Argosaronic Gulf

Methana with its two steep volcanic slopes is actually a volcano that emerged from the sea! Explore a stunning volcanic landscape with dense vegetation, coastal villages and diverse flora and fauna. The establishment of the spa complex in 1870 made it a popular spa town attracting mainly senior citizens from many European countries.
Follow a fascinating route to the fishing village of Agios Georgios and on to the Baths of Pausanias, one of the peninsula’s hot springs, or follow the footsteps of the ancient historian Pausanias to the ancient city of Méthana. In the village of Paleókastro stand the remains of the classical walls and gates of an acropolis, the rest of which fell into the sea due to a volcanic eruption.

The peninsula boasts approximately 32 volcanoes. Climbing to the largest crater is a truly challenging experience. Start from Kameni Hora and follow the path on a 25-minute climb to the lip of the volcano. Step on now solid red lava flows and take in views of a different world of savage black, red and green crags and sharp abysses. Last but not least, soak up the atmosphere along the island’s volcanic beaches.

The town of Poros is built in the shape of an amphitheater over two hills. In antiquity, Poros consisted in fact of two islands, Spheria and Kalavria, but the last explosion of the Methana volcano in 273 BC radically changed the morphology of the area. Spheria was cut off from Methana, and in this way Poros took its present-day form. Lush pine trees vegetation, crystal clear beaches, a lively waterfront adorned with shops, cosy cafes and restaurants, a picturesque capital (it has been declared a protected settlement) with grand traditional mansions and picturesque cobbled streets, as well as a wide selection of entertainment venues are the ingredients of this quiet, yet cosmopolitan, destination that attracts visitors from all age groups.

The tranquil town of Ermioni is built on the tip of a peninsula covered with pine trees strongly resembling an island. You will enjoy the lovely beaches and the picturesque little harbour lined with popular fish tavernas and clubs for a crazy night out. It is located in the NE part of the Peloponnese at a short distance from Athens reached either by land or sea.

Ermioni, as much as the nearby Porto Heli, is a beloved destination for the rich and famous. Its charm derives from nature as well as its cosmopolitan aura. The gentle green hills are home to beautiful houses whereas luxury boats anchor in the nearby coves and marinas.

The town’s beauty is without a doubt well worth a visit.

Known as Isola di Spezie under Venetian rule and Pityoussa (pine-clad) in ancient times, Spetses, at just 54 nautical miles from Athens, is a picturesque, car-free island with unique architecture, naval history and culture. The island flourished during the early 18th century, developing into a significant naval power, dominating the major shipping routes of the Mediterranean. Today, the two-hundred year old captains’ mansions lining the coast are testimony to the vast wealth and grandeur of that time. The mansion of the Greek War of Independence heroine Laskarina Bouboulina – the only female admiral in world naval history - now houses Bouboulina’s Museum which hosts a Cultural Festival every summer with a plethora of events - while the Spetses State Museum is housed in the mansion of Spetsiot revolutionary leader Hatziyannis Mexis and contains artifacts representing more than 4000 years of history.

Visit Spetses during September, when “Armata”, a truly impressive re-enactment of a naval battle, takes place ever since 1931. If you are a sports lover, you definitely don't want to miss the unique athletic events organised every year in April "Spetsathlon" (the biggest triathlon in Greece)

Monemvasia, founded by the Byzantines in the sixth century, is a breathtaking medieval tower town located on the south-eastern coast of the Peloponnese. Take the opportunity to explore this mystical stone-built settlement, nestled at the edge of a big rock by the sea, and immerse yourself in a unique medieval atmosphere!

Upon entering the castle, your journey through time begins. Peer into the history of the fortress –the so-called “Gibraltar of the East”–, which was occupied by the Byzantines, the Crusaders, the Venetians, and the Turks in the past. Wander around its narrow cobbled streets, and admire the beautifully restored stone buildings. Taste culinary delights at a fine restaurant on the roof of a tower house, and spend a romantic night at a stone-built tower. The “Kastro” (castle) is divided into two parts, the lower and upper town.

Elafonissos, just 300 m from Pounta in the shore of Peloponnesus, has a history of about 5,000 years, since it was inhabited from the Third and Second Millenium B.C., as evidenced by prehistoric findings. During the Peloponnesian War it was a battle field between the Athenians and the Spartans, as the former had fortified the isthmus that connected at that time the island with Pounta. From 1839 until 1850 belonged to the British, which considered it part of the Eptanisa. It is connected with Pounta or Neapolis, Lakonia through local ferry boat routes. It extends over 9000 sq. m and has a population of 750 inhabitants.

