Nafplio and the Argolid (Nafplio, Drepano, Argos)
Nafplio is one of the most attractive towns in Greece, with Venetian and neoclassical streets beneath the Palamidi fortress. Drepano, a short drive east, is a quieter seaside village, and Argos is a working market town. Mycenae and the ancient theatre at Epidaurus are both within an easy drive. Athens airport is around two hours away by motorway.
Best for: History lovers who want ancient sites and a handsome town
Not for you if: You want the region's best beaches on the doorstep: the beaches around Nafplio are pleasant rather than outstanding.
Leonidio and the Arcadian coast (Leonidio, Paralio Astros, Tyros, Xiropigado)
South of Nafplio, the coast road passes Xiropigado, the long beach at Paralio Astros and the village of Tyros before reaching Leonidio, a town of old stone houses beneath steep red cliffs that has become one of Greece's best-known climbing areas. Its small harbour at Plaka, 4 km away, has fish tavernas. Allow around three hours from Athens airport.
Best for: Walkers, climbers and anyone after a quieter, unspoilt coast
Not for you if: You dislike winding roads: the coast road south from Nafplio is scenic but slow.
Laconia: Gytheio, the Mani and Monemvasia (Mavrovouni, Agios Dimitrios, Monemvasia)
Mavrovouni sits about 2 km south of Gytheio, behind a sandy beach around 5 km long that is popular with windsurfers and is a nesting site for loggerhead turtles, with nests roped off in summer. Gytheio has a harbour of fish tavernas, and the stone tower villages of the Mani lie to the south. A couple of villas are at Monemvasia, the medieval town on a rock joined to the mainland by a causeway.
Best for: A long sandy beach, harbour tavernas and exploring the Mani
Not for you if: You want calm water every afternoon: in July and August the wind at Mavrovouni can blow for hours.
Ermioni and Porto Heli (Thermisia, Porto Heli)
At the southern tip of the Argolid, Thermisia and Porto Heli look out towards the islands of Hydra and Spetses. Porto Heli is a sheltered harbour popular with yachts, and boats from this coast make Hydra and Spetses easy day trips. Athens airport is roughly two and a half to three hours by road.
Best for: Boat days to Hydra and Spetses and a sailing scene
Not for you if: You want a wide choice: there are only a handful of villas on this stretch.
The Gulf of Corinth (Xylokastro, Derveni, Melisi, Aigio, Roitika)
The north coast of the Peloponnese runs along the Gulf of Corinth, with mountains behind and views across the water to the mainland. Xylokastro, Derveni and Melisi are on the Corinthia stretch, the easiest part of the region to reach from Athens, while Aigio and Roitika lie further west towards Patras. Villas here are few and spread out.
Best for: Combining a beach week with Athens, ancient Corinth or Patras
Not for you if: You want sandy beaches: most beaches along this coast are pebble.
Messinia (Methoni, Chrani, Akrogiali, Kyparissia)
A handful of villas sit on the Messinian coast, the part of the region closest to Kalamata airport. Methoni has a huge Venetian castle beside the sea, Chrani and Akrogiali are small beach villages on the Messinian Gulf, and Kyparissia faces the Ionian further north. Most are within around an hour to an hour and a half of the airport.
Best for: Short transfers from Kalamata and a quieter western coast
Not for you if: You want plenty of choice: there are only a few villas here.
