A return to the past...

In the summer, Nafplio can be flooded by people, but during autumn, as winter approaches, the city gets another charm. More relaxed, calmer for a walk, easier to park, ideal for close getaways with the other half, and also with our family.
For those who love the city and come here again and again, I suggest a few short trips to Nemea and Mycenae, which will give a new dimension to your stay and will fill you with knowledge and new images.

In Nemea of Hercules

Just 40 km from Nafplio, it will not take you more than half an hour to reach Ancient Nemea. I know, for most of us "Nemea" is simply a signpost, to which do not pay much attention, or is just a reference to the feat of Hercules. Yet, when you discover it, you will be fascinated.

Here you will be impressed by the ancient stadium of Nemea, or the Nemeia's Stadium (of the famous Nemeia, ancient races established in 573 BC. in honor of Zeus), which once had a capacity of 40.000 spectators, and yes, you will feel a real awe by passing through the tunnel, from where the athletes passed.

You will see the Doric temple of Zeus with the impressive columns and you will feel the mysterious aura of the place. In a showcase near the temple lies the skeleton of a woman who walked here thousands of years ago... Visit the ancient baths with the impressive roof, and of course the Museum with its rich exhibits.

Then, take a car ride through the vineyards following the road signs of wine and enjoy the excellent scenery. You can visit some of the wineries in the region -most are open to visitors- but it is good to phone before you arrive, so that they expect your visit. Try the wines, meet the winemakers, hold some of their passion for remembrance and buy some bottles or black Agiorgitiko Nemea wine -as the popular authentic Greek variety is called- to take home.

* In the evening, if the sky is clear, you will see the constellation of Leo, named after the Lion of Nemea, that Euristhenes demanded Hercules to kill.
* Nemea took its name from the homonymous Nymph, the daughter of Asopos river, which runs through the valley and its vineyard.

In Mycenae of king Agamemnon

It has been definitely a long time since you last visited Mycenae; from that school trip, right? Yet when going to Nafplio, you may easily make a stop here, in the palace of Agamemnon, with the incredible treasures discovered by Heinrich Schliemann. If you are already in Nafplio, Mycenae is just 25 km away.

You will make a short trip to space-time as you are in the Throne room, then passing through the imposing vaulted tombs and the famous Lion Gate, the official entrance of the City of Mycenae. A photograph here is always required.

You will enter the Archaeological Museum and observing the model you will understand exactly how the city of Atreus was. Five hundred meters away from the archaeological site, you will find the Atreus treasure, the largest vaulted tomb of Mycenae.

* The most impressive point is probably the Underground Cistern, the only one that has been found existing since prehistoric times.
* If you come here with your children, they will surely be impressed with the area and its history.
* A good (professional) guide always helps with his knowledge in our tour in ancient history and places.