August is a perfect time to go on a road trip, especially if you’re planning to head to Europe. If you’re looking for a place that has history, heritage and sun, then Greece is where you want to be. Of all the roads you’ll want to travel, the Peloponnese is up there with the best journeys in the world. From ancient Mycenae to ancient Olympia, here are some of the best sights to see.
Nafplio
Start your journey off in the beautiful town of Nafplio, set against the backdrop of a fortress. The town is a hotbed of history, ranging from the medieval Old Town, with its cobblestone alleys, to Syntagma Square, which houses several mansions and mosques. Work your way up to Palamidi fortress, with its baroque architecture.
Mycenae
The next stop is ancient Mycenae, the home of the mythical Agamemnon, who led the Greeks during the Trojan War. Wherever you look the architecture is breathtaking. Agamemnon’s Palace sits at the heart of the ruins, which features Cyclopean stonework. There’s also the imposing Lion’s Gate, which marks the entrance to Mycenae Citadel. Two lions are carved into the wall, reflecting the strength of the ancient Greeks.
Ancient Olympia
Continue your journey back in time by riding to ancient Olympia. This was the site of the original Olympic Games, where athletes tested their mettle against each other. The shrine was sacred to the Greeks, with the most celebrated temple being the Temple of Zeus. You should also visit the Archeological Museum of Olympia, which traces the entire history of the area and contains various artefacts.
Vathia
Vathia is a small town in the region of Mani which is famous for its grand towers. Tucked away on a high hill near the city of Areopoli, the town is largely abandoned. Vathia makes for a good stop off point, as you’ll be able to see spectacular views of the landscape of Messiniaki Mani.
Epidaurus Theatre
The Epidaurus Theatre is one of the best preserved ancient Greek theatres in the world. At its peak, the theatre had a maximum capacity of 13,000 to 14,000 spectators. It hosted music, dramatic games and even acted as a makeshift hospital. Today, it’s used for the performance of ancient plays and attracts many visitors from all over.
Riding your motorbike in Greece is a great opportunity to expand your horizons.
