Nafplio area -nearby towns

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.

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:

https://tinyurl.com/39mm5ys6

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:

https://visitnafplio.com/

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

https://www.visitnafplio.com/argos.html

Thank you all for your responses. I appreciate your insights. I did find some info about going to Monastery of the Egg. There are a few tour companies that will take us out there. I did think that the price was high so not sure if we will go. It seems like you need a four wheel drive because the road is rough. We might just explore smaller villages in the area that I saw on VisitNafplio. I do enjoy going to small towns that are off the tourist path.

You don't need 4WD to drive to the monastery.

I had a small rental car and made it with no issues. Just take your time and you'll be fine.

it's worth effort to get there as it's an amazing monastery in a fantastic location.

There are hikes available through some hiking companies if you don't mind a long walk.

We will be in Nafplio for four days next month and here is our itinerary while there.

Nafplio -10/28
-Catholic church of the transfiguration
-Church of Panagia
-palamidi fortress
-Nafplion Archaelological museum
-Old Mosque
-Psaromachalas
-Vouleftiko
-St. Spyridon church

1Nafplio – 10/29
Corinth –.

-Acrocorinth fort – 50 minutes drive
-Ancient Corinth
-Temple of Apollo
-Isthmus canal
Location to view isthmus –(Get directions to Canale Grill and park there)
–https://www.instantstreetview.com/@37.927682,22.99524,254.66h,-13.72p,1z,Wx9pnYsllogQV1suB5XYlw

Nafplio – 10/30
-Bourtzi Fortress – open 9 - 5
i. Boats depart from Filellinon Square – 10 minute ride
-Ancient city of Epidavros – 30 minute drive from Nafplio
d. Ancient amphitheater – Asklipieiou Epidavroue.

f. Akronafplia Fortress at sunset

Nafplio – 10/31-
-Mycenae – oldest site in Greece;
i. Archaeological museum and site - €20
ii. Tomb of the Cyclops
iii. Treasury of Atreus – tomb of Agamemnon
-Archeological site of Nemea – and museum (small; may skip)
-Tiryns – on the road to Mycenae
i. Acropolis of Tiryns

Have a great time!

"Travel scamp" thanks for sharing a detailed itinerary.
Are you self-guiding at all these historic sites?