Description of Argolida
The region of
Argolida is a blessed place with long and continuous history, remarkable sites and cosmopolitan resorts. The
hotels of the region provide high quality facilities with easy access to the main sites like the charming city of
Nafplio and the dominant fortress of
Palamidi on the hill, the Ancient Theatre of
Epidaurus, the coastal resort of
Tolo and the mythical Palace of
Mycenae.
Geography of Argolida
Argolida is a region situated in the central and eastern part of the
Peloponnese and its neighbouring regions are
Corinthia to the north,
Arcadia to the south and the islands of the
Saronic Gulf to the east. The region spans an area of 2.154 sq. km. and a total population of 108.636 inhabitants. The capital city of the region is
Nafplio. The highest mountains are Oligyrtos, Lyrkeio and Arachnaio.
History of Argolida
Argolis is a region of a rare continuous long history. One of the earliest and most important Mediterranean civilizations, the Mycenaean civilization was born and settled here and the ruins of the mythical palace of the heroes of the Homeric poems are among the most visited archaeological sites in
Greece. The main city of the region used to be
Argos and the region is named after it as it has been continuously inhabited for more than 4000 years. The prosperity of the city of
Nafplio flourished in first century AD. For 100 years
Nafplio remained under the command of Franks and then it was given to the Venetians until 1540 when it was ceded by treaty to the Turks. In 1686 Francesco Morosini, after a long siege, captured
Nafplion and started the fortification of the city, building the fortress of Palamidi and the fortress on the small island of Bourtzi.
Nafplio and
Argos played also a leading role in the struggle for independence in 1821. In 1828, Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first Governor of the newly created state of
Greece landed at
Nafplio and the city was declared the first capital of the country.
Sightseeing in Argolida
The charming city of
Nafplion is ideal for a romantic weekend and the easy access from
Athens has made it the favorite city break destination. The neoclassical buildings by the seashore and the medieval fortress are just what you need to relax by walking around this lovely city. The coastal resort of
Tolo is close to
Nafplio and is famous for the sandy beach and the restaurants by the seaside. For history and art lovers the region offers some of the most significant sites of
Greece, the Ancient Theatre of
Epidavros where you can also enjoy a lovely beach and the archaeological site of
Mycenae and
Argos. Some of the most famous coastal resorts are also
Porto Heli and
Kranidi offering easy access to
Saronic Gulf Islands as well.
Useful Phone Numbers in Argolida
Police: +30 27520 21536
Tourist Police: +30 27520 28131
Hospital: +30 27520 27309
Bus Services: +30 27520 27323