These are listed in order of proximity to Aghios Nicolaos you will find lots of information on the Go Greece website www.goGreece.com
MESSENE www.ancientmessene.gr/en-index.html
"..Much less publicised than the touristy destinations of Delphi and Olympia, Ancient Messene is by no means a poor relative. An imporatnat Hellenistic centre often referred to as the city of statues, for having yielded a rich crop of marble sculptures, many of which are house in the newly opened museum, nearby. This Peloponnesian city, founded in 369 BC when Epaminondas restored Messenians to their country, it has turned out to be an inexhaustible treasury that continues to reveal its secrets ......" Christy Papadopoulou, Athens News, 2006.
Our advice - Don't miss the Museum here
DIROS CAVES
Located just the other side of Aeriopolis - just over an hour's ride from Aghios Nicolaos, these Neolithic caves were discovered as recently as 1949. One may now take a boat trip into the underground passages where the beauty of the stalagtites and stalagtites is really a sight to behold.
The most well known nekromanteio exists by the river Achaeon, while the sanctuary of Poseidon in Cape Tenaro, near the Diros cavern, was also recently identified as an important shrine of the Dead.
Our advice - Take a sweater. Arrive EARLY whatever time of year - long queues in Summer and in Winter the caves close early.
OLYMPIA www.culture.gr/2/21/211/21107a/e211ga02.html
The site of the original Olympic Games. From here the Olympic flame is lit from the sun's rays then taken to the country where the Games are to be held.
The castle of Mistras was built in 1249. It was built by the Franks who were trying to establish their rule over the region of the Peloponnese. They chose this site because it was easily defensible as it is inaccessible from the south and southwest where rocky cliffs fall way into a ravine, this made it safe from invasion. Not for the faint-hearted, the landscape is steep; you need to be reasonably fit but it is the most spectacular site.
OUR ADVICE - Get there early, especially in Summer.
MONEMVASIA www.culture.gr/2/21/212/21205a/e212ea02.html
Monemvasia really is unique – a two-tiered Byzantine city built on a huge outcrop of rock that juts into the sea. The once heavily populated stronghold now has only a fraction of its former population - narrow cobbled alleys exude a timeless charm as they wind past stone houses to ancient Byzantine churches.
OUR ADVICE - Stay overnight in the ancient citadel - the wonderful Hotel Malvasia +30 (0)732 61323 Eat at The Canoni (next to the old cannon) - some really different, homecooked food.
OUR ADVICE - Stop to view the famous Canal on the drive down from Athens. Buy WINE in nearby NEMEA.
MYCENAE
The ruins of Ancient Mycenae date back to the second millennium B.C. Though most of the original city state has been destroyed over time, parts of the Acropolis that overlooked a fertile plains still remain.
EPIDAVROS www.greekfestival.gr/athens_fest/show_venue?venueid=11&lang=en
There is a fesival every year n this wonderfully preserved and huge Amphitheatre. Plays and other performances are a very special experince. Tickets can be booked through the site (above) and directions are there too.
OUR ADVICE - Stay overnight in Nafplion. Performances begin at 9pm but be there by 8 pm.
NAFPLION www.greecetaxi.gr/index/article2.html
Neo-classical town, once the capital of Greece, where the first Greek Parliament sat. The taverna ELLAS , we are told, is where King Otto used to take his lunch having sat in the Parliament, opposite.
OUR ADVICE - We love King Otto Hotel small rooms but reasonable rates and a delightful courtyard for breakfast (only). The Itilon is a hotel spread among the old houses of the town but you may have to climb a large number of steps to get to your accommodation. Otherwise, The Byron is always recommended by everyone.
