Slides, Sun & Scrumptious Food: 5 Reasons Why The Peloponnese Is The Greek Dream

The cultural riches and natural beauty of the Peloponnese region can hardly be overstated. For those of you that need a slight brush up on your geographical knowledge, The Greek Peloponnese is a super-sized, mountainous region located in southern Greece. The outstanding natural beauty covers a 750-mile coastline, with more than 50 mountains and forests, lakes, waterfalls and rivers. 

MTV spent three nights at the Cape Sounio Grecotel Exclusive Resort and Grecotel Mandola Rosa & Aqua Park and it was pretty much heaven on earth, and here are the many reasons why...

1. It has a bad-ass waterpark

Riviera Olympia is certainly the place to go for leisure, pleasure and fun, and a new 20,000m² mega water park confirms just that. Get ready to experience water coasters, launching yourself at lightning speeds including ‘The Looping Rocket’ and ‘The Black Hole!'.

Designed with younger guests in mind, the Olympia Aqua Park has a 1,200 m² paddling pool and a multi-level play structure including waterfalls, jets, slides and a water volcano awaiting the little ones at the Riviera Olympia Aqua Park. 

Not only that, but for those craving more earthly delights, there's a tennis academy, mini soccer, basketball, archery, mountain biking, horse riding, trekking and paintball. *breathes out*

2. The scenery is BOOTIFUL

Located by the sea, Cape Sounio Grecotel Exclusive Resort overlooks a bay at the southern tip of Attica and is situated opposite the Temple of Poseidon. Behind are the wooded hills of the Sounio National Park, colourful gardens and hilly grounds.

The hotel is around 45 minutes by car from Athens International Airport and an hour from Athens, with Cape Sounio making it simple to sightsee, shop and explore the Athenian Riviera for a fantastic pit-stop, before heading over to the luxurious Riviera Olympia with its fantastic resort complex and new aqua park. Guests can also relax and unwind during their day out at the Riviera Olympia Aqua Park in the homely seating areas and bars that are designed for the ultimate kick-back.

Staying at the at the Grecotel Mandola Rosa & Aqua Park, an exclusive Grecotel Exclusive Resort will find yourself close to Loutra Killinis Roman Baths and Chlemoutsi Castle. 

3. Culture goals

Along the coastline of the Peloponnese, castles were built for protection. Chlemoutsi Castle is situated on the top of the hill overlooking Castle village in Kyllini area. It is one of the biggest and best-preserved medieval castles in Greece and only 10 minute drive from Kyllini port, visible for many miles around. Prepare yourself for a stunning view of the Ionian Sea and spectacular mountain views.

4. S is for Spa

Inspired by the Rotunda at Ancient Olympia nearby, the Elixir Thalassotherapy Center at the Olympia Riveria Resort harks back to the sanctuaries of classical Greece. The luxury retreat combines the age-old wisdom of the Greeks, who valued the healing properties of the sea, with modern wellness regimens to relax the body and rejuvenate the spirit. 

Bubbles, jets, steam and all manner of aqua-y delights await your knackered body.

5. The food is **Homer Drool**-level tasty

Greece enjoys an enviable Mediterranean climate and sun-kissed beaches that beckon sun-seeking tourists all year round, but it’s not just the weather and stunning beaches that attract travellers from far and wide. Let’s not forget about Greek food.

With salads dripping in olive oil and fish served the day it was caught, the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet are certainly to be found in Greece.

The people of the Peloponnese like their food fresh. Most of the food served to you in the restaurants and bars of Peloponnese are sourced locally. As a consequence, many of the dishes of this beautiful region of southern Greece contain olive oil, lemon, fresh fish, lamb, honey and a wide variety of fresh vegetables are farmed here.

MTV Stayed At... Cape Sounio Exclusive Grecotel Resort Grecotel and Mandola Rosa & Aqua Park, which will both reopen in April 2018 to October 2018, with Double bungalows starting from £152 a night B&B. Return flights from London Gatwick to Athens start from £109 with Aegean Air.