Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ACCOMMODATION AND EATING
Kavouraki
T
27540 51705.
Near the harbour, one of the
best taverna choices, with good views, has been serving fresh
fish, plus all the fresh seasonal veggies and Greek standards,
since 1945. About €20/person.
Daily lunch & dinner.
Nautica Bay
T
27540 51415,
W
www.nauticabay
hotel.gr.
This is a well-equipped resort with lots of extras,
including a sizeable pool, wi-fi, and a variety of activities,
including tennis and miniature golf. There are nine
buildings in all, and all rooms have balconies, exc
ept a
few
with water views. Breakfast included. March-Oct.
€80
Rozos
T
27540 51416,
W
hotelrozos.com.
Large, pink
Best Western hotel with freshly refurbished, comfortable
rooms, all
l wi
th sea-view balconies. Free wi-fi. Breakfast
included.
€80
2
The east coast: south to Leonídhio
he
road south
closely follows the coastline, winding through empty, mountainous
terrain. Considering its proximity to Náfplio - and Athens - the whole stretch is
enjoyably low-key and comparatively unexploited. More popular with Greek holiday-
makers than with foreign tourists, the few resorts along here may be fully booked well
in advance for the mid-June to mid-August Greek school holidays.
Leonídhio and around
The first town of note that you come to is
LEONÍDHIO
. Gigantic ochre cliffs that
wouldn't look out of place in deserts of the American Southwest or the Canary Islands
provide a dramatic backdrop to red-roofed Leonídhio (Leonídhion in formal Greek), as
it slopes down almost to the sea. This prosperous and traditional market town sees little
need to pander to tourists, most of whom head for the coast, either Leonídhio's
diminutive port,
Pláka
, or the tiny neighbouring resort of
Poúlithra
.
Pláka
PLÁKA
, Leonídhio's port and beach, is just 4km away. It's a delightful place consisting
of a harbour and some charming
sleeping
and
eating
options. It has a fine pebble
beach, which in recent years has become popular with Greek and foreign tourists, plus
a sporadic influx of yachters.
Poúlithra
Three kilometres south of Pláka is the small, attractive resort of
POÚLITHRA
. With little
development to distract you, this spot makes a relaxing staging post. Accommodation
is generally easy to find and there are tavernas near the narrow strip of beach. From
here, the road heads inland to small, isolated, mountain villages, leading down
eventually to Monemvasiá.
Inland from Leonídhio
The route inland from
Leonídhio
is worth taking for its own sake, climbing through
the huge
Dhafnón gorge
, although the views are even better if this route is covered in
the reverse direction, descending through the gorge to Leonídhio.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
LEONÍDHIO AND AROUND
By bus
Buses arrive at Leonídhio from Árgos (3 daily; 2hr
30min) and Tripoli (2 daily; 2hr 30min). A twice-daily
service runs to Pláka (10min) and Poúlithra (15min).
ACCOMMODATION AND EATING
PLÁKA
Dionysos
T
27570 23455,
F
27570 22496.
Appealing
little hotel with quirky decoration and friendly
management, just steps away from the beach (opposite
Michel-Ma
rgar
et
). All rooms have a/c and balconies with
sea views.
€45
Ì
Michel-Margaret
T
27570 22379.
The Bekarou
family have run the central taverna here since 1830, with
great attention to quality and service. Enjoy the views from
the spacious terrace while savouring the cuisine: grilled
meats and fish and excellent fresh sesame bread. About
€15/person.
Daily lunch & dinner.