Argolida

General Information on Argolida

One of the loveliest towns in Greece. The old city with its neoclassic houses, picturesque streets, wooden balconies with cascading flowers, Turkish fountains, Constitution (Syntagma) Square with its fascinating mosques and outdoor cafe tables is like a fairyland. Immerse yourself in its history, burrowing into its past - the house of Regent Mauer, the Military Academy, which operates as a military Museum, the Army Ministry, the first Greek high school, Parliament House, and St. Spyridon church where Kapodistrias, the first governor of Greece, was assassinated.

History of Argolida

Nauplia, the area where Nafplio is, was a major centre of civilization since Neolithic Times. In the Bronze Age, being the seaport of the plains in which Argos and Mycenae were situated was also of importance. Later on, during Classical Times, the area was deserted. Historically, the town itself was initially a holding of the Byzantine Empire until it passed to the French as a fief from the duke of Athens to the Enghien family in 1247.

Nafplio remained under their control until 1388 when the Venetian husband of one of the heiresses transferred his rights of the city over to Venice. The Venetians held Nafplio for the following two hundred and some years, during which they fortified the city, including Bourzi island in the centre of the bay. Furthermore, this occupation had a distinct impact on the architecture of the town. Most of the buildings on the waterfront and the old part resemble Venetian style houses. In 1540 the Turks conquered Nafplio after a long struggle. However, in 1686, the Turks surrendered the city to a combined force of Venetians, Germans and Poles, led by Vice Admiral Morozinin. The second period of Venetian rule began and massive repairs were made to the fortress and the city, including the construction of the fortress in Palamidi. When the Peloponnese fell to the Venetians, Nafplio became the capital. However, after just thirty years, the Turks once again took control of the city, pillaged the town and massacred the people after a long siege that cost the invading army eight thousand lives. Most of the survivors left the city while the Turks built mosques, baths and houses in the eastern style.

Nafplio stayed under the Turkish rule until the Greek war of Independence. After three failed attacks on the city, the Greek forces finally captured the fort and liberated Nafplio. The town became the centre of activities which resulted in the formation of Modern Greece. In 1823, Nafplio became the capital of the state, which was recognized by the world powers (England, France, Russia) in 1827. In January 1828, Ioannis Kapodistrias was recognized as the first governor and arrived in Nafplio. In 1831, King Otto was chosen as the first King of Greece and one month later Kapodistiras was murdered in the Church of Agios Spiridon. In 1833, King Otto arrived to Nafplio, where he remained until 1834 when the capital of Greece moved to Athens.

Beaches in Argolida

Arbanitia: This is the beach of Nafplio, which lies right next to Akronafplia. The beach is small but well organized, ideal for swimming, night strolls and drinks.

Karathona: This beautiful sandy beach is quite close to Nafplio. It is very big and popular. It has wonderful coastal cafes and beach bars and many beach parties take place here during summer.

Drepano: This beach is also pretty close to Nafplio and it is considered to be a tourist hot-spot. Plenty of organized campsites are in the area.

Also worth visiting are the beaches of Tolo, Vivary and Kadia. All three of them are prefered by visitors because of their crystal-clear waters, ancient sights and folk cafes and taverns.

How to Reach Argolida

Bus: Buses run to Nafplio from KTEL (long-distance) bus station in Athens. From Nafplio, at the bus station at Syngrou 8, there are frequent buses to Athens (2 ½ hours), Tolo (15 minutes) and Argos (30 minutes). Also, there are buses from Nafplio to: Porto Heli (2 hours), Mycenae (1 hour), Epidaurus (40 minutes) and Galatas (2 hours). Other destinations include Tripolis (1½ hours) and Corinthos (1¼ hours).

Train: A few train services connect Athens to Nafplio.

Weather in Argolida

The Peloponnese Peninsula has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Rainfalls occur mostly between October and March.