I love castles and the Peloponnese has quite a few gooduns. What makes a ‘good’ castle is obviously subjective. It could be the actual castle itself – its majesty or history or perhaps the view from, or of it, or maybe it’s just the effort of getting there and finding it in the first place! Whatever the reasons, here are 15 of my favritist castles [in no particular order] in the Peloponnese:
Click on the headings below for more info.
MYSTRA [Laconia]
Not far from Sparta is the abandoned Byzantine hill town of Mystra which is topped by castle ruins offering stupendous views.
GERAKI [Laconia]
The abandoned Byzantine town of Geraki is rarely visited and is just as, or possibly even more wonderful, than Mystra. Just like its better known cousin it has castle ruins at the top offering amazing views.
MONEMVASIA [Laconia]
Looming over the [not abandoned] Byzantine town of Monemvasia are the ruins of a castle which, because of the steep path, requires some effort to get to.
KEFELA CASTLE [The Mani]
I love this castle which is high above Itylo Bay. You can actually walk along the huge walls, which is a bit scary!
ZARNATA CASTLE [The Mani]
Hidden above Stavropigi is this attractive and well preserved Byzantine castle.
KAPETENAKIS CASTLE [The Mani]
This castle is in pretty good condition as it’s only a couple of hundred years old. The views along the coast are lovely.
ACROCORINTH [Corinthia]
Overlooking Ancient Corinth is this rarely visited large castle. The walls by the entrance are HUGE and the views are stunning.
LARISSA CASTLE [Argolis]
You can see this medieval castle from miles away as you head towards Nafplio passing Argos.
PALAMIDI CASTLE [Argolis]
This is the best known of the three castles in Nafplio. You can walk or drive to get there, of course driving is easier.
AKRONAFPLIA CASTLE [Argolis]
Set on a lower rise opposite Palamidi Castle are the ancient ruins of Akronafplia Castle. It’s less visited but offers lovely views of the bay and over Nafplio.
METHONI CASTLE [Messinia]
One of the few castles in the Peloponnese not set high on a hill. This castle is wonderful and has a fascinating and bloody history.
KORONI CASTLE [Messinia]
People still live within the walls of this castle which sits high above Koroni.
Neokastro [Messinia]
This castle is hidden from view above Pylos and the walls are immense, so are the views!
Paleokastro [Messinia]
High above Voidolilia Beach near Pylos is the old castle. Officially closed, but still accessable.
And lastly – A FAIRY TALE CASTLE! [Messinia]
This castle is not far from Nestor’s Palace and is clearly where princes and princesses live and do what princes and princesses do.
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