Porto Heli

Go Exploring

Porto Heli is perfectly positioned to explore classical Greece with Mycenae, Navplion, Epidavros, Athens and the islands of Poros and Hydra all within easy reach.

On the south side of Porto Heli bay are the ruins of the ancient walled city of Halieis; evidence of the city can still be seen. Along the coast is the pretty village of Ermioni, which holds a market every Thursday and the pine covered peninsula boasts ruins to the Temple to Poseidon - both are worth a visit.

Further afield is Navplion, the first capital of modern Greece. An impressive 13th century citadel stands guard over a maze of narrow streets and squares with buildings dating from the Venetian, Turkish and neo-classical era.

Just opposite Porto Heli and the location of some of our day bike rides and weekly boat trip is the island of Spetses. There is much to explore including the museum of Bouboulina - who was instrumental in saving Spetses in the war against the Turkish invaders.

Excursions

• Epidavros & Mycenae  - Two of the most impressive archaeological sites in Greece are in easy reach from Porto Heli by hire car. Diehard historians can fit visits to both sites into one day. For a more leisurely approach pick one and mix it with a trip to another local beach or shopping in Navplion.

• Hydra  - The beautifully preserved island is easily approached by the morning hydrofoil from Porto Heli. An ideal way to spend a day off the water exploring the traffic free cobbled streets filled with museums, boutiques and delicious tavernas. If you need to cool off there is a swimming area on your way out of the village.

• Walking - There are a number of walking routes already explored and noted down should you wish to explore the local olive groves and pine woodland by foot. With easy tracks up the hill to the headland you can experience the breathtaking views along the Argolic coastline and across to the island of Spetses.

Money

The unit of currency here is the Euro. One pound will buy you approximately €1.28 at time of writing. You can use credit and debit cards (not switch) in the cash point which is a 10 minute walk from the Nautica Bay Beachclub. The bank is open Monday - Friday from 8.30 till 2pm. However in the hotel you can put any expenses you have on your room tab and pay at the end of the week with your credit or debit card (again not switch).

Eating Out

Every taverna will offer charcoal grilled dishes: Souvlaki (kebabs or meat on a stick), Kotopoulo (chicken in various forms), enormous pork chops and often small fish. Big fish are pricey. That may be it in the smaller places but some tavernas offer a much wider range. Starters may include: Tzatziki (cucumber and yoghurt dip with garlic), Taramasalata (roe and garlic dip), Calamares (squidlets) and other delights. Pre-cooked main dishes, such as Moussaka (meat and aubergine pie), stuffed tomatoes and peppers and Keftedes (herby meat balls) are very tasty and good value. Meals are entertaining and relatively cheap compared to England