My husband and I will be traveling to Greece for the first time and mostly driving through the Peloponnese this November. I'm in the middle of planning our itinerary and was hoping for some advice. I have us going to Olympia and staying for two nights, then driving to the Temple of Apollo and then to Ancient Messini. My question is whether we should drive to Kardamyli to stay a night or two before heading to the Nemea/Mycenae area, or should we skip that area entirely and stay in Mystra for a night or two? I know RS suggests Olympia to Kardamyli to Nafplio, but I'm not sure what there actually is to do in Kardamyli and I'm trying to avoid Nafplio because it looks a little chaotic for us (we like slower places, not nightlife/shopping/fancy restauarants, etc.). Plus, it'll be November, so probably not beach weather, so that really isn't a draw. Thanks in advance for any input!
Posted by
Brighton, UK
1434 posts
I’d opt for Mystra every time. I’ve never understood the attraction of Kardamyli, other than the fact Patrick Leigh Fermor lived there. It’s a pleasant enough little place, and beautiful surroundings, but so are many other places in Greece.
The site at Mystra is beautified the nearby village is fairly quiet and local feeling. It’s very undeveloped for somewhere near such a major site. We’ve stayed several times in the Byzantine Hotel which is a fairly standard C class hotel but comfortable and friendly.
Alan
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you, Alan! That's what I was leaning towards as well. The only other reason to stop in that area that I can find is it'll be olive harvest season and I found an olive oil factory that is open to the public near Kardamyli. I know that sounds odd, but we kinda like seeing food and bev production facilities like wineries, distilleries, cheese processing, etc.
Posted by
5363 posts
Based on your description and time of year, probably Mystras, but in late May we enjoyed staying in Kardamyli--we are sea and hiking lovers, so it was an easy decision.
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
1494 posts
The drive to kardamyli is a very winding narrow road. Beautiful scenery but not much fun for the driver. Its late in the season and there will not be much to do in Kardamyli.
You might want to re think Nafplio. Staying in the old town is special particularly the main square and the fortress in the mountain above the city. You can do a long day trip from Nafplio to visit Mystras.
Just a little taste of Nafplio.
Nafplio https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157632094108982
Nafplio 2024 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720319228274
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thanks for all your replies. Yes, I am coming around to staying in Nafplio just due to its proximity to sites and all the hotel options. But the images look very nice!
Posted by
NH (USA)
1246 posts
Nafplio indeed is one of Greece's nicest towns and a perfect base to explore especially the Argolis area where you'll find some of the best archeological/historic sites in Greece.
Check out the best website for Nafplio and you'll find more than enough to do for days or longer:
Posted by
35 posts
We enjoyed Nafplio, didn’t find it loud etc.