Town of Nafplio | Mycenae | Tiruns | Ancient Epidaurus | Ancient Corinth | Ancient Nemea | Argo-Saronic Islands | Acrocorinth | Argos, Larissa Castle | The castles of Nafplio | Nemea | The Corinth Canal | Kalavrita | Elliniko Pyramid
Tourist attractions local to the villa
Venetian Medieval and modern Town of Nafplio (20 minutes by car from the villa)
Nafplio city is only a 20 minute drive, with a historic centre home to churches, museums and castles, a lively main square and a cosmopolitan selection of shops, bars, restaurants and cafés, a great night life, and a vibrant harbor. This quaint town has many gift shops selling handmade goods and local art.
Following in the footsteps of mythology – the archeological sites
Mycenae – the city of the legendary Agamemnon (45 minutes by car from the villa)
The ancient citadel of Mycenae is about 45 minutes from the villa and is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Greece. Dating from the Late Bronze Era, this was the kingdom of the legendary King Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks in the Trojan War. Founded by Perseus, it was an influential center of that time and in fact it gave its name to an entire civilization, the Mycenaen civilization. The excavated ruins that sculpt the top of the rocky hill protected the royal families inside the famous Cyclopean walls. The most famous spots of Mycenae are the Lion Gate, the entrance of the town, and the Treasury of Atreus, the vaulted tomb of king Agamemnon. The Archaeological Museum hosts interesting exhibits from excavations in the region. Close to the site is a modern village with traditional taverns.
Tiryns – a city built by the Cyclopes (30 minutes by car from the villa)
The fortification of the hill of Tiryns which protects the palace complex, is such an impressive construction that the ancient Greeks could not believe that it was built by human hands. Thus, the architects of Tiryns were said to be the Cyclopes. All the great heroes with supernatural powers are associated with Tiryns: Bellerophon, Perseus, and Hercules. Indeed, the construction of the wall is unbelievable and a challenge to logic, even for today’s visitors.
Ancient Epidaurus (40 minutes by car from the villa)
Ancient Epidaurus is among the most famous archaeological sites in Greece. This ancient site was actually developed around the sanctuary of Asklepius, the healing god. There are still remains from the ancient sanctuary, next to which is the famous Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus with the impressive architecture and fantastic acoustics. This ancient theatre works even today and hosts ancient Greek dramas in summer. There is also a small Archaeological Museum on the spot, with statues and other findings from the excavations.
Ancient Corinth (1 hour by car from the villa)
Ancient Corinth is an important archaeological site, which has revealed many great finds. Once one of the most powerful cities of the Classical world, it came under Roman rule in 146 BC. It is here that St. Paul preached to the people of Corinth in AD 51-52, and his experience later inspired him to write the New Testament books of the First Corinthians and Second Corinthians, among the most quoted books of the Bible. Today, amid the archaeological excavations, you can see the ruins of various buildings including temples, a forum, baths, and a basilica. The ancient temple of Apollo also deserves a visit as does the archeological museum with wonderful mosaics.
Ancient Nemea (50 minutes by car from the villa)
Ancient Nemea can be found on the north eastern edge of modern Nemea. From the sixth to the second century BC the sanctuary here played host to the Nemean Games which attracted participants from all over the Greek world. The stadium on the site once seated 50,000 people and was, at one time, connected to the sanctuary by a sacred road. Among other ancient buildings is the Temple of Zeus, one of the more impressive ancient temples you will find in the Peleponese. The museum on the site is one of the best small archaeological site museums in Greece, well organized and displays explained in clear English.
The Society for the Revival of the Nemean Games hosts a non-commercial alternative to the modern Olympics that attracts participants and spectators from all over the world. Competitors dress as the ancient Greeks did and compete in the ancient stadium and also do a long distance run of 7 kilometers called ‘The Footsteps of Herakles’ which follows the country roads of Nemea and ends in the stadium. Participants of the races are of all ages and speeds and anyone can participate. Like the Olympics they are held every four years, the same years as the modern Olympics but in June.
