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ARGOLIDA INFO
Under the Mycenaeans, Argolidas was the heart of Greece from 1600 to 1100BC.
Situated to the South - East 170km far from Athens, Argolida is a picturesque and
magical region of the Peloponnese.
Historically, Argolida is one of the most important areas in the
Peloponnese. There are a wide selection of various ancient sites Mykenae, Epidauros, Tyrins, Assini
and others which one can visit. There are
also many beautiful spots around the coast,
which make Argolida a perfect relaxing, as well as educational and
historical holiday area, the perfect summer holiday destination in Greece.
Nafplio
The capital of the Argolida prefecture and the first capital of the Greece from 1828 to 1834, after Turkish ocupation. Nafplio is
 one of the more beautiful townsof
Greece. The old city with its neoclassic houses, picturesque streets, wooden
balconies withcascading flowers, Turkish fountains, Constitution (Syntagma) Square
with its fascinating mosques and outdoor cafe tables is like a fairy land.
Here, after centuries of struggle, happiness has finally settled. You feel like immersing
yourself in its history, burrowing into its past at the house of the Regent Mauer, the
Military Academy, the Parliament House or St. Spyridon's, the church where
Kapodistrias, the first governor of Greece, was assassinated. And the fairy tale world
continues, whether you climb up the 857 steps to the Venetian Fortress of Palamidi
crowning the city, wander round the battlements of Acronafpia or pop over to the
fortified islet, Bourtzi, afloat in the middle of the bay. Nafplio is full of the
joy of life with the little restaurants on the waterfront, the open-air cinemas, the
bars and the music that every evening takes you closer to the people, the sea and the stars.
Places to visit
  Though there are many beautiful towns and
villages all around Argolida, it is of course, the great historical significance
that many travellers visit this region.
Mycenae
is the most impressive of the ancient sites in Argolida.
It was excavated in 1870 by the German Heinrich Scliemann. His findings included a circle of
Royal tombs. Corpses found inside them were wearing golden masks, including the famous
'Mask of Agamemnon'. These wonderful findings now reside in the National
Archaeological Museum in Athens.
The famous lion gate in Mycenae stands proudly overhead as visitors pass underneath
it. Touring around the site, one can see the various tombs, fortress and other such
images. Just opposite the main site is the stunning 'Treasury of Atreus', which is a
beehove tomb dating from the 13th century BC.
 Ancient Theatre of Epidauros
With a capacity over 14,000 seats in 55 tiers, it is famous for its acoustics. It is the main
trace of a sanctuary dedicated to Asklepios, the God of healing. Every summer take place festivals and performances that
in the theatre, bringing back to life its magnificent acoustics.Among the ruins are the remains of the
temples of Asklepios, Atremis and Themis, and also the old guest house. There is also
the museum which is near to the entrance, where one can see the various artifacts and
findings that have been uncovered here.
Other Sites of iterest
are the Mycenaean city of Tiryns with its Cyclopean walls and the ancient Assini a Homeric town.
Beaches
Enjoyment of the sea finds its best expression in the wonderful beaches lining the bay with their
sparkling blue waters. Sand, sun, and shade from the pine trees that come down to the
sea await summer visitors at Yalassi, Posta, Panayitsa, Polemarcha, Mikri and Megali
Ammos, Sarandakoupi, Kalamaki, Vayiona (near Ancient Epidavros) and Spilia.
Tolo
Wide sandy beach with umbrellas and sun
beds in the north side and hotels and
taverns as it's extended in the village of
Tolo.
Towns-Villages
Argos,
founded in 2000BC, is the oldest
continuously inhabited town in all of
Europe, and stands among groves of
 citrus
and olives. The once historic city of Argos,
is today, the agricultural and commercial
centre of the prefecture.
Tolo
The first seaside town you meet on
leaving Nafplio is Tolo, situated on a
picturesque bay. Tolo is a popular tourist
holiday place specially during Augest. Its seafood tavernas
overlook the water and the islet of Romvi.
Assini
The more romantic travellers will want to head for Assini, which inspired one of Nobel
prize-winning poet George Seferis' most beautiful poems. A sheer rock at the water's
edge adorned with remnants of the distant past. Here stood the acropolis of ancient
Assini mentioned by the first Greek poet, Homer.
Drepano
Ten km. from Nafplio the road passes through
the coastal village of Drepano, drenched in
orange and lemon trees.
Epidauros
is set amongst a beautifully landscaped region of pines and olive groves.
The theatre of Epidaurus, dating from the
3rd century BC, is the most famous and best
preserved of all ancient theatres in Greece.
Close to the ancient theatre there are Byzantine monuments and sites connected with Greece’s modern history.
To the south is the Monastery of “Kimissi tis Theotokou” in Kalamaki, while to the north are the Monasteries of
Taxiarchis and of Panayia Agnoundos. New Epidavros has a monument commemorating the First National Assembly of the revolutionary Greeks in 1821
Nemea
Eurystheus sent Herakles to kill the lion of Nemea as the first of his Twelve Labors. Herakles wrestled with the lion and strangled it to deaththis was no
ordinary beast which terrorized the
travelers and livestock in the peaceful
countryside around Nemea Today Nemea
is on of the best wine producing area of
Greece.
Events
Epidauros Festival- Ancient theatrical
productions of Aeschylus, Aristophanes and
others. Performances from Greek and international theatrical
groups from midle of June to September every year
every weekend.
How to get there
- By Bus:
Daily public bus service from Athens
every two hours,
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