About This Trip
The Argolid is one of Greece's most rewarding short drives. Within 1.5 hours of Athens you're in Nafplio, a town of cobblestoned streets, Venetian palaces, and cliff-top fortresses that feels like a film set. From there, the ancient theatre of Epidaurus is just 30 km away: 14,000 seats carved into a hillside, with acoustics so perfect a whisper on stage reaches the back row.
This 3-day loop is ideal for first-time Greece visitors or as a weekend break from Athens. The driving is easy, the history is extraordinary, and there's even time for a swim at Tolo beach.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Athens → Nafplio
Drive: 150 km · ~1h 45min via E94/A7
- Depart Athens early morning, join the A8/A7 motorway south (tolls: ~7.55€ — Elefsina, Isthmos, Spathoyouni)
- Arrive Nafplio late morning, check in and explore the old town on foot
- Afternoon: climb the 999 steps to Palamidi Fortress (8€) for panoramic views of the Argolic Gulf
- Evening: dinner in Syntagma Square, try fresh seafood and local wine
Nafplio + Epidaurus Day Trip
Drive: 30 km each way · 35 min
- Morning: drive to Ancient Epidaurus, the theatre (12€) is best before the tour groups arrive at 10am
- Optional: continue to nearby Tolo Beach for a swim (20 min from Epidaurus)
- Afternoon: return to Nafplio and visit Bourtzi Castle (boat from the harbour, 3€)
- Optional: visit Mycenae (35 km north, 12€) if skipping Tolo beach
Nafplio → Athens
Drive: 150 km · ~1h 45min
- Morning: leisurely breakfast in Nafplio, browse the amygdalota sweet shops on Syntagma Square
- Optional stop: Tiryns Mycenaean fortress (6 km from Nafplio, 6€) on the way out
- Return to Athens via E94
🏛️ Must-See
🎟️ Book tours & activities999 steps, 3 Venetian bastions, and the best view over the Argolic Gulf. Allow 2 hours.
8€The finest ancient theatre in the world, with legendary acoustics. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
12€Island fortress in the middle of the harbour, short boat ride from the waterfront.
3€Bronze-Age citadel of Agamemnon, the Lion Gate alone is worth the detour.
12€🍽️ What to Eat
- Amygdalota, Nafplio's famous almond paste sweets, sold from tiny shops around Syntagma Square. Buy a box to take home.
- Grilled octopus, Fresh from the Argolic Gulf, best at waterfront tavernas below the castle.
- Argolid olive oil, PDO-certified cold-pressed oil from the surrounding groves. Pick up a bottle at the market.
💡 Practical Tips
- Book Palamidi tickets online to skip the queue, the walk up (999 steps) takes ~25 min.
- Visit Epidaurus before 10am, once tour coaches arrive the theatre fills up quickly.
- The A8/A7 motorways have 3 toll plazas (Elefsina, Isthmos, Spathoyouni): ~7.55€ per direction.
- Nafplio's old town is pedestrian-only, park at the free lot near the Bus Station.
- July and August: check the Epidaurus Festival programme, watching a Greek play here at night is unforgettable.