10 things to do in Peloponnese during autumn season

When you hear the word “autumn'' one almost unconsciously thinks of the first rains of the season, the trees stripped of fallen leaves, golden sunsets and leisure trips to nearby, but much-loved destinations.

Such a destination is of course Peloponnese, where you can create the ideal setting for an autumn trip that will stay in your memories for a long time.

Although the options were many, we selected 10 things worth doing and experiencing during the fall  in Peloponnese that include visiting lakes, gorges, lighthouses and traditional villages, among others.

Picnic in Lake Tsivlou

Within  a distance of no more than two and a quarter hours from Athens, Lake Tsivlou of Achaia looks like a place taken from the canvas of a painter, practicing autumn landscapes.

The history of this magical alpine landscape in the heart of Achaia begins far back, somewhere in 1913, when it was created after a large landslide blocked the river Krathis and submerged half the village of Tsivlos under its waters.

The rest of the village is still standing next to its waters and creates an enchanting landscape bathed in beautiful natural colors. It is worth walking and setting up an improvised picnic on the shores of the lake, making a lasting memory.

Strolling around Lake Iraiou

We’re now going to talk about a lake that is not -exactly- a lake, because Lake Iraiou communicates through a channel with the Corinthian Gulf, as a result of which its waters are brackish.

An hour and a half distance from Athens and very close to Loutraki (only 15 kms), Lake Iraiou seems like the ideal choice, while the autumn breeze caresses your face.

If you are a romantic soul then you must visit the Melagavi Lighthouse, where the sunset will make you lose your mind. Worth visiting is also the seaside archaeological site of Heraion and by visiting that also, you have the complete experience of the Lake.

A walk around the Ancient Theater of Aigeira and the around villages

There are not many ancient theaters in Greece that look down on the sea from 280 BC. One of them is, of course, the Ancient Theater of Aigeira, which captures the eye and captivates the heart and mind of everyone.

The ones who are not particularly interested in archeology will enjoy the walks and nearby excursions to the traditional and unique villages of Aiges, Monastiri and Seliana that "hang" over the valley of Krios river.

A road trip from Nemea to Ziria

Fill your gas tank and get ready for one of the most beautiful road trips in Peloponnese.

Mark the archaeological site of Nemea as a starting point on your map and then drive to  the slopes of Ziria. Make sure your basket is full of the essentials to have a picnic on the shores of Lake Doxa and then see the beautiful villages around it.

Then take a walk towards the valley of Feneos, before descending from the opposite slope of Ziria, to end up at the springs of Ladon. Don't forget to visit instagrammable villages, Dimitra and Kontovazaina and take plenty of photographs to keep forever.

Rafting at Lousios and Alpheios

The Arcadian rivers of Lousios and Alpheios are the right options for rafting lovers. Crystal clear waters, lush vegetation, natural springs and cute arched bridges draw a breathtaking and beautiful landscape.

You don't need to be an experienced rafter to enjoy the thrill of rappelling down Lucius through impressive passages and obstacles amid imposing rocks that promise endless fun and big doses of adrenaline! The route will end at the Alfeios river, specifially at the historical and legendary Stone Cuckoo Bridge.

Hiking the route of Vitina and Mainalos

The routes and paths of Peloponnese are almost cinematic, imprisoning wonderful images and of course beauty. You don't need to be an experienced hiker to take the route of Vitina and Mainalos.

You just have to have the right mood, lung stamina and the appropriate shoes and you will surely enjoy the view of Mylaontas river, the stone bridge Zarzi, the "Barba" stream and the watermill of Tselepis. Just a test hike will convince you.

Climbing Taygeus mountain

Taygetus consists of many routes that lead to its peaks, but also old paths ideal for climbers and hikers, that start from the villages in the lowlands and reach the most remote mountain settlements.

Fir and pine forests that cover a wider area and gorges with ravines shaded by plane trees are some of the features of what is probably the country’s most beautiful mountain.

On its slopes, one comes across small villages, which emerge in dense golden yellow forests. Crystal clear rivers follow the course of its paths and wonderful sights like Mystra  reward every brave mountaineer and hiker.

A visit at Mikynes

The gilded city of Atreus and his sons, Agamemnon and Menelaus – and all the Mycenaean kings who lived before them – is built between two hills, Prophet Elias (at 805 meters) and Sarah (at 660 meters).

What are the exact words one needs to describe this ancient city that does it justice? Its  history of thousands of years speaks for itself.

A visit at the famous Lion Gate and the giant vaulted tombs are enough to fill your heart with awe, as you try to imagine the grand palace of Agamemnon, with its ramifications, terrifying underground arcades and a view of incomparable beauty.

A stop where the Olympics were born

Ancient Olympia is an archaeological site that is superior to most of its many counterparts in Greece. The world’s greatest sporting event was established here in 776 BC (3,000 years ago) and every 4 years, the world's spotlight is turned on the primordial Olympian flame that lights the sacred torch.

After all, it is an archaeological site that not only excites admirers of archeology, but also anyone who passes through its historical parts.

The entire area is perfectly signposted in three languages ​​(Greek, English and German) with details on history, architecture, religious worship and excavations, but also omissions and snapshots of Olympic everyday life.

Many interesting stories are hidden behind every marble slab that was erected here two and a half thousand years ago. During the autumn season, the weather is ideal for a tour around its sacred grounds.

A day in the Cave Lakes

Not one, not two, but thirteen natural lakes, spread over three floors, form the highest, highest (!) cave you've ever visited. Its roof is 30 meters above your head, however, that's not the only thing that makes it evocative.

Its atmospherically lit paths meander alongside strange formations of stalactites and stalagmites – a jellyfish here, a castle with its towers there.

Inside the Cave Lakes, we have the opportunity to feel the coolness and happiness of the Earth, but we feel her tears and pains as well, as she  gave birth to a stalagmite or a stalactite, and for that reason, we must not destroy them.

The route that can be visited is five hundred meters long (out of the almost two kilometers that have been explored) and if you want to visit it, the ticket price amounts to €9.