Historic sites across Greece's Peloponnese, used as filming locations for Christopher Nolan's blockbuster The Odyssey, are expected to see a surge in visitors following the film's release. Birmingham Airport can take you to all four of these areas with relative ease, each boasting rich history, culture, and amazing sightseeing. Travel experts at Welcome Pickups, the global airport transfer service founded in Athens, predict the film will spark a 'set-jetting' tourism surge, echoing the effect Emily in Paris had on France and The White Lotus on Sicily and Thailand.
However, unlike Athens or the Greek islands, much of the Peloponnese sees relatively low tourist footfall. A sudden spike in visitors driven by the film could outpace the infrastructure at some sites, particularly those with limited facilities, restricted access, or protected natural surroundings.
Expert warning: respect fragile sites
Alex Trimis, CEO & Co-Founder of Welcome Pickups, says: “These sites weren't built with modern tourism in mind. Voidokilia Beach has no facilities, and the Gialova Lagoon next to it is a protected wetland reserve, so we'd ask visitors to stick to marked paths and take any litter home with them. The climb up to Acrocorinth is also more demanding than people expect; it's a real fortress on a real hillside, not a film set, so sturdy shoes and water are essential, especially in the summer heat.”
Trimis urges tourists to respect the region’s history and ecology: “As much as we love seeing fans inspired to explore the real Greece behind the film, these are living archaeological sites and, in places like Gialova, protected natural habitats, not backdrops. We'd encourage anyone visiting to travel respectfully, support the small local businesses in Pylos and Corinth, and take the time to learn the real history behind the myth.”
Acrocorinth: the ancient fortress
Acrocorinth, near modern Corinth in the Peloponnese, is approximately 70 miles (112 km) southwest of Athens International Airport. From Birmingham Airport, fly to Athens International Airport. During peak holiday seasons, direct flights are available via airlines like Jet2 or easyJet; otherwise, you can take a single-layover connection via Lufthansa or KLM. Rent a car at Athens Airport and drive west via the Olympia Odos (A8 motorway) towards Corinth — the drive takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1.5 hours. Alternatively, take the Suburban Railway (Proastiakos) directly from Athens Airport Station to Corinth Station. Trains depart regularly and the direct journey takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
Entry to the fortress itself is free, but its hours are shorter than many expect — typically 8:30 am to 3:30 pm daily, with the gate closing fully at the end of the day and no way out after, so don't leave a visit until late afternoon. Free parking is available at the top, but the final 5-minute walk from the car park to the entrance is over smooth, rounded paving stones worn slippery by centuries of footfall; make sure you wear footwear with good grip. It's a big site (allow 1.5–2 hours), so pair it with Ancient Corinth at the base of the hill, which is a 5-minute drive or a steep 3 km walk away, and its museum (separate ticket, around €8).
Voidokilia Beach: wild and pristine
Jet2 operates direct non-stop seasonal flights from Birmingham Airport straight to Kalamata International Airport. The direct flight time is around 3 hours 45 minutes. Once you land in Greece, rent a car at Kalamata Airport and drive west along EO82 towards Pylos, then follow signs north toward Petrochori and Voidokilia Beach. The drive takes about 45 minutes and offers free parking in dirt lots right next to the sand dunes.
It's free to visit with no entrance fee, but it's a wild beach, meaning no shade, no sunbeds, no shop, and the nearest café is roughly 1 km away in Petrochori, so bring water and sun protection. It's best reached by parking at the end of the dirt road in Petrochori (a 10–15 minute walk through the dunes) or from the Gialova Lagoon side. Low-clearance cars should not attempt the sandy track right to the water's edge. The beach sits directly beside the Gialova Lagoon, a protected Natura 2000 wetland and major migratory bird stopover. Stick to marked paths and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
Methoni Castle: seaside fortification
Fly non-stop from Birmingham Airport to Kalamata International Airport (approx. 3 hours 45 minutes). Renting a car directly at Kalamata Airport is the best way to get to the location. Drive southwest toward Pylos along EO82, then head south down the coastal route to Methoni. The drive is roughly 34 miles (55 km) and takes under an hour. Free parking is available near the main castle bridge entrance.
Entry is €5, and the site is large and mostly uncovered, so a hat, water and suncream are worth packing. Late afternoon is the best time to visit for softer light over the causeway to the octagonal Bourtzi tower; this way you also avoid the midday heat. There's no on-site café or WC, so plan around the harbourside restaurants in Methoni town just outside the walls.
Palace of Nestor: Mycenaean splendour
Fly non-stop from Birmingham Airport to Kalamata International Airport via Jet2, which operates seasonally from spring through autumn (approx. 3 hours 45 minutes). The Mycenaean Palace of Nestor at Pylos is located near the village of Chora, about 42 km west of Kalamata Airport. Rent a car at the airport, head west toward Rizomylos and Soulinari on EO82, then take the road toward Chora. Parking is available directly on site.
Entry is around €10 (or a 3-day combined ticket covering Methoni Castle, Pylos Castle and the Chora museum for €15) — worth it if visiting multiple sites in the same trip. The Archaeological Museum of Chora, which houses finds from the palace, is open Wednesday to Monday and can be visited on a joint ticket. Confirm hours locally before travelling, as these can shift seasonally. Raised walkways let visitors view the Mycenaean ruins from above without walking directly on the remains; allow 1–2 hours, and note the site closes earlier than peak-season attractions elsewhere in Greece.
Plan ahead for a respectful trip
With The Odyssey likely to draw record numbers to the Peloponnese, planning ahead is key. Book flights and car hire early, especially for the summer months. Respect local guidelines, support small businesses, and take time to appreciate the real history behind the cinematic magic. Whether you're exploring the heights of Acrocorinth or the quiet shores of Voidokilia, these sites offer an authentic glimpse into Greece's ancient past — just remember to tread lightly.
