Nestled in the eastern part of the Peloponnese, the Argolis Peninsula is a scenic gem celebrated for its fascinating history, beautiful beaches, and delightful towns. We had the chance to explore Argolis—also called Argolida. During our campervan journey through Greece, spending several days soaking up everything this enchanting region has to offer. To help you get the most out of your trip, we’ve created a guide highlighting the best things to do in Argolis, along with our personal tips and recommendations for must-see sights and unforgettable experiences.
How to Get to Argolis in Greece
Argolis is the easternmost peninsula of the Peloponnese, often described as being shaped like a hand on the map. Each “finger” of this region, including Argolis, has its own unique character, atmosphere, and attractions waiting to be discovered.
One of the best ways to explore Argolis is by combining it with a visit to Athens, located just an hour and a half away by car. Its close proximity to the capital makes it an easy addition to your Greek itinerary. The famous Theater of Epidaurus—one of the region’s most iconic landmarks—is also within reach and makes for a perfect day trip from Athens.
Where to Stay in Argolis
If you’re planning a visit to Argolis, chances are you’ll be staying in one of its charming coastal towns or in the region’s picturesque capital, Nafplio. As one of the top destinations in Greece, Argolis offers a wide variety of accommodations to suit every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for a cozy bed and breakfast, a stylish hotel, a holiday apartment, or a scenic campsite, you’ll find plenty of great options here. For those who prefer a more organized experience, many travel agencies also offer convenient package tours that make it easy to discover the highlights of the peninsula.
Recommended Read: Where to Stay in Nafplio
The 6 Best Things to Do in Argolis
#1 The Theater of Epidaurus
The Theater of Epidaurus, also known as Epidavros, is one of the best-preserved ancient Greek theaters and undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking landmarks in Greece. Built in the 4th century BC, its original design has been remarkably well preserved over the centuries. The circular stage, measuring 20 meters in diameter, is surrounded by 55 semi-circular rows of stone seats, offering space for up to 12,000 spectators. Even today, the theater comes to life during the summer months with live performances, giving visitors the chance to experience its incredible acoustics in action.
Recommended Read: Discover everything you need to know about visiting the Theater of Epidaurus.
The theater is part of the Sanctuary of Asklepios, dedicated to the Greek demigod of medicine, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. While the theater is undoubtedly the highlight, we also recommend taking the time to explore the rest of the Sanctuary. The nearby Epidaurus Museum offers fascinating insights into the site’s history, which was once home to the world’s first organized spa and hospital. In ancient times, people from across the Mediterranean made pilgrimages here in hopes of being healed by Asklepios. The museum displays a range of ancient medical instruments, offering a unique look into early medical practices.
Just behind the museum lies the Sanctuary of Asklepios itself—a site often overshadowed by the theater’s fame. While the ruins may not seem impressive at first glance, with a little imagination and the help of informative signs placed throughout the area, you can begin to picture what this ancient healing complex once looked like. For a clearer understanding, aerial photos—available at the museum or via Google Earth—help connect the scattered remains to the original layout of the buildings, giving you a better sense of the site’s scale and significance.
#2 Historic Nafplio
The historic city of Nafplio, located in the Peloponnese region of Greece, is—at least in our opinion—one of the most beautiful destinations in the entire country. Also known as Nafplion, Nauplion, or Nauplio, this charming town once served as the first capital of independent Greece. But Nafplio feels worlds apart from today’s bustling capital, Athens. Its old town is full of charm and character, with winding alleyways and a scenic promenade along the sea, offering stunning views of the castles and fortresses that dominate its skyline.
Recommended Read: Best Things to Do in Nafplio.
At the heart of Nafplio lies its historic center. This part of the city extends into the sea like a small peninsula and is home to the enchanting old town. From the promenade—where you can admire the Bourtzi fortress floating just offshore—you can easily wander into the maze of narrow, cobbled streets. The car-free center is known for its vibrant atmosphere, filled with boutique shops, cozy cafés, and beautifully preserved neoclassical buildings. As you stroll through the town, you’ll naturally come across many of Nafplio’s highlights, including centuries-old churches and historic landmarks. Be sure to visit Syntagma Square, the Vouleftiko Tzami Mosque, the Archaeological Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Church of Panagia as you explore the heart of the city.
No visit to Nafplio would be complete without exploring its impressive castles and fortresses. Out in the sea sits the iconic Bourtzi Castle, remarkably well-preserved and reachable only by boat. Perched high on a hill above the town is the Palamidi Castle, arguably the most dramatic of them all, offering sweeping views of the coastline. This fortress consists of several bastions, two of which are still standing today, connected by ancient stone walls. Another historic site awaits on Acronafplia Hill, the oldest part of Nafplio. Though no complete castles remain there, the ruins and weathered walls speak volumes about the city’s layered history, offering a fascinating glimpse into Nafplio’s storied past.
