Originally Peloponnesus was an island, but intense geological upheavals in the region united and separated it from the mainland twice. Later, a new retreat by the sea formed the Isthmus of Corinth. This land bridge was cut in the late 19th century to make the Corinth canal, making the Peloponnesus an island yet again.

Peloponnesus peninsula has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Its modern name derives from ancient Greek mythology, specifically the legend of the hero Pelops who was said to have conquered the entire region. The name means "Island of Pelops". Peloponnesus is the motherland of Heracles who was the mythical hero in ancient Greece and Leonidas tsar who was leading the army in Thermopylae in 480 B.C.

A mythical land whose every corner brings to mind some Greek myth, the Peloponnesus is composed of images and music, the scents of the sea, of the mountains, of grapes, olives, and citrus. The cities, towns, and SPAs of the region were important centers in antiquity and remain until today. Villages seem to grow out of the grey rock, the wild stones next to the hostile furze. Other villages lie by the vast open sea, but everywhere the people are vital, hospitable, haughty, and proud.

Peloponnesus became very strong empire during Mycenaen period (1600-1100 B.C.) when such towns as: Mycenae, Tyrinth and Pylos reached very high level of civilization. One of the most ancient places on Peloponnesus is Olympia where Olympic Games started.  Competition between Athens and Sparta led to the Peloponnesus war between those towns. 

Everything here reminds about ancient Greek myths. Peloponnesus consists of 7 regions: Corinthia, Achaia, Ilia, Messinia, Lakonia, Arkadia and Argolida.

The history of Corinthia starts from 9^th century B.C. Corinthia is the area around the city of Corinth, located in the north-eastern part of the Peloponnesus peninsular. It is a prefecture of Greece and part of the prefecture of Peloponnese. It is bounded by Achaia to the west and southwest, the Gulf of Corinth and Attica to the north, the Saronic Gulf to the east and Argolis and Arcadia to the south. The most impressive place in Corinthia is the Corinth canal which separates the Peloponnese from mainland Greece, connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. The Corinth Canal, though only completed in the late 19th century, was an idea and dream that's dates back over 2000 thousand years. The strip of land that connects the Peloponnese and mainland Greece is called the "Isthmus". At its narrowest point, it is only 4 miles wide, and in ancient times, one could see from one side to the other. Before the Corinth Canal was constructed, ships had to travel all around the Peloponnese, which added approximately 185 nautical miles, and several days more travel to their journey time. The Ancient Greeks devised a solution to the problem of the extra length of the ships' journey when the "Diolkos" was constructed. This was a stoned path, paved with limestone, which ran along from Schinous on the Saronic Gulf to Poseidonia on the Corinth Gulf. The name "Diolkos" means a "movable platform". The tyrant of Corinth, Periander, was the first who envisioned the Corinth Canal in 602 B.C., but the technical capabilities in ancient times made his idea impossible to carry out. Instead, he developed the "Diolkos", which more than served its' purpose. Along the "Diolkos" ran the "olkos", which was a wheeled vehicle into which ships were actually lifted into, and taken over land from one side to the other. Not all ships could use the "olkos" due to their size, but in many cases, the cargo of ships was taken off at one side, and transported to the other, where a second ship would be waiting to load on the cargo. Today, there are still sections of the "diolkos" that one can still see.

Argolida was the heart of Greece from 1600 to 1100 B.C. Situated to the South-East of the prefecture of Corinthia, Argolida is a picturesque and magical region of the Peloponnesus.
Historically, Argolida is one of the most important areas in the Peloponnesus, and there is a wide selection of various ancient sites and ruins which one can visit. There are also many beautiful spots around the coast, which make this area the perfect destination for your summer holidays. The popular coastal town of Nafplion, the capital of Argolida, is widely accepted as being one of the most beautiful towns in all of Greece.

Achaia was named after the founders of the city, Achaians, who came and settled here after the decline of the Mycenaean centers. With the prefectures of Corinthia, Ilia and Arcadia all bordering Archaia, it is where the city of Patra is located, which is the capital of the Peloponnese. Patra is the largest of all towns in the Peloponnese and is also the second busiest port in Greece, after the port of Piraeus in Athens. Patra is also a popular transportation hub for mainland Greece with connections to all of the Peloponnese as well as other areas in mainland Greece. There are a lot of interesting museums and sights in the town, as well as its parks and squares. There are also several other towns in Archaia which are worth visiting, as well as several beautiful beaches and other places of interest.
One of such places is the Archaia Clauss Factory located approximately 7 km southeast of Patra. There is also the ski centre of Helmos, which is located approximately 15 km from Kalavryta. This is very popular ski resort during the winter seasons, and offers visitors the chance to participate in winter sports and activities, with the added bonus of being in a very beautiful and picturesque region of Greece.

