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There are two things you need to know about Argolida: first, that it is beautiful; imagine the most wonderful place you’ve ever visited in Greece and rest assured that Argolida can easily be compared to it. Second, it has mountains…lots of them. It has mountains that reach all the way to the sea, it has mountains next to mountains and, in between, even more mountains. And all these are covered with endless forests, rocks and canyons and cliffs and hidden villages that make you wonder why would someone build there and then you take a turn in the road, having downshifted to second gear, and see the view and you don’t accelerate (for the next 50 meters, until the next turn), just to enjoy it. And suddenly…oleanders As we were going to Porto Heli from Athens, our first stop would be Epidaurus. There was no performance, we just wanted to see it. The mountains start from outside Corinth, but it is when we enter Argolida and get closer to Nea Epidavros (a village not really close to the Ancient Theater, but you wouldn’t say it’s far away) that everything explodes into colors. Through the trees, a village stands out, as if it is hanging from a cliff. The houses are stately and well taken care of, but only their roofs are showing over the green tree tops. And everywhere on the side of the street there are oleanders, in full spring bloom (the trip was near the end of May), white and pink all over the place. The people of Argolida – and this is something we noticed everywhere we went, not just Nea Epidavros – know how to take something beautiful and make it unique. Instead of following the road to Porto Heli, we went towards the Ancient Theater (there are signs everywhere; impossible to get lost). What’s impressive is that you think you’re in the middle of nowhere and suddenly you’ll see buses, dozens of visitors, food trucks, children running…it’s like returning to civilization. And you enter the theater, you climb the stairs and someone is walking on the stage and you can hear it and you understand why everyone who has ever visited is so impressed…and you’re thinking that you must definitely come during a performance.

The same archeological site hosts the Asklipieion and a small but beautiful museum, but let’s not kid ourselves. The theater is the real star of the show. Towards Porto Heli The road to Porto Heli kept following the same motif. Mountains, turns, every now and then something new to see. It was now late, so we didn’t go anywhere else. We just passed outside Kranidi (though we wouldn’t mind going through it, since it seems beautiful from far away) and then we started driving down the mountain to reach Porto Heli and our hotel AKS Porto Heli.

There wasn’t much time for anything, so we decided to see the town for a bit, walk along the main Porto Heli beach, until the end of the harbor, where the cafes and the bars are practically above the water; we also entered the narrow streets of Porto Heli and saw a different side of it. Then we got back to the hotel, because the itinerary said that the next day we would tour Argolida. Around Porto Heli

The real adventure started the next morning. Armed with a dozen of water bottles (because you never know) and a tank full of gas we started off first to see the areas close to Porto Heli and then venture farther away. We first stopped at Hinitsa beach and we were really convinced that it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Argolida. It helps that it is a very organized beach with AKS Hinitsa Bay Hotel right by it. We then went to Costa coast (pun intended, but not by us), where we could have taken the ferry to Spetses, but we didn’t because we wanted to enjoy Argolida. It is a nice enough place, but the real surprise came afterwards, as we headed for Aghios Aimilianos.

You wouldn’t call Aghios Aimilianos a village. It is more of a collection of some of the most beautiful houses you’ve ever seen, accompanied by one of the most picturesque chapels you’ve ever seen (and right above the waves) and a labyrinthine network of cement streets and dirt roads that guarantees you will get lost. Oh, and don’t trust your GPS in there…we should know. After Aghios Aimilianos and some adventure, we headed towards Ermioni, a town whose harbor is a photo opportunity on its own. If you have followed our course step by step (but why would you do that? Your choices are endless), this would be a good idea to sit down and have a cup of coffee and enjoy the sea, because the next stop is a bit far away. Leaving Ermioni behind Our next stop was Galatas, about an hour away by car; maybe a bit more. From Galatas you can take the ferry to get to Poros, even though we had the impression that we could swim there. But it’s probably really difficult, so don’t try it. We weren’t at the time interested in Poros (with our goal being to see Argolida), but in Troizina, which is probably one of the most beautiful and under-appreciated archeological sites in Greece.

You’ll start by driving up a mountain, you’ll pass by the village of Troizina, which is truly beautiful and unique, with cobblestone narrow streets; a sight to behold. And then you’ll think that you took a wrong turn somewhere, because the road becomes narrower and then you’re on a badly maintained dirt road…but at some point you’ll reach Troizina, with the ancient and byzantine monuments, under a magnificent mountain and its forest. And if you go at the right time, you might be enjoying it all by yourselves. We decided to go back to Porto Heli by another route (there aren’t that many; just two. The first is by the coast, but there are so many turns that you’ll think it belongs in the mountains and the other truly is in the mountains). There’s not much to tell about the route through the mountains of Argolida. Just that you’ll need to stop every now and then just to admire the views. Also, this inner route will bring you close to two of the most interesting sights in Argolida. The Avgou Monastery and Frahthi cave.

