ARGOLIDA

General Information

Argolida is located on the central part of the eastern Peloponnese, bordered by Corinthia to the north, Attica, the Argolic and the Saronic Gulfs to the East, and Arcadia to the west. This is an ancient, historic land, as is easily evidenced by such notable archaeological sites as legendary Mycenae, Tiryntha, Argos, and Epidavros, as well as medieval cosmopolitan Nafplio. Though these represent the most prominent attractions of the prefecture, the beckoning beaches of Porto-Heli, Ermioni, Tolo, Palia and Nea Epidavros, render the whole region as a prominent choice for daily excursions or lengthy vacations. Its population is about 98000 residents, while its extent covers 2210 sq.km. 

History - Culture

Few places in the entire world can boast of a history comparable to that of Argolida, the land of Mycenae, which came to rise to such levels of power that it gave its name to an entire civilization and age. The prefecture has been inhabited since prehistoric years, and its civilization developed rapidly. During antiquity, it was always one of the major Peloponnesian centers, and perhaps the most consistent one. In the Neolithic Era remarkable settlements such as Lerna, Tiryntha and Mycenae were established, while in the Bronze Age the region flourished into wonder. This is the age of Mycenae, the time of the Mycenaean civilization, the predominant intellectual, commercial and military power throughout 17th and until the 12th  century BC. This age was aptly named after this glorious city, and rightfully so. It was the kings of Mycenae that spurred the rapid development that was evident all over Greece, and it was only the great Mycenaean Anax (king) Agamemnon, who could order the massive gathering of forces which were sent forth to conquer Troy. By the 12th century BC, perhaps weakened by long years of bitter war expeditions in Anatolia (the broader region of which Troy was a part), a northern Greek tribe, the fierce Dorians managed to conquer the land of Argolida, and made Argos their capital city of the region. When people revolted, the Dorians prevailed once again destroying Mycenae, Tiryntha, Nafplio and Asini. During the following centuries and all through the classical age, Argolida remains a respectable power, albeit unable to resume leadership, as Athens, Sparta, Thebes, and Macedon make their own ages of glory. As Greece falls into decline, Argolida joins its fortunes with the rest of the Peloponnese, falling to Roman conquest, then became a part of the Byzantine Empire, but after that fell to the Franks (early 13th century). Following small intervals of Venetian occupation, it eventually came under Turkish rule in 1540. However, the people of Argolida maintained their spirit as well as their heritage, awaiting a chance to shake off foreign domination. Thus, they took an active part in the Greek War of Independence in 1821. Following the liberation in 1828, Nafplio became the temporary seat of the revolutionary government and was the first capital of the newly established Greek State, until the 1834 election appointed the city of Athens as the capital of Greece.

Sights

In addition to the famous major archaeological sites, countless other spectacular sights are scattered all across the lands of Argolida, rewarding the inquisitive visitors who take the time to find them. However, the presentation of these would be far too lengthy, so only the most famous sighs are presented. In Nafplio, the renowned castle of Palamidi towers dominantly over the town, while the fortified islet of Bourtzi forbids unwelcome vessels from entering the port. The old town fascinates visitors with the picturesque streets, the houses with the Venetian balconies, the Turkish fountains and the elegant neo-classical buildings. Argos, the capital of the prefecture, is abound in significant ancient structures (theatre, odeon, agora, temples, baths, aqueduct, and many more). The site of ancient Asini is 1km from Tolo, while the site of ancient Epidavros is 29km to the east of Nafplio. The theatre of Epidavros is the most celebrated and well-preserved theatre of antiquity and dates back to 4th century BC. Plays are still held here each summer, while the theater itself was but a complementary facility of what was once a complex therapeutic center, where medical treatment was combined with spiritual and cultural elevation, as a healthy mind and soul were considered as vital to the success of the therapy as the treatment itself. Only 24km to the north of Nafplio lies the site of ancient Mycenae, which attracts thousands of visitors every year. The Lions" Gate, framing the entrance of the Mycenean acropolis, bespeaks of the sheer confidence power of the rulers of this city. This is also the most ancient sample of monumental sculpture in Europe. The tombs of the royal family and the aristocracy, and the ruins of the palace complex are captivating. The ruins of ancient Lerna, a city dated as far back as 2500 BC, are situated 10km away from the village of Myloi. Furthermore, visitors should also see the remains of ancient Tiryntha, its impregnable, Cyclopean walls discouraging any attempt to sack the city. It is very near Nafplio, and its visit can be combined with a tour of other places nearby, such as the Mycenean tomb and the ancient water dam. Ruins of medieval castles and Byzantine churches can be seen all across the region, while the beautiful beaches, landscapes and caves complete the picture. 

Entertainment-Sports-Shopping

Argolida, having a fully developed tourist infrastructure, can satisfy every type of visitor. Nafplio, Porto Heli, Kranidi and Tolo are acknowledged as highly popular tourist resorts offering quality hotels, a large variety of entertainment facilities ?coffee shops, restaurants, taverns, bars, pubs, night clubs- and large markets with shops of any kind. In the countryside, there are the small villages where everything seems to be simpler, and this is the ideal place for relaxing holidays without really missing out on anything, as whatever is desired is within proximity. The beaches of the prefecture are idyllic, while traditional taverns always serve wonderfully cooked meat and fresh fish, preferably off the grill. Visitors who revel in sports will find water skiing and windsurfing schools in Karathona and Tolo, while water sports facilities are also available in Nea Kios, Myloi, Kiveri, Porto Heli and Costa. Within the premises of most luxurious hotel units, visitors have at their disposal a wide range of water sports activities, tennis courts, golf courses and basketball fields. The ceramic workshops near Mycenae offer elegant hand-made works of art.

Access

Buses depart daily from Athens to Argos, Nafplio, Kranidi. There are frequent train itineraries from Athens to Argos-Nafplio. All year round ferries and fast ferries depart from Piraeus to Epidavros, Ermioni, Porto Heli, Nafplio.

Connections

Buses link daily Nafplio, Argos, Corinth, Tripolis, Sparta, Megalopolis and Kalamata. Argos has a connection with Tripolis, Megalopolis, Kalamata by trains departing from Athens. Ferries from Piraeus link Ermioni and the Argosaronic Gulf Islands. There is a connection with Ermioni, Porto Heli, Tolo, Nafplio, the Argosaronic Gulf Islands by flying dolphins from Piraeus. Porto Heli has a flying dolphin connection also with Leonidio, Kyparrisi, Monemvasia, Kythira and Neapolis.

Museums

The museums in Argolida are noted for their infrastructure as well as the variety, number and significance of their exhibits. In Nafplio, there is an Archaeological, a Folk Art and a War Museum. The Archaeological Museum in Argos hosts a very rich collection of all ancient periods. Epidavros has its own Archaeological Museum and Nea Kios a Folk Art Museum.

Alternative Tourism

Archaeology, educational, cultural, sporting (water sports, sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving, trekking).

Useful Telephone Numbers:

NAFPLIO AREA CODE:  27520-

POLICE STATION: 27520-21536

TOURIST POLICE: 27520-28131

PORT POLICE: 27520-22974

MUNICIPALITY: 23332, ΤΑΞΙ: 27520-24120

HOSPITAL: 27520-27309

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG.: 27520-28799

POST OFFICE: 27520-24230

ARGOS AREA CODE:  27510-

POLICE STATION: 27510-67222

MUNICIPALITY: 27510-68336

TAXI STATION: 27510-29997, 67020

HOSPITAL: 27510-24455

PHARMACIES: 27510-20235, 67445, 22965