The “emerald” Greece
About Argolida & Saronic islands
From Mycenae and Epidaurus to cosmopolitan Porto Heli and picturesque Nafplio, Argolida has something for everyone.
A fertile land of citrus fruits orchards, kitchen gardens and olive groves, encircled by mountains and washed by the sea, Argolida is further blessed with a mild climate all year round.
The region is a wonderful part of the Peloponnese and so very close to Athens, which worths to be visited at any time of the year and here is why :
Autumns
Wonderful weather with sunny days and lovely breezes, the sea is calm and inviting ! Perfect period to make steps towards the antiquity by visiting the ancient sights.
Winters
Are mild with limited rainfall. Time to chose Nafplion as your base and travel around the beautiful areas. Enjoy the peace of the place & the non-crowded sights. And as the sun goes down tens of small cozy restaurants and tavernas wait to welcome you for a homemade meal and some local fun. In the daytime enjoy the locals harvesting the oranges, the olives & the lemons… oh, those fresh lemonades !
Springs
Delightful weather, ravishing scenery, sweet-scented atmosphere… the nature blossoms ! An ideal time to climb up the castle of Palamidi in Nafplion, visit Bourtzi, uncover the traditional villages & of course, meet the locals & live their way !
Summers
Swimmers & sunbathers paradise, lively or secluded beaches lying everywhere… Summer is also the season of cultural activities in the wider area : The Festival of Epidaurus reviving ancient Greek classics during July & August every year, the Music Festival of Nafplion, the Festival of Argos, the Cultural Activities in Nea Kios – all during July and August !
What to do
• Chose your accommodation among a wonderful villa with private beach & pier, a farm cottage, a tree house perched on a plane tree of the last century or a luxury glamping tent gazing at the stars, as when we were children ? And if theese are “too ordinary” for you, then what about at a lakeside water ski resort or a courtyard in a historic 19th century mansion with private beach ?
• Olive oil tasting & meal preparation with an impressive olive yard & 19th-century historic estate right in front of the sea – with a private pier -, overlooking one of the Saronic islands !
• Yoga & retreat sessions with a background of incredible historical monuments, full of “mysterious” feeling, relaxation & absolute harmony with the elements of the rich nature of the area !
• Nemea – vintage, antiquity & mythology: In the footsteps of the 1st feat of Hercules (The Nemea’s Lion).
• Wine tasting in the vineyard of the 27 times awarded Greek wine producer and exclusive partner of some of the top restaurants in the country, but also a wine supplier of Greece’s National Airlines to its business-class travelers !
• Bird watching in a wetland full of beautiful pink flamingos.
• Relaxation & holistic contact with Mother Earth, in a magnificent Eco-farm, spending your day with 14 wonderful semi-free horses. The goal is the therapeutic, emotional & mental calm that manages to bring out the interaction with these proud animals ! Upon request, this interactive, unique experience can be extended by spending the night in organized scenes -on top of a hill- accompanied by the night forest sounds, while gazing the stars.. and yes, with some imagination you can almost touch them !
• Delicious evening with live Greek music in the garden of a local winery with “greek meze” specialties & the famous Peloponnesian recipe of the skewered piglet, however.. for our vegan friends, an evening in the volcanic landscape of Methana, with menu by the Hungarian vegan chef & story Joseph Steiner (now a permanent resident of the area) can also be organized !
• Visit & tour of some of the most important archaeologicates in Greece, famous around the world, such as the Asklepion & the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus (depending on the season, you may have the opportunity to enjoy some of the National Greek Theater’s top performers), the ancient market of Argos, the ancient Lernea – a city inextricably linked to Greek mythology & the feats of Hercules-, the Acropolis of ancient Tiryns and of course the famous Mycenae, with their admirable culture & history.
• Feel like returning to your childhood by being part of the “Little House on the Prairie” TV show, enjoying a Farm-To-Table experience on a wonderful vintage farm, with all kinds of animals ! From baby goats (our little friends are free to try milking them !), horses for riding in the forest, colorful peacocks & little calves that are still fed with the bottle ! And that farm… with all the goodies of the greek nature, vegetables, fruits and herbs that all end up at our lunch table ! Extra bonus, upon request : The preparation of vegetable and 100% organic syrups, soaps and waxes from the herbs that we can collect ourselves from the farm’s garden !