Argo-Saronic Islands – Poros, Hydra, Aegina, Spetses (1-2 hours by car from the villa)
Explore the back streets of Poros, the island of tranquility and romance. The greenest of all the Saronic Gulf islands with pine woods, lemon and olive groves stretching down to sandy beaches. It offers the traveller moments of true bliss.
Drink your coffee with a perfect view of the waterfront of Aegina, and taste the famous Aegina pistachio nuts, the finest in the world. The mystery of the ‘magic triangle’ connecting the temple of Aphaia (Aegina) with the temple of Poseidon (Sounion) and the Acropolis (Athens) takes you back to ancient times.
Next stop is Hydra, cherished by artists and intellectuals alike. Its peacefulness and inspiring natural pureness, offers you a chance to enjoy a picturesque stroll along the narrow, cobblestoned streets and admire the wonderful architecture. Visit the historic seventeenth century cathedral with its superbly carved wooden screen and notable icons. Did you know that no cars are allowed on this island?
Spetses. This island played an important role during the Greek Revolution of 1821, and is the birthplace of the courageous Lascarina Bouboulina. Spetses is a beautiful island offering tranquillity and cosmopolitan life, wonderful beaches and small picturesque bays, various interesting historical sites, a charming old harbor and all the facilities needed to enjoy a pleasant stay. The island is very easy to reach from the port of Kosta in the Peloponnese by small boats that leave every half an hour. Concerning transportation, one can rent a motorbike or use the local buses that serve the main beaches and villages. The use of vehicles in the main town is normally prohibited, except for motorcycles and bicycles. A visit to Spetses can easily be combined with a visit to Ermioni and Porto Heli, coastal towns in the eastern Peloponnese.
“Photogenic” castles
Acrocorinth (1 hour by car from the villa)
Acrocorinth (Akrokórinthos) lies on the mountain nearby Corinth. Acrocorinth was fortified in ancient times, and its defenses were maintained and developed during the Byzantine, Frankish, Turkish, and Venetian periods, so that its walls now measure almost two kilometers in length. Within the fortress, a path leads to the highest point, the former Temple of Aphrodite, which was converted into a mosque by the Ottoman Turks in the 16th century. From here, there are fine views of the Isthmus (Corinth Canal) and the hills of the Peloponnese.
Argos, Larissa Castle (45 minutes by car from the villa)
Looming over Argos, Larissa Castle is a crumbling conglomeration of purple-flower-studded towers, bastions and wall sections – contributed by Roman, Frankish, Venetian and Ottoman Turk conquerors – that stands on the foundations of the city’s principal ancient citadel. Much of the citadel is undergoing restoration, but the all-encompassing views from the top are well worth the ascent.
The castles of Nafplio (20 minutes by car from the villa)
Palamidi castle, proudly stands 216 m above sea level. In order to reach it you have to climb all of its 999 steps carved into the rock. Not to worry, though: the view from here is well worth the climb! (For the less energetic a road leads to an alternative entrance)Venture into a place drenched in history, where the famous hero of the Greek Revolution Theodore Kolokotronis had been imprisoned; it seems as if its battlements -named after the renowned ancient heroes Themistocles, Achilles, Fokion, Leonidas, Epaminondas and Miltiades- are still carefully protecting the city. The Agios Andreas battlement built at the top of the Castle by Venetian conquerors undoubtedly offers stunning views to the Argolic gulf and the Mycenaean plain.
Akronafplia is the historic rock at the foot of Palamidi, also known by its Turkish name “Its Kale” (meaning inner castle). Inhabited since prehistoric times, the peninsula consists of three levels, among which stand three independent castles, the oldest being the western one. It was here that the ancient acropolis was situated, fortified with polygonic Cyclopean walls.
