Argolis is located in the Eastern Peloponnese and is a regional
unit, former prefecture of Greece and a geographical area that
belongs administratively to the Peloponnese Region and
geographically to the Peloponnese (or Morea). It borders Corinth to
the north, Arcadia to the west and south, and Attica (Troizinia) to
the northeast. It is washed by the Argolic Gulf to the south and the
Saronic Gulf to the east. It is mainly a semi-mountainous prefecture
with a long coastline, however, it includes the very productive and
densely populated lowland area of the Argolic Plain. In the 2021
census, it had a population of 93,216 inhabitants and an area of
2,156 square kilometers.
The capital of the prefecture is
Nafplio (14,203 inhabitants) and its largest city is Argos (22,209
inhabitants). Other important settlements are the towns of Nea Kios,
Lygourio, Ancient Epidaurus, Kranidi, Ermioni, Porto Heli. The
economy of the prefecture is based mostly on the primary sector with
significant citrus fruit production and olive cultivation. Livestock
farming is also developed in the mountainous areas of the
prefecture. Of great importance is the tourism sector, which is
particularly developed around the world heritage monument of
Mycenae, the traditional old town of Nafplio and many summer resorts
such as Tolo and the coastline of Ermionida. Finally, there is also
significant manufacturing activity around the primary sector.
The entire prefecture of Argolida has a special relationship
with Corinth, since it has existed as a modern administrative unit
since 1949. The Prefecture of Argolida and Corinth, was commonly
known as Argolidocorinthia and one of the first prefectures
established in Greece. It was then split from the prefecture of
Argolidocorinthia (where, however, Nafplio was the capital). Until
2010, it was divided into three provinces: Argos, Nafplio and
Ermionida, while since then it has been divided into four
municipalities: Argos, Nafplio, Epidaurus and Ermionida.
Argos
Argos is one of the
oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, located in the Argolis
region of the Peloponnese. In ancient times it was a powerful rival to
Sparta and a major center of Mycenaean culture. Today visitors can
explore the ancient theater, the Larisa Castle overlooking the city, and
the archaeological museum that displays impressive artifacts from the
region's rich history.
Epidaurus
Epidaurus is world-renowned for its ancient theater, one of the
best-preserved and most acoustically perfect in Greece, and the
Sanctuary of Asclepius, a major healing center in antiquity. Pilgrims
once came from across the Mediterranean seeking cures. The site also
features impressive ruins of a stadium, temples, and a museum housing
ancient medical instruments and sculptures.
Ermioni
Ermioni is a charming coastal town on the southern Argolis peninsula
known for its relaxed atmosphere, crystal-clear waters, and pine-covered
hills. It offers beautiful beaches, traditional tavernas serving fresh
seafood, and a picturesque harbor. The town maintains a low-key,
authentic Greek character while serving as a convenient base for
exploring nearby archaeological sites and islands.
Heraion
The
Heraion of Argos was one of the most important sanctuaries dedicated to
the goddess Hera in ancient Greece. Located on a hill with commanding
views over the Argive plain, it was a major religious center where
significant festivals and rituals took place. Today visitors can see the
foundations of the temple, altars, and supporting structures that once
formed this sacred complex.
Nafplio
Nafplio
is a stunning harbor town and former first capital of modern Greece,
famous for its elegant Venetian architecture, colorful neoclassical
buildings, and three historic fortresses. The old town is filled with
charming squares, boutique shops, and waterfront restaurants. It serves
as an ideal base for exploring the archaeological treasures of Argolis
while offering beautiful sunset views over the Bay of Argolis.
Mycenae
Mycenae is the legendary
citadel of Homer’s epics and the center of the mighty Mycenaean
civilization. Famous for the Lion Gate, the massive Cyclopean walls, and
the royal tombs including the Treasury of Atreus, this UNESCO World
Heritage site offers a powerful glimpse into Bronze Age Greece. The
archaeological museum displays exquisite gold artifacts and frescoes
found at the site.
Tiryns
Tiryns,
often called the “second Mycenae,” is a spectacular Mycenaean acropolis
known for its enormous Cyclopean masonry walls that still stand
impressively tall. The palace complex, galleries, and fortifications
showcase advanced Bronze Age engineering. Though less visited than
neighboring Mycenae, Tiryns offers an equally fascinating look at the
powerful kingdoms that dominated the region around 1400–1200 BC.
Tolo
Tolo is a popular seaside resort village
with long sandy beaches and shallow turquoise waters ideal for swimming
and families. Located near Nafplio and the ancient sites of Argolis, it
offers a good mix of relaxation and culture. The village has a lively
promenade lined with tavernas, cafes, and small hotels, making it a
convenient and pleasant summer destination.