• Sup yoga at the picturesque Saronic Gulf’s water sceneries !
• For fishing lovers.. enjoy all the techiniques Captain-Tasos uses in order to prepare our meal. All those “treasures” we have just pulled out from those crystal clear waters, will be cooked & served while we enjoy our dives ! Well, can’t get any better or fresher than this…
Epidaurus
The roots of drama
A living ancient theatre, a one-of-a-kind archaeological site and the famous Asclepius of antiquity – all within a natural landscape that makes for an ideal beach and culture holiday, only 139km (2hrs) away from Athens, by car.
Ancient Epidaurus is the perfect addition to a road trip around the Peloponnese or a city break in Athens at any time of year. However, the best period to visit is April to September, so to enjoy the nearby beaches.
If you visit in June to August you can combine the tour of the archaeological site with a theatrical production during the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, as many have English supertitles.
Mycenae
The Bronze Age
Welcome to one of the most significant archaeological destinations in Greece and a Unesco World Heritage site
Mycanae remain the most lavish palatial center of the Late Bronze Age in Greece, Homer’s “gold-rich Mycenae”. According to the mythology, the founder of Ancient Mycenae was Perseus, son of Zeus and Danae. The myth of the Cyclops and the story of Heinrich Schliemann’s discovery of the so-called Mask of Agamemnon are fascinating, as is a tour of the archaeological site.
Spetses
Elegance and heroism
Luxury and local tradition coexist on the beautiful island of Spetses, a favourite of captains and fashionistas, so close to Athens in the Saronic Gulf.
Spetses has long been a favourite escape for high society, as reflected in its smart cafes, art stores and stylish boutiques.
Cosmopolitan Spetses, one of the favourite islands close to Athens, will make you want to return again and again. It’s an ideal destination for a quick retreat all year round and never fails to make you feel special !
What to do
• Spetses = Armata Festival. The impressive representation of the burning & blasting a Turkish flagship, by the Spetses heroes, on Sep. 08th, 1822. This is always celebrated yearly, on each 2nd September’s weekend. A sea spectacle that everyone should enjoy at least once in a lifetime ! The spot from where the visitor can enjoy it, is defined by him, whether on a private floating boat, a private pier of a seaside house right across the historic port of Spetses or a 5-star hotel’s balcony, the spectacular fireworks show that follows the representation is just breathtaking !
• Shopping with class & elegance – Some of the most impressive boutique stores in the country are based here, often granting exclusive collaborations of the most famous brands, ultimately classy & well-recognized.
• Ride with a traditional carriage, making the tour of this wonderful island. The route compensates you with a passage to the famous historical houses of the island and especially to the imposing captain’s mansions. Your carriage-driver will not fail to stop for a cool, handmade ice cream under one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Greece, against the backdrop of the wonderful sunset.
• Farm-To-Table meal in a wonderful, French finesse, farm garden with raw materials selected by the hands of the visitor, depending on his nutritional preferences.
• Afternoon tea, Cocktail time or romantic dinner on the balcony, pool or garden of one of the most beautiful & iconic hotels in Greece, with its impressive building dominating the waterfront of the port of Spetses !
• Story telling, about the most famous Greek heroine of the 1821’s Revolution against the Turkish yoke. Laskarina Bouboulina, a fearless Spetsiotissa woman ! Experience the tour in her historical house-museum built during the 17th-century, with narrator one of her today’s last descendants !
• Spetses is also famous for its endless nightlife, Spree until morning & enjoy the famous “after” (crepes or souvlaki in hand) during the colorful dawn, in Dapia, the main square of the island.
• Ideal destination also for our most athletic friends who wish to combine vacation & sports, here are some annual competitions such as “Spetses Marathon” or “Spetses Triathlon” !
Poros
A green “gem” on turquoise waters
You will be immediately seduced by the serenity of Poros as you arrive on the greenest of the Saronic Gulf islands.
Poros is in fact two islands separated by a natural canal, with the neoclassical buildings rising amphitheatrically above the port on Sferia and Kalavria characterized by pine trees reaching the sea.
The flower-filled courtyards, fish tavernas and souvenir shops of town satisfy every craving for heavenly short getaways.
