Nafplion and other Argolic Gulf Highlights for a Charter

Nafplion

Nafplion has to be one of the most beautiful towns in Greece with a mix of Greek, Venetian, and Turkish architecture. The old town is located on a peninsula jutting into the gulf of Argos beneath the imposing Palamidi fortress. In addition there is the smaller Akronafplia and the diminutive Bourtzi fortresses on an islet west of the old town. The first capital of Greece Nafplion has attractive narrow streets, broad flights of stone steps, tree-shaded plazas surround by neoclassical mansions, elegant houses and informative museums. It also has quaint quayside cafes, sophisticated restaurants and stylish boutiques.

Monemvasia

Monemvasia occupies a steep, rocky islet surrounded by the teal waters of the Aegean, connected to the modern mainland village of Gefyra on the Peloponnese +by a narrow bridge. It is an impressive, iceberg-like chunk of rock, with sheer cliffs rising hundreds of metres straight out of the sea. In the past Monemvasia enjoyed enormous prosperity, and for centuries dominated the sea lanes from Western Europe to the East. Today this medieval village, enclosed within the walls of its kastro or fort, is an immensely popular tourist destination. It's winding narrow streets, terracotta buildings and colourful flowers make it a wonderful place to wander and explore.

Spetses

Spetses, bordering on the Argolic and Saronic Gulfs, is an elegant and cultured island just a few kilometres from mainland Peloponnese. The historic character of Spetses is apparent everywhere, most especially in the stately old town, a real architectural beauty full of two-story neoclassical houses with wooden balconies and colored walls. Much of the island is rolling hills covered in lush pine forests with crystal-clear coves while the town has a great nightlife with some of the Saronic's best restaurants with a vibrant culture that attracts artists, intellectuals and lovers of a good island party.

Kiparissi

Kiparissi is the kind of place that if you know about it, you only tell your closest friends because you are afraid of spoiling it. Only part of it's beauty is its inaccessibility it is also situated in a spectacular bay surrounded by steep mountains. It has featured in the book The Most Beautiful Villages of Greece and has been visited by George H Bush, Prince Charles and separately Princess Diana. With a handful of tavernas ashore this is very much unspoilt, authentic Greece.

Porto Heli

While promoted locally as the "Peloponnesian Riviera" please don't expect Monaco or Antibes. The somewhat chaotic town of Porto Heli did evolve from a sleepy fishing village as did St Tropez but that is about where the likeness ends. Having said that outside the main town the place does share much of the more northern Mediterranean magic – beautiful beaches abound and the lush forests on the surrounding hills combine to create an idyll that enchants many. It is no surprise that this bay is home to some of the grandest vacation villas and magnificent resorts in Greece.

Mycenae

While not on the coast anyone with a passing interest in Greek ancient history should include a trip to Mycenae when staying in Nafplion. Described by Homer in his epic poems as 'Rich in Gold', Mycenae, home to the kingdom of mythical Agamemno, was the most important and richest palatial centre of the Late Bronze Age in Greece. A fortress city on the top of a hill it is an impressive setting of mountains, valleys, and the distant Argolic Gulf with some of the oldest remains of a mighty and complex civilization in all of Europe. It is one of Greece's most important archaeological sites.

For full details about the Argolic Gulf in Greece and the luxury charter yachts available there please contact the Mediterranean specialists at the Luxury Charter Group.