Hi! My husband and I are going to be visiting my daughter (who is doing a study abroad in Athens) in April. She has her break during this time, so she will be traveling with us. We plan to spend a couple of nights in Athens, and then we want to go down to Monemvasia. It is, unfortunately, a short trip (arriving on a Saturday and leaving the following Saturday). I am wondering where else you recommend we visit and stay. We do have two nights booked in Monemvasia. Could anyone please recommend stops and stays...should we stay only one night in Monemvasia? We like being outside: hiking, exploring towns, and the history of Greece (my daughter is especially interested in Greek mythology). Thank you so much for your help!
Here is what we have so far:
Arrive Saturday late afternoon
Saturday & Sunday nights: Athens
Monday night:?
Tuesday night:?
Wednesday & Thursday nights: Monemvasia
Friday night:?
Saturday fly out of Athens early afternoon
Posted by
2866 posts
Could your daughter be the driver? If so, I would consider having her meet you at the airport and go immediately to Nafplio. Nafplio is a charming city in its own right but also a good place for day trips to Epidaurus and Mycenae. I would stay 3 nights there and then one in Monemvasia.
Then last three nights in Athens.
If she doesn’t drive then I would stay Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights in Nafplio, Thursday in Monemvasia, and then last night back in Athens.
I would think you would need to back in Athens the night before flight.
Posted by
France Southwest
2466 posts
What immediately comes to mind is to stay Monday and Tuesday night in Nafplio with nearby Epidaurus, Mycenae, the archaeological site of Asine (among others).
Monemvasia is not my cup of tea, it is a place without any local life that in my opinion deserves only a few hours of visit. Moreover for your daughter there is no Greek mythology to see in this fortified medieval city.
Between Nafplio and Monemvasia you can take the road along the coast, via Leonidio which is more scenic and nice than inland.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PuczUDjLUpVw6QtSA
If you have an early afternoon flight on Saturday I would not plan something too far from Athens for Friday night
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8967 posts
Another vote for Nafplio
Posted by
Chico, CA USA
246 posts
Nafplio.
But I highly recommend you change your order. The reason is that Athens center is far from the airport, an hour or more each way.
You want to land in ATH, walk steps to the rental cars just outside arrivals, and drive to Nafplio (two hours).
After you have visited the Peloponnese then go to Athens, park car in cheap outdoor lot for the two days, on last day drive to airport at the end, drop car, walk steps into the departures terminal.
Posted by
Massachusetts, USA
1745 posts
I also recommend spending 3 nights in Nafplio. It's a gorgeous town on the water, filled with bougainvillea, and has a lovely pedestrianized area. And lots of great restaurants. Epidaurus and Mycenae are awesome! Make sure to visit Mystras, the amazing Byzantine ruins, on your way from Nafplio to Monemvasia. I haven't been to Monemvasia so can't really comment on how long to stay there.
I agree with willhaysnoe's suggested order of your itinerary. EXCEPT FOR ONE THING. I would return the car to the airport when you leave the Peoloponnese, and then take a taxi to your hotel in Athens. The driving in Athens is very stressful. Leave the driving up to the taxi driver.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you all for your advice! I am sorry for my delay in responding--I have been sick. I will try to change our dates for the Athens and Monemvasia hotels. One more question--do you have any hotel recommendations for where to stay (or what section to stay in) in Nafplio? I know nothing about that area.
Thank you again!
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
1476 posts
We have stayed at Agamemnon hotel in Nafplio several times. It in a good location close to the sea.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you so much! I just booked it! :)
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
1476 posts
Have a great time.