Rio Antirrio Bridge.

However, if you drive from the Greek mainland, you will cross this impressive multi-span cable-stayed bridge over the Gulf of Corinth, which connects Rio on the Peloponnese peninsula and Antirrio on the mainland. 

The 2024 toll fee is €14.70 for cars/campervans under 2 metres high and €22.60 for those over. For more information on the bridge prices and toll roads, click here. 

We arrived in Patras late afternoon and found a free site on the shoreline. From here, we could see the spectacular Rio-Antirrio bridge. 

Stop #2 Kalgoria Beach

Kalogria Beach is one of the longest sandy beaches in Greece, stretching for about 9km.

In winter, it is quite deserted and feels like an off-the-beaten-track destination. I’m not so sure it would have the same vibe in summer.

On the way, we passed this picturesque scene of this chapel on the edge of the Prokopou Lagoon. The door of the chapel was tiny, but it was locked, so we didn’t get a look inside.

We parked at a small car park near Kalogria Beach. Although the signs state no camping, as long as you park here out of season and keep a low profile, you should be okay. especially as the local campsite isn’t open in the winter months. 

We stopped there for a few days, waiting for a storm to pass. We were quickly joined by a gorgeous stray puppy who took refuge underneath the van as the thunder bellowed above and the heavens opened.

We shouldn’t have named him. Yet, with his ribs sharply outlined and his irresistible puppy dog eyes, we fell in love at once.

We never let ‘Buddy‘ into the van, though our hearts ached to do so every time he thudded his head against the underside of our motorhome at each thunderous roar from above.

We knew we couldn’t take him with us, but for those few days, we at least fed him, hoping to build his strength. Driving away and leaving him behind was heartbreaking.

After we left, we sent a photo of him and an email to PJ Camperstops to notify other campers who might stop by the area.

Stop #3 Olympia

The number of visitors to Olympia took us by surprise. On our motorhome trip through Greece, up until that point, we hadn’t encountered many other tourists. Though as one of Greece’s 19 Unesco heritage sites, and so intrinsically linked to our modern-day Olympics, it’s hardly surprising.

There were many tourist buses, and we dread to think how busy this place must be in summer.

Olympia is the place where the first ancient Olympic Games took place, and it is here you will find the Temple of Zeus, the God to which the ancient Greeks paid homage before the games took place.

You can explore the Olympic Stadium and the Temple of Hera, where the Olympic flame is lit every four years. The latest lighting of the flame at Olympia was on April 16th, 2024, for the Paris Olympics.

There is also an archeological museum and a museum of the history of the Olympic Games. Check availability for tickets here. Or, for a virtual reality experience while you’re there, book a Self Guided VR Tour, and travel through time and see old temples come back to life and ancient sports.

If you’d like a full tour, then check the availability of this 4-hour Olympia Tour from the nearby port of Katakolo.

Stop #4 – Dimitsana and Lousios Gorge Hike

We stayed at the Water Works Museum car park near a cute chapel in Dimitsana. Then we went for a fantastic hike in the Lousios Gorge, passing the incredible Prodromou and Philosophou monasteries.

Lousios Gorge Hike

For breathtaking views and ancient monastic history, this hike is a spectacular venture into nature. The trail offers varying difficulty levels, making it suitable for many visitors.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring or early autumn for mild weather.
• Accessibility: Main paths are well-marked but can be steep; wear good hiking shoes.
• Pro Tip: Start early in the morning to have paths primarily to yourself.

This was one of our favourite hikes in Greece. Whether you like ancient ruins or not, you cannot fail to be impressed by these monasteries, which have been seemingly impossibly built into the hillside.

Stop #5 – Karytaina

The village of Karytaina dates back to the Middle Ages and sits at the top of a hill around the 13th-century Karytaina Castle.

The houses are made of stone, and as you wander its cobbled streets, you have gorgeous views across the valley.

For a coffee with a great view, pop into Toledo Cafe or nearby Apktos Cafe and ask for a seat outside. Here, you have uninterrupted views of the valley while sipping your coffee, and you might even want to try their chocolate pie!

