Tolo holidays

How to reach Tolo

Flight time: Flights to Athens from London take around 3 hours 40 minutes.

Transfer time: Tolo is within a 2-hour drive of Athens International Airport. Making the journey by bus is doable but convoluted, with three service changes. The bus from the airport to the intercity bus station in Athens takes about an hour, then it's another 2 to 2 hours 30 minutes to Nafplio, from where it's a 30-minute bus ride to Tolo.

Price: Taxiing from the airport to Tolo costs around €150–€200; bus tickets come in around €15.

Best time to visit Tolo

The timing for your Tolo holidays depends on the holiday experience you have in mind and finding the weather to go with it, whether that’s hitting the beach or discovering the ancient world.

• March to May are get-active months: relatively dry but not quite beach-ready, with temperatures ranging from around 15 to 24°C.

• June to August are the months for sun followers, with minimal rainfall, temps in the high 20s to low 30s and up to 14 hours of daily sunshine.

• September to November are outdoorsy months (whether the outdoors is a beach, an archeological site or a mountaintop depends on the month). Temperatures range from a warm 28°C to a comfortable 17°C while rain essentially holds off until October, heading into November.

• December to February are have-it-to-yourself months. With the tourist season wrapped up until spring, Tolo settles into the most authentic version of itself. There’s a higher likelihood of rain, but temperatures hover around the 12–13°C mark.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

• Currency: Greece is in the eurozone.

• Getting around: If you plan to stay put in Tolo, you won’t need much more than your own two feet or a bicycle to get around. Local buses and taxis connect Tolo with Nafplio (€2 by bus; about €15 for a taxi), but a rental car will come in handy if you plan to explore the Peloponnese peninsula.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 230V 50Hz. Plugs are two-pin Type C and F.

• Time zone: Greece runs on Eastern European Time, 2 hours ahead of GMT (3 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time).

Best things to do in Tolo

Good food, golden sands, uninhabited islands and nearby archeological sites: holidays to Tolo tick off every item on the list.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Agia Kyriaki: Straight out of a storybook, this little blue-roofed church is reason enough to visit. The gorgeous views over Tolo and the bay are simply a bonus.

• Koronissi: Directly opposite the main beach, with its dinky white church, this green islet presents a pretty picture by day, but it’s something else once the floodlights come on in the evenings.

The best districts

• Sekeri Street: Running roughly parallel to the coast, Tolo’s buzzy main drag offers an array of accommodation, shops and restaurants.

Parks and gardens

• Parco Pescatori Cretesi: Home to a monument dedicated to the Cretan fishermen who founded Tolo following the War of Independence, this hybrid park square is the perfect spot to soak up a bit of village history while you people-watch.

Museums

• Archaeological Museum of Nafplion: A 20-minute drive from Tolo, this regional museum impresses from its Venetian-era digs to well-curated finds dating from the Paleolithic to Roman times.

• Komboloi Museum: Nafplio’s bead museum is home to a vast collection of prayer beads – Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Christian Orthodox, Catholic – and Greek komboloi.

Historical monuments

• Archaeological Site of Asine: Spread across the rocky promontory above Kastraki Beach and the slopes of Barbouna Hill to the west, there are plenty of ruins to explore from the Middle Helladic, Mycenaean, Hellenistic and Roman periods.

• Fortified ruins of Romvi: Crowning the summit on the southwestern side of the islet, Romvi’s ruined citadel is a legacy of Slavic invasions in the 6th and 7th centuries.

Day trips in the area

• Archaeological Site of Mycenae: Some 30km from Tolo, Mycenae was one of the greatest cities of the Late Bronze Age and offers several impressive ruins, including the Lion Gate, Agamemnon’s Palace and the Treasury of Atreus.

• Hydra and Spetses: Lying off the northeast tip of the Peloponnese, both islands can be visited on boat tours from Tolo, making for a perfect island-hopping adventure. With a bit of luck, you’ll spot pods of dolphins en route.

Activities for families in Tolo

There’s plenty to keep everyone entertained on Tolo family holidays.

• Family-friendly beaches: Tolo’s main beach, Psili Ammo, is excellent for families, with calm, shallow waters, soft golden sand and plenty of amenities.

• Playgrounds: Located next to the primary school, the municipal playground has the usual assortment of play equipment.

• Amusement parks: With a pick of classic rides and games, Yupi Ya, by Parco Pescatori Cretesi, is the perfect antidote to beach fatigue.

• Boat trips: Whether you rent a boat by the hour or join an organised tour, families will have a blast tooling around the bay and exploring Tolo’s trio of islets.

Free things to do in Tolo

Family-friendly jamborees, sun-kissed beach days, ruins and monuments – there’s plenty to do even if you’re holidaying on a tight budget.

• Museums and archeological sites: Admission to all state-owned museums and archeological sites is waived on 6th March, 18th April, 18th May, the last weekend of September, 28th October, and every first Sunday from November to March.

• Annual festivals and free events: Tolo hosts various cultural festivals throughout the year, many of which feature free performances, such as traditional Greek music and dance. Top picks include Navy Week in June and the Festival of the Fishermen in September.

• Beaches: By law, 70 percent of Greek beaches must be free of sunloungers, so you’ll have plenty of space to lay out your towel. Psili Ammo and Kastraki beaches can be reached on foot, but you’ll need to pony up for a boat, pedal boat, kayak or jet ski if you want to hit the beaches at Koronisi, Romvi or Daskalio.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Cycling: Take it easy in the saddle with leisurely cycles through citrus groves, small villages and along country roads. Sellis Bike in Nafplio have a decent range and delivers bikes within a 15km radius.