#3 The Hot Springs of Methana
If Argolis is a peninsula off the Peloponnese, then Methana is a peninsula off that peninsula—still with us? This small volcanic outcrop juts into the sea from the coast of Argolis and was shaped long ago by ancient volcanic eruptions. That fiery past is still visible today in the form of natural hot springs scattered throughout the area.
Recommended Read: Discover the hot springs of Methana.
For centuries, Methana has been known as a wellness destination. Its natural hot springs are believed to have healing properties, and the most famous ones were once housed in a grand spa building near the island’s main village. The spa, now closed and slowly falling into disrepair, still stands as a reminder of Methana’s glory days as a health retreat.
But what can you do in Methana now that the spa is no longer in use? Quite a lot, actually. The peninsula offers beautiful hiking trails and, even better, public access to several natural hot springs. Right next to the old spa, you’ll find a staircase that leads directly into the sea, where the water is gently warmed by underground volcanic activity. It’s a unique experience, though for a more comfortable soak, it’s worth heading a little further to the ‘Radon Thermal Spring’. The water here isn’t hot, but it’s pleasantly warm—just right for a relaxing dip.
The most scenic hot spring on Methana is located on the opposite side of the peninsula, where a small stone bath has been built into the natural landscape. Unfortunately, when we visited, the pump wasn’t working, so we missed out on a proper soak. Still, all three hot spring spots are completely free to access, making it easy to explore and enjoy the thermal treasures of this volcanic gem—no tickets or entrance fees needed.
#4 The Prehistoric Franchthi Cave
Just outside the coastal village of Hermione—also known as Ermioni—you’ll find one of Greece’s lesser-known historical treasures: the Franchthi Cave. Unlike the temples and mythological landmarks that define much of Greek history, this cave offers a fascinating glimpse into a much earlier chapter of the country’s past.
Recommended Read: How to visit the hidden Franchthi Cave.
The Franchthi Cave is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 40,000 years. It was used continuously through the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic periods. Excavations have revealed traces of early life from each of these eras, making it a key site for understanding prehistoric Greece. One particularly intriguing feature is the deep excavation shaft inside the cave. Numbered markers from 1 to 4, along with an information panel, indicate the depth at which layers from different time periods were uncovered.
The information boards in and around the cave are thoughtfully done and available in both Greek and clear, well-written English, helping visitors appreciate the site’s historical importance. While the Franchthi Cave might not justify a long detour on its own, we highly recommend stopping by if it fits your travel route. It’s a peaceful and atmospheric place with a remarkable story to tell—one that reaches far beyond the age of gods and heroes.
#5 The Corinth Canal
The Peloponnese is technically a peninsula rather than an island, as it remains connected to the Greek mainland by a narrow strip of land at Corinth. Interestingly, that very connection is dramatically cut through by the Corinth Canal. This remarkable feat of engineering is one of the most striking sights in or near Argolis, with its narrow waterway framed by steep, towering cliffs.
The canal measures about 25 meters wide and 8 meters deep, slicing through the narrowest part of the Corinth Isthmus and stretching just over 6 kilometers in length. Despite its dramatic appearance, the canal sees little boat traffic today. Strong currents make it too dangerous for small vessels, while larger ships are simply too big to pass through. Although the Corinth Canal wasn’t completed until 1893, the idea of creating such a passage dates back to ancient Greece.
Several road bridges cross over the canal, and if you’re driving from Athens to the Peloponnese, you’ll likely pass over one of them. It’s well worth making a quick stop to admire the spectacular views and to appreciate the incredible human effort it took to carve this narrow channel straight through solid rock.
#6 The Cave of the Twins at Didyma
In the otherwise quiet and unassuming town of Didyma, you’ll find a surprising and beautiful natural wonder: two large craters, one of which hides a pair of tiny churches. It’s the kind of place you could easily pass without a second glance. The entrance to the church crater is modest and easy to overlook—but the sight of whitewashed steps leading down into an underground tunnel immediately caught our attention and drew us into one of the two craters, also known as the dolines of Didyma.
Recommended Read: Visiting the twin Churches of Didyma.
The crater itself is lush and green, filled with trees and shrubs, and there’s something magical about standing on the edge of its rocky rim, looking down into this hidden world. A narrow path winds around the edge, leading you to two small churches carved into the rock face. One is located right beside the staircase, while the other sits directly across from it. When we visited, one of the doors was closed, but we were able to step inside the other. The little chapel, with its white-plastered walls and tiny religious icons, had the peaceful, intimate feel typical of Greek Orthodox chapels.
Visiting the craters and hidden churches of Didyma doesn’t require much time—it’s not a grand or dramatic sight. But for us, it turned out to be one of the most memorable places in Argolis. The unexpected beauty of the natural crater, combined with the quiet charm of the cave-like churches, gave this often-overlooked spot a truly special atmosphere.
