Destinations

The sailing area

The sailing area of the eastern Peloponnese described here extends from the southern end of the Argolic Gulf down to the south western tip of the Peloponnese at Cape Malea and on around to the island of Elafonisos and south to the island of Kithera. Our two-week sailing proposal South-Eastern Peloponnese sails much of this region as well as the Argolic Gulf area, so if you are considering this experience it is worth reading the details for both areas.

The winds & sailing

The South eastern Peloponnese sailing area includes the Laconic gulf and extends down the eastern shore of the Peloponnese to Cape Malea in the far south, and Argolic Gulf to the north The northern part of the sailing area is therefore the Argolic Gulf which is well protected from the summer 'Meltemi' wind that blows from the north/north easterly As we are heading south towards Monemvasia, we gradually leave the shelter of the Argolic Gulf and enter the more exposed south eastern Peloponnese which can experience more of the 'Meltemi' wind. That said, it's also possible to sail (well, motor!) to Monemvasia in a flat calm, so it is more a case that if the 'Meltemi' blows, then you can be more exposed, but by heading north again you can tuck back into the shelter of the Argolic Gulf, Hydra and Spetses.

Ports & places of interest

The eastern Peloponnese coast is a place of quiet unspoilt villages and anchorages. You will find waterside tavernas but you will be well away from large towns and the noise of all-nights bars and discos. If you look for peace and natural beauty, this is the area for you. Please note that waypoints are provided for identification purposes only and represent good 'stand-off' locations. However, they are not intended to be used for navigation.

Tiros

This has become a new stop since the mole has been extended providing good shelter. It is worth the visit for the friendly restaurants and the charming village on the hill.

It had access to maritime communications, but most importantly, the steep rocky slope of Akronafplia protected it from any intruders. At the beginning of the 7th century BC the city of Nafplio was a founding member of the State Union of Kalavria and shortly thereafter, it was referred to as a mighty seaport of Argos. According to the reports of Pafsanias, who had visited the area, the city was nearly abandoned during the Roman era. It is believed that the name Nafplio or Anapli was given during the Byzantine period when the city was the core of a Byzantine domination. During that period, a very important figure was Theodore Sgouros, the ruler of Nafplion from about 1200. During the Middle Ages, the city experienced the rule of the Byzantines, the Venetians and the Franks. In 1388, the city was under the Venetians’ occupation. The new rulers of the city reinforce the fortification of the city. Two fortresses were built on land, Akronafplia and Palamidi, and a third in the Bay Nafplias, Bourtzi. Even in this day and age, these three buildings were viewed as monuments, which gave the city its character. In 1540 the city surrendered to the Turks and many Greeks were made to leave their hometown. In 1686, the Venetians, led by general Francesco Morosini, managed to re-take the city until 1715, when the second and harsher occupation of the Turks began and lasted until 1822. Nafplio was the management center of the rebel forces during the Greek Independence War in 1821.The first Greek Constitutions were formulated in the nearby areas of Epidauros and Astros during the first two years of the revolution. On November 30, 1822, Nafplio is finally liberated from the Turks. Staikos Staikopoulos seized Palamidi and three days later the Turks turned over the city to Kolokotronis. The seat of government was gradually moved to Nafplio. Over time, the city got back its important role in current events. On May 4th 1827, the third National Assembly defines Nafplio as the official capital of the country. A year later, Ioannis kapodistrias comes to Nafplio. The 3rd National Assembly appointed him as governor for 7 years. However, before completing his term, Kapodistrias was assassinated in 1831, outside the church Agios Spiridonas. His most important goal was the rebuilding of the military and navy, which he succeeded in doing. He also managed to expand the boundaries of the country in mainland Greece. Kapodistrias built the first Greek schools and reorganized the corrupt legal system. Ultimately, the governor made serious efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector and cut the first Greek currency the phoenix (Finikas). In 1833, the people of Nafplio welcomed Otto, the first king of Greece. He remained in Nafplio until 1834, when the capital of Greece was moved to Athens. It is worth noting that, in 1862, riots against Otto broke out and led to the exile of the king.