Villa Pelagia’s location is the perfect base to visit numerous important places, such as Nafplion, Epidaurus, Mycenea, Corinth with its famous Canal and Ancient City, … All these can be reached with a driving time between 1 and maximum 2 hours.
Or why not spend a day on another island such as Spetses or Hydra? It’s all possible. Take a ferry to one of these picturesque islands, and within 30 minutes you will discover their beauties.
Activities
Nafplion
Coördinates: 37°33'43.5"N 22°48'14.4"E
Nafplion is the old Capital of Greece full with beautiful neoclassical buildings, large squares, many yachts, fortresses and its famous church “Agia Irene”.
The cityscape of Nafplion is from everywhere dominated by the 3 impressive fortresses: the high-altitude (229 m) Venetian-Turkish fortress of Palamidi (1711–1714), the rocky high (85 m) Akronavplia (i.e. the Acropolis of the ancient city, which the Byzantines established as a fortress), and the fortified Bourtzi island with its castle.
Let yourself be seduced by this beautiful city and stroll through the narrow streets with many souvenir shops and restaurants. Or sit on a terrace at the harbor and enjoy a drink and the beautiful view.
Epidaurus
Coördinates: 37°35′52″N 23°04′28″E
If you are on holiday in the Peloponnese, you should not miss this top attraction! The Epidaurus, also known as Epidavros, amphitheater is the best preserved and most beautiful ancient open-air theater in Greece.
The amphitheater has a capacity of 12000 to 14000 seats and it is still used in summer for performances of the classical dramas (Epidaurus Festival). The most amazing thing is the great acoustics. Therefore, it is also called the ‘miracle of Epidaurus’ as even the smallest sound can be heard right up to the last rows. Not only can you visit the amphitheater, but also the ancient stadium, the Temple of Apollo Maleatis, the Temple of Themis and the foundations of the Temple of Artemis. At the entrance is the archaeological museum.
Mycenea & Tiryns
Coördinates: 37°43′49″N 22°45′27″E
Mycenea is located in the northeast of Peloponnese in the Argolis region of Greece, 36 km south of Corinth. The Archeological cities of Mycenea and Tiryns are a World Heritage Site. The acropolis is located on a hill and is a walled area. On the west side is the famous Lion’s Gate and the Cyclopes wall builled around 300 BC. The entrance of the Acropolis (city castle) of Mycenea is the Lion’s Gate.
Mycenae plays a role in Greek mythology, including in the Trojan War. According to Homer, Mycenae was the city of King Agamemnon, the commander-in-chief of the Greek army that fought against Troy.
Canal of Corinth & Ancient City
Coördinates: 37° 52′ NB, 22° 55′ OL
Also known as the gateway to the Peloponnese peninsula with the Corinth Canal and the city of Corinth. Ancient Corinth is located about 2 miles from new Corinth. Enjoy the coast and the many ships sailing past in new Corinth and delve into history at old Corinth. Stroll through the ruins of the ancient city and stop at the Temple of Apollo.
Unfortunately, not much is left of ancient Nemea: three pillars of the Temple of Zeus, some foundations, and 500 meters further the old stadium. The Panhellenic Nemea games were held here in honor of a local hero.
For the daredevils there is also bungee jumping above the Corinth Canal.
Spetses
Spetses is a beautiful picturesque green island with many pine forests and has an area of only 22 km². It is located at the entrance to the Argonic Golf, just 2,5 km from the coast of the Peloponnese peninsula. You will not see cars in the center, as it is car-free. Upon your arrival at the harbor, you will immediately see horses with carriages; a typical feature of this island. Around and also slightly outside the harbor, cannons can be seen everywhere. The Greeks used these cannons in the 19th century in their fight against the Turkish occupier. There are cozy terraces and squares around the harbor. There are also many souvenir shops, jewelers, bakeries, snack bars, restaurants,etc. in the narrow streets behind.
A nice way to discover this picturesque island and its beautiful beaches, is by renting a bicycle or scooter. Also definitely worth is the walking tour towards the lighthouse, which takes about 25 minutes.
From Porto Cheli, Kosta or Hydra, a ferry or faster hydrofoil sails several times a day to Spetses.
Hydra
Hydra is an island which does not exactly look Greek. No small white houses, but stately square high houses with 2 or 3 floors, a roof terrace and tiles roofs. High walls are surrounding the gardens.
In the middle of the quay is the monastery Kimisis of Theotokou, now the main church of Hydra. Donkeys provide freight transport in the city, often over steep stairs. On the hill above the city you have a nice view over the island and you can enjoy a beautiful sunset.
Centrally located on the island is the monk monastery Profitis Ilias, 500m above sea level and also a nice walk during your trip. Right next to it is the Agia Efpraxia nunnery where homemade handicrafts are sold.
From the harbor of the charming Ermioni, several ferry services run daily to Hydra.