The famous exotic beach of Simos is one of the best in Greece! You should also swim at Kontogoni, the coast of Panagia and at the neighboring islets as well as at the beaches Pounta and Viglafia.
Visit also the ancient sanctuaries of Athena, Poseidon and Apollo.

One of the most beautiful beaches in Lakonia, where the waters are always calm as the beach is protected from most winds.

Despite its geographical location south of the Peloponnese, Kythira is officially part of the Ionian island group. It is one of the most secluded Greek islands to visit, although its wonderful nature and golden beaches are totally worth the effort! The island attracts a lot of tourists seeking some peace and quiet. Kythira is known for its scenic beaches, green landscape, and authentic style. There are many sites in Kythira, including the Cave of Agia Sofia, the stunning Waterfalls of Fonissa and the Medieval Castle of Chora. The most popular beaches of Kythira are Kapsali, Agia Pelagia and Diakofti.

Ierakas is the greek fiord, situated north of Monemvasia and is famous for its unique scenery and the delicious fresh fish. It has been used since ancient times as a port due to its protected nature from winds.

Kyparissi is situated beyond the region’s well-known stone villages and beaches, at a secluded – even for Lakonia standards – corner of the Peloponnese’s east coast. This village seems like it is on the edge of the world. With a total population of approximately 400 people, and traditional whitewashed houses right up against the sea, Kyparissi has gone under this name for approximately 1,000 years. Life has been remote here over the years. Up until the 1970s, Kyparissi had no road connection to the rest of the Lakonia region. It could only be reached via the sea. A sense of detachment may still be felt. It feels as if time has stopped here.

Head up the trail that is close to Vrysi and see the ancient asclepeion of Kyfanta, as Kyparissi was known during antiquity, plus the rock-hewn troughs which were filled with thermal water from the mountain. Walking to the Saint George chapel is a lovely seaside stroll, especially during the afternoon hours.

Leonidio, built between the sea and the foot of mount Parnon was completely devastated by Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt in 1826 and was rebuilt with Frankish-styled stone mansions. Among the mansions, the most striking ones are those of Polytimos and Katsikogiannis, whereas temporary exhibitions are housed in the tower of Tsikaliotis’.

The sweet “tsakoniki” aubergine, an appellation d’origine contrôlée (= controlled designation of origin) product grows in the fertile plain around Leonidio. Visit the festival of “tsakoniki” aubergine in August, when delicious dishes are served based entirely on aubergine, and cooked on the spot by the local cooks. Taste also local honey, noodles, and rusks.
In the narrow streets of Leonidio and the villages around it, a different language is spoken. It’s the Tsakonian language, which derives from the ancient Doric dialect. Regarded as the oldest dialect in the world, it is spoken and written by some 2,000 people in this area.

While in Leonidio enjoy the sea and the sea sports at the cosmopolitan beach of Plaka, or explore the beaches of Poulithra, Tygani and Fokianos to enjoy blue waters in peace. Also, on half-day excursions to rural and seaside villages, such as the green-clad village of Aghios Vassilios (St. Basil), the traditional Poulithra and the perched on the rocks of Parnon village of Peleta.

Leonidio is also a world famous place for rock climbing.

Astros is a really pretty beach and port village, with a long, beautiful sandy beach that attracts tourists from all over the Peloponnese. Along the beach are pleasant cafes and taverns. In the north end of town, a small hill rises up, with a castle on top. The castle was built in connection with the Greek revolution in 1821, on top of the remains of a medieval castle. Inside the castle are three houses built by brothers who fought for Greece's freedom at this time.

If you walk along the beach towards the castle, you'll first pass the moored little fishing boats, then come to a small rocky beach, then to an amphitheater of recent date, and finally to a small lighthouse and an even smaller chapel. The latter is devoted Profiti Ilias, and is only two or three square metres in size. Picnic tables and benches are placed outside, with wide views over the beautiful Argolis Bay.

One of the most beautiful towns in the area of Argolis (in eastern Peloponnese) as well as one of the most romantic cities all over Greece, Nafplio was the first capital of the newly born Greek state between 1823 and 1834.