What to do
• Water ski in a beautiful resort facing the transparent waters of Poros.
• Visit a traditional olive grove & participate in the harvesting process. Following comes a tour at this great & historic estate located within the olive grove and facing the sirene waters of Poros. It was exactly in this beautiful 18th-century-built mansion where many of the strategical decisions concerning the 1821 Revolution where taken. In fact it has, indeed, hosted & accommodated some of Greece’s greatest political figures until the 20th century.
• Wine tasting & enjoyment of a jazz night, in a beautiful, stone cellar from a family with long tradition in the art of making wine ! In exclusive production (& consumption), the bottles with the blue wine !
• Participation in the loading of olive oil for export, by one of the few remaining sailing vessels on the seas today, with full ecological consciousness and without any use of fuels ! Of course, what follows is having the opportunity to be part of the Greek “Pirates of the Caribbean” & sail around Poros emarald shores ! Watch out, Jack Sparrow !
• Cooking lessons in the famous Lemon Forest, and preparation of products based on the favorite & fragrant yellow citrus !
• Therapeutic massage, based on an unknown, but also rare technique used by the ancient Greeks with products from the precious olive fruit !
• Bike ride in the romantic setting of the small, green coves of the island & traditional pick-nick on the most favorite sandy beach that you will choose !
• Handicraft workshops on a traditional authentic loom, resulting in beautiful textiles, jewelry, dolls and even felt beads !
• Visit to a workshop famous for the preparation of traditional “amygdalota”, sprinkled with plenty of “white snow”, that of powdered sugar ! Bite & Almond !
• Take a private tour around this beautiful island & its magnificent gulfs, by a traditional “kaiki” (fishing water craft), enjoying an ouzo with meze right on its deck !
Nafplio
The nobility in all its glory
One of Greece’s most romantic cities, Nafplio is famous for its listed architecture and majestic Venetian castles. Best of all, it is just a short drive from Athens, perfect for a daytrip or a stopover during a road trip in the Peloponnese.
Viewed from above, Nafplio oozes romance : tile roofs, grand homes and a blue-green sea. The famous Bourtzi, Akronafplia and Palamidi castles add a sense of drama to this stunning seaport town, consisting of fortresses, neoclassical buildings, old neighbourhoods, wide sidewalks and large squares.
What to do
• Visit the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio, which is housed in an impressive Venetian stone building, built in 1713. The museum’s top exhibit is the Bronze Armor of the Trees, which was discovered along with the rest of the war weapons of a Mycenaean fighter.
• Walk in the wonderful cobbled streets of the city & its colorful buildings, drowned in the beautiful bougainvillea’s, which give them a special, colorful “touch” !
• There are plenty of museums in Nafplio, however, one of the most special & unique -of its kind, worldwide- is the “Museum of the Komboloi” (rosary), which exhibits -at least- 1000 valuable rosaries, from all around the world, at least the ones which share this tradition !
• Visit the “Museum of Distillery”, with the famous production of ouzo & liqueurs exclusively from raw materials of the area. All of the distillery’s machines & tools are dated since the 19th century & of course, on display !
• Live the events of an Art Industrial complex (an old tomato processing, factory), with rich historical & cultural interest. Special art evenings are often planned, as well as yoga & meditation sessions. And all of this take place “under the watch” of a well-preserved & beautifully lit red chimney of this old factory !
• For children & teenagers, thematic “Mystery Hunt” games are planned, based on Greek Modern History times. Let’s combine “knowledge & fun”, guys !
• Visit – by little boat – the unique “sea tower” of Nafplion, the historic Bourtzi. It goes without saying, that some of your captures on this iconic & beautiful island will be your next profile picture on one of your social media !
• Food & wine tour in some of the best ouzo bars, restaurants & patisseries in the country, confirming the high gastronomic level of Nafplio. Walking & exploring, whets the appetite !
• Stay in eco-friendly farm cottages & retreats on the green slopes of the area with complete & refreshing treatments, for absolute calm & relaxation.
• Mini cruises for diving, fishing & lunch on the 3 small, beautiful islands located opposite the wonderful Tolo (in the extension of the coastline of Nafplio).
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Porto Heli
The “Greek Riviera”
Summer brainteaser for the world travelers & jet setters.
