Renting a car in Athens in mid May for few days after landing from Naxos at 11 am. Estimating by time we deplane and get car rental will actually start at 12:30 pm. On drive to Nafplio plan on stop at Corinth Canal and Mycenae. (Estimating we get into Nafplio around 5, staying at Hotel Agamemnon) Question is if we leave Nafplio on last day by 8am, can we get back to Athens Airport to return car by 12:30 with stop at Epidavros to see theater assuming traffic and weather not an issue? Trying not to take too much time away from stay in Nafplio and thought would stop in Epidavros on way back. I see by posts that estimated travel time without stops Athens to Nafplio is 2 hrs; on directions I found online says trip back to Athens by way of Epidavros and up coast is 2 1/2 hrs without stops (assuming no wrong turns and end up in Albania). I read can do Epidvaros in about an hour.
John
Posted by
5563 posts
It seems doable, but I am not the type to get too complicated on departure day. It is such an easy visit while you are in Nafplio that I would do it while there, but it's just a personal preference.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3445 posts
I have done that exact thing .... it is travel-efficient, since one doesn't have go to Epidaurus then backtack to Nafplio ... one just contiues on to the shorelline then up along the coast to ISthmus, where you get back on the Big Road back to Athens -- just make sure that at Elefsina you watch the signs and turn LEFT --- back onto the part that bypasses Athens to the north & to Airport. If you miss that ONE turn ..,. the only tun of the trip -- you''d be stuck on the truck-jammed route into central Athens. Be Alert!
The one thing is --- don't try to get back to Airport by 12:30 .... Pay for another 2 hours. Explain it when you rent the car ahead of time, online, and ask what an extra 2 hours will cost, and make a deal. That way you won't be rushed. Leave your Nafplio hotel by 9 or so, get to Epidaurus by say a bit after 10, leave by 11:30, You then would have t ime to stop for a snack or so in Isthmus. Don't twist yourself into a pretzel to get back by 12:30.
Posted by
OP
Florida
10 posts
Thank you again Janet for all your help and tips. Been looking at those extra hours as you suggested to eliminate the stress of hustling back. And I'll be sure my navigator is looking out for that left...