Argolis is one of the most historical districts of Greece. The cradle of the Mycenaean civilization which was created about 1600 years before Christ, and was the most powerful kingdom in ancient Greece for about 5 centuries.
Here are some of the world’s most famous archaeological sites such as those of Mycenae, where the German archaeologist Henry Schliemann discovered with his excavations the ancient City which is mentioned in Homer’s texts.
The ancient Tiryns with its impressive Cyclopean walls, and Epidavros with the excellently preserved ancient theater where every summer performances of great ancient authors are hosted.
All this is about half an hour from the picturesque Nafplio, the historic first capital of Greece, which nowadays is a charming city with a developed tourist infrastructure and dense connectivity.
The attractions of Nafplio, monuments of different eras maintain the visitors’ interest, at first with Palamidi, famous medieval castle that overlooks the city.
Other impressive sights are the Akronafplia, built at the foot of Palamidi and also Bourtzi, a small islet - fort at the entrance of the harbor, one of the many monuments left by the Venetians during their supremacy in the Peloponnese. The old town of Nafplio with traditional, neoclassical buildings and narrow streets gives the travelers the feeling of an era of the past.
Approximately 15 kilometers from Nafplion is Argos, which is the oldest city in Europe, which has been inhabited for 7,000 years! Its main attractions include the castle citadel Larissa offering panoramic views of the Argolic plain and the impressive ancient theater, monument of the Hellenistic era. Other significant sites are the ancient Agora and the city museum. Near the old barracks is every Wednesday and Saturday an open air market where local farmers sell various agricultural products, as well as other goods.
Ancient Epidaurus (Old) is a picturesque seaside village. New Epidavros also has its own history as it is the city held the First National Assembly of the Greeks after the war of independence.
Very near this area you can visit some lesser known but equally interesting archaeological sites. Such is the pre-historic pyramid of Argolicon, Lerna, where Hercules killed the Hydra and Midea according to ancient Greek mythology. The area of Didima (about 45 minutes from Nafplio) is a place worth visiting especially for those interested in geology. The peculiarity of the area are two geological formations that have been created in the mountains and have emerged from the landslide, circular in shape which resemble huge caves. Between the two "caves" are underground passages.
The Argolis is about one and a half hour drive away from Athens. It is sheltered by the mountains from both the North and the West and that gives a slightly warmer and milder climate all year round. Through the Argolic land flow underground currents which make the plains green and fertile, filled with orange, lemon and olive trees as well as many other agricultural products.
The mountain tops of Argolis offer breathtaking views so many locals and visitors climb the mountains in order to enjoy the beauty of the Argolic landscape, because they are a paradise for nature lovers and those interested in alternative forms of tourism in the Peloponnese.
In this area there are still some small traditional villages with few inhabitants where people live in old style,stone-built houses and live off the land.
For those who seek the best places to enjoy the crystal blue sea and the sun the main beaches are, Arvanitia and Karathona in Nafplion, Mili beach, Plaka beach, Iria beach and of course the most famous of all the sandy beach of Tolo where visitors can relax and swim while enjoying the view of the 2 islands.
Porto Heli, Hermione, Asklipieio (Lygourio) the Thermisia, Kilada and Costa, are other towns with tourist traffic during the summer months.
When you visit the Argolis don’t forget to enjoy the local cuisine which offers a range of local specialties prepared with fine, locally sourced ingredients that will fully satisfy your taste.