We are putting together our itinerary (we will have 5 of our kids with us - ages 17, 15, 12, 9, 7), and would love to get some of your favorite things to do/see in each of these cities, as well as any recommendations for hotels in each of these that you have loved (or would stay away from):
Corinth
Nafplio
Olympia
Thank you for sharing your experiences!
At Corinth the canal is a good stop. If you walk past the viewing area towards the west thereis a path along side of the canal. There is an apparent machine gun nest, and abandoned railway and an area where you can find the scratches in teh bedrock where they hauled the coats across thew land before the canal was built.
With kids your age Acrocorinth is a must see. Its a mountain top fortress with 360 degree views over the surrounding area. You will have to drag the kids back to the car.
Just where you get off the highway to go south to Nafplio go north instead. About 5 km from there you will find Ancient Nemia. It had sister games to Olympia and the stadium is still there. The kids can run through the athletes tunnel into the games area of teh stadium. Starting blocks for races are still there.
Nafplio is beautiful particularly the old town area. You likely will spend a few hours touring the Venetian era fortress that still guards the city.
Here are some images
Nafplio https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157632094108982
Corinth Area. https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157711755443483
thank you so much! These are great suggestions!
I forgot from Nafplio you can do an hour and a half drive to Sparti where you will find the remains of the last Byzantine city at Mystras. The site wanders down the side of a mountain. There are several churches and Monastaries at the site.
I second stanbr's recommendation of Mystras. We were in Greece this past May. We spent 5 nights in Nafplion, which is beautiful. We saw spectacular sunsets while in Nafplion. Of all the ruins we visited, Mystras is my favorite. I would love to return because we didn't have time to visit all of the Lower Town. I think your children will love the Upper Town. You can hike to the top of the castle remains for spectacular views. I am 72 so it was a bit strenuous for me but should be easier for younger people. Please be sure to wear very sturdy walking shoes/sneakers. You didn't say what time of year. If it's during warm weather months, you must have sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and plenty of water.
We stayed in Omorfi Poli in Nafplion and loved our stay there. Their breakfast buffet is delicious, and the central location is very convenient. They have a lovely outdoor dining area.
We followed the Micheline Green Guide for a walking tour of Nafplio. Also spent 3 hours at Arvanita Beach one day. Visited Epidaurus and Mycenae which we enjoyed but our favorite is Mystras for ruins.
