Sightseeing

For a direct link to the Hellenic Ministry of Culture's web site for details and opening times of archaeological sites click here

Introduction
The magic of the shores of the Argolida, the mountains, golden valleys, the grandeur of the monuments and the eternal quality of its myths will leave a lasting impression.
On this “flaming red Argive earth” celebrated by the poet, “where the poppy flames still brighter”, you’ll hear the most sublime voices of the Greek land – Homer, Aeschylus, Sophocles.

General Information

Remarkable Archeological Places of Tirintha, Mycenae, Argos and Epidavros aging back to Mycenean Period, historical and scenic Nafplio and beautiful sea resorts are primary attractions of the Argolida. The privileged position of the prefecture; sited only at 150 km away from Athens makes it an attraction for thousands of tourists visiting the area. The Argolic Gulf waters perfect for swimming and watersports; Tolo with its organised  facilities and nice sandy beach, Porto Heli; greenery and crystal waters that fills with people every summer. Asini and Ermioni, graphic small seaside sites, offer variety of visitor services, archeological explorations and plenty of swimming spots ; sandy beaches like Mandrakia, Kouverta, Sentoni and Petrothalassa. Thermissia northeast of Nafplio, is a nice seaside village also with nice swimming spots around; Villes, Plepi, Agia Aikaterini, Pigadia, Solinari and Metohi. Asklipio or Ligourio is a graphical, seaside town attracting many visitors for the Epidavros Festival. The area is full of ancient wonders all within a short distance excursion; Pyramid remains at Agia Marina, Mycenaean Gefyra (Bridge) and a Natural history museum with relics, metals, minerals and earth evolution exhibits. Epidavros, a worlwide archeological site and a glorious cultural centre and Archea or Palea (Old) Epidavros, the nearby seaside town with nice swimming spots and historical value. Didima, Kandia, Drepano, Nissi, Gkliati, Vagionia, Kalamaki and Galassi are small villages offering beaches and local amenities. Midea, offering great archeological value and beautiful swimming amongst other things. The Saronic Gulf waters bordering the South East region of the Argolida and the Argosaronics; Poros, Idra and Spetses are beautiful islands situated very close and are connected daily to the Argolida by daily excursions and ferries. Nafplio, a historical seaside city and first capital and is a highly developed tourist centre with historical and cultural museums and a wonderful romantic atmosphere. Argos in the commercial centre of the prefecture is a city located in the middle of a fertile citrus valley and hosts important cultural and historical reference. All around the Argolida there are many seaside villages and small towns; Nea (New) Kios, Salanti, Doroufi, Galini are only few of them. Argolida’s borders north with Korinthia and east with Attica. 

Sightseeing in the Area 
Nafplio, as a historical point of reference and Greek history has explicit sites; Agios Spiridonas where Ioannis Kapodistrias -1st Greek Governor was killed and many other churches; Agios Georgios and Agios Nikolaos, Gennisi (Birth) Theotokou and Metamorphosis (Fragkoklissia). Palamidi, a monumental Castle towering above the city; once lived memorable battles and rivals. Acronafplia, located in the castle grounds and connected to it by secret paths is also an archaeological statement as Ancient Greek ruins were also discovered underneath. Bourtzi, a small deserted castle island connected to Naflio with a narrow land strip.
Visit also Syntagma (Constitutional) Square; the primary Parliament house of Greece. 

There are plenty historic, valuable buildings and statues to see; the public library, the spiritual center, Ioannis Kapodistrias statue, graphic, small squares with past reference. Nafplio is also a museum city; hosting an Archeological, “Kompoloi” museum, the Folklore museum, the Children's museum (Paidiou) and view the old train ruins, the War museum for an overview of recent Greek history. Nearby  Aria; a pretty little village  2 km east and a stop at the Byzantine Monastery of Zoodohos Pigi is well worth the time.  
Epidavros, a particularly important archaeological area with the theater, museums, monuments, ruins of temples. Apart from a rich archaeological background that establishes the great value the location once had; there are also many natural, blooming, environmental, artistic sights all over the prefecture. Windmills guarding sea villages, caves, gorges and trails offer pictorial memories.

Sightseeing around the Area - Small islands tour
The Argolic Gulf offers delightful scenery for boating and yachting; the small deserted islets are perfect for diving explorations while on the other hand, the Saronics are only a few km away. Marina facilities are available at Nafplio and at Tolo, Porto Heli, Ermioni, Archea (Old) Epidavros. For water supplies go to Nafplio and for fuel supplies to all gas stations.  

Taste local food and enjoy a delicious meal with local dishes, fresh fish and seafood specialties in Nafplio, Tolo and Archea Epidavros. Tasty dairy products and cooked chicken dishes in Trahia. Buy traditional handmade pastry and pasta, “trahanas” in Nafplio and Asklipio, vegetables and fruits, focusing on oranges and watermelons in Ermioni and Argos, grapes and wine in Karakasi and Nemea. In Mycenae and Asklipio buy traditional pottery art and timber decorative in various shapes and forms.

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