Troizen
Troizen is an
ancient town steeped in mythology as the birthplace of the hero Theseus.
Though less visited than other Argolis sites, it contains important
ruins including temples, a theater, and the remains of the ancient city
walls. The surrounding area is rich in history and natural beauty,
offering peaceful walks through olive groves and archaeological
exploration.
Kiveri
Kiveri is a quiet
fishing village situated on the shores of the Argolic Gulf, known for
its traditional character and excellent fresh seafood. It offers
beautiful views across the bay toward Nafplio and serves as a peaceful
alternative to busier tourist spots. The village maintains an authentic
local atmosphere while providing easy access to the region’s historical
attractions.
Portocheli
Portocheli (Porto Heli) is an upscale
seaside resort with a large natural harbor popular with yachts and
sailors. It features beautiful beaches, luxury villas, and a relaxed yet
sophisticated atmosphere. The town is surrounded by pine forests and
serves as an excellent base for boat trips to nearby islands like
Spetses and Hydra.
Thermisia
Thermisia is
a small, peaceful village on the Argolis peninsula known for its scenic
coastal location and traditional Greek charm. It offers beautiful views
over the sea and is close to several attractive beaches. The area is
ideal for those seeking tranquility away from major tourist crowds while
still being within reach of the major archaeological sites of the
region.
The theater of Epidaurus is embedded in a mountain slope on the edge
of the excavation site. The theater, which has 14,000 seats, is the best
preserved in all of Greece and still impresses today with its perfect
acoustics.
The castle of Mycenae, where Agamemnon is said to have
once ruled and where Heinrich Schliemann carried out his first
excavations, is famous above all for the Lion Gate. The treasures (e.g.
Agamemnon's gold mask) are now in the National Museum in Athens, but the
3,000-year-old fortress is impressive even without gold.
The castle
of Tiryns was built in its current form around 1200 BC, after the
previous castle was destroyed by an earthquake.
The Palamidi fortress
in Nafplio offers a fantastic view of the Argolic Gulf and the
hinterland from its high rock above the romantic old town.
Argolida is located at the northeastern tip of the Peloponnese. It
borders the prefectures of Corinthia, Arcadia and Attica (Troizinia). On
the borders with Corinthia and Arcadia it is defined, from north to
south, by Mount Arachnaio, the Dervenakia pass, Mount Farmaka, Mount
Oligyrtos, Mount Lyrkeo, and Mount Ktenias. On the borders with Attica
it is defined by the Aderes mountain range.
The largest part of
the prefecture is occupied by the Argolida peninsula, which extends from
the eastern part of the main Peloponnese to the southeast and is
surrounded by the Argosaronic Gulf to the north, the Gulf of Hydra to
the east and the Argolic Gulf to the south. The peninsula begins
approximately east of the line connecting Mylos, Argos, Mycenae, Athikia
and the Baths of Saint Helen (the latter two in Corinth). Important
mountain ranges are Mount Arachna, Mount Didymo and Mount Aderes. On the
edges of the mountains there are valleys next to or on the sea, such as
in Drepano, Iria, Ancient Epidaurus, Dimaina, Didyma, Trachia,
Iliokastro, Ermionida and elsewhere.
On the other hand, in the
west of the prefecture is the important Argolic Plain where the two most
important cities of the prefecture are located and the majority of the
prefecture's economy is concentrated. This is an alluvial plain formed
by the Inachos River and the torrents that end in the plain. It is one
of the most fertile areas of the Peloponnese and is systematically
cultivated with citrus fruits, olive trees, peach trees, pear trees and
vegetables.
In the far west is the mountainous Argolida region,
which is part of the Municipality of Argos - Mycenae and consists of the
municipal units of Lyrkia, Achladokambos, Alea and Lerni. The most
important mountain ranges of the prefecture are located there, such as
the mountains Artemisio, Farmakas, Ktenias, Zavitsa (Timenio), Lyrkia
and Oligyrtos. In addition, the source of Inachos is located in the
area. This part of the prefecture is the most sparsely populated and
isolated. Important agricultural areas are the plateaus of Achladokambos
and Alea.
The prefecture of Argolida is considered one of the warmest
prefectures of mainland Greece, along with the prefectures of Laconia,
Messinia, the coast of Arcadia and Attica. The climate throughout the
prefecture is warm-dry Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and cold,
wet winters, but there are significant differences within the
prefecture.
Eastern Argolida has a fairly mild climate even in
winter and is the driest area of the country. The Argolic plain is
known for its sweltering heat waves in summer and prolonged frosts in
winter, while hail is a frequent phenomenon. The mountainous Argolida,
on the other hand, is considerably wetter and colder than the rest of
the prefecture and the climate is closer to that of the nearby
mountainous areas of Arcadia and Corinth.
