Hi
We are spending four nights in Nafplio and would like to visit some nearby small towns besides the big sights. Any recommendations of interest towns to visit within an hour drive of Nafplio. Also we are interested in the Monastery of the Egg. It seems that you might need a guide to get there. All advice appreciated. Thank you.
Posted by
France Southwest
3165 posts
We are also interested in the Monastery of the Egg. It seems that you
might need a guide to get there.
I haven't been to this monastery, which is also called the Monastery of Saint Dimitrios.
From Nafplio, it's about an hour's drive, then driving on a narrow road that, in my opinion, and judging by the satellite images, quickly turns into a winding dirt road for several kilometers.
Reading this website, it doesn't seem to me that a guide is essential, but even with some experience with this type of road in Greece, I wouldn't risk going there on my own with a rental car.
https://www.travel.gr/en/experiences-ee/unknown-greece/avgo-monastery-inspiring-awe-and-reverence/
There are no small towns near Nafplio, just small villages, and that's what you have to see. Tripoli, the nearest city, is of no tourist interest.
You can take the road that runs along the coast south (towards Leonidio), which is very scenic. If you want to visit a monastery, about 45 minutes along this road is the Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ssiDXdTdcoF47QFE9
You'll find some other ideas on this map:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1kFRC74X_9PHcQ_3FNY62F_tURD34mLs&usp=sharing
tommyk5, a forum member, knows this area well. If he reads your post, he cwill probably give you plenty of other suggestions.
Posted by
NH (USA)
1336 posts
There is a narrow dirt road from the village of Pelei that will take you to the Monastery.
I took a small rental car and took my time as it's a bit rough in places but had no problems.
I used Google Maps and got me to the site.
It's a remote area but worth the effort to get there.
Check out my photos of "out of the way Argolis" which include the Avgo Monastery and also the video of it:
As far as other towns to visit check out Palea Epidavrous about 40 minutes east of Nafplio. Very nice, small town with good waterfront location, typical Greek neighborhoods in back streets and good selection of shops, markets and tavernas.
If you want more info on Nafplio and surrounding area check out the best website for that area:
Posted by
Brighton, UK
1467 posts
The nearest town is Argos, which is only 15 minutes away. You’ll come past the edge of it on your way to Nafplio. It’s a fairly standard little town with local shops and cafes. There is a large market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings which is quite lively.
It also has an interesting Roman site with a theatre and ruins of a bath house. Above the town is a Venetian fort. It’s quite a long winding road up but you are rewarded with great views across the plain to Nafplio and to Mycenae.
Tommy has already mentioned the Visit Nafplio site. Their page on Argos is here