Famous Sites
in the Area
The Peloponnese is steeped in history, beggining since prehistoric times. Explore the amazing archaeological sites the area has to offer and take a look at some of the suggestions bellow to get inspired. Greece has so many places of interest and Nafplio is perfect to use as a base for your ventures.
Photos of
- Ancient Corinth
- Ancient Theatre of Epidavros
- Lions Gate Ancient Mycenae
Places of Interest
Here are some ideas of the places you can visit around Nafplio and the Argolida.
Ancient Asini
Ancient Asini is located on a headland just outside Tolo. The site belongs to the Mycenaean era and it is mentioned in Homers Iliad for sending ships to Troy. The archaeological site offers an interactive presentation and great view of the gulf of Tolo.
Ancient Tiryns
Ancient Tiryns is famous all over the world for its exceptionally big walls, the Cyclopean Walls. The myth says that the Cyclopes built them themselves. The ancient city was part of the Mycenaean era and was in close connection with the site of Ancient Mycenae and is now a World Heritage Site protected by UNESCO.
Argos
Visit the city of Argos, a city that has been continually inhabited for more than 3,000 years ago. Visit the city of Argos and see all the amazing sites such as the Roman baths, the ancient theatre with 20,000 seats and the castle of Larissa.
Ancient Mycenae
Visit the site of ancient Mycenae an ancient city responsible for an era in history. The ancient citadel is located about 30 km from Nafplio and the archaeological site includes the Beehive tombs, a type of circular grave. Also see the famous entrance to the city the Lion Gate.
Epidavros Ancient Theatre
The ancient theatre of Epidavros is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Greece. Visit the theatre during the summer months and watch a play or a concert and explore the rest of the site as well. Next to the theatre is a smaller ancient theatre and the Temple of Asclepius the god of medicine.
Ancient Nemea
Ancient Nemea is known for being the hunting grounds of the beast killed by Hercules, the Nemean Lion. The ancient city of Nemea was also famous for the Nemean Games, much like the Olympic Games, they took place every four years and where dedicated to Nemean Zeus a god different to the Olympian Zeus.
Pyramid of Ellinikon
The pyramid of Ellinikon is located just outside of Argos in the village of Ellinikon. Although there are many theories it is said that is was used as a monument or a "friktoria" a tower used for fire signalling. The Greek pyramid is said to have been built in the 4th century BC.
Cave Church Kefalari
The cave church in Kefalari is a place of great beauty. Visit the site and see the cave where the church used to be. The church you see today was built after a huge explosion at a nearby gunpowder warehouse.
Didyma Craters
The Twin Craters are located in a village called Didyma, which means twins in Greek. The craters were created by underground water currents and where used by prehistoric inhabitants of the area to provide shelter.
Ancient Corinth
Ancient Corinth was one of the richest cities to prosper in ancient Greece. The city became very wealthy due to its location, controlling the passage to and from the Peloponnese and had a system to transport ships over the isthmus, the diolkos.
Corinth Canal
The Corinth Canal is a feat of engineering but the idea for its construction began in ancient times. There where a few attempts but with no luck, up until 1881 and it was completed in 1893 due to the construction company bankrupting. It is still open today but its more of an attraction so visit and enjoy a boatride through the canal.
Arcadian Villages
The villages in Arcadia are said to be some of the most beautiful places in Greece. Small traditional villages lost in the mountains with few permanent residents. They offer the ideal place to get away from the busy and fast lifestyle of the city. See Dimitsana, Karytaina and Stemnitsa to name a few.
Delphi Oracle
The oracle of Delphi is a site located west of Athens. During ancient times the oracle was one of the most famous and most visited sites in the world where kings from all over Greece would travel to get advice from the Pythia. Delphi was also considered to be the centre of the ancient world as it was the meeting place of the two eagles release by Zeus.
Ancient Olympia
The Olympic Games' origin come from this ancient Greek city. Located in the northwest Peloponnese ancient Olympia provides an incredible site to visit and a museum full of interesting artifacts. In ancient times the Olympics where a very popular event and athletes from all over Greece came to take part. See the ancient stadium where the games took place or walk thought the agora.
Monemvasia
The Byzantine city fort was built on an islet making it accessible from only one point, a narrow causeway connecting it to the mainland. Walk in the old town and admire the wonderfull architecture, visit the church of Agia Sofia on the top which is an exact replica of the Agia Sofia in Istanbul (Constantinopole).
Mystras
An incredible Byzantine town built on a hill and homage to Byzantine architecture. Visit the city located close to the site of ancient Sparta and see the hill filled with churches, monasteries decorated with murals and the old manors. Mystras was at some point a place of great power since it was the Despotate of Moria and a centre for Byzantine culture.
Spetses Island
Spetses is a traditional Greek island situated in the Saronic gulf and a popular destination from Athens or the Argolida. Visit and get a better taste of the islands of Greece. The name of the island is taken from the Italian word "spetze" meaning spices.
Hydra Island
The island of Hydra takes its name from ancient times because of the many fresh water springs. Hydra has been inhabited since Neolithic times and it played a very important role during the Greek Revolution. Visit to see a more traditional side of Greece.
Athens
Athens is Greece's most popular and well known city. Inhabited since ancient times the city has an immense amount of sites and museums. It flourished during the 5th century BC and is the birthplace of democracy. Visit the city of Athens and see the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the Archaeological Museum as well as the city centre.