PELOPS' ISLAND

Trip to Mycenae, Nafplio and Epidaurus.

The name of the district of Peloponnese derives from the first king of Atreids of Mycenae, son of Tantalus, Pelops. According to mythology Pelops was sacrificed by his father and offered to the gods for dinner, as a test of their intelligence, but Zeus restored him to life and punished Tantalus sentencing him to eternal hunger and thirst.

The Peloponnese is not far off from Attica. Take the National Highway of Athens-Corinth and you will be there in less than two hours under normal traffic. If you can, try to avoid driving on a Friday, because this is when the Athenians weekend exodus is taking place. To better view the Corinth Canal and continue your route, you have to take the exit Isthmus, Corinth, Loutraki, after the toll posts. The opening up of the Canal begun during the Roman Empire era, but only late in the 19th Century it was decided to be brought to completion. Driving toward Argos, you will enter the Prefecture of Argolis where you will follow the signs to reach Mycenae.

Mycenae, one of the most important archaeological sites, belongs in the UNESCO’s list of Sites of World Heritage. According to Homer in Iliad and Odyssey, they were founded by Perseus, son of Danae and Zeus.

The Acropolis of Mycenae was traced by the self-educated archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, in 1874, who, based on ancient texts and another similar excavation in Troy, found golden objects there, as well. In the acropolis we identify the main points of interest: the entrance, the Lion Gate, the royal palace complex and the tombs (tholos) also known as the Treasury of Lions, of Clytemnestra, Aigisthos, and the more luxurious Treasury of Atreus.

The archaeological site of Mycenae remains open every day (except for national holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the winter (November-March), and from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during the summer (April-October). For further information, call +30 27510 - 76585. Only ten minutes away from Mycenae, you will reach Argos and, if you continue on that much further, you will arrive at lovely Nafplio, in the cove of the Argolic Gulf. Nafplio is the current capital of Argolis Prefecture and, for many, is also one of the most beautiful cities in Greece.

Nafplio was the first capital of post-Turkish-occupation Greece, from 1829 until 1834. According to mythology, the city was built by Nauplius, son of Poseidon and Amymone. Inhabited since the Prehistoric Era, the city, according to myth, participated in the Argonaut Expedition. It was conquered by the Venetians, as well.

It has always been an important port, a fact evident by the triple protection provided by the fortress of Acronauplia and Palamidi, in the south, and the fortified Bourtzi Castle, north of the port. Palamidi and Acronauplia are ideal sights to enjoy the view to the bay, if you are brave enough to climb the 999 (or according to another count, 875) steps to Palamidi. If you are successful, you will see Kolokotronis’ cell and the church of Agios Andreas.

Finally, by boat, you may cross to impressive Bourtzi Castle, to have another view of the city, or just to visit the fort. Do not depart without seeing the Syntagma Square with the ottoman mosque and the Archaeological Museum, the church of Agios Spyridon (Kapodistrias was murdered outside of this church), the Komboloi (worry-bead) Museum and the beaches of Karathona and Arvanitia. Just another 29 km east of Nafplio, there is Epidaurus, another sight that belongs to U.N.E.S.C.O.’s list of Sites of World Heritage, known for its ancient theater and its famous festival of ancient drama, which draws thousands of visitors every year.

The ancient theater of Epidaurus was built at the end of 4th Century BC by Polykleitos and it is considered one of the most impeccable theaters worldwide, for acoustics.

The archaeological site and the museum of Epidaurus remain open the following days and hours: During the winter: Monday 12:00 – 17:00, Tuesday-Friday 08:00 – 17:00, Saturday-Sunday and National Holidays 08:00 – 17:00. From 1 July to 31 October: Monday 12:00 – 1900, Tuesday-Sunday and National Holidays 08:00 – 19:00. Telephone numbers of Archaeological Site and Museum: +30 27530 - 23009 and 22666.

Distances from Athens:
- Corinth: 82 km
- Mycenae: 120 km
- Argos: 134km
- Νafplio: 144 km
- Εpidaurus: 173 km

Gastronomy

BALTHAZAR
In a famous neoclassic building. This bar restaurant is brought to you by the owners of legendary Rock & Roll... more
FASOLI
\"Trendy\" restaurant / kitchen based primarily on the Mediterranean cuisine, but also on \"exotic variations\"... more
ALEXANDRIA
A haven harbor in the center of the city with Egyptian and Mediterranean tastes. Falafel, humus, babaganous, foulia with... more
KITRINOS SKIOUROS
A timeless value with dishes from Brazil, which will surprise you with its atmosphere and its flavors. The Kaiprinia, it... more
KONSTANTINIDIS
One of the most exceptional pastry shops of Athens, with history in the preparation of “politika” (from Constantinople) pastries, specialized... more

Nightlife

KENTRO ATHINON
Performing for Winter season 2011 is legend, Dimitris Mitropanos and is a singer that is very popular with the youth... more
VOX
Performing for Winter season 2011 are Panos Kalidis with Konstantinos Argyros and Sella Kalli. Wine bottle per 2 persons: 50... more
AN CLUB
Classical rock hangout of Exarcheia, that recently made an opening to the harder rock and the hip-hop music.... more
GINGER ALE
At the heart of the infamous Exarchia Square, Ginger Ale is everything that serious lounge lovers are looking for. The... more
ANAMNISIS LIVE
Drinks: 10 Euros. Bottle service: 120 & 150 Euros. Working Hours: Tue.-Sat.: 23:00... more

Wellness

MF DAY SPA (Mary Filippaiou, Τ.Ε.Ι. Graduate)
The therapies here are too vast to mention. Just simply enjoy! Working Hours: Mon. - Fri.: 10:00 - 21:00, Sat.:... more
ENERGY & HEALTH SPA
Crystal healing is an alternative healing technique for strengthening the body and resolving issues and patterns using various forms of... more
PRANIC HEALING CENTER FOR GREECE
This is the exclusive representative of the Center for Pranic healing in the United States. They specialize in Stress Management,... more
BLACK & WHITE
This is one of two nearby multi-ethnic facilities that specializes in extensions, pony tails, braiding, Rasta and waves. Moreover, this... more
MAIK ARTISTIC TEAM
This artistic team creates cutting edge hair styles at a number of locations not only in Athens, but also on... more

Shopping

TRANTA
Hand made leather goods of Greek origin like, high quality / exclusive handbags and belts, are sold here. ... more
COMICON
Store for the comics fans with a big range of choices from the domain of the \\... more
CARREFOUR
Originally starting out as a super market, the Carrefour Marinopoulos franchise mega-markets now also sell multimedia products, household goods, clothing... more
NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM SHOP
There is a gift shop, and a cafe in the sculpture garden where you can buy a copy or a... more
KOUKOUTSI
A shop that sells graphic t-shirts by designers from all over the world, in addition to handmade articles. ... more