Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Southwest Argolis
Very few travellers take the time to venture to the southwestern heel of the Argolis penin-
sula, centred on the agricultural service town of
Kranidi
, 90km southeast of Nafplio. The
region is famous for its pomegranates, which appreciate the mild winter temperatures
around here. These spectacular ruby-red fruits ripen in November.
The small resorts of
Porto Heli
, 4km south of Kranidi, and
Ermioni
, 4km east of
Kranidi, offer convenient connections to the Saronic Gulf islands of Hydra and Spetses.
About 1km west of the village of Didyma, don't miss the
Didyma Caves
(admission
free)
, two extraordinary sinkholes. The caves collapsed thousands of years ago,
leaving large crater-like holes. One hides a sensational surprise - a tiny Byzantine
church, constructed under a crevice. The caves are well signposted.
Getting There & Away
BOAT
Hydrofoils change each season; at the time of writing
Hellenic Seaways
( 27540
32408;
www.hellenicseaways.gr
)
was running the show. Normally, regular boats depart from
Porto Heli to Piraeus via Spetses and Hydra, and from Ermioni to Piraeus via Hydra.
Caïques shuttle between Galatas and Poros (€1, five minutes; €1.50 between midnight
and 5am).
BUS
There are
bus services
( 27540 21237)
between Kranidi and Nafplio (€9, two hours,
three daily except Sunday), and local buses from Kranidi to Ermioni (€1.85, 10 minutes,
one to two daily) and Porto Heli (€1.85, 10 minutes, one to two daily).
ARKADIA ΑΡΚΑΔΙΑ
The picturesque rural prefecture of Arkadia occupies much of the central Peloponnese.
Its name evokes images of grassy meadows, forested mountains, gurgling streams and
shady grottoes. According to mythology, it was a favourite haunt of Pan.
Almost encircled by mountain ranges, Arkadia was remote enough in ancient times to
remain largely untouched by the battles and intrigues of the rest of Greece, and was the
only region of the Peloponnese not conquered by the Dorians. The region is dotted with
crumbling medieval villages, remote monasteries and Frankish castles, and is popular
