Tolo and the Surrounding Area

Nafplio Old Town

The old town of Nafplio is considered to be one of the most picturesque in Greece.

Elegant neo-classical architecture, cafes and bars from which to watch the world go by, tempting gift shops, narrow pedestrian alleys to explore...

Bourtzi

The island fort built in the 13th Century, and reached only by boat! €4 per person.

Well worth a visit, and provides wonderful views of the town of Nafplio.

Pack a picnic and spend a couple of hours on the sandy beach there...

Palamidi

The castle Palamidi towers over the town of Nafplio, and is reached after a gruelling climb up 999 steps, or a leisurely drive for the not so adventurous.

The castle is well preserved and hosts open air concerts in the summer.

The resistance leader Kolokotronis was imprisoned here in 1832, and you can visit his tiny windowless cell. Entrance is free on Sundays.

Hydra & Spetses

The islands of Hydra and Spetses are lovely, and a day cruise will take you to them from the harbour in Tolo in the summer months.

Hydra is arguably one of the most picturesque of all the Greek Islands, as there is no motor traffic, and everything is transported up the steep winding steps by donkey.

strict regulations demand that all houses be built in the traditional style.

Sailing

During the summer months Captain Aris will take you sailing on his 12 metre yacht.

Depart from Nafplio (or from Tolo by prior arrangement) in the morning, learn how to handle the sails and steer the ship. drop anchor in a remote bay for lunch and a swim, and return in the evening.

Dolphins and other marine life are often spotted on these trips, so keep your eyes peeled!

Mycenae

Perhaps the best known of all ancient sites, Mycenae is fascinating, as is the museum and Agammemnon's 'beehive' tomb nearby.

Mycenae can get crowded in the summer, and the site closes at 3pm, so it's best to go early.

From Pitsaki House the site can be reached by car in about five minutes.

Not to be missed!

Tiryns

Often overlooked in favour of Mycenae, the ancient site of Tiryns is well worth a visit.

The walls are made of such massive stones that it's hard to imagine how they were built.

There is a wonderful arched corridor, shown in the picture on the right.

Behind the site, tucked away in an orange orchard is a beehive tomb, similar to the one at Mycenae but less frequented by tourists, and equally well preserved.

Kitesurfing

For the adventurous there is a kitesurfing school in Kios, about twenty minutes by car from Villa Katerina.

During the summer months a steady thermal wind of 3-4 bft blows most afternoons, and the water is shallow, making it an ideal location for beginners.

Corinth Canal

The Corinth Canal is a spectacular feat of engineering and must be seen if you are visiting the region.

A new motorway bridge has been built across the canal, but it's still possible to walk across the old road bridge and gaze at the ships passing below.

Epidavros

The ancient theatre of Epidavros is less than an hour's drive from Villa Katerina.

Probably the best preserved amphitheatre anywhere, it is still used today during the summer months.

The acoustics are spectacular - watch what you say when you are standing on the stage because everyone will be able to hear you!

Market

The Wednesday and Saturday markets at Argos are a noisy colourful affair.

As well as locally grown produce there are stalls selling clothes, flowers, domestic goods, tools and other bric-a-brac.

Browse at your leisure in this Mediterranean car-boot sale!