Epidaurus was a religious and cultural centre in the Classical world, with a sanctuary dedicated to Asklepios, the healer, legendary son of Apollo. Epidaurus was a mystical place famed for its healing centre (the Asclepieion). The site is also home to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, built in the 4th century B.C. and is known for its simplicity and beauty. Characteristic of ancient, Greek theatres, the spectator had a view to lush, green landscape behind the stage, thus the theatre is in a lovely wooded setting.

The modern summer festival of Epidaurus first began in 1954 and since then has become the foremost institution of ancient drama, with plays performed by distinguished, Greek actors. It has also hosted many classical concerts and select, foreign theatre productions.

Stronghold of the famed, Aegean civilisation, made famous by its legendary ruler, Agamemnon, one of the central figures of the Trojan War, the ancient site is a tribute to the proud Mycenean culture. The site is renowned for its Cyclopean, fortification walls, the Lion’s Gate, and the royal tombs, where finds include the golden death masks of the kings, exquisite jewellery and weapons.

Nafplio (78 km), the first capital of modern Greece, is a charming seaside town, with a long and fascinating history. Over the centuries, the town, with its strategic harbour, has been occupied by the Byzantines, French Crusaders, Venetians and Ottomans., Situated on the Argolic Bay, Nafplio is dominated by three medieval castes, Akronafplia, built by the Byzantines, the Castle of Bourtzi, Venetian (15th century), and the Castle of Palamidi (1685) Today, beautiful neoclassical buildings, historic squares (plateias), Venetian balconies, old churches and Turkish mosques blend with an aesthetic, modern environment creating one of the most pleasant cities in the Greek mainland.

Mistras, located 5km outside Sparta, known as the military city/state of the Classical world. Centuries later in the Middle Ages, that same dramatic landscape inspired the Franks to build a fortress at Mistras, today, a Word Heritage Site. A fortified castle, with houses and alleyways, which are built around the despot’s palace, this expansive site reflects the strong influence of the dominate powers of the era on the Greek landscape. Mistras is a showcase of medieval architecture in Greece and its Byzantine heritage.

Momemvasia is a medieval fortress with an adjoining town built on a small peninsula, with only one entrance. The rock is 300 m tall and 1.8 km long, surrounded by sea and connected to the mainland by one strip of earth. Time seems to have stopped in this Byzantine, medieval town; with narrow streets, stone mansions, Byzantine churches and coat of arms.

Ermione, takes its name from the ancient town once located on the same site, Situated between Spetses and Hydra, Ermione has a picturesque port, which, in summer, is filled with yachts.

Kilada, a traditional fishing village, is about 10 km northwest of Porto Heli. The village is noted for its famed boatyards, where the building of traditional, Greek, wooden boats is still a proud craft.

The islands of the Argosaronic Gulf, Spetses and Hydra, each have a charm of their own. Hydra is a captivating island (without cars), with a long naval history. The island’s landscape is spectacular and in the town, narrow, winding streets lead to art galleries, trendy shops featuring handicraft and handmade jewellery. Cafes dot the beautiful harbour . Spetses is a favourite, weekend destination of cosmopolitan Athenians and the old harbour, crowded with yachts, is the scene of sophisticated, summer nightlife. Lush greenery, beautiful beaches and a famed, naval history characterise Spetses, one of Greece’s most travelled islands. Easily reachable 24 hr a day, by water-taxi from the hotel pier.

• July: Agro tourism Festival in the harbour of Ancient Epidaurus
• July: Musical Festival at the Small Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
• July – August: Epidaurus Festival at the Ancient Theatre
• September: Armada Festival. On Spetses, on the second Saturday in September, there are festivities commemorating the Naval Battle of Spetses (1822). Activities include the destruction of a replica of the Turkish Armada replica, with a fireworks display.