PELOPONNESE GUIDE TRAVEL12.GR VOLUME I NAFPLIO - EPIDAURUS- NEMEA MOUNT ZIRIA - GULF OF CORINTH
NAFPLIO TOWN Nafplio is by all means a charming city, in that it is totally timeless. It was singled out to be the first capital of the modern Greek state in 1832. It is also the city where the first Constitution Square was built and the very first Greek Parliament was formed. The maze of red and burnt-orange rooftops will lure you in a trip across the centuries while the refined beauty of the town, that oozes elegance, will turn you into a Nafplio regular once you walk those cobblestone streets.
POINTS OF INTEREST CITY OF NAFPLIO
DID YOU KNOW? The Land Gate that was the first Gate built under the Venetian dominance
The Vouleftikon Building that was the first Greek Parliament. The Constitution Square also known as Syntagma Square. The Clock Tower on the way to Acronafplia, a gift by Ludwig I of Bavaria, the father of King Otto of Greece. The Lighthouse of Nafplio at Akti Miaouli, one of the best sunset spots of the city. The Lion of the Bavarians commissioned by Ludwig I of Bavaria commemorating Bavarian soldiers who died by a typhoid epidemic in Nafplio. The Mansion of Armanspreg The Mosque of Trianon, that now is the Municipal Theater of Nafplio. The Old Customs Office
THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF TIRYNS
THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF MYCENAE
THE SANCTUARY OF ASCLEPIUS
MUSEUMS The Distillery Museum of Karonis The Komboloi Museum The National Gallery of Nafplio The Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation "Vasilios Papantoniou" The War Museum of Nafplio The Archaeological Museum of Nafplio, which is housed in a wellpreserved Venetian building at Syntagma Square. The collection entails exhibits from Neolithic, Mycenaean, Classical, Hellenistic and the Roman times.
THE GREAT THEATER OF EPIDAURUS
The Great Theater of Epidaurus is an Ancient Greek masterpiece, famed for its pin-dropping acoustics and perfect symmetry. It is located close to the Sanctuary of Asceplius, God of Healing. Don't miss the chance to visit the Epidaurus museum too!
FORTRESSES & CASTLES CITY OF NAFPLIO
THE CASTLE OF BOURTZI This fortified Castle is considered a landmark for the city. It is located at the
THE FORTRESS OF ACRONAFPLIA It is the oldest Fortress in Nafplio, constructed by Romans and Byzantines. It was further fortified by the Venetians in 1502.
entrance of Nafplio bay, which makes it accessible only via boat. It was built in 1471 and fortified by the Venetians in 1473 in order to protect the city from external invasions.
THE FORTRESS OF PALAMIDI Constructed by the Venetians between 1686 and 1715 in a typical baroque style, the Fortress of Palamidi is definitely imposing. Prepare to climb its 999 steps!
The Gulf of Corinth
The Gulf of Corinth is a deep inlet of the Ionian Sea that separates the Peloponnese peninsula from mainland Greece. It is bounded by the Isthmus of Corinth with its shipcrossing Canal and the strait of Rion which widens into the shorter gulf of Patras. There are small islets (mostly uninhabited) dotting the Gulf of Corinth and many beautiful, surrounding beaches
The Corinth Canal The Corinth Canal, also known as the Isthmus of Corinth, connects the gulf of Corinth with the Saronic gulf in the Aegean Sea, separating the Peloponnese peninsula from the mainland Greece. That separation effects in making Peloponnese an island! You can cross the Corinth canal with a round-trip boat ride from Loutraki.
CHURCHES AND MONASTERIES
THE ASSASSINATION OF IOANNIS KAPODISTRIAS, PAINTED BY DIONISIS TSOKOS
The Church of Agia Sofia, which is the oldest one in Nafplio. The Church of Agios Andreas, which offers breathtaking views of the Argolic Gulf. The Church of Agios Georgios at the Center of the Old Town. The Church of Agios Nikolaos at the waterfront of Nafplio. The Church of Agios Spyridonas, where the assassination of Mr. Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first Governor of Greece, took place. The bullet marks have been framed in a glass vase. It is the first political assassination in the history of Greece. The Monastery of Agia Moni in northeast Nafplio.
NEMEA
Nemea is an ancient land, blessed with fertility and sunny Mediterranean climate. It is one of Greece's most famous red wine appellations with native P.D.O. varieties like Agiorgitiko giving excellent wines, highly appraised by the wine world. Wine-growing here dates back in the 5th century B.C. and today there are about 40 wineries operating in the region. Agiorgitiko grape is remarkably versatile and can produce from light rosĂŠ wines to rich, full-bodied reds with dark fruit flavors and plush tannins. Literally meaning St. George's grape, the name itself commemorates the region's patron saint.
