Day excursions from Porto Heli to the surrounding region

Found on the northeastern side of Peloponnese, at the peninsula of Argolida, Porto Heli is conveniently located and gives access to many popular destinations in the region. In fact, day excursions from Porto Heli include seaside villages, beaches, cosmopolitan islands, and even ancient sites. Many visitors, apart from their stay in Porto Heli villa rentals, also arrange a car rental so that they explore the region easily and quickly. Here are some day excursions from Porto Heli that visitors can try.

# Boat trip to Spetses island

The most popular excursion from Porto Heli is to take the boat to the neighboring island of Spetses. This is a lovely island with an easy-to-walk little town and nice beaches with crystal waters. There are ferries to Spetses from the port of Porto Heli 3-4 times per day or you can take the small local boat from the port of Costa. The boat from Costa to Porto Heli runs very frequently (every 30 min in high season) and takes only 10 min to go to the island. As cars are not allowed on Spetses island, many tourists leave their cars in Costa and then take the boat to Spetses.

# A day in Hydra island

Very close to the region with Porto Heli villa rentals is the cozy island of Hydra. A trip to Hydra is among the most enjoyable day excursions from Porto Heli. This is a small island with very impressive architecture and a romantic atmosphere. Upon arriving at the port of Hydra, you see renovated old mansions at the slopes of the hill that give a feeling from the past. Walk at the port, enjoy a delicious lunch at the taverns and swim in the crystal beaches of Hydra, most of which are accessible by boat or a short walk from the town. This will be a lovely day trip. Ferries to Hydra depart 3-4 times per day from the port town of Ermioni.

# Ancient Epidaurus

Ancient Epidaurus is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. In antiquity, this place was a sanctuary of Asclepius, the healing god. Pilgrims from all over Greece and the Meditteranean basin would come there to get cured of various diseases. The ruins of this sanctuary are visible until today.

Every four years, large festivities would take place to honor the god. These festivities included athletic competitions taking place at the stadium and religious ceremonies taking place at the theatre. The stadium and the theatre exist until today and in fact, the fantastic ancient theatre of Epidaurus hosts every summer many drama performances. Epidaurus is about a 1-hour drive from Porto Heli.

# Medieval Town of Nafplion

Among the most beautiful day excursions from Porto Heli is to the Medieval town of Nafplion, about 2 hours drive away. This is a seaside town with a lovely old town, a strong fortress on the hill above the town and a fortified islet called Bourtzi at the entrance of the port. Take a long walk at the narrow streets of Nafplion Old Town and along the Port Promenade and enjoy the unique feeling of the place.

If you want to combine your visit to Nafplion with a swim in the sea, you can head to the close beach of Karathonas or the tourist resort of Tolo. Two important ancient sites to visit from Nafplion are the Mycenaean sites of Mycenae and Tyrins.