We headed down to Koilada, a picturesque fishing village, just 10 minutes away from Porto Heli. With its boatyard and the nice seafront, it is something that you’ll definitely want to see. Depending on the time, you might as well stay for some ouzo (just not the driver; deal?) To Athens The next day we would return to Athens. But we decided to go take the long way back, one that would bring us towards Nafplio and Mycenae. Instead of following the signs to Athens, we followed the ones to Nafplio and after a while we started seeing the ones that would take us to Mycenae.

We’ll put it simply: Mycenae is the most beautiful archeological site in Greece. Magnificent, truly ancient. It has a view of kilometers into the valley and one realizes why the ancients would choose that place to build fortresses and palaces, since they would be able to see anyone approaching. And the Tomb of Agamemnon is one of the scariest monuments in Greece. The picture here doesn’t do it justice since it doesn’t give you a sense of scale. It is huge! The rest of the trip home was uneventful…which is desirable, given that we were on the national highway. Hotels Peloponnese – AKS Porto Heli

If we were to rank the various three-day weekends we get every year, the one that is available to us along with the celebrations for the Holy Spirit should naturally come in first place. The various festivities and events that take place the Monday when Lent begins may be more impressive, since they prepare us for Easter, this three-day weekend in late May/early June is the first chance many people get to escape to the countryside, to swim in the sea for the first time that year. And what’s more important than going for a nice swim?

Porto Heli may very well be the ideal destination for a three-day weekend away from everyday routine. It’s very close to Athens, so the trip doesn’t tire you, and the route itself, as soon as you enter Argolida, is very beautiful. And when you finally get here, anything is possible! Go for a swim at the Porto Heli beach or at Hinitsa, take short trips to Koilada, Aghios Aimilianos, Ververonta beach and everything else this region has to offer. And if you’re looking for something different go to the Didyma cave, or the Fragthi cave with its prehistoric settlement. You may not have time to see the ancient sights, but close to Porto Heli, you’ll find Troizina and Epidaurus. And if you’re coming from Athens or returning to it, Epidaurus is just along the way!

So, take your family and spend a lovely three-day weekend at Porto Heli!

Hinitsa Bay Beach was awarded for yet another year (2015) a blue flag, thus proving that it is one of the best beaches not only in Argolida, but in all of Greece, not just because it is idyllic, but because swimming in its waters is completely safe. But what does it mean for a beach to have a blue flag? The blue flag doesn’t only indicate clean waters, as many people believe. If it were just that, almost all the Greek beaches would have one. A blue flag also means excellent care, service and information for the bathers. In order for a beach to be awarded a blue flag, the people that are responsible for it must be actively working on keeping it in ship shape. Let’s see a few of the criteria that can bring a blue flag to a beach:

• A committee must take care of all the issues that arise
• The beach has to have visible signs with environmental information
• Safety and comfort for the bathers take precedence (with lifeguards, cabins, garbage and recycling bins, first aid, drinkable water, clean sand etc.)
• And of course, the waters must be crystal clear, away from any sewage or even sea currents that might bring in garbage.

In conclusion, you can trust AKS Hinitsa  Bay for your vacation, knowing that it belongs in the elite of beaches. Just bring your good mood and AKS Hinitsa Bay, along with the people who maintain it, will take care of everything else. Peloponnese Hotels – AKS Hinitsa Bay

Greece has a very long history, with glorious moments and some tough ones as well, with triumphs and trials. A major portion of this history can be found in the Peloponnese that is almost always at the center of events, with it being the southernmost edge of continental Greece and containing some of the most ancient traces of Greek civilization. Not too far from Porto Heli and really close to Sparta, you can find the old Byzantine state of Mystras. During the most difficult periods of the Byzantine Empire, Mystras always remained strong and today it is one of the most interesting archeological sites in Greece. It may be its size, since it is essentially a town with many buildings, with a castle, palaces and churches; it may be the impressive landscape that surrounds it; it may be its naturally fortified position; all these make Mystras a stately figure among the sights of Greece. Mystras may not be inhabited today, but it used to be the most important town in the Peloponnese. Its founding and its importance are closely linked to the capture of Constantinople by the West in 1204. Mystras was founded in 1249 as Castle of Myzithras by the family of Franks that were given the Peloponnese. After that it never stopped being a hub and a point of reference for the region. It used to be the the capital of the semi-autonomous prefecture of Morias during the fourteenth century, and it was also the capital of the Peloponnesian Prefecture during the years of the Ottoman occupation. Mystras was slowly abandoned when King Otto of Greece founded the modern town of Sparta. Today Mystras and its importance are recognized by UNESCO and the town attracts huge crowds of visitors every year. It may be a bit far from other tourist attractions but a trip from Argolida and Porto Heli to Mystra is definitely more than worth the trouble. The ticket is very cheap and you can use it for a whole day, so you can get in and out without fuss. You’ll see sights and buildings that perfectly reflect the history of the country. Some, like the Palaiologos Palace are renovated and in excellent condition, but we believe that the castle ruins along with the many centuries old Byzantine churches, this combination of built stone and natural green, of nature and human intervention with rich history playing the part of the catalyst, can be an awe inspiring experience for every visitor. If you’re at Porto Heli for enough days, then you’ll certainly find opportunities for trips. Argolida has of course its fair share of sights, but if you feel like going on a day trip, then Mystras might as well be your best option. Peloponnese Hotels – AKS Hinitsa Bay