Stop #6 – Megalopolis and Sparti

Megalopolis

Just before you arrive in the town of Megalopolis, you will pass ancient ruins – these were free to enter, and we were the only people there.

We much preferred this archeological site to Olympia because you have the chance to contemplate your surroundings without hordes of people abruptly reminding you that you are well and truly in the present.

Sparti

About another half hour further south, you will arrive in Sparti – a town built beside ancient Sparta.

Here – in pride of place stands the statue of Leonidas, and behind the town are the ancient ruins of the Acropolis of Sparta.

Ancient Sparti was known for its courageous soldiers and tough way of life, a theme that runs through the memento shops of the modern-day town. 

Stop #7 – Kalamata

When travelling in a motorhome, it is nice to stop at a paid site occasionally to charge the second battery and have access to electricity, internet, washing facilities, and a long hot shower.

There used to be an overnight stop at Kalamata Marina, which was where we stopped but it looks like recent campers haven’t been able to access it. See free camp at Tavena Argo, or if you want amenities, Camping Fare.

What did we do in Kalamata? We tried lots and lots of olive varieties, of course.

🥾 While there, you might like to consider the half-day 6 km guided hike through Ridomo Gorge, the longest gorge of Mount Taygetos or explore the hidden paradise of the Polynmio Falls.

Stop #8 – Ag Nikolaos and Kataphigi Cave

Ag Nikolaos

Near Pantazi Beach, just past Ag Nikolaos,  you’ll likely find a few cats lounging around. We met Sue Lilley while she was feeding the local feral and stray cats.

She dedicates her time to looking after them – you can find out more on the @Manicats Facebook page.

But it wasn’t the cats that we were there to see – we were on the hunt for a geocache hidden in the ancient Kataphygi cave. Unbeknown to us, it wouldn’t just be a geocache we would find…

Kataphygi Cave

Kataphygi (Katafygi/Katafiki) Cave is another off-the-beaten-track destination that is not well-known to tourists. The entrance to the cave is surrounded by large rock plateaus, giving a dramatic view of the coast.

We were on the hunt for a geocache inside the cave, and were ready for an adventure. With our head torches on (backup torches in pockets) and a note left on the campervan window saying where we had gone, we set off to find the cave.

Kataphygi in Greek means ‘refuge’, and the cave was said to have been used as a refuge during the Greek Revolution.

The cave is about 3.5km long and the 4th longest in Greece.

Although the cave is long, it’s not recommended to go further than about 100m into the cave – and pay close attention to the arrows that you follow. Some parts are quite narrow and tight, so don’t enter if you do not like enclosed spaces.

About 30 metres into the cave, you’ll come to the ‘white table’ as pictured above with Lars beside it, and you will see numerous other stunning cave formations.

BEWARE of creepy crawlies, though.  At one point in the cave, you need to crawl through a very narrow part. Lars had already gone through, and as I followed, I felt something dropping from above.

Looking upward, I shone my head torch onto the rock inches above my head. To my horror, there were hundreds of huge spiders jumping down onto me.

I must admit that I uttered a few expletives as I struggled to get through this narrow piece of rock as quickly as possible.

Emerging into a more open area, relieved but somewhat shaken, and brushing myself down as if my life depended on it, I realised I would have to go back that way, too!

Later, we discovered that these enormous (well, they seemed enormous at the time…) creepy crawlies were cave crickets, otherwise known as spider crickets because they crawl like spiders until they are frightened… and then jump!

Funnily enough, I also jump when frightened! So much so that I ended up cracking my head on the rock above on the way out when thousands of gigantic spider crickets landed on me again!

Lars took it all in his stride, of course. 

Visitor Notes:

• Never go into the cave alone.
• Leave a message about your planned return time.
• Take at least two independent light sources per person.

Stop #9 – Dirios

A little further south of Kataphygi Cave, you’ll come to the Diros Caves, which are more well-known and charge an entrance fee.

