Argolis

The Argolid, between ancient cities and the Argolic Gulf

The Argolid occupies the north-east of the Peloponnese, between the Argolic Gulf and the Saronic Gulf. The mythical homeland of the king of Mycenae Agamemnon, it combines an exceptional concentration of ancient remains with landscapes of agricultural plains, dry hills and indented coastlines where small seaside resorts, ports and coves alternate. This proximity between major archaeological sites and the coast makes it one of the most varied regions to explore around Nafplio.

One of the richest heritage areas in the Peloponnese

The region takes its name from Argos^★, one of the oldest Greek cities, set in the heart of a vast fertile plain. Its vast ancient theatre carved into the rock, its agora, its Roman baths and the fortress of Larissa recall the city's long-standing importance. A few kilometres away, the Heraion of Argos^★, a great sanctuary dedicated to Hera, was one of the main religious centres of the region.

The Argolid was above all one of the major centres of the Mycenaean civilisation: the citadels of Mycenae^★★★ and Tiryns^★, jointly inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, preserve Cyclopean walls, palaces, monumental gates and tholos tombs. Other more discreet sites, such as Midea, Dendra or ancient Asine, extend this discovery, as do the ancient Mycenaean bridges of the Arkadiko area, including that of Kazarma, remarkable remains of the Bronze Age road network.

The settlement of the Argolid is, however, far older than the Mycenaeans. Near Myloi, Lerna preserves in particular the House of the Tiles, a major building of the Early Helladic period, while the Franchthi Cave, near Koilada, documents several millennia of human occupation, from the Palaeolithic to the Neolithic.

To the east, the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus^★★★, also listed by UNESCO, recalls the religious and medical importance of the region in Antiquity. Its famous theatre is only one of the monuments of a vast complex dedicated to the healing god. In modern times, Nafplio^★★ became the first capital of the new Greek state before the government was transferred to Athens. Its old town is dominated by the fortifications of Palamidi and the Akronafplia, while the Bourtzi fort occupies a small island at the entrance to the port.

Towns, villages and coastline

Between these major heritage sites, the Argolid lends itself easily to excursions. Around Nafplio, Tolo and ancient Asine combine beaches and ancient remains, while the eastern coast leads to Ancient Epidaurus, a small port surrounded by pine groves and olive orchards where a small ancient theatre can also be found. Further south, Ermioni and Porto Heli open onto a coastline of sheltered bays, small beaches and harbours facing the islands of the Argosaronic Gulf, notably Hydra^★ and Spetses^★. Near Porto Heli, Halieis was a flourishing city, especially in the 6th-4th centuries BC.

The interior has a more rural character, with olive groves, citrus orchards, villages and low-lying terrain. It also offers lesser-known sites, isolated monasteries and short hiking routes. This diversity makes it easy to alternate archaeological visits, village discovery, coastal walks, swimming and boat trips, without reducing the Argolid to its most famous monuments alone.

Mycenae and Epidaurus can be very busy in summer; secondary sites, hinterland villages and certain stretches of the coast, however, allow you to discover a quieter Argolid, particularly interesting for those with several days to spare.