According to mythology, the town was founded by Nafplios, the son of god Poseidon and the daughter of Danaus (Danaida) Anemone. The town’s history traces back to the prehistoric era when soldiers from here participated in the Argonautic expedition and the Trojan War alike. The town declined during the Roman times and flourished again during the Byzantine times. Frankish, Venetian and Turkish conquerors left their mark in the town and strongly influenced its culture, architecture and traditions during the centuries. Ancient walls, medieval castles, monuments and statues, Ottoman fountains and Venetian or neoclassical buildings mesmerize the visitor with their unique architecture and beauty.

Drepano is a beautiful traditional village just 9 km from the center of Nafplio, which combines the lush greenery of mandarins on the blue beach of Plaka. This traditional village is built on the back of the small hill Mill (Agios Nikolaos) overlooking the open sea. The feature of this village is that most homes have been built on rocky ground and very close to each other. The narrow and steep streets of Drepano are tantamount to island.

Close to the village center and more precisely in the road which joins scythes Assini, there is a traditional stone windmill that awakens memories of local tradition and you can take unique pictures of the landscape.

Vivari

Following the main road or a path from Drepano, the visitor will arrive in a quaint fishing village, the most protected harbor of Argolida, known as Vivari.

The Vivari is a charming seaside village with unique charm, the crystal clear beach attracts visitors. The bay of Vivari is a large natural harbor, protected from the wind and is famous for its overnight anchorage of yacht or other vessels.

Between Drepano and Vivari extends the famous lagoon, an ecosystem for the reproduction of fish.

The natural harbour and the marina in Porto Heli has become a beloved summer destination for the rich and famous. Enjoy the green scenery along with the charming shores and turquoise waters. The sheltered bay faces the ruins of the ancient city of Alieis (fishermen). The acropolis and the ancient city of Alieis (6th - 5th centuries BC) were unearthed in Porto Heli and all findings are today showcased in the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio and the Kranidi Folk Art Museum.

Ververontas Lagoon is an ideal place to enjoy spring walks; then again it’s great for swimming and basking in the sun during summer! Other beaches you must visit are Chinitsa with its gold sand and Kounoupi with its clear waters.

For the best sunset view head to the residential area of Agios Aimilianos and its church, amidst lush vegetation and luxury homes (4km SE from Porto Heli).

Hydra, built in the shape of an amphitheatre on a slope overlooking the Argosaronic gulf, is one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. Traditional stone mansions, narrow cobblestoned streets, secluded squares and above all the banning of cars and the use of around 500 donkeys as means of public transportation, explain the reason why Hydra preserved its distinctive atmosphere through the passage of time.

The island experienced exceptional economic growth in the past thanks to its great naval and commercial activity. The Hydriots contributed significantly also to the 1821 War of Independence as their powerful fleet participated in crucial sea battles. It is rather impressive the fact that such a tiny island is the birthplace of five Greek Prime Ministers!

The temple of Poseidon, the ancient Greek god of the sea, dominates the southernmost tip of Attica, where the horizon meets the Aegean Sea. Perched on the craggy rocks of Cape Sounio, the temple is enveloped in myth and historic facts dated from antiquity until the present times.

The Temple of Poseidon is the apex of the isosceles triangle formed by the temples of Parthenon and Aphaia. It is built with Agrileza marble in Doric style, in the middle of the 5th century BC, by the Athenians in a very strategic geographic location.

According to the theory of the geodetic triangulation of the ancient Greek world, the location of temples and sanctuaries was not accidental but created conceivable geometric formations. Various sites of ancient temples form equilateral and isosceles triangles such as the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio with the Temple of Aphaia Athena in Aegina and the Temple of Hephaestus in Thissio, next to the Acropolis of Athens, which form an isosceles triangle. Or, another triangle with the temple of Apollo in Delphi and again Aphaia in Aegina and Acropolis.

Enjoy the sunset or sunrise from the ancient Temple of Poseidon and swim at the bay in front.

Even though the island is small, it boasts a great number of sights and natural beauties. The island’s highlight is the famous Aphea Temple. It forms in fact an equilateral triangle with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, the so-called “holy triangle” of the antiquity. Aegina town, the capital of the island, stands out for its well-preserved buildings. From 11/1/1827 until 3/10/1829 Aegina town was the temporary capital of the newly founded Greek state. It was during that period when Governor Ioannis Kapodistrias had impressive neoclassical mansions built to house his headquarters, which are well worth a visit. On the outskirts, you can find charming little villages with distinctive traditional character.