Argolis, The Peloponnese Region - A peninsula wrapped in the scent of citrus fruits

 If this peninsula was a fruit, it would be citrus without a doubt...

Karatona- Paw traveller

Argolida, those are endless plantations of mandarins, oranges, and lemons, rich cultural and historical heritage, and clean sea!

Our first week in this part of the Peloponnese region was reserved for Assini, a small town on the Argolis whose choice was crucial because of its proximity to Nafplio, a small town about which we had heard and read the most beautiful things.

Maybe we expected too much from Argolis and Nafplio itself, so when we arrived there, the excitement was absent, and we didn't experience it sensationally.

But to avoid any confusion, I must say that Nafplio does not lack beauty and charm!

Nafplio- Paw traveller

It is actually a charming town with narrow stone-paved streets where the Venetian influence is clearly expressed in the architecture.

It is also adorned by three fortresses, Akronafplion from the 4th century BC, Burtzi built by the Venetians, and Palamidi from 1711. built by the Venetians, and each one is a special experience in itself... But too much crowd and too much content subordinated to tourists were what we found repulsive, and things like buggies, unusual things of transportation resembling bicycle-rickshaws, and Cinderella-style carriages were almost on the verge of kitsch. 

I believe that in some other months when it is not overcrowded and bustling Nafplio is a pure pearl of the Peloponnese with a lot to offer. So we will leave it on the wish list to visit it on another occasion and give it a chance to show all its beauties and what makes it a favorite destination for many travelers.

And now about Argolis itself... It is quite different compared to Messinia and Mani which enchanted us. It is more like the popular places of mainland Greece both in terms of the number of tourists and in terms of the facilities it offers.

For those who like well-organized beaches and urban facilities, and are not looking for additional thrills offered by untouched nature and ghost-visited villages in rugged ravines, Argolis is the right destination.

Nafplio- Paw traveller

Its crown and what sets it apart from everything else in Greece is definitely its proximity to Epidaurus, Mycenae, and ancient Assini, and those are big pluses for all history lovers. But also the possibility of visiting islands such as Hydra, Speces, or Poros is the icing on the cake when this destination is in question.

Although for us Argolis remained in the shadow of Messinia and Mani, this fertile land covered with endless citrus orchards and olive groves, surrounded by mountains and surrounded by the sea has something for everyone.

The ideal geographical position and climatic conditions attracted people to this region in prehistoric times, and the extraordinary Mycenaean civilization, which flourished from 1600 to 1000 BC, was born here. Its fall is connected with the invasion of the Doric tribes from the north, and their footsteps were followed many centuries later by the Romans, and then by the Venetians, the Franks, and the Ottomans...

Tolo- Paw traveller

There are plenty of reasons to visit the Argolis! From Epidaurus and Mycenae mentioned at the beginning, towards cosmopolitan Porto Heli, to hidden campsites in the vicinity of Drepano, and the highly visited impressive beach of Karatona tucked under the hills, to which winding serpentines lead you while the most beautiful landscapes bursting in front of your eyes...

The beaches on the Argolis are mostly a combination of sand and pebbles, but you can also find completely sandy ones like the beach in Tolo or Vilas beach, which delighted us.

The beach in Tolo is long with soft fine sand, the sea is clean and it is also suitable for small children because it is not deep and the water is warm. It is fully organised end and has easy access by car, which you can park in the extensions provided for it. Great place if you don't mind crowds!

Vilas- Paw traveller

Vilas Beach is one of the first beaches you come across as you enter Arcadia from the direction of Nafplio. You can park your car next to the road from where the path leads you to the edge where are metal spiral stairs that will take you down to this, in our opinion, the most impressive beach in this area. The landscape is unique! Massive rocks, beautiful white pebbles, and sand on the coast and in the sea, and the color of the water ranges from turquoise to deep blue.

Another beach on the Argolis that should not be missed if you find yourself in this area is certainly Vivari.

Vivari- Paw traveller

The beach follows the main road along which you can park your car. There are plenty of spaces because not many people come here, so it probably won't be particularly crowded even on weekends. The beach is covered with a mixture of reddish sand and pebbles combined with rocks and has natural shades.

The coast is divided into smaller bays where you can have your privacy, and the water is crystal clear and full of life, so Vivari is an excellent choice for snorkeling enthusiasts. As soon as you dive near the shore, you will be surrounded by flocks of small fishes while larger specimens swim in the depths. Since the water is extremely clean, there are lots of sea urchins on the reef, so be careful.

Plaka- Paw traveller

While you are in Argolis, you can also visit Plaka and Kondili beaches, or the small Asini beach, which is located at the foot of the hill where the remains of ancient Assini lyes. So you can use the break between swimming to take a short walk around this locality.

To discover more about Peloponnese read our posts about magical Messinia and follow Paw traveller on Instagram as well!