The Peloponnese is a large peninsula in southern Greece, separated from the mainland by the Corinth Canal and connected by the Isthmus of Corinth. It is one of the most historically rich regions in the world, home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Ancient Olympia, Mycenae and Tiryns, Epidaurus, and Mystras — as well as the medieval castle-town of Monemvasia and the dramatic Mani Peninsula. The region blends Bronze Age citadels, classical temples, Byzantine ghost towns, Venetian fortresses, and rugged Mediterranean coastline into a single destination that rewards slow travel.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Kalamata PDO Olives
The world's most famous table olive — dark purple, almond-shaped, cured in natural brine. Buy vacuum-packed at Kalamata Central Market (Aristomenous 16) for international travel. Price: €4–8/kg / ~$4.30–8.70 USD at source.
Where: Kalamata Central Market; Kalamata Olive Museum Shop
Laconian Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (PDO)
Premium cold-pressed Koroneiki olive oil from Mani and Laconia — exceptionally low acidity, high polyphenols. Available in 500ml–5L tins. A tin of premium Laconian oil: €8–15 / ~$8.70–16 USD.
Where: Terra Creta Nafplio (Staikopoulou 22); Kalamata Olive Museum Shop; Sparti market
Nemea Agiorgitiko Red Wine
A bottle or case of Nemea PDO red wine from estates like Gaia Wines, Semeli or Ktima Palivou. Rich, velvety and excellent value. A good bottle: €12–25 / ~$13–27 USD. Carry in checked baggage.
Where: Ktima Palivou estate shop, Nemea; Petra Wine Bar Nafplio (Polyzoidou 2)
Taygetos Thyme Honey
Amber honey harvested from wild thyme hives on Mount Taygetos — intensely aromatic, slow to crystallise. A 450g jar: €8–12 / ~$8.70–13 USD. One of Greece's finest single-origin honeys.
Where: Laconian Honey Shop, Sparti (Paleologou St market, Sat mornings); Mani Herbs & Honey, near Areopoli
Handmade Byzantine Icons
Painted on wood in the traditional Byzantine technique using natural pigments and egg tempera. Workshops in Mystras village and Nafplio old town produce pieces for collectors. Prices: €30–300+ / ~$32–324+ USD.
Where: Byzantine Icon Workshop, Neo Mystras main street; art shops on Staikopoulou St, Nafplio
Handmade Ceramics (Ancient Motifs)
Wheel-thrown and hand-painted pottery inspired by ancient Greek red-figure and geometric designs. Bowls, plates, amphora-style vases. Price: €20–120 / ~$22–130 USD.
Where: Orpheus Ceramics Workshop, Nafplio (Vasileos Konstantinou 6); museum shops at Olympia and Nafplio
Corinthian Currants (Stafida)
The original seedless dried grape — the word 'currant' derives from 'Corinth'. Intensely sweet and smaller than sultanas. Traditional in Greek pastries. A 500g pack: €2–4 / ~$2.20–4.30 USD.
Where: Corinthian Currant Shop, Corinth (Ethnikis Antistaseos 10); all Peloponnese supermarkets
Monemvasia-Malvasia Wine
A historic revived sweet white wine — the medieval 'Malmsey' once exported across Europe from Monemvasia. A bottle: €18–35 / ~$19–38 USD. Monemvasia Winery (monemvasiawinery.gr).
Where: Monemvasia Wine Shop, Gefyra main road
Silver Jewellery (Ancient & Byzantine Designs)
Handmade sterling silver rings, pendants, earrings and brooches inspired by classical Minoan, Mycenaean and Byzantine motifs. Prices: €25–200+ / ~$27–216+ USD.
Where: Odysseas Jewellery, Nafplio (Syntagma Square 9)
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Kalamata Central Market (Dimotiki Agora)
The best general food market in the Peloponnese. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings bring farmers with fresh olives, cheese, cured meats, seasonal produce, and local honey. Saturday is the biggest day.
Where: Kalamata, Messenia
Hours: Mon, Wed, Sat 08:00–13:00. Covered market: Mon–Sat 08:00–14:00.
Look for: Kalamata PDO olives direct from producers · Fresh Messenian figs and oranges · Locally-made cheese (feta, graviera, manouri) · Cured pork products (loukaniko sausages)
Sparti Saturday Market
A weekly street market along the main street of Sparti selling Laconian honey, olive oil, herbs, fruit and vegetables. Best source for Taygetos thyme honey direct from beekeepers.
Where: Sparti, Laconia
Hours: Saturday 08:00–13:00
Look for: Taygetos thyme honey · Laconian olive oil · Dried mountain herbs (oregano, thyme, sage) · Fresh seasonal produce
Nafplio Weekly Market
A Wednesday street market bringing producers from across the Argolida region. Good for fresh produce, olives, local wine and seasonal specialties.
Where: Nafplio, Argolida
Hours: Wednesday 08:00–13:00
Look for: Argolida citrus fruits and vegetables · Local honey and olive oil · Eggs and dairy direct from farms
Nemea Wine Roads (Winery Open Days)
Not a traditional market but a network of 20+ estates open for tastings and direct sales along a signposted wine road. Most open Saturday–Sunday without appointment; weekdays by prior call. Best in September during harvest.
Where: Nemea, Corinthia
Hours: Sat–Sun 10:00–18:00 (most estates)
Look for: Nemea PDO Agiorgitiko red wine · Rosé and white wines · Estate olive oil · Wine accessories and books