Towns – Villages

Nafplio

Current capital of Argolis and seaport town of northeast Peloponnese. Out of the most picturesque Greek towns, Nafplio was the first capital of modern Greece, during 1828-1833. Nafplio sites include Bourtzi, Palamidi and Acronauplia.

Distance: 35 km. (about 40΄)

Tripoli

The biggest city and capital of Arcadia, Tripoli is located in central Peloponnese in a broad montane basin at 660 m in altitude. It is noted for its historic siege from the rebellious Greeks during the War of Independence in 1821 (Fall of Tripolitsa).

Distance: 45 km. (about 40΄)

Leonidio

Traditional Tsakonian town in South Kynouria, Arcadia. Although coastal, opening on to the Myrtoon Sea, it is also mainly mountainous, punctuated by the Mount Parnon. Its characteristic feature is the majestic red rock that rises above the town.

Distance: 51 km. (about 50’)

Agios Petros

Traditional mountain core village in North Kynouria, Arcadia. It lies in a verdant hillside in Mount Parnon at 950 m in altitude. In its beautiful main square, travelers can visit the imposing metropolitan church and enjoy the scenery

Distance: 35 km. (about 35’)

Kastanitsa

Picturesque Tsakonian village on the southern slope of Mount Parnon, in North Kynouria, Arcadia. At 900 m in altitude, Kastanitsa is situated within a beautiful forest of chestnuts, firs and planes. It is considered as one of the most beautiful traditional settlements in the Peloponnese.

Distance: 37 km. (about 40’)

Archaeological sites

Tegea

One of the most important towns of ancient Arcadia, chair of the last mythical Arcadian kings. Ancient Tegea was an important religious center of ancient Greece, containing the Temple of Athena Alea, who was the patron goddess of the town. The temple was burned down in 395 BC and a new Doric one built in 340 BC to house the gold-ivory statue of the goddess. Around the site of the ancient market (Agora), visitors can also see remains of the Ancient Theater (174 BC).

Distance: 37 km. (about 30΄)

Mycenae

One the major centres of Greek civilization, in the north-eastern Peloponnese (Argolis). It is internationally known as the kingdom of the mythical Agamemnon, first sung by Homer in his epics, and one of the most significant archaeological sites. Mycenae is the richest palatial center of the Late Bronze Age in Greece (1350 - 1200 BC).

Distance: 41 km. (about 40’)

Epidaurus Theatre

It is considered as the finest Greek ancient theatre in terms of acoustics and aesthetics. Built around 335 BC in today’s Argolis, it had a capacity of 13,000 spectators. In 1955 Epidaurus Festival was inaugurated and from then onwards presents performances at the ancient theatre every summer.

Distance: 55 km. (about 55’)

Sparta

Capital of Laconia, with a long history from antiquity. Chair of King Menelaus, brother of Agamemnon of Mycenae, during the period before the Trojan War. In Pellana, on the road from Sparta to Arcadia, archaeologists recently discovered the Palace and the Tombs of Menelaus.

Distance: 75 km. (about 70’)

Olympia

Ancient town of Elis (Ilia), in northwest Peloponnese. It is widely known as the site of the Olympic Games in classical times. In the archaeological site and the museum, visitors can walk into one of the most important sanctuaries of ancient Greece, which was in honor of Zeus.

Distance: 174 km.  (about 150’)

Historical sites

Mystras

A fortified town of Peloponnese, in Laconia. Experiencing a period of prosperity and cultural flowering during byzantine epoch, it remained inhabited throughout the recent period. Although with some restored buildings such as palaces, Mystras is today in ruins, but forms a valuable source of historical and cultural knowledge of the last two centuries of Byzantium. The story of the old town starts mid-13th century, when the Franks conquered the Peloponnese.

Distance: 85 km. (about 90’)

Gunpowder Mills of Dimitsana

Place of professional production of gunpowder in the 14th century, in the beautiful traditional village of Dimitsana in Arcadia at 1000 m in altitude. The famous mills were working up to the revolutionary years, forming the most important centre of gunpowder supply in the Peloponnese during the Greek War of Independence.

Distance: 91 km. (about 90’)