The most photographed spot of Náfplio is Bourtzi, a small Venetian fortress standing on the rocky islet of Agioi Theodoroi. During the Venetian rule it was connected to Akronafplia by a huge metal chain that protected the port from enemy attack. In the early 1860’s Bourtzi housed the “executioners of Palamidi”. Small local boats regularly take visitors to Bourtzi throughout the year. If you are lucky enough you may even be able to attend one of the fascinating festivals taking place on the islet!
Nemea (wine routes) (50 minutes by car from the villa)
Within an hour’s drive from the villa is Nemea, a beautiful archaeological site and vineyards which have been cultivated in the area since antiquity. It is known for the “Agiorgitiko” the most popular Greek red grape variety as well as “Rothitis” grape of white wines. The wine producers of Nemea even organize wine tasting at their wineries. For lovers of wine this is a destination not to be missed!
The Corinth Canal (1 hour by car from the villa)
The Corinth Canal is at most a one hour drive from the villa. The idea of building a canal through the Isthmus of Corinth (which connects the Peloponnese to the rest of Greece) was conceived by the tyrant Periander in the sixth century BC. However, it was only completed during the period 1882-1893. Involving an excavation up to 80 meters in depth, the canal is 6.3 kilometers long, 23 meters wide, and eight meters deep, and can take vessels of up to 10,000 tons. The best view of the canal is from the original road bridge.
Mystras (2 hours by car from the villa)
The Byzantine Castle of Mystras is actually an old town surrounded by Byzantine walls with an imposing palace on top of the hill. The whole area is full of ruins and remains from its glorious past including a fortress, cisterns and towers. There is also a small palace, stone-built mansions as well as wonderful Byzantine churches and monasteries, such as the cathedral of Agios Demetrios, the monastery of our Lady Perivleptos and the church of our Lady Hodegetria. Most of these churches have been well restored with impressive frescoes, representing scenes from the Bible. In fact, Mystras is considered one of the best exponents of the Byzantine culture, visited by hundreds of tourists all year round. Despite being exposed to different cultures over the centuries, Mystras is considered one of the best exponents of the Byzantine culture, visited by thousands of tourists all year round.
Kalavrita (2,5 hours by car from the villa)
Kalavrita is about a 2 hour drive from the villa. A dreamy setting with picturesque squares, stone-paved streets and cute little houses welcomes the romantic souls! The trademark of Kalavryta is its small train, the “Odontotos” (a rare example of a fully functional cog railway). About 120 years ago its 22 km journey from Kalavryta to Diakofto, one of the most spectacular rack & pinion rail trips, began! The narrow gauge tracks follow the Vouraikos River through tunnels, over waterfalls, along cliffs and through forests of pine and oleander. The little train is incorporated so well to the natural environment that it seems that it has always been there. The way it was constructed did not put a strain on the ecosystem of the gorge. Using stone and wood from the area the technicians’ work is so perfect that someone may think that the nature worked on its own.
Winter sport enthusiasts should definitely go to the Kalavryta Ski Center, one of the most renowned in Greece thanks to its modern facilities: 7 lifts, 12 slaloms, a snowboard park, a special slalom mogul and a snow tubing park! On its premises there are fancy cafeterias and restaurants where occasionally fun parties take place!
Need more adrenaline rush? In the vicinity of Kalavryta you can follow hiking trails, hike down the Vouraikos gorge, go mountaineering, climbing, off-road driving, mountain biking and parachuting!
Elliniko Pyramid (30 minutes by car from the villa)
The Pyramid is located at Ellinikon, a half hour drive from the villa, is the most important and best preserved pyramid in Greece. It is uncertain when the pyramid was built, but probably around the fourth century B.C. It was originally 70 meters high, and it’s possible the pyramid didn’t have the pointed top we know from Egypt, but had a flat roof. The story surrounding the monument is that it was built as a common grave, for those soldiers who had fallen in the struggle for the throne of Argos back in the 14th Century B.C. The structure is decorated with symbols of Argolic shields, showing the military connection.