Pixabay, Hans

Famous for its oranges, olive trees, grapes, potatoes and tomatoes, Argolida offers a true Mediterranean feast for the visitors from its bounty. In fact, oranges here are known as the gold of Argolis, a prefecture which produces no less than 300,000 tons of oranges per year. The endless olive groves are a site to behold, and their sweet, succulent taste is quite special, particularly if you come from northern Europe or North America. Spring yields a sublime aroma of orange blossom, which stirs the senses and reminds of the enchanting place you're visiting.

Here's a really great gastronomy tour that we recommend:

Walking food tour in Nafplion

Choose time: 10 am or 5 pm

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Location

Nafplion, Greece

1491

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Read the section on Nature/Flora, particularly the Katafyki Gorge. Argolida can certainly be a hiker's paradise.

Here's a really great hiking tour that we recommend:

HIKING TOUR AROUND NAFPLION

2.5-3 hours

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Location

Nafplion, Greece

1804

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The peninsula of Argolios forms one of the best examples of the harmonic co-existence of sea and mountains—Mounts Arachnaio, Didymo, and Aderes stand impressively between the valleys of Kranidi and Ermioni on the one side and the valley of Lygourgio, which stretches out to the bay of Epidavros on the other.

Pixabay, Pexels

Due to their sheer age, most of the monasteries and many of the churches in this area are hauntingly beautiful, having survived for hundreds of years and through tough times. They vary widely in their architecture and location, but all have a magical spiritual aura about them.

In historical times not so fertile and almost treeless, the plain of Argos now cultivates legumes, cotton, tobacco, olive trees, vineries, vegetables and citrus trees, thanks to the river Erasinos. Tobacco has been somewhat phased out in favour of food products such as its famed melons and citrus fruits. High poplar and plane trees generally appear near the river, while shrubs and olive groves lie on the surrounding mountains. The plain is dotted with springs here and there, some of which are connected to the sea via underground tunnels. If it weren't for this, the plain would have flooded during certain months and would have become a lake.

Pixabay, dimitrisvetsikas1969

An outstanding place of natural marvels and historic sites, the Katafyki Gorge just 6 kilometres outside Ermioni has a lot to offer. Amazing caves and rocks alternate with running water and lush vegetation. You will also come across the church of Agios Nikolaos from 1740. Wander around the old bridge were much of the nature is concentrated, then make your way to the village of Fourni for a rest stop. The gorge is 4.5 kilometres long. In New Epidaurus lies the Vothylas gorge at the outer limits of the village.

The Erasinos river in Kefalari was once called Stymphalos after the lake which was its source. Not far from the source are the remains of the temple of Artemis and a cave, as well as an altar where sacrifices to Panas and Bacchus were made. The cave has a little church of Zoodochos Pigi, a very old temple established there as there used to be a crypt in the cave. The church was destroyed and later rebuilt by Greek immigrants in the state of Georgia in the US who originated from Argos.

The Lake of Lerni in the Municipality of Argos has its source from the nearby mountains of Arkadia. It is supposedly where the seven headed Hydra originated in Greek mythology and was killed by Hercules. Also in the same municipality near Kyveri there is the Deini or Anavalos spring resembling artesian wells, and where there used to be a temple of Genesios Poseidon. The most notable springs in the area are at the source of the Akova.

Pixabay, JillWellington

A short drive away from Nafplion is arguably the most important wine region in southern Greece, particularly for red wine. The Agiorgitiko grape has been used with much success to produce deep red wines with a full body and velvety long palate.