The Vivari Lagoon is a blue-green lagoon with unique beauty and rare biodiversity that makes Vivari, a small traditional fishing village, stand out. It is a closed type with a single water surface. It extends between Drepano and Vivari, has an area of 1.48 kilometers and its greatest width is 528.01 meters and its depth does not exceed 1.5 meters. A characteristic of the Vivari Lagoon is that it has been declared a protected area, due to the great ecological interest it presents. More specifically, the lagoon is home to thousands of fish and many rare species of birds
The Nafplio - Nea Kios Wetland is located 6 kilometers from Nafplio. The beach of Nea Kio in the homonymous settlement of Argolida, hides a natural treasure, the Nafplio-Nea Kio wetland. The wetland is a port for all four municipalities of the prefecture, since it is one of the only remaining rich wetlands in Greece, gathering great ecological interest. One of the ten recorded in the prefecture. The Nafplio-Nea Kio wetland is home to hundreds of beautiful birds which make a strong mark on the fauna in the area, since they migrate to the wetland during the winter months. Aquatic and migratory birds such as flamingos, swans, wild geese, ducks, terns, etc. have been observed from time to time in the wetland.
Prehistory and Neolithic Settlement
Human presence in Argolis
dates back over 40,000 years, evidenced by stone tools in Franchthi Cave
near Koilada on the Argolic Gulf—one of Greece's longest continuously
occupied sites (into the Neolithic). Neolithic settlements thrived due
to the mild climate, fertile alluvial plains, and strategic coastal
access for trade with Crete and Egypt. Early organized habitation around
2800 BC coincided with copper use, with key centers at Argos, Lerna,
Tiryns, Asine, and Mycenae.
Mycenaean Civilization (c. 1600–1100
BC): The "Heroic Age"
Argolis was the heartland of the Mycenaean
civilization, the first major Greek culture, known for palatial centers,
Cyclopean fortifications (massive limestone walls attributed by later
Greeks to one-eyed giants), Linear B script, and extensive trade
networks.
Mycenae: Strategically positioned on a hill overlooking the
Argolic plain, it was the richest and most powerful center, associated
with King Agamemnon (leader of the Greeks in the Trojan War per Homer).
Features include the Lion Gate, tholos tombs (e.g., Treasury of Atreus),
and royal palaces. It dominated from roughly 1400–1200 BC.
Tiryns:
Near modern Nafplio, this low-hill fortress had even more imposing
Cyclopean walls and served as a key military stronghold, linked to the
myth of Heracles (Hercules) performing his labors.
These sites, along
with others, formed a network controlling the plain and maritime routes.
The civilization collapsed around 1200–1100 BC amid the Late Bronze Age
collapse (invasions, earthquakes, climate change, and internal strife),
leading to the Greek Dark Ages.
Mycenae and Tiryns are UNESCO World
Heritage Sites, indelibly linked to Homer's Iliad and Odyssey.
Classical and Hellenistic Periods (c. 800 BC onward)
After the Dark
Ages, Argos emerged as the dominant city-state, one of the oldest
continuously inhabited cities in Europe (over 7,000 years). It rivaled
Sparta for Peloponnesian supremacy and was a center of democracy (with
an assembly, council, and magistrates) after a major defeat at Sepeia
(494 BC) led to social reforms.
Argos played roles in the Persian
Wars (neutrality drew criticism), Peloponnesian War, and later
conflicts. It produced notable tyrants like Pheidon (7th century BC),
who expanded influence westward.
Epidaurus (Epidavros): Home to the
Sanctuary of Asclepius, a major healing cult site with one of the
best-preserved ancient theaters (excellent acoustics, still used today).
It thrived in Classical and Hellenistic times.
In the Hellenistic
era, Argos navigated Macedonian influence, alliances, and conflicts
(e.g., involvement with Pyrrhus of Epirus, who died in battle there in
272 BC).
The region contributed to broader Greek culture through
mythology (e.g., Danaus, Perseus, the Seven Against Thebes), art, and
politics.
Roman, Byzantine, and Medieval Periods
Under Roman
rule (from 146 BC), Argolis saw continued prosperity with baths, agoras,
and infrastructure, though it was secondary to Corinth. Christianity
spread early; Argos became a bishopric.
In the Byzantine era, it
faced Slavic incursions (6th–7th centuries) but recovered. The Fourth
Crusade (1204) brought Frankish (Latin) rule: the Lordship of Argos and
Nauplia (part of the Principality of Achaea). Castles like Larissa (on a
hill above Argos) were fortified.
Venetian influence grew; they
acquired Nauplia (Nafplio) in 1388 and held Argos intermittently. The
region changed hands amid Ottoman-Venetian wars. Venice repopulated
areas with Albanian (Arvanite) settlers, who provided military service
(stratioti).
