The Argolis Peninsula was the center of Greek culture from 1600 to 1100 BC under the Myceneans

Though the city of Argos itself is a low key, agricultural town with little to offer tourists except the lack of tourists which is an attraction in itself, it still makes a good base for seeing the area. Most people, though, will prefer Nafplion or Tolon because they are on the sea. There are interesting ruins in the area like the Roman ruins with it's giant ampitheatre, baths and indoor theatre. The Fortress of Larissa has been added to by nearly everyone who has occupied the area from the Byzantines to the Franks, the Venetians and the Turks. The nearby Sanctuarly of Apollo and Athena and the Mycenean necropolis are also within walking distance.

Mycenae

The Argolis Peninsula was the center of Greek culture from 1600 to 1100 BC under the Myceneans until the city was destroyed. The enormous stone walls of the ancient city make one wonder how anything short of a nuclear blast could harm it. Because the stones were so massive, the Greeks believed the giant Cyclops must have lifted them, thus the term ‘Cyclopean walls’. The ancient city is entered through the famous Lion Gate and contains the palace of Agamemnon. If you remember your Iliad you will know that Agememnon was the brother of Menelaous, the husband of Helen, who was abducted by Paris and taken to Troy. The combined Greek forces under the command of Agememnon took ten years to conquer the city of Troy. On his return home Agememnon was murdered in his bath by his wife Clytaemenstra who had taken a lover in his absence and was still smarting over the sacrifice of their daughter in an effort to gain favorable winds for the expedition. Their son Orestes then murdered her.

Nafplio

One of the most beautiful port towns in all of Greece, Nafplio is a collection of Venetian houses and classical mansions and the three fortresses of Palamidi, Akronafplia and the Bourtzi which is on a small island in the bay. It was the first capital of Greece after the war of Independence when the entire country was contained in the Peleponisos, the Turks controlling everything else. The citadel is actually three fortresses, built by the Venetians in 1714 and seized by the Turks a year later. For those eager to climb the 999 steps the view is worth it. Nafplio is a town of waterfront restaurants, outdoor movie theatres, piano bars, cafes and a folk music festival in late May and early June. The resort town of Tolon and the beaches of Karathona, Asini, Drepano, Plaka, Kadia and Iria are near enough to take up your days, awaiting the pleasures of the evening. For those who want to visit Epidavros, Myceneae, Tiryns and other sites in the Argolis and beyond, Nafplio is a good place to base yourself. There is a train to Athens and a hydrofoil to Spetses, Hydra, Poros, Aegina and by connection back to Pireaus (Athens). You can also make connections to points south. Click here to find out more about Nafplio

Epidaurus

The theatre at Epidauros is the best preserved example of a classical Greek amphitheater and a person on the top row can hear a conversation being spoken in normal tones in the center of the theatre, a remarkable feat since the theatre can hold 14,000 people. The Epidauros Festival takes place here in the summer months with programs of Ancient Greek Dramas. For a schedule click here. Used with permission from Matt Barrett's Greece Travel Guide