The ancient Greek history and stylish coastal lifestyles of the Peloponnese region come to life in Argolida. Argolida spreads across a peninsula that has coastlines on the Argolic Gulf and Saronic Gulf. It boasts pretty port towns, deserted beaches and centuries-old temples, which stand dotted across a landscape of fruit orchards and mountain ranges.
Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece, sits on a hillside at the head of the Argolic Gulf. Enjoy a romantic Venetian charm by strolling down lanes that look straight out of a movie-set and sitting at cafe-lined squares in the Old Town. Visit the mighty hilltop forts of Acronafplia and Palamidi Castle and catch a boat to the offshore Bourtzi Castle. The golden sands and turquoise waters of Karathona Beach and Tolo Beach are a short drive away.
Travel from Nafplion to Argos, which lays claim to being one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities. The Byzantine Museum of Argolis showcases Byzantine history from the 4th century onwards. Nearby Ancient Mycenae shelters the remains of what was once one of the most powerful kingdoms in ancient Greece. The Ancient Mycenae Museum displays exhibits excavated at the complex.
Follow country roads that meander through quiet hillside villages to the UNESCO-listed Epidavros. At the heart of the town is the Theatre of Epidavros, built in the 4th century B.C. to honor the god if medicine, Asclepius. Appreciate the theater’s acoustics during the summertime Athens and Epidavros Festival. The Ancient Stadium and Sanctuary of Asclepius are other notable ruins here.
Port towns, beaches and fishing villages characterize the peninsula’s dramatic southern coastline. Enjoy waterfront dining surrounded by luxurious villas and olive groves in Porto Heli. Ermioni is famous for taverns that serve mouthwatering seafood dishes. Catch a ferry from Kosta to Spetses, one of the Saronic Islands.
Argolida is less than a 2-hour drive from Athens and daytrips depart regularly from Greece’s capital city. A scenic way to get here is to catch a ferry from Pireas and cruise around the Saronic Gulf to Porto Heli.