5 Things you Should Know About the Peloponnese
Last week, I had the good fortune to be invited out to the Costa Navarino in the Peloponnese region of Greece, for the ABTA travel industry conference. If you'd find it hard to locate the Peloponnese on a map, don't worry, you're in good company. Despite its abundance of natural and cultural riches, this peninsula in southern Greece is often overlooked in favour of the country's traditional holiday destinations. But having spent a few days there, let me assure you it's definitely worth putting on your list. Here's what I learned while I was there...
The Peloponnese is a sleeping giant
The region has 26 Blue Flag beaches and 150 charming villages and towns. The town of Pylos (pictured above) is worth the trip alone - think white-washed houses clad in bougainvillea, a romantic port and proximity to a wealth of beaches and archaeological wonders.
You have to visit Voidokillia Beach if you come here
I could tell you about the ancient tombs overlooking this exquisite curve of sand, the birdlife that draws twitchers from near and far, or the beach’s connections with Homer’s Odyssey. Alternatively, I could just suggest that you look at the picture below… 
Nothing beats a bit of 27-degree heat in October
In fact, arriving to a striking blue sky made most of us question why the Costa Navarino wasn’t buzzing with more tourists enjoying some late-summer sun. Particularly when you consider how easy it is to get there – easyJet and Lufthansa both operate direct flights to the nearby city of Kalamata.
The Peleponnese region is overflowing with cultural wonders
There's the archaeological marvel of Olympia for starters. Situated in rural valley in the northwest of the region, this site is where athletes started gathering every four years, from 776 BC onwards, to compete in the original Olympic Games. Other highlights include the ancient theatre at Epidaurus and a selection of Mycenaean palaces, the best-preserved of which is Nestor's Palace (below) near Pylos. 
Forget what you heard; British people still love Greece Many travel agents report little or no dip in bookings to Greece in the months ahead – latest figures reveal bookings for 2015 so far are almost 30% up on last year.