THE MOUNTAIN OF ZIRIA
Ziria, also known as Killini is the second largest mountain in Peloponnese, with its eight towering peaks creating a natural division between the Trikala villages and the valley of Feneos. Its altitude reaches the 2.376 meters while legend has it that God Hermes was born there. Flabouritsa canyon divides the mountain into two mountain masses, namely Small and Big Ziria.
POINTS OF INTEREST The Cave of Hermes Lake Doxa Lake Dassiou The valley of Feneos The three Trikala villages (Ano, Mesea and Kato Trikala) The canyon of Flabouritsa and Sythas river
ARCHAELOGICAL SITES The The The The The The
Ancient Town of Feneos Ancient Town of Stymfalos Sanctuary of Nemean Zeus Archaeological site of Nemea Nemea Stadium Fortress of Acrocorinth
LAKE STYMFALIA
Churches and monasteries The The The The The The The
Monastery of Agios Georgios Feneos Church of Agios Dimitrios in Kato Trikala Chapel of Agios Fanourios Church of Agios Georgios Zaholis Church of the Virgin on the Rock Monastery of Agios Vlasios Zaraka Monastery
GETTING TO KNOW THE PLACE
WHAT TO BUYÂ Wines are a great purchase since Nemea is one of the most notable wine terroirs of Greece. Seek the native P.D.O. variety, i.e Agiorgitiko. If you wish for something more traditional then komboloi is the one for you. The Komboloi museum in Nafplio Town is the place to learn all about this beautiful accessory and buy one of the greatest quality. Pasta lovers, seek gkogkes, the region's traditional pasta and stock some to bring back home. P.D.O. Corinth Raisins4 are nature's candy!
GETTING TO KNOW THE PLACE
WHAT TO EATÂ Â Olive oil is a must anywhere in Greece but the P.D.O. olive oil from Lygourio, near Epidaurus, is definitely worth it. Don't pass the chance to try fresh, local seafood when in Nafplio. Seek the local delicacy, i.e bogana in the many restaurants of Nafplio. Kick-start your day with freshly squeezed orange juice with P.D.O. oranges from Ermioni village. If you are a cheese lover head to Trachia village and seek its exceptional dairy products and especially the local graviera cheese. When in Corinth, give fava beans and kidney beans from Feneos (all P.D.O. products) a try! And always remember to ask for the traditional spoon sweets to finish up your meal!
Useful Greek Expressions GOOD MORNING
PLEASE
Kaliméra
GOOD EVENING Kaliníchta
Parakaló
GOOD AFTERNOON
THANK YOU
Kalispéra
Efcharistó
CHEERS Yámas
SPRING IN PELOPONNESE Sping is an excellent season to pay Peloponnese a visit. Flowers are blooming everywhere as the snow from the mountaintops of Ziria melts. It's the perfect time for some outdoors activities like hiking or horse riding. Walking around is also ideal for this time of the year, due to the sunny weather. Try village hopping and discover the beauty of the Corinthian prefecture. It is arguably the best time to visit Nafplio Town and be as outdoorsy as you can!
VILLAGES AND PROMENADES Nafplio Town Tolo Ligourio Old and New Epidaurus Trikala villages
SPRING SOCIAL CALENDAR March 25th is a national holiday for Greece commemorating the beginning of the Greek revolution in 1821 against the Ottoman Empire. .
Good Friday (April 6th in 2018) is a religious holiday for Greeks. It's dedicated to church going and family gathering. Many customs take place on Good Friday with the procession of the epitaph as the most notable one.
Orthodox Easter & Easter Monday (April 8th & 9th in 2018): Usually spent with families, those days are perfect for those who want to know Greek tradition and customs, starting Saturday at midnight. Don't miss the roast lamb on the spit!
April 23rd is the day that Nemea is celebrating its patron saint, St. Georgios. Schools are closed and so will some public services.
May 1st Labor day
Monday of the Holy spirit (May 28th in 2018) is a religious feast for Greeks. A holiday for office workers, while commercial shops are open.
SUMMER IN PELOPONNESE Summer in Peloponnese is the perfect time to hit the beach or seek some shadow under the massive trees in the villages of Corinthia, while idly sipping some Greek coffee. If you happen to be at the region during summertime! one thing is certain; you absolutely must visit the theater of Epidaurus and watch a play during the annual Athens and Epidaurus festival. Head to Lygourio village for post-theater dinner. It is a ritual for the Epidaurus regulars.