Greece and its history cannot be separated from Christianity and Orthodoxy. That is why, today, even in the most remote and almost inaccessible areas of the country, there are monasteries that anyone can visit, so long as they show the proper respect and devoutness. The monasteries, after all, are not a simple tourist attraction, but a place of worship. And the fact that very often they are built in beautiful locations means that the wishes of their founders were to stay as far away from civilization as possible.

The nature of the Peloponnese is ideal for monasteries. Tall mountains full of gorges and cliffs, almost virgin forests, rivers and creaks everywhere offer the necessary isolation and independence that a monastery might need. Today, the traveler has the chance to visit this apotheosis of harmony between human and nature. Here, we can only present a short list of some of the gorgeous monasteries in the Peloponnese. Avgou Monastery – Argolida Built among, and sometimes in, the rocks many centuries ago, the Avgou Monastery in Argolida, not very far from Porto Heli, stands proud to remind us of the history of this place. Even though today there are no monks and services are held only a few times a year, it is worth visiting for the beautiful drive that will get you there and the imposing location of the Avgo Mountain and the valley of the Rados river. Some of its sections have been standing there since the eleventh century, but, like most monasteries, there have been additions and improvements throughout the centuries. Prodromou Monastery – Arcadia The Prodromou Monastery is one of the most historic monasteries in Greece. It played a big part during the 1821 Revolution of the Greeks against the Ottomans, and it also has a huge collection of old books and writings. It is also built on the cliffs, and the visitor will feel a tremendous awe upon seeing it. It is located close to Lousios river and the wonderful town of Dimitsana. Virgin Mary of Hiliomodi – Corinthia Hidden in the forests near Corinth, you can find the monastery of Virgin Mary of Hiliomodi. What’s most interesting to the visitor is the Old Convent with a church that was built in the thirteenth century. You’ll also see the ruins of an ancient Greek temple, indicative of the historic continuity of the area. Aghioi Anargyroi Monastery – Argolida The Aghioi Anargyroi Monastery near Ermioni is considered one of the gems of Argolida. It is not hidden within a forest, like the ones we mentioned above, but it is comprised of amazing and well taken care of buildings. If you’re at Porto Heli, it will only take you a few minutes to drive there and admire its architecture. Peloponnese Hotels – AKS Hinitsa Bay

There might not exist a region in Greece with a greater variety than the Peloponnese. It contains mountains and seas, ancient monuments and modern living, amazing towns and breathtaking landscapes, happy and hospitable people and a long history, evident every minute you’ll spend there. Where else can you find a combination of the beauty that could belong to the Greek islands with wild nature, where else can you find amazing beaches and secret routes everywhere, picturesque villages and endless forests? And, besides that, a visit to the Peloponnese, especially for those who are in Athens, is very easy: just get into your car or rent one and just follow the road towards the southwest; wherever it takes you, you will have fun. Among the various regions in the Peloponnese, it is Porto Heli that stands out and the reasons for that are so many that it would be impossible to mention them all. We will just list some of them in order to show you why a trip to the Peloponnese should always begin from Porto Heli: Amazing beaches: From the central beach of Porto Heli and the unique Hinitsa with its little island and its many trees, to the Kosta and Ververonta beaches and also Ermioni close by, Porto Heli will grant you infinite opportunities to swim in the summer (or at other times of year, if you so dare). The best trips: Really close to Porto Heli are some of the most important sights in Greece. The historic Mycenae, Epidaurus, which is the center of world theater, Troizina that might as well be the most beautiful archeological site in Greece, Tiryns, Avgou Monastery, the Fragthi cave with its prehistoric civilization, even Nafplio with Palamidi, the symbol of Greece’s modern history, all these are accessible after only a short drive from Porto Heli. Use it as your base of operations to see the history of Greece unfold in front of your eyes. The choice of the rich and famous: It’s not by accident that Porto Heli is where the rich and famous of Greece and the world come to rest. The cliff sides around it, along with nearby villages like Aghios Aimilianos, are full of villas and mansions. They have chosen this region for its unparalleled beauty, but also for its proximity to Athens, which means that it is easy for a quick weekend escape. Porto Heli has everything: Last but definitely not least is the town itself. In Porto Heli you can eat in exquisite restaurants, relax in idyllic cafes, have a good time at charming bars and take pleasant walks by the waves. Porto Heli can offer you all you need so that your vacation can simply be perfect! Peloponnese Hotels – AKS Hinitsa Bay

