Argolis Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Argolis in Greece, including a list of places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to buy, and more.


Introduction to Argolis

Argolis is a beautiful region located in Peloponnese, Greece. It boasts stunning landscapes, fascinating cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. It is the perfect destination for those looking for a mix of outdoor adventures, historical sites, and relaxation. This guide will give you an overview of the must-see attractions, best things to do, where to stay, and more in Argolis.

List of Places to Visit in Argolis

Here is a list of places you should not miss when visiting Argolis:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The ancient city of Mycenae
  • The ancient theatre of Epidaurus
  • The Archaeological Museum of Nafplio
  • The Palamidi Castle
  • The Bourtzi Castle
  • The Folklore Museum of Nafplio

Natural Attractions of Argolis: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Nemea Valley
  • The Mount Parnon
  • The Inachos Gorge
  • The Tolo Beach
  • The Karathona Beach

Hiking/Biking Routes of Argolis

Argolis has many hiking and biking routes that offer mesmerizing views of the scenery. Some popular ones are:

  • Mount Parnon Trail
  • Acropolis Hill Trail in Nafplio
  • Palamidi Castle Trail in Nafplio
  • Waterfall Walk in Neda River

Best Things to Do in Argolis: Activities and Tours

There are numerous activities and tours to take when in Argolis, some of which include:

  • Wine Tasting Tour in Nemea Valley
  • Olive Harvest Experience in Argolis
  • Cruising the Argolic Gulf
  • Scuba Diving in the Tolo Bay
  • Horse Riding in Mount Parnon
  • Hiking the Lousios Gorge

Week-Long Itinerary for Argolis

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long visit to Argolis:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Mycenae Archaeological Site, and then journey to Nafplio for lunch and sightseeing.
2 Join an olive harvest experience at the olive groves and taste some local olive oil.
3 Go hiking in Mount Parnon Trail, visit the ruined Byzantine village of Vrastama, and enjoy lunch in a mountain village.
4 Discover the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, visit an organic honey farm, and then relax on the Tolo Beach.
5 Take a wine-tasting tour in the idyllic Nemea Valley, famous for its red wine
6 Enjoy a morning scuba diving session in Tolo Bay, head to Palamidi Castle in Nafplio, and watch the sunset from the Bourtzi Castle.
7 Departure day. Before leaving, go strolling along the famous Karathona Beach, relax and catch up on some sun.

Food and Drink Scene of Argolis

Must-Try Dishes

Argolis has a rich and diverse culinary scene that is heavily influenced by the Mediterranean diet. Visitors should try the following local dishes:

  • Kalamata olives, widely regarded as some of the best olives in the world
  • Prawns saganaki – served in a tomato sauce with Greek cheese and herbs
  • Revithada – a chickpea casserole seasoned with garlic, onions, and plenty of olive oil
  • Pastitsio – a layered baked dish with pasta and meat sauce topped off with a rich béchamel sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Nemea Valley red wine
  • Tsipouro – a distilled spirit made from the leftovers of winepressings

Where to Stay in Argolis: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Argolis provides visitors with numerous options for accommodation, which includes:

  • Nafplio Palace Hotel
  • Amalia Nafplio Hotel
  • Amaryllis Hotel Apartments
  • Anassia Villas
  • Acronafplia Pension B&D

What to Buy in Argolis: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Don’t leave Argolis without stocking up on these souvenirs and local products:

  • Olive oil
  • Wine from the Nemea Valley
  • Handmade ceramics and pottery from Nafplio
  • Greek jewelry with traditional motifs
  • Local honey and preserves

Local Culture and Customs of Argolis

Argolis has a rich cultural heritage, which is heavily influenced by its past as a part of Ancient Greece. Visitors should take note of the following customs:

  • Greeks are known for their hospitality, and visitors are likely to be welcomed warmly wherever they go
  • Dress modestly when visiting places of worship or public areas
  • Tipping is not required, but it is customary to round up the bill

Best Time to Visit Argolis

The best time to visit Argolis is in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is sunny, and temperatures are mild. During this time, the crowds are fewer, and the prices are lower than the peak summertime season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Argolis

Do:

  • Respect Greek culture and traditions.
  • Dress modestly
  • Try to learn some basic Greek words, such as “hello” (yassou), “thank you” (efcharisto), and “please” (parakalo).

Don’t:

  • Litter
  • Argue with locals
  • Photograph people without their permission

Safety and Health

Safety in Argolis

Argolis is generally a safe place to visit. However, like all places, visitors must take some precautions to avoid falling victim to petty crime. Some top tips include:

  • Keep an eye on your belongings
  • Do not leave valuables or cash visible in vehicles or hotel rooms
  • Take care when walking or driving, especially on uneven surfaces

Health in Argolis

Visitors should ensure that they have adequate health insurance coverage before traveling to Argolis. The health standards are high, and visitors should not have any issues as long as they observe the usual personal hygiene practices.

Getting to Argolis: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Argolis

  • Athens International Airport (ATH)

Bus Stations Near Argolis

  • Nafplio Bus Station
  • Argos Bus Station

Other Options

  • Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Argolis
  • Attend a seasoned boat ride from Athens or the nearby Islands

How to Get Around in Argolis

There are multiple transport options visitors can use when navigating around Argolis, such as taxis, buses, car rentals, and attending guided tours.

Where to Go Next from Argolis: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Athens

Athens is a worth-visit destination known all around the world, with ancient ruins and classical landmarks, and has modern and lively urban scenes.

Santorini

Santorini is a picturesque Greek island, known for sun-bleached buildings, inspiring sunsets, and sublime vistas.

Conclusion

Argolis is a must-visit destination for anybody seeking a perfect blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure. With many activities, attractions, and locations to see, visitors are sure to leave feeling enriched and relaxed from their trip to this hidden gem of a region.