Where can one go on the Mediterranean that isn’t discotheque central or overrun by tourists and ubiquitous luxury brands, but still has some rustic character, excellent swimming beaches with white sand, ample culture nearby & world-class food ?
Yes, such a place does exist, it’s called Porto Heli !
This cosmopolitan hangout in the Peloponnese has it all ! Villas, mansions and luxury resorts surrounded by olive, lemon & pomengrade groves – simple and yet utterly seductive pleasures ! Beautiful beaches backed by the sun-kissed Mediterranean landscape, yacht marinas, the island of Spetses across the narrow straits, fresh fish and a lively nightlife … just a few highlights of Porto Heli and Ermioni, a destination for the “cognoscenti”. The region has always drawn well – heeled Greek families, their villas preside legally over the seaside hilltops, nestled above the olive groves. There is no other place in Greece with this concentration of wealth !
Porto Heli’s fine little harbour is well protected from the wind and much favoured by yachtsmen. Whether you arrive by sea or not, you’ll enjoy your stroll through the streets lined with shops, restaurants and hotels. Porto Heli is one of the most luxurious holiday destinations in Greece for a good reason.
The beaches of Porto Heli
Apart from the small beach in Porto Heli, you’ll find good swimming at Ververonta with clear water and beach bars, at Hinitsa with golden sand and pine trees and at Kounoupi, which is an extension of Agios Emilianos.
Agios Emilianos
A few kilometers south of Porto Heli, on the southernmost cape in the Argolida, Agios Emilianos takes its name from a chapel with a good view of Spetses. Hidden in the lush surroundings are the grand summer homes of famous Greeks and foreigners and isolated sandy beaches where you can enjoy the clear, warm waters.
Ermioni
Small and tidy on its peninsula, Ermioni resembles a piney island. Here, too, you’ll find villas hidden among the majestic Peloponnese landscape. Its famous tavernas are always serving delicious fresh fish, followed by dancing late into the night – sometimes on the tables ! In the 5th century BC, Ermioni was known for its production of royal purple derived from the murex sea snail and reserved for the use of royalty. Its influence has resonated down the millennia, hence the phrase ‘to the purple born’, still in the modern vernacular.
Kranidi & Kilada
Discover the unexpected charm of this small town with its neoclassical buildings, narrow streets, stone walls decked with flowers and well-tended windmills topped with colourful roofs. Kranidi perches on rocky hills encircled by the pine forest of Agia Anna and overlooks the entire area, softening the wild landscape of the Peloponnese.
Around 10Km northwest of Porto Heli is the village of Kilada, famous for its prawns and handsome shipyard. The fishing boats you’ll find bobbing in the harbour are a characteristic sight. But keep your eyes and appetite fixed on the main prize… those sumptuous prawns !
Hydra
Art & History vs Jet set
The buzz and energy of Athens are instantly replaced by the charm and charisma of Hydra as you are greeted by 18th-century captain’s houses and a waterfront of restaurants and cafes.
In the labyrinth of alleyways in town, there are flower-filled courtyards and souvenir shops and, best of all, the island is car-free !
What to do
• The tour of the island on a donkey – Invaluable !
• Walk in the picturesque fish-village of Vlychos : The most Instagram-able photos, you will ever take ! You can thank us later !
• Visit to the unique pharmacy-museum, the existence of which dates back to 1890. Its current descendant still prepares cosmetics, perfumes & soaps, according to the herbal recipes of his great-grandmother. Actually, all the ingredients he uses, he gathers himself out of Hydra’s flora !
• Join a sea transport to a secluded bay of Hydra and get ready to hike on the top of the hill, where an imposing lighthouse dominates. Then the descent ends in a cove with crystal clear, cool waters, where you will enjoy the most refreshing swim of your entire life !
• Lunch in the colourful bay of Kaminia, in a traditional tavern, awarded for the 2nd most delicious squid in the world ! We will leave it to you to find out the winner of the 1st prize ?
• Pay a visit to houses-museums of many Greek heroes, attributing the Freedom from the Ottoman Empire, back in 1821. Nowdays, most of those houses are turned into art & culture galleries, with guided tours that also contain valuable historical, political & cultural elements of the 19th-century.
• Live the experience to celebrate Easter festivities on the island, a unique chance not to be missed !
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