The most popular beaches of the Peloponnese have something for everyone

Crystal clear waters, fresh fish by the sea, centuries old History, all- day beach parties, family beaches where your kids can play with their toy buckets quietly, and (even if you don't expect that) quiet hiding places for hermits.

Tolo

It was once called Minoa, since here came and settled refugees from Crete, who gave the place the name of their mythic king Minos, when the Greek state was still new and Crete was under Ottoman possession. Today it is called Tolo by its dwellers. A seaside village, with a long sandy beach that some people call it “The Copa Cabana of Peloponnese”.

Tolo, as a place with great tourist development, is the ideal base to explore the beautiful Argolis, starting your day by- or finishing it with- dips in the blue waters. Three tiny, green islands opposite the port, Romvi, Koronisi and Daskalio, are not only the perfect background as you rest on the beach, but also a safe harbor for the yachts that love it there during the summer. If you are in the mood for exploring and swimming in uncharted waters, Romvi and Koronisi (or Koronida) are open to visit by boat from Tolo.

Psyli Amos in Greek

The big beach of Tolo is called Fine Sand (Psyli Amos in Greek) and it spreads in a distance of one kilometer, an ideal place for kids as the waters are shallow and clean, and the organization is exemplary- so much that the lovers of desolate beaches and of quietness will pass by it. Sea sports, cafeterias by the sea, fresh fish on small tables outside and perfectly organized camping fill in the picture of one of the most popular summer destinations in Argolis.

Ancient Asini

People also call it Castraki or the citadel of Ancient Asini. Just a kilometer outside the beach of Tolo, Ancient Asini is built on a 52 meters hill, with its walls dating back to 300 B.C. and surrounding a big Mycenaean city, from which they have excavated houses, baths, workshops, tanks and towers. Here was found a small statue, the King of Asini, for which the Greek poet, Seferis, wrote the homonymous poem. On the west of Castraki you will find a nice beach, unknown to many. On its east side starts the large pebbled beach of Asini, known as Plaka.

Vivari

On your way from Tolo to Kantia you will meet a sweet, seaside village, Vivari, nestled in the embrace of a gulf so narrow that its waters seem still. It has successive lacey coves that form tiny beaches with blue waters and taverns that spread their tables either on the dock, next to the waves, or in balconies with a view to the Argolis gulf  that put us in a never- ending dilemma: go for a dip or go for ouzo and meze (finger food)?

A bit further away from Vivari, on the way to Kantia, there is Kondili, one of the most popular (and most beautiful, if we’re allowed to say) beaches of Argolis. It is large and sandy, organized with beach bars and water sport activities and it also has… a solitary alternative for the lovers of quiet. There is a small sandy cove too, that you can reach on foot through the water from the north end of the beach. 

Kantia

It is a small, seaside village that also took its name (like Minoa that we mentioned earlier) from the Cretan refugees- Heraklion of Crete was called Kantia by the Venetians and during the Venetian Rule the entire Crete was called “Kingdom of Kantia”.

Kantia is famous for its large beach with the colorful pebbles and the crystal clear waters that spreads to such an extent that can fit everyone: at its beginning it has lively beach bars for the young, a more family atmosphere- with fine sand perfect for kids toys- further down, and at the end of the beach a free of sun loungers and umbrellas area so that you can pick whatever you like. There are nice café that serve the beach’s sun loungers, and taverns that take their tables outside to complete its image.

In its sights are included the Tower of Aga, most known as Tower of Kantia. It is a rare specimen of Ottoman architecture in the region and it was probably the house of an Ottoman official during the Ottoman Rule.

Iria

A small, picturesque village with colorful fish boats and a bunch of traditional houses are the first things you see as you enter Iria. This small traditional fish village of Argolis is known firstly for its beach, and secondly for the artichokes that grow in its plain to cover the big amount of domestic consumption. That is why every May they host the Artichoke festival here, which is a big festival that includes traditional dancing, music and of course artichokes, cooked in every possible and amazing way.

The beach is pebbled and very touristic, even though it doesn’t have the organization of the neighborly beach bars. Along the beach there are taverns and café that take their tables out and serve fresh fish and local delicacies next to a stunning view of the sea.

In the sights of the village is included one of the most ancient beacons that survived till today: It dates back in the 7^th century B.C. and is part of the communication system (with fire and smoke) among the Mycenaean cities of Mycenae and Asini.