gaillondon

I will be traveling to Greece 10/22/13 to 11/8/13. So far my plan:
1 night Delphi
7 nights Agios Nikolaos or Monemvasia (just outside the city) apartment rental
5 nights Nafplion
4 nights Athens
My question is I am trying to decide on location for seven nights. Which is a nicer area? I am interested in ruins, beaches. authentic villages, wine/oil oil tasting. Would Monemvasia be a long distance to travel to surrounding places. This is my first trip to Greece. We are trying to do a weekly rental, since we do not lilke to change accommodations often. We will have a car. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks,

stanbr

I would spend the week in Nafplion. There is so much to see in the surrounding area on day trips. Then transfer to Monemvasia with a stop in Mystras. That will take a half day for Mystras alone. Even though you don't like to change rooms often you will regret not spending at least one night in Monemvasia. There are period rooms situated throughout the city. Even Greek friends of ours say this is their favourite get a way spot. She says staying in Monemvassia is stepping into the past and you have an overwhelming urge to play pirate.
Then head west for the 5 days at Agios Nikolaos. Be sure to do the day trip around the Mani Peninsula and stop at the abandoned tower house village of Vathey. We spent an hour clambering around the houses.
Nafplio and Peloponnese http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7632094108982/

travelerjan

Very difficult to see/explore Greece islands OR mainland, if you are unwilling to change locations every 3 days or so. Is your previous Europe experience in Italy? So many people come to Greece with a Northern Italy Mindset. In Tuscany u can rent a place, drive 20 miles in a different direction each day, have a new experience then drive back. You cannot do that in Greece, in most instances. You either stay put (and limit your experience), or else pack up and move on in a few days. Nafplio is one exception, where you can drive one direction to Epidaurus one day, to Mycenae & Nemea another (altho these 2 can be visited when u are enroute to Nafplio). You can also check out Asine, near Tolo. But Monemvasia is not that near to any other "sights" but Mystra.

clausar

I am not sure whether 1 week in Monemvasia wouldn't be boring..
I have been there during Christmas, when it was alive , visited mainly by Greeks, but otherwise it will be sleepy, with the exception of the week ends.

Staying outside of the castle is not a bad idea at all, i had a nice apartment on 2 levels with view over the island of Monemvasia for only 50 Euros per night..

Excursions to Gytheio, Areopolis, Dyros Caves and Mystras can fill your days.

Personally i would spend 2 nights in Monemvasia and 5 nights in Kalamata, which is a good point for day trips to the Messinian Mani ( Kardamyli and Stoupa) or to the castles of Methoni and Koroni, Pylos, Ancient Messini or the Temple of Vasses.

gaillondon

Thank you so much for the suggestions. It is always difficult to narrow down specific locations. I have previously traveled to France, Spain, Sicily and many areas of Italy. Puglia, Sicily and Southern France all require picking and choosing to see some areas and leaving others to another trip. I will take the suggestion to stay Nafplion for one week and shorten other stays. What do you think of Aeropoli, Lemini area. I can see myself relaxing in an ocean view apartment, sipping wine on the balcony overlooking the sea. Is the landscape similar closer to Kalamata or can someone suggest similar views and relaxation that I don't have to travel as far. Also, I am from New England and used to winters -5 celsius, so 15-20 celsius is warm to me. Thank you for taking your time to help plan my trip. Also, I could someone make a suggest as to whether to save Delphi for after visiting Peloponnese.