Ottoman Rule and Greek War of Independence
(15th–19th Centuries)
The Ottomans conquered much of the Peloponnese
(Morea) in the mid-15th century (Argos fell around 1463, with
interruptions). Nafplio became an important administrative center.
Ottoman rule involved quarters (mahalas) in towns like Argos, with
Greek, Albanian, and Turkish populations. Agriculture (olives, citrus)
persisted, but the region suffered raids and population shifts.
During the Greek War of Independence (1821–1830), Argolis was a hotspot.
Nafplio served as a base, and the Fourth National Assembly met in Argos
(1829). Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first head of state, made Nafplio the
capital of the new Greek state in 1828/1829. It remained the capital
until 1834, when King Otto moved it to Athens. Nafplio's architecture
reflects Venetian, Ottoman, and neoclassical layers.
Modern
History
In the 19th–20th centuries, Argolis modernized as part of the
Kingdom of Greece. It was administratively reorganized (e.g., separated
from Corinthia in 1949). During WWII, it saw German occupation and
Allied bombings (e.g., Argos in 1943). Postwar, tourism boomed due to
archaeological sites, beaches, and Nafplio's charm. Today, the economy
relies on agriculture (oranges, olives, grapes), tourism, and fishing.
The economy of the Prefecture of Argolida is based mainly on the
primary and tertiary sectors. The Argolic plain has as its base of
income the cultivation of the land with the main product being citrus
fruits, oranges and tangerines since the entire prefecture of Argolida
is the capital of the orange. The fragrances and aromas that are
released from the orange trees in the spring are perceived by all locals
and visitors. It is particularly fertile due to its alluvial nature and
is the most productive area of the prefecture. Significant areas are
cultivated in the plain with citrus fruits - which constitute the main
production of the prefecture - olives and fruit and vegetables. The
Municipality of Nafplio has the coastal plain of Iria which has mainly
fruit and vegetable crops, with the most famous being the artichoke.
Argos is another region that is famous for its local variety of melons,
the well-known Argeitic melons, but also for other products such as
leeks and apricots. Ermioni and the wider municipality of Ermionis is
known for the pomegranates that are grown in the area. Kranidi is known
for the Kranidi olive oil. It has the characteristic that it consists of
two varieties, Manaki and Koroneiki, the composition of both of these
varieties characterizes it for its high quality characteristics. On the
contrary, in the mountainous and semi-mountainous areas of Argolida,
livestock farming, lamb and goat farming, as well as olive cultivation,
have a prominent position.
Tourism is one of the most profitable
and developed sectors of the prefecture - especially in Ermionida and
Nafplio, since they were among the first areas to develop tourism in the
country due to its proximity to Athens, its long coastline and its
historical wealth. Important holiday resorts are Nafplio, Tolo, Porto
Heli, Costa, Ermioni and Agios Emilianos.
The secondary sector is
quite developed and is mostly concerned with the processing of
agricultural production and the covering of agricultural needs in
industrial goods (mainly irrigation systems).
An important place
in the economic history of the prefecture is occupied by the tomato
cannery "Kyknos". In 1928 the Kyknos factory was founded in Nafplio,
providing employment to thousands of workers. In those years, production
was mainly manual and in 1950 the Nafplio factory was upgraded to
designs by the architect Kalliklis. The new industrial building was a
symbol of innovation for the time. In 2002, however, the factory was
moved to Savalia in the prefecture of Ilia, since the Argolic plain had
turned to the more profitable citrus crops.
Argolis was one of the first regions of the country to be connected to the national railway network. The Corinth - Myloni railway line and the Argos - Nafplio branch were built in 1885-1886 as the first section of the Corinth - Kalamata railway line, which became fully operational much later. From then until the 1990s, the railway operated continuously, helping to transport people and goods. No attempt was made to modernize the railway network, except for the reconstruction of the Achladokambos bridge in 1973 and the transfer of the Nafplio Station to the port, resulting in the train being significantly degraded. In the 2000s, the train operated again, but at the end of the same decade it was closed due to the renovation of the network. It reopened in 2009-2010 but eventually stopped permanently along with the rest of the Peloponnese network. Since its closure, various announcements have been made regarding the repair of the line and the resumption of rail services, but nothing has materialized so far (March 2022).
In the 2021 census, the prefecture of Argolida had 93,282 permanent residents, having decreased by 3.9% since the previous census in 2011. In 1856, the prefecture had the smallest registered population (44,212) and in 2001 the highest registered population (102,392). From 1856 to 2001, the population of the prefecture was steadily increasing but after 2001 it has decreased slightly. There are also a few thousand immigrants from abroad in the prefecture.