When you think about Greek islands, what’s the first that comes to mind? Sun, sea, beaches, narrow streets, whitewashed houses, steep cliffs, endless fun: all these are elements that the visitor to the Greek islands expects to find and enjoy. And Crete has all this, but it also has so much more. Crete isn’t just another island, it is one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean and in it you can find not only what was mentioned before, but also dangerous mountain paths, forests and plains, mountain villages and so many more.
The Lasithi plateau is one of those regions in Crete that you wouldn’t expect to find on a Greek island. It is relatively close to Heraklion (about an hour away by car) and it is definitely worth seeing. It is surrounded by mountains and it is famous for its windmills that are strewn in it. A few decades ago, the mills were thousands. Today there are fewer and many of them are renovated.
The villages are all at the edges of the plateau, close to the mountains, so they leave the central area to be cultivated. If you circle around it, you’ll witness to places of unparalleled beauty. The ideal time to go is in spring, when you can see nature in all its splendor, but a visit in winter has its charms, since the plateau is often covered in snow.

Crete Hotels – AKS Minoa Palace

A visit to Porto Heli and the hotels AKS Porto Heli and AKS Hinitsa Bay must absolutely be combined with trips to the surrounding areas. Argolida is a beautiful region that can take your breath away whether you prefer archeological sites (Mycenae, Epidaurus, Troizina) or you’d rather escape to nature and picturesque villages (Argolida mountains, Aghios Aimilianos). The Katafyki gorge is definitely in the nature category, since it consists of an amazing wooded area, ideal for hiking and just hanging out with the wildlife. It is a bit outside Porto Heli, between Ermioni and Fournoi, in particular. You’ll go there and you’ll walk among the trees and by the creaks, you’ll discover paths and you’ll climb steep (but not altogether dangerous) rocks. The landscape is so exquisite that it gave grounds for a myth to form: it is the entrance to Hades, the one that Hercules used to drag Cerberus out. The best time of year for a trip to Katafyki is in spring, when the weather is not too hot and flowers are blooming everywhere, but this doesn’t mean that going there in the summer is out of the question. You should, however, mind the fact that spring storms are always possible. So, if you’re at Porto Heli these days, try and include Katafyki in your schedule; it will be an unforgettable experience. Peloponnese Hotels – AKS Hinitsa Bay

One of the greatest advantages of AKS Porto Heli and AKS Hinitsa Bay Hotels at Porto Heli is that  they’re in an ideal location for wonderful excursions that offer a great variety: from the archeological sites of Mycenae and Troizina, to the forest of the mountains of Argolida and from majestic little villages like Aghios Aimilianos to the islands of the Saronikos Gulf. And yes, this last one is not peculiar at all since it’s very easy to hop from Porto Heli to Spetses, one of the most beautiful islands of Greece. There are two easy ways to get to Spetses from Porto Heli. From the Hinitsa Bay peer, at the beach of Hinitsa, there are hydrotaxis waiting to carry you across the water easily and safely. There you can find amazing beaches like Aghia Paraskevi and Aghioi Anargyroi, little taverns with excellent food and a town that is asking to be explored on foot so you can discover every hidden nook and cranny, climb up steps and pass under arches made of bougainvilleas. The second way to get to get to Spetses is from Costa beach, where you can find the ferry that will take you across. It departs many times a day, especially during the summer months. So make the best of your vacation in magical Porto Heli to take trips to everything that Greece has to offer. Peloponnese Hotels – AKS Porto Heli

Porto Heli and Argolida host some of the most famous archeological sites in Greece. Epidaurus, Mycenae, Troizina, Tiryns attract thousands of visitors every year. What most people don’t know, however, is that the town of Porto Heli itself hides within it a very interesting archeological site; there is a catch, though, since to see it in its entirety you should know how to scuba dive.

Alieis is an ancient town in the Porto Heli bay that flourished during the classical years, even though we don’t know much about it. Its residents were fishermen at the rich waters of the Argolic Gulf, but they could also be producing Tyrian purple, this renowned and valuable pigment. The excavations started in the 50s and lasted many years and the archeologists made some significant discoveries but, unfortunately, couldn’t find the landmarks of an ancient town, like a theater or a big temple.

Today, the best part of ancient Alieis is found underwater, since the sea level has changed a lot since 2500 years ago. But even if you’re not experienced divers with your own equipment, there are diving schools in Porto Heli that can help you feel, even for a little while, like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft.

Holidays in Porto Heli are always full of surprises. All you need to do is discover them.

Peloponnese Hotels – AKS Porto Heli