Tolo for the Athenians and the North Peloponnesians is something like Halkidiki for Thessalonikians. A summer resort with stunning beaches, good food, hospitable residents and affordable prices, a breath away from the city. I confess that until recently I was unaware of its existence, but after my visit to this idyllic place, I declare my love for Tolo.

A few words about the village

 Tolo is a picturesque village built along a vast beach on the shores of the Argolic Gulf, just 8 kilometers from Nafplio. The settlement of Tolo was created after the Greek Revolution, when Kapodistrias donated the area to Cretan refugees, who wandered for years in the Peloponnese. It was originally called Minoa after the name of the mythical King of Crete Minos, but the specific name was unpreserved for long. In the second half of the 20th century, Tolo enjoyed rapid growth, based mainly on the tourism sector, reaching today to be considered one of the most popular summer destinations in the country. Underneath I have selected for you, what I think a person who visits the village for the first time should see.

10) Church of Saints Constantine and Helen

 The Church of Saints Constantine and Helen is the most central and largest church in Tolo. It is located in the northern part of the village, with its construction taking place in 1963, but the inauguration took place only in March 2014! It is a temple with a basilica with a dome, while it is decorated with unique graceful frescoes and icons from Crete, which are relics of the locals. The most impressive of the icons is that of Panagia Myrtidiotissa. A miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary on which the mark is distinguished by the firing of a shell!

9) Church of Saint Kyriaki

 Entering Tolo you will see high on the hill another very beautiful chapel, that of Sait Kyriaki. It is a blue and white chapel whose architecture fits perfectly into the environment, with its special feature being the lack of a temple. This makes it stand out from the other churches of the area, while the view to the bay of the village from there is extraordinary.

8) Venetian fortifications of Vivari

 To the southeast of Drepano extends a peninsula called "Nisi" (island in Greek). In the northern part of this peninsula a lagoon is formed, which during the period of the second Venetian occupation (1687-1715) was used as a harbor, in fact the foundations of a semicircular arch of the largest church dating to the Middle Ages are visible! The strategic location of this point, which is a breath away from Nafplio, did not go unnoticed even by the Venetians. At the beginning of the 18th century, they built important infrastructure, many of which survive to this day.

7) Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior

 In a deserted location southwest of Asini and next to a destroyed three-storey tower, is the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior. Most of the buildings of the monastery, except the catholicon, have been destroyed, but as far as we know this particular monastery was very important during the Venetian occupation, with its peak period being from the 14th to the 18th century. The special thing about this temple is that it is built about 90 cm into the ground, which means that to enter the monastery you will have to go down six steps. Indoors you will find frescoes from 1570, while around the catholicon are visible the ruins of the cells, threshing floors and warehouses of the monastery that was dissolved in 1834.

6) Holy Monastery (Aria) of Nafplio

 This particular monastery was founded in 1149 by Bishop Leon of Nafplio and is located in a suburb of Nafplio, Aria, about 8 kilometers from Tolo. The catholicon of the monastery dates back to the middle of the 12th century and since 1875 it has been dedicated to Zoodochos Pigi. It has been erected in the type of complex four-column cruciform church with a dome and is together with other temples of the time the famous "School of Argolis". In fact, it is considered one of the most important temples of the middle Byzantine period and is preserved in excellent condition. Finally, outside the courtyard of the monastery is the source of the monastery, which is famous for its water. Some identify this source with the ancient Kanathos mentioned by the traveler of the 2nd century AD Pausanias, who was associated with the worship of the goddess Hera.

5) Koronisi

 Koronisi is the smallest of the three islets in the gulf of Tolo and the one closest to its port. It is, of course, uninhabited, and can only be reached by boat, canoe or pedal boat, which can be rented from the beach. The trademark of the island is the chapel that dominates its top. This is dedicated to the twelve Apostles and dates back to 1830, when the first refugees from Crete settled in the area. In the evening the church is illuminated, creating a reflection in the serene waters of the sea.

4) Daskaleio

 Daskaleio is the second of the islands you will find in Tolo. It is also uninhabited and at its top there is a small, one-room vaulted chapel dating from the post-Byzantine period and dedicated to Zoodochos Pigi. Tradition says that in Daskaleio during the Turkish occupation operated a seminary, "hidden school" hence the name of the island. And this island can be reached by sea, renting a vehicle from land.

3) Romvi

 Romvi is the largest of the three islands, with an area of 1.6 sq.km. This island is also uninhabited, but this was not the case in the past. On the island have been found several buildings, of course today are covered by dense vegetation, ruins of a Byzantine temple, fortifications and various archaeological finds such as seals with names of kingdoms. The sandy coast at the back of Romvi, opposite Daskaleio, is fantastic and attracts many people every day who want to enjoy swimming in relative silence.

2) Beach

 The beach of Tolo is, in my opinion, one of the main reasons that makes it so attractive. It is about one kilometer long and starts from the organized beach "Psili Ammos" ending at the small picturesque port of the village. It is a sandy beach, relatively shallow, with clear blue waters, which gathers hundreds of tourists and locals every day during the summer months. Along it, you will find dozens of restaurants, cafes and hotels with a tremendous view of the Argolic Gulf, as well as shops where you can rent equipment to explore the surrounding area and the three islets by boat.

1) Acropolis of Ancient Asini

 Of course, the Acropolis of Ancient Assini could not be missing from the first place. It is the most important attraction of the region and one of the most popular of the entire Peloponnese. It is located between the bay of Tolo and the beach of Plaka Drepanou and its oldest name was Paliokastro. This steep rock, Kastraki, is 350 meters long and 140 meters wide, while it is half wetted by the waters of the Argolic gulf, while in the northwest it joins the land with a smooth slope. This place has been identified with the Homeric Asini, to which Homer refers in the Iliad. After excavations carried out in 1920, dense layers of habitation from various periods were discovered, the so-called "lower city". This particular peninsula has been inhabited since the 3rd millennium BC, while its strategic position can also be seen from the fact that it was chosen by the Italians during World War II. Unfortunately, the construction of the fortifications of the Italian troops caused the destruction of the ancient ruins! Today one can enter the archaeological site with just 3e and will have the opportunity to look back at the centuries-old history of the area, from the distant past to recent years. Ultimately, from the top of Bouboulina hill, you will have a wonderful panoramic view of the whole city, while it is the best spot to see the sunset.

Where to stay

 Let's not hide behind our finger; Tolo is a super summer destination, something that implies a multitude of accommodations during the summer months. My opinion is not to book something on the beach of Tolo, where prices are high and there is enough humidity, but to choose something above the road, since the distances are very small. So my suggestion is Oasis Apartments, located a breath away from the beach of the village. It is a family friendly hotel, with elegantly decorated rooms, fully renovated and fully equipped. They offer sea views, as well as a large courtyard ideal for young and old.

Where and what to eat

 Being in Tolo, a coastal village you should definitely try fish and seafood. Everything is fresh and delicious since they are fished the same day from the Argolic Gulf. I would suggest you sit down to eat on the beach, where the tables are literally on the wave. The one I liked best was the Trypia Sagionara, while the Romvi was also particularly good. Finally, for ice cream, visit Gelateria Athina, to eat delicious handmade ice cream.

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Mouzakidis Pantelis