In Mid-May Family of Four (two children ages 11/12) will be making this circle. We know a few highlights for each place. Can anyone fill us in on the actual drive? What is the terrain along this loop? Any suggestions of hidden gems along the way? Also, I think this is where we read the grapes grow in baskets made from the vines. Does anyone know where these are and what would be involved in seeing them? thank you in advance.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8124 posts
As I recall, that part of the Peloponnese is pretty basic terrain, relatively flat, for Greece, some hills, but not the mountain roads you may have heard of. I think most of the trip to Nafplio is good main road; at the time, the road to Epidaurus was a smaller paved road, but busy, so use some caution. You definitely will notice all of the little shrines along the road. These are erected by families of crash victims, or even a driver having a close call, if the frequency of the shrines start to increase, then use more caution.
Posted by
Tulsa, Oklahoma, US
290 posts
We just returned from 2 weeks in Greece, one week of which we had a rental car, so perhaps I can be of some help. Once you get clear of Athens traffic (no small feat) the drive you propose is a piece of cake, much of it motorway (toll). The last bit from Corinth to Mycenae then on to Nafplio is 2 lane but good road and not too heavily traveled. The traffic in Nafplio is a nightmare, but certainly do-able. The signage on Greek roads is excellent and as long as you navigate from town to town rather than trying to make sense of the highway numbers you'll have no trouble. The road from Nafplio to Epidavros has been improved some and isn't bad at all.
The only place I've seen the vines formed into baskets was on Santorini. They may do it other places.
I hope this reaches you before you leave; have a great trip. BTW, the wildflowers are in bloom right now-the whole place was gorgeous.