The coast of the peloponnese is also rich in history like the famous Theater of Epidaurus, the Castle of Nafplio and the byzantine enclave of Monemvasia. Small villages, beautiful bays and beaches and still very traditional, it is a wonderful place to relax. The coast of the eastern Peloponnese is rugged, wild , with only a few villages. There are only 7 small harbors along the long coast. Places visited with the boat are : Epidavros, Porto Heli, Leonidio, Kiparissi, Jerakas and Monemvasia
EPIDAVROS
Epidavros has a beautiful harbor in front of a small park and close to a beach. It is easy to walk through the olive trees to the small theater where they still hold concerts in july. You can also rent a car or motorbike to see the huge theater that seats up to 15.000 people and was designed in the 4th century B.C. The theatre is famous for its acoustics. Nafplio is also worth a visit.
NAFPLIO
Nafplio is an historically important city on the northern shores of theArgolicGulf. It was the seat ofGreece’s first independant capital following the War of Independance. Nafplio has a number of historical sites worth exploring including the famous Palamidi Fortress built by the Venetians in the 17th century and located on a hilltop overlooking the town and the fortress of Bourtzi on a small island of the same name just opposite Nafplio. The town itself has many architecturally significant buildings and the main Constitution square is a lovely place to relax and anjoy a drink while watching the world go by.
PORTOHELI
Porto Heli is a pleasant fishing village/summer resort on the western side of the Argolid penisula which is well known for its lovely beaches and active nightlife.VerverontaLakeis about 5kms from Porto Heli and worth a look.
LEONIDIO
Leonidio and its nearby port Plaka are situated in a beautiful setting between two imposing mountain peaks with the river Dafnona running through it. The lovely beach and many tavernas make Leonidio a perfect half way point between Nafplio and Monemvasia.
KIPARISSI
Kiparissi is another popular point to stop and relax on the way between destinations in theArgolicGulf. Relaxed cafes, tavernas and bars with a nice beach and those impressive mountains in the distance, what more do you need!
JERAKAS
Between Kiparissi and Jerakas are some beautiful anchorages. The port of Jerakas is in a very protected fjord. The entrance is easily overlooked from the sea. There are some excellent tavernas on the quay with authentic local food. The owners of some tavernas have their own farms with chicken, goats, vegetables etc. which you may pre order in advance to be prepeared for you!! The ruins of an acropolis from the Mycenaean times are also easy to reach.
MONEMVASIA
The beautiful town of Monemvasia is a popular tourist destination. Situated on a tiny spit of land and on top of what is in essance one huge piece of rock the old town is full of small cobbled pathways and medieval buildings and the entire town is surrounded by a fortified wall. There are many points of interest including the upper castle, various museums and a number of churches dating back hundreds of years. Monemvasia is truly a unique destination and well worth the visit.