This is a perfect opportunity to see these amazing cave formations if you don’t want to clamber into Kataphygi Cave.

The tour of the cave takes about 25 minutes, and 1300m of the 1500m cave is accessible by boat on the lake.

For more information, click here.

Stop #10 – Tigani Castle and Odigitria Church, Tainaron Lighthouse

The sign points you towards Tigani’s Castle; however, don’t expect to find a castle. It is a rocky peninsula with ruins of what was once thought to be a castle abandoned in the 7th century.

The Peninsula is easy enough to spot, jutting out from the land as its name suggests – Tigani means ‘frying pan’.

This is one of the main reasons that we love geocaching. We would never have found this hidden Byzantine church along the Tigani Coast if we hadn’t searched for its geocache.

The church’s name is Agia Odigitria (Panagia’s Church), which means “Holy Precursoress.” This little 12th-century Church was important for seafarers for a couple of centuries, as it can be seen from far out at the sea.

This ancient church is made from the surrounding rocks, and although it is now in disrepair, the old frescoes are still partially visible. 

Further south, on the southern tip of the Mani Peninsula, (the first finger of the Peloponnese), is Cape Tanero (or Tainaron/Tainarios/Tenaros/Taenarus), which was the site of the city Taenarum said to have been founded by Taernarum who also built the Sanctuary of Poseidon.

On your way, you’ll pass through the interesting, mostly abandoned village of Vathia – known for its stone tower houses.

The lighthouse at Tainaron is at the southernmost point of mainland Europe, and the hike out to it is worth it for the rugged landscape and view.

Stop #11 Kamares Beach

Our next stop was the beautiful Kamares Beach. The route there took us through row upon row of orange and olive groves. We stopped on the roadside and bought fresh oranges from the tree in front of us.

This was one of my favourite beach stops – right on the edge of the shallow waters in this stunning cove.

A fresh bread van drove by each morning, making this a great place to stay for a few days, just relaxing and enjoying the view. At the time (end of November), we were the only campers on the 1km stretch of beach.

Stop #12 – Elafonisos Island

The drive from Kamares to the ferry across to Elafonisos Island took about 2.5 hours. On the way, we passed the Dimitrios Shipwreck and climbed the mountain where there was once a 13th-century castle, Castro Rampano.

The climb is quite steep, but there is an ancient path with a handrail at the top. The view at the top is magnificent.

Remember to check out the map above for the coordinates and notes on all of these destinations. 

The ferry across to the island costs €12 each way for a car and €2 per person. On the island, you’ll find beautiful bays and plenty of places to take long walks in nature. Check the ferry schedule here.

One of our favourite spots was near the place where we found a camper stop (see map) and the spectacular Simos Beach. 

Stop #13 – Monemvasia

Monemvasia has to be one of the prettiest towns in Greece, and visiting it in winter allowed us to explore its natural state without crowded alleyways.

We have written a separate article on our route from Monemvasia to Nafplio, and it deserves much more detail than we could give in this post.

While there, you might like to take a private food tour, or take a guided hike in the Canyon of Bali and visit the watermill of the tiny village of Talanta.

Stop #14 – Sambatiki

Sambatiki is a classic Greek harbour where you can watch the local fishermen’s comings and goings. There is a free camperstop in the car park overlooking the harbour.

Stop #15 – Nafplio

Nafplio is rumoured to be another of Greece’s prettiest towns. Personally, we preferred Monemvasia and didn’t warm to Nafplio.

Many sing its praises, though, so it’s worth a stop and a wander.

A Nafplio food tour might be pretty cool, or you could also take a guided walking tour of the city.

Stop #16 – Acorinthe and Corinth

With Corinth firmly in sight and Nafplio disappearing behind us, we continued the day’s drive without a solid plan for our campervan overnight stop. But hey, this is Greece – it’s full of beautiful parking possibilities.

With the day’s light rapidly fading, we decided to take a shot at the parking lot of the ancient ruins of Acrocorinth. It was a pretty steep but scenic drive up the mountain, and yet again, we found that we had a spot to ourselves.

