Excursions in Argolis ...

Local Excursions (by bicycle, motorbike or KTEL).

Didima is about 20km from Porto Heli and has a number of subsidence craters, one of which has a tiny church built inside it. They are plainly visible from the road and the short stairway into the crater is clearly marked. There are some benches and tables outside under the olive trees, ideal for a picnic lunch. Call the KTEL: 27540 21218 for their daily scheduled bus services.

Ermioni is about 17km away and has a market day every Thursday. The best way is to go by KTEL: 27540 21218 and share a taxi between 4 people coming back (there isn't a return bus), which will cost about €12. You can also get there using the Hellenic Seaways hydrofoil, call: 27540 51537 or ask about times and fares at their ticket office in Porto Heli.

Koilada is small fishing village and also one of the most important fishing ports in Greece. The immediate coastline is gorgeous with numerous bays for swimming and sunbathing and the village itself is renowned for the quality of the seafood. Again, call the KTEL:27540 21218 for details of buses or go by hire vehicle or taxi.

Kranidi is about 7km from Porto Heli and is practically untouched by tourism. This is where we bank and pay our electric bills, press our olives and get our yearly check-ups. It is an interesting mix of narrow alleyways, old houses, some quite cosmopolitan shops and the home of some of our Internet Cafes. Shorts and a tee shirt are about the least you should wear as it is more of a traditional village than a beach resort. The KTEL:27540 21218, has daily bus services from Porto Heli.

Excursions on land (by taxi, hire car or KTEL).

Epidavros is about 50km from Porto Heli and is the shrine to the Greek god of healing, Asclepios and the site of one of the best preserved amphitheatres in Greece. They have an excellent museum and the ancient dramas are performed in the amphitheatre (in various languages and by different theatre groups) during July and August. The performances of the Epidavros Festival 2008 are listed here as well as a number of cultural, theatrical and musical happenings all over Greece. Also, please read Jeff's article on 'Touring Epidavros via the KTEL Bus Service.'

Nafplion is 90km away and the mixture of Venetian and Turkish architecture make it a very attractive town. There are a number of interesting cafes and shops to explore and it is the site of the Komboloi Museum (a.k.a. worry beads). The view from the Palamidis Fortress towering above the town is great and you can either walk up the 999 steps or drive most of the way up and complete the climb on foot. N.B. If you walk, take LOTS of water to drink as the steps are hard work. You get great panoramic views from the top so don't forget your camera!

Mycenae is about 100km from Porto Heli, and is the site of the Tomb of Agamemnon and the famous Lion Gate. There is a path through the ruins to the top of the castle from where there is a fantastic view of the surrounding area.

Epidavros, Mycenae & Nafplion can be combined into one day-long excursion either with an organized tour, by pre-booking a taxi or by hiring a car. For more information on these and other sites of archaeological interest in Greece, see the Greek Ministry of Culture website.

Excursions by sea (by local ferry, hydrofoil service or traditional caique).

Spetses is a pretty island with a mixture of traditional and modern buildings. The Bouboulina Museum, (the islands’ heroine for her part in the war against the Turkish) sited in the house she used to live in is a must-see, as are the metal sculptures around the old harbor which are a good half hour walk (do the trip in a traditional horse & cart if you'd prefer). You can get across to Spetses via the KTEL service to Costa and then the local ferry boat, please click here for timetables or use the Hellenic Seaways hydrofoil (27540 51537). There is also a Water taxi service from Costa (24/7), or you can pre-book one to collect you from Porto Heli. N.B. Cars are only allowed on Spetses during certain hours so it is best explored on foot or on hired bicycle/motorbike.

Hydra is a small, rock island with an international reputation among artists. There are some amazing shops displaying a variety of talented work and a trip by sea around the island is highly recommended. The Hellenic Seaways hydrofoils have a daily route between Hydra and Porto Heli (ask about fares and timetables at their Porto Heli ticket office or call: 27540 51537) and the journey time is about 45 minutes.

Monemvasia is best seen via an organized tour on a traditional Greek Caique as the hydrofoil services do not leave you enough time to explore, unless you wish to stay there overnight. For details ask in the hotels (even if you are not a guest). The name comes from the Greek for "One entrance" and indeed, Monemvasia is joined to the mainland by only a narrow causeway. The old town, built inside the walls of the fortress, has more than thirty beautiful Byzantine churches and a number of hotels have incorporated parts of the old fort into some of their rooms.