BEACHES Polemarha - Panagitsa - Nisi -Aliotou- Vagiana Kondyli - Arvanitia - Tolo - Karathonas Heraion - Vouliagmeni lake - Pefkias Pine forest
SUMMER IN PELOPONNESE
SUMMER FESTIVALS & EVENTS
FESTIVALS ATHENS AND EPIDAURUS FESTIVAL Athens & Epidaurus festival: It is the most important cultural organization of the summer for both cities. Having the chance to see a play in the theater of Epidaurus is a unique experience. You can check for updates of the program at the festival's official page: www.greekfestival.gr
June: The Nafplio Festival July-August: Xylokastro Cultural Festival August: Tomato Festival in Velina Village July: Agrotourism Festival in Old Epidaurus July: Nafplio Musical Festival which is hosted inside the Bourtzi Castle August: The Cultural Festival of Argos and Mycenae August - early September: The Great Days of Nemea, a major celebration of wine produce in Greece, organized by almost all wineries of the region. Apart from the wine factor, many cultural events take place in the wineries making the Great Days of Nemea even greater!
During June the Nemean Games take place in Nemea. This organization is of great historical value and it is organized every four years, much like the Olympics. The next Nemean Games will be held in 2020!
SUMMER SOCIAL CALENDAR June 28th is the day that Corinth is celebration its patron saint, namely St. Paul. Schools are closed on that day along with some public services. August 15th is a major religious holiday for Greeks commemorating the assumption of Mother Mary. It is usually celebrated with church going and family gathering.
AUTUMN IN PELOPONNESE
Autumn is an amazing time to be visiting Peloponnese. The weather is still warm and the foliage is at its finest, especially in Feneos valley and Flabouritsa canyon. You will be amazed by the countless hues the leaves can take! It's like an autumnal fairy tale, a natural canvas that will captivate you. Time to taste the fresh wines of Nemea too!
MUST VISIT VILLAGES The Trikala village triangle Evrostini - Stymfalia - Goura Karya - Kastania - Kefalari
AUTUMN SOCIAL CALENDAR September 14th is a religious day for Greeks. Some tend to fast on that day while others devote their day to church going. With so many beautiful churches around, why not see for yourself?
October 28th is a public (bank) holiday for Greeks. The day is dedicated to commemorating the resistance of Greece against Italy in World War II, which started by refusing to surrender and launching and a counter-attack. School students are parading in all neighborhoods in pride and respect.
November 17th is a semi-public holiday for Greeks, commemorating the Athens Polytechnic uprising against the military junta in 1973.
ZIRIA SKI CENTER Slopes: 1 Ski lifts: 2 Children lift: yes Lift ticket: €10 and €5 for beginners Equipment rentals, skiing and snowboard lessons available
WINTER IN PELOPONNESE Spending Christmas surrounded by the alpine beauty of Ziria Mountains with its snow-dusted tops is a memorable experience. It's the perfect time to get cozy and relax by the fireplace. As with everywhere in Greece, Christmas desserts are a must. Seek melomakarona, kourabiedes and diples. The villages of the region hide warm corner to sip a bit of tsipouro and taste the traditional spoon sweets. That could be your après-ski relaxation too since there is a Sport center in Ziria, perfect for alpine ski touring. If you still feel like a townie, Christmases in Nafplio are amazing, Ready for some carol singing?
WINTER SOCIAL CALENDAR December 25th and 26th: Christmas and Boxing Day Both are public (bank) holidays for Greeks and they are usually spent with family. Stuffed turkey and roast pork are typical Christmas dishes.
January 1st a.k.a New Year's Day is also a public (bank) holiday. As with Christmas, it is spent with families and celebratory lunches and dinners.
January 6th is the Epiphany Day for Greek Orthodox people. It is also a public (bank) holiday; Greeks tend to attend church and the traditional custom of throwing the cross in the nearby sea, lake or river.
February 1st is the day Nafplion commemorates St. Anastasios, the city's patron Saint. Schools are closed along with some public services.
Ash Monday (February 19th in 2018) is a movable feast for Greeks, with many happenings around the country. Get ready to fly your kite!
USEFUL INFORMATION
TRANSPORTATION IN PELOPONNESE Private transportation Distances and Taxi fares from Athens international airport (ath) to: Nafplio - 168 km - €223 NEMEA - 149km - €198 Epidaurus - 169 km - €223 Trikala village in corinthia - 174 km - €230 xylokastro - 151 km - €201 Public transportation buses For corinthia - www.ktelkorinthias.gr BUSES FOR ARGOLIS - www.ktelargolida.gr
Argolis Prefecture includes: Nafplion and Epidaurus Corinth Prefecture includes: Nemea, Trikala and Xylokastro
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