• Hiking: From wetland rambles to Vivari to mountain treks to Nafplio, hikers have a pick of fantastic trails.

• Rock climbing: Trad climbers won’t have to look further than the north face of Profitis Ilias for some challenging routes with loads of variety in climbing style.

• Scuba diving and snorkelling: If amazing marine life, rocky seabeds and reefs float your boat, Intro Dive provides a range of PADI courses and diving packages.

• SUP and sea kayaking: With calm wind conditions and the rocky islets of Koronisi, Romvi and Daskalio only a couple of hundred metres offshore, the bay of Tolo is prime paddling territory. Waterfun Tolo, based at Tolo Beach, offers guided tours and equipment rentals.

Discover the beautiful beaches of Tolo

Tolo is renowned for its stunning beaches, making it an idyllic destination for sun-seekers and water enthusiasts. With its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings, the beaches in Tolo offer the perfect setting for relaxation and adventure during your holidays in Tolo. Here’s a guide to some of the top beaches to explore:

Tolo Beach

• Family-friendly atmosphere: Tolo Beach is the main beach in the village, known for its soft golden sands and shallow waters, making it ideal for families with children. The beach is well-maintained and offers plenty of space for sunbathing and beach games.

• Amenities: Visitors will find numerous amenities, including sunbeds, umbrellas, and beachside tavernas serving delicious Greek cuisine. This ensures a comfortable day at the beach, with everything you need within reach.

• Water sports: For those looking for excitement, Tolo Beach offers a range of water sports, including jet skiing, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. Equipment rentals are available nearby, allowing you to dive into the action with ease.

Agia Kyriaki Beach

• Secluded gem: Located just a short distance from Tolo, Agia Kyriaki Beach is a hidden gem that offers a more tranquil escape from the busier beaches. Surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs, this beach provides a picturesque setting for relaxation.

• Crystal-clear waters: Known for its pristine waters, Agia Kyriaki is perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Spend your day soaking up the sun on the soft sands or exploring the vibrant marine life just offshore.

• Peaceful atmosphere: This beach is less crowded than Tolo Beach, making it an ideal spot for couples or those seeking a quiet day by the sea.

Karathona Beach

• Scenic beauty: Karathona Beach is renowned for its breathtaking views and natural beauty. Located a short drive from Tolo, this beach features soft sands and azure waters, making it perfect for a day of sun and relaxation.

• Beach amenities: Visitors can enjoy beach bars and restaurants that serve fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes. The facilities available ensure a comfortable experience for all.

• Ideal for sunbathing and swimming: With its calm waters and inviting atmosphere, Karathona Beach is a great spot for swimming or simply lounging in the sun.

Tips for enjoying the beaches

• Sun protection: Always pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun while enjoying your time at the beach.

• Local cuisine: Take advantage of the beachside tavernas and restaurants where you can indulge in delicious local dishes, from fresh seafood to traditional Greek salads.

• Respect the environment: Keep the beaches clean by disposing of rubbish responsibly and following local regulations regarding beach access and activities.

Embrace the beach life in Tolo

With its stunning coastline and inviting waters, Tolo is the perfect destination for holidays in Tolo filled with sun, relaxation, and adventure. Whether you prefer lounging on the sandy shores, engaging in exciting water sports, or exploring hidden coves, the beaches of Tolo promise an unforgettable holiday experience in this beautiful corner of the Peloponnese.

Local dishes in Tolo

One of the joys of Tolo holidays is indulging in delicious Greek cuisine that lets the ingredients do the talking. From seaside tavernas to homespun eateries, Tolo offers an authentic taste of the Peloponnese.

Some typical dishes

• Horiatiki: Tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, olives, olive oil, red wine vinegar and oregano add up to summer on a plate.

• Briam: This mixed roast vegetable dish typically includes aubergines, courgettes, potatoes and tomatoes, but there are seasonal substitutions.

Meze dishes

• Gavros: Lightly dusted with flour and fried or pickled à la Spanish Boquerones, whitebait is a much loved Greek delicacy.

• Htapodi Ksydato: Marinated in vinegar and olive oil, this octopus dish gives real meaning to the adage that less is more.

Meat dishes

• Ofto Kleftiko: Slow-baked in a sealed clay pot with potatoes to soak up the meat juices, it’s no wonder this lamb dish is a classic.

• Gourounopoulo: One for the must-try list, roast pork is something of a Peloponnese speciality.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Kalamaria Gemista: This seafood classic consists of squid stuffed with rice and aromatic herbs.

• Bakaliaros Plaki: Baked salted cod with raisins is an unusual pairing, but the dried grapes perfectly balance the fish.

Street food

• Gyros: The Greek take on Turkish doner kebabs, spit-cooked meat, salad and Tzatziki wrapped in pitta bread.

• Crepes: Sweet or savoury, you won’t go far wrong with a pancake.

Sweets and desserts

• Diples: You haven’t really been to the Peloponnese if you haven’t tried these deep-fried, honey-drenched pastries.

• Galopita: Kissing cousin to filo-based Galaktoboureko, this traditional milk custard pie is especially popular on the Peloponnese.

Local drinks

• Ouzo: Wetting whistles since the 1800s, a dram of this pomace spirit is practically obligatory.

• Moschofilero: Moschofilero grapes are mainly grown in the Mantinia region of the Peloponnese (an hour’s drive from Tolo) and produce highly aromatic, crisp whites.