The Peloponnese is not only a land of history and culture, but also a paradise for food lovers. You can enjoy a variety of culinary experiences in the Peloponnese, from cooking classes to dining experiences, that will introduce you to the local flavours and traditions. You can combine your gastronomic adventure with a vacation in the Peloponnese, and explore the stunning beaches, ancient sites, and natural wonders of the region. It is the perfect destination for a memorable and satisfying holiday.

 

If you are a food lover, you will find the Peloponnese a gastronomic paradise. The region offers a variety of culinary experiences, from visiting wineries and tasting local cheeses, to sampling pasto (salted meat) and pasteli (honey and sesame bars). You can also enjoy the fresh and healthy Mediterranean cuisine, based on olive oil, vegetables, fish, and herbs. Here you can discover the rich flavours and traditions of Greek food, and learn from the local producers and chefs. Join us for a culinary vacation in the Peloponnese, and indulge your senses with the best of Greek gastronomy.

 

Famous for its olive oil production and quality, you can visit some of the olive mills and farms in the region and learn about the history, cultivation, harvesting, and processing of olives and olive oil. You can also taste different varieties and flavours of olive oil and pair them with local food and wine, which is another highlight of the Peloponnesian cuisine, with a long history and rich diversity.

You can visit some of the wineries in the region, such as Tetramythos, Skouras, and Mercouri, and sample their award-winning wines, such as Agiorgitiko, Moschofilero, and Mavrodaphne. You can also learn about the wine-making process and the local grape varieties, as well as the culture and history of the region.

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Another way to explore the culinary delights of the Peloponnese is to join a cooking class or a food tour, where you can learn how to prepare some of the local specialties, such as pastitsio, spanakopita, and baklava. You can also visit some of the farmers markets, bakeries, and taverns, and discover the authentic flavours and aromas of the region.

Some local products of the Peloponnese are:

• Cheese: The region produces various types of cheese, such as feta, kefalotyri, graviera, and myzithra. These cheeses are made from sheep’s or goat’s milk and have different textures and flavours.

• Wine: The Peloponnese is one of the oldest wine-producing areas in Greece, with many indigenous grape varieties and appellations. Some of the most famous wines are Agiorgitiko, Moschofilero, Mavrodaphne, and Monemvasia-Malvasia.

• Honey: The Peloponnese is rich in flora and fauna, which provide the bees with a variety of nectar sources. The honey produced in the region has a distinctive aroma and taste, especially the thyme honey.

• Raisins: The Peloponnese is the largest producer of raisins in Greece, especially in the areas of Corinth and Messinia. The raisins are made from sun-dried grapes, such as Corinthian currants and sultanas, and have a sweet and chewy texture.

• Olive oil: The Peloponnese is famous for its olive oil, which is made from the local Koroneiki variety of olives. The olive oil has a fruity and peppery flavour and a high nutritional value.
   

Some traditional dishes of the Peloponnese you can enjoy are:

• Spit-roasted pork: This is a popular dish for festive occasions, especially Christmas and Easter. The pork is seasoned with salt, pepper, oregano, and lemon juice, and roasted over a wood fire until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender and juicy.

• Rooster with pasta: This is a hearty stew of rooster meat cooked in a tomato sauce with garlic, cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves. The sauce is served over handmade pasta, such as xylopites (small, square noodles) or tutumia (large, flat noodles).

• Pasto or syglino: This is a traditional way of preserving pork with herbs, such as sage, thyme, and oregano. The meat is salted, smoked over a wood fire, and stored in jars with olive oil. It can be eaten cold or fried with eggs or potatoes.

• Lagoto: This is a dish of hare, pork, or beef cooked in a tomato sauce with garlic, vinegar, and spices, such as allspice, nutmeg, and cumin. It is usually served with rice or bread.

• Bogana: This is a dish of lamb casserole with potatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano. It is baked in the oven until the meat is tender and the potatoes are golden.
   

Some vegan options of traditional dishes of the Peloponnese are:

• Fasolada: This is a simple and traditional Greek soup made from dried white beans that are drizzled with olive oil and eaten with various vegetables and herbs such as onions, celery, and tomatoes.

• Gemista: This is a dish of stuffed vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and eggplants, filled with rice, herbs, and sometimes pine nuts or raisins. They are baked in the oven and served with yoghurt or feta cheese.

• Spanakopita: This is a savoury pie made with layers of phyllo pastry and a filling of spinach, feta cheese, eggs, and herbs. It can be eaten as a snack, a main course, or a side dish.

• Dolmades: These are grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes nuts or currants. They are cooked in a lemony broth and served cold or warm with yoghurt or lemon sauce.

• Lagana: This is a type of flatbread that is traditionally baked on Clean Monday, the first day of Lent. It is topped with sesame seeds and sometimes olives, onions, or herbs.

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If you choose Peloponnese for a culinary adventure, you will not be disappointed! Contact us here to book your next tasty holiday now!