Ilia is located to the north-west of the Peloponnese is the prefecture of Ilia (Elias). The capital of Ilia is Pyrgos (Pirgos). The name of the town was derived from the presence of a tall tower, (a pirgos ), which was erected during the early 1500s. The town has been known by this name from as early as the late 1600s. It was here that the first Olympic Games took place, and have since gone on to become the largest and most spectacular sporting event in the whole world. Ancient Olympia is situated approximately 10 km to the east of Pyrgos. The archaeological site of Olympia is one that every visitor to this area must visit. There are many buildings still remaining, such as the Prytaneion, where the winners of the Games were honored, the Philippeion, the Heraion, and other buildings and temples. There are also many SPA centers in Ilia, such as the popular hot springs of Killini. This SPA has been developed by the GNTO (Greek National Tourist Organisation), and is a well organized SPA, with accommodation facilities. At a temperature of 25,5 degrees centigrade, the hot waters are ideal for asthma, skin diseases and rheumatism. Ilia is a very picturesque and beautiful region, with nature and fields as far as the eye can see. Vines, olive and citrus groves and vegetation can be found on very corner. With the various sandy beaches here as well, Ilia is a mini-paradise, and a wonderful choice for your holiday destination in the Peloponnese.

Arcadia, considered the heart of the Peloponnesus, provides some of the most beautiful landscapes to be found anywhere in Greece. The Arcadians are believed to be the oldest inhabitants of the Peloponnese. This stunning region of the Peloponnesus is one of mountains, high peaks, forests and flourishing vegetation. Crowned with medieval towns and sights of true inspiration, no trip to the Peloponnesus would be complete without visiting Arcadia. The coast along the east side of Arcadia is a beautiful place, with nice clean beaches and seas. The town of Leonidion is one where you can walk around, admiring the old mansions, following the paths on a journey of history, colors and beauty. With a variety of festivals and celebrations taking place throughout the year, notably during Easter, you will be invited by the friendly locals to join in with the celebrations. There are several other coastal towns that are worth visiting, such as Plaka, which is just south of Leonidion. Here you will find a charming little port. Further south is Poulithra which has some beautiful beaches. Situated in the heart of Arcadia is its capital town, Tripoli. Tripoli can be described as crossroads of the Peloponnesus.  With its huge mountains and high peaks, Arcadia is an ideal place for all lovers of nature. Trekkers can enjoy themselves, taking long walks around the region. There is much to see, such as various ancient cities, Byzantine churches, Frankish forts and traditional settlements.

Lakonia (Laconia), bordering with Arcadia and Messinia is the southern most point of the Peloponnese. Lakonia is the prefecture in which the famous towns of Mystras and Sparta are situated. Sparta is the capital of Lakonia and it was founded in 1836 by settlers who were made homeless after the destruction of Mystras during the War of Independence. Today, modern Sparta shows little connection with the city-state of ancient times that was so dominant during the 6th to 4th centuries B.C. Up until the time of Alexander the Great, Sparta and Athens were the two most powerful city-states in all of Greece. The defense of ancient Sparta was thrust upon the legendary courage and belief of its warriors, and not on fortifications like their Athenian rivals. The Spartans also did not build any monuments or great temples, which is why today, it appears to be simply another town amongst the many scattered all over Greece, though historically, it was one of the most important during ancient times. Apart from the historical town of Sparta, there are several other towns and areas in Lakonia which are worth visiting.

Messinia is located to the south west of the Peloponnesus and this is a region of magic and beauty.
The capital town and main port of Messinia is Kalamata. Kalamata is a very modern town, with excellent infrastructure and local facilities. The town of Kalamata is dominated by the 13^th century castle which was built above it. From the castle, visitors are offered wonderful views towards the sea and sandy beaches, as well as the green flourishing plains. The famous Byzantine church of the Virgin Ypapanti is located in the town. This church is famous for the nuns who weave the famous Kalamata silk. There are also several other churches around the town which are nice to visit.
In Kalamata, as well as enjoying the beauty of the region and the hospitality of the locals, there is also the archaeological and folklore museum, and the library.

Each region in the Peloponnesus offers something different from the others, and when visiting all of them as you travel through the region, you can begin to appreciate just how magical and special this stunning region of Greece really is.