Explore Peloponnese: adventure tours and hiking in Peloponnese
Explore Peloponnese
Coming up: food you haven’t heard of, hikes you never knew existed, Peloponnese tours, two adventure-loving friends, and some of our favorite things to do in Peloponnese.
Though it’s only a 2-hour drive from Athens, the rural region of Peloponnese is VERY different from its big-city neighbor.
Yes, Athens has lots to love: it’s modern, cosmopolitan, full of life, and brimming with capital-city attractions and conveniences—but it’s not as traditional as most other parts of Greece.
… so if you’re looking for a slice of real Greece close to Athens, Peloponnese is exactly where you'll find it.
The most southern part of mainland Greece, it offers rural landscapes, world-class mountains and beaches, age-old locals, and hidden pockets of old-school life.
But because it’s such a local place, it’s best to explore it with local people. And that’s why we’re introducing you to Giorgos and Dimitris.
Giorgos and Dimitris - two lifelong locals
Good friends Giorgos and Dimitris are both big fans of outdoor adventures. Including:
- Hiking
- Rafting
- Cycling
- Climbing
- Canyoning
And that’s why they live in the hill-backed region of Peloponnese.
One of the most varied parts of Greece, it serves up sun and seas, mountains and peaks, small towns and little villages, and access to pretty much any adventure you could ever want. Within the space of just 50 kilometers (30 miles), you’ll find endless types of outdoor fun…
Hiking in Peloponnese with Giorgos and Dimitris
The most accessible way to explore the peaks and panoramas of Peloponnese.
Giorgos and Dimitris offer a bunch of varied Peloponnese hikes, for all skill levels, and all types of people (including families, experienced hikers, and everyone in between).
Some of these Peloponnese hikes are 4 hours, easy, and mainly flat… while others are almost-all-day adventures with tricky terrain, lofty views, and paths only the locals know. Highlights include:
- Local wildlife
- Seaside views
- Traditional villages
- Archaeological areas
- Local cafes and tavernas
- Chapels and monasteries
- Stone houses and cobbled alleys
- Caves, canyons, forests and gorges
- Astronomy spots and natural springs
- Mythical sights and ancient battlegrounds
- … and the the only cedar forest in Europe
In short, these hikes aren’t just beautiful nature (although there is plenty of it!).
You also get history, heritage, cultural insights, real local people, and real local food. This is among the best Peloponnese hiking you can find, and it’s a great combo of stunning views and real Greek culture.
Rafting in Peloponnese with Giorgos and Dimitris
Hop into a raft, ride along a river, and see hidden sights along the way. A lovely cocktail of pretty places and adrenaline-inducing adventures.
Highlights include:
- Cliffs
- Caves
- Canyons
- Birds and dragonflies
- Tight curves and gentle river rapids
- Learning about the myths and legends of some iconic rivers
Each rafting adventure lasts between 3 and 5 hours, and they’re all suitable for all abilities. For a real rugged adventure, it’s one of the best things to do in Peloponnese.
Top tip: if you’ve never rafted before, now’s the time to do it. All equipment is professional and well-maintained, and Giorgos and Dimitris take care of you the entire way.
Other things to do in Peloponnese with Giorgos and Dimitris
Giorgos and Dimitris also offer:
- Canyoning: expect hiking, climbing, swimming, and diving into natural pools. Highlights include narrow gorges, ancient myths, hidden caves, old-school bridges, clambering down ropes, and exploring places where the gods once played.
- Cycling: because Peloponnese is much quieter than Athens, it’s Greece’s best close-to-the-capital destination for cycling. Expect rural roads, mountain views, seaside rides and very little traffic.
- All-day Peloponnese tours and multi-day trips: where you combine lots of activities and adventures, and more deeply explore the landscapes and local life of Peloponnese.
What can I expect from Peloponnese tours with Giorgos and Dimitris?
Whichever activity you choose, you’ll get a relaxed and laid-back day… and you’ll feel like you’re hiking in Peloponnese with friends (because, you are: our friends!).
… even on the toughest adventures, the big focus is always on real local life—you’ll meet local people, munch on local snacks, and see places most tourists never do.
Peloponnese is the type of place where everyday life is relaxed. Where everyone knows everyone. Where people say hello in the streets. Where neighbors help each other with daily tasks. And although all tours are organized and professional, that’s the Peloponnese you’ll see when you travel with Giorgos and Dimitris.
They love the region even more than you will: so they’re working with Upiria to introduce many more guests to their favorite parts of Greece.
So, on all adventures, you’ll always be accompanied by either Giorgos and Dimitris…
… and you also get 2 extra perks:
- You can end each adventure with a meal at a local taverna. You’ll eat real Peloponnese specialties, learn about what you’re munching on, and taste things you don’t see on most Greek menus.
- No matter which adventure or activity you choose, you’ll be driven to and from your hotel in a luxurious, spacious 9-seat van.
How many guests do Giorgos and Dimitris take on their Peloponnese tours?
Usually, they like to adventure with small groups of between 2 and 8 people.
When you travel in small groups, you can:
- Ask questions
- Avoid getting lost
- Speak to local people
- Have better conversations
- … and feel like you’re hiking with friends
And because you’re in a small group, you can make spontaneous en-route changes. Maybe you want to extend your Peloponnese hike a little, or cut your adventure short to eat more food and drink more coffee. In smaller groups, all these spontaneous changes are possible!
In which languages can I take these Peloponnese tours?
Most guests take these tours in either Greek or English.
… but the team can also speak some Italian and French.
So, whichever language you speak, it’s easy to take a tour with them.
As we say in Greece: páme!