We arrived just in time to watch the sun setting majestically over the surrounding mountains. With the remaining light, we took a brisk walk around the Acropolis.

The wind chill had temperatures plummeting, though, so it wasn’t long before we retreated back to the warm confines of the van.

The next morning, we headed off to see the Corinth Canal. It was only a short 20-minute drive to the Isthmus Bridge (avoiding the toll road to Athens), and we parked in a vacant area right by the canal.

As the canal is quite narrow, you must get close to get a good look. However, be warned that there are no fall barriers in place, so be careful.

With a 21-metre width at the canal base and steep canal walls rising at an acute 80-degree angle, it was quite a feat of engineering for its 6.4-kilometre length.

A fall from our viewpoint would have amounted to a drop of about 90 metres.

Stop #17 – Patras (Greece) to Bari (Italy)

Our Peloponnese road trip was drawing to a close, yet one more intriguing tale awaited us before we departed the Greek shores.

Knowing what to expect can be crucial, especially if you find yourself in a similar situation at a Greek port.

Patras Port and the Men in Black

We arrived early at Patras and secured a parking spot in the outer port area. Trucks dotted the landscape, some accompanied by their drivers, others standing solitary.

Initially, five men seemed to be inspecting a trailer nearby. Soon, their numbers ballooned to about thirty, and the atmosphere shifted to one of suspicion and urgency.

Dressed mainly in black, the crowd began to tamper with and clamber onto several trailers and containers. They caused no damage, but their intentions were unclear and unsettling.

Feeling unsafe, we didn’t hesitate. We started our engine and made our way to an early ferry check-in.

By then, we had realized these were likely immigrants or refugees attempting to stow away.

After passing through customs, we parked in the secure dock area, mere meters from the water and the security barrier, joining a few other campervans and trucks waiting for the ferry.

Police, Sirens, Action Stations!

Once inside the secure area, we mistakenly thought we were clear of any illegal stowaway attempts. That illusion quickly shattered.

A group of men, persistent and undeterred, remained just beyond the fence, continually attempting to scale it despite the presence of police sirens and security patrols.

The security efforts seemed futile as around thirty individuals tried simultaneously to overcome the barriers at various points along the perimeter.

Their goal was clear—to breach the dock area and board the departing ferry. What ensued was an all-out en-masse assault, heightening our vigilance significantly.

A few succeeded in breaching the razor wire, sprinting across the tarmac and circumventing our campervan in their desperate quest for sanctuary. Each was methodically escorted back by port security without violence or injury, resembling a tense game of cat and mouse.

We were initially taken aback by this seemingly calculated chase yet relieved to see it unfold without any physical harm to those involved.

A Dangerous Game

Later, we learned the truth about these men: they were refugees and migrants from war-torn regions seeking passage to a hope of better opportunities. They made their temporary homes in makeshift tents within an abandoned factory just across from the Patras ferry port.

Daily, a few hours before each ferry’s departure, they attempt to scale the port’s security fences. Those captured by the port police face varying consequences.

A deeper dive into their struggles is well-articulated in Fahrinisa Oswald’s article, ‘A Dangerous Game’, which sheds light on the harsh realities faced by these individuals clinging to fragile threads of hope for a better life.

Peloponnese Road Trip … That’s a Wrap

As we sailed away from the port of Patras, leaving behind the poignant scenes of human resilience, our spirits were mixed with sadness and anticipation. But having seen many of the best places to visit in Peloponnese, Greece we were intent on returning someday to spend even more time exploring this part of the world.

The horizon ahead promised new adventures as we continued our journey through Europe, with Italy beckoning next.

This trip across the Peloponnese has been a tapestry of breathtaking landscapes, historical insights, and heartfelt encounters. We hope our stories inspire you to plan your own adventure in this enchanting region.

If you’ve travelled the Peloponnese, we’d love to hear about your experiences. Share your favourite spots and stories with us — your insights enrich our community.

Have questions about your upcoming travels or need tips for the road? Drop us a line. We’re here to help you craft your own unforgettable journey.

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