Tolo, the tourist resort of Argolida - stay suggestions
The most well-known destination in Argolida is Nafplio but in the summer the scepter is rightfully taken by Tolo, a town known for its golden sand beach.
By royal decree in 1834 it was settled by cretans of the newly established greek state and the new city that was founded was named Minoa. This is why certain things in Tolo refer to Crete.
The name Tolo is of a strange origin. In ancient times it was called Avlon (Αυλών). The franks in the Middle Ages, because it is a port, called it port-avlon (πορτ - αυλών). However because in french the -αυ- is pronounced -ο-, it became portolon and finally Tolon. The inhabitants are called Tolians.
In Tolo the buildings are built on the sand of the beach, which is certainly a bad example of tourist development, I don't know if there is anything similar anywhere in Greece. But this has a cost because buildings built before 1970 have been reached by the sea and as a result have become unusable because they no longer have a beach in front of them. I hope the newer buildings don't have the same fate.
The trademark is Koronisi with the chapel of the Holy Apostles which celebrates on June 30. On the eve and on the day of celebration, boats depart from the harbour for the Holy Liturgy. The other island at the upper end of the beach is Romvi which hides a very nice beach and a small islet named Daskalio. Tourist boats go on excursions to the beach.
You will visit Tolo exclusively for relaxation, that is, for swimming, eating and getting out. It has everything and you don't need to move outside. It is an ideal trip to relax and recharge your batteries. Another positive thing about Tolo is that the beach faces east so the sun rises early.
Concerning food you will find souvlaki, pizza, breakfast, ice cream. From basic food served by hotels to fast food and traditional or gourmet.
Below is a list of the hotels I recommend you to stay at:
- (€€) Flisvos Royal Hotel & Suites (⭐ 8.9) a renovated hotel near the beach. It offers spacious and comfortable rooms with nice colours. It also has a swimming pool
- (€€) Mari Hotel & Maisonettes (⭐ 9.4) on the sandy beach with its own sun loungers. Renovated and one of the best choices to stay in Tolo
The hotel Minoa on the beach
Read also: How to get to Nafplio and Argolis' destinations
My suggestions for breakfast - beach bar - night clubs.
- for breakfast I recommend Nelly's a very nice balcony with a sea view
- for beach bar T7 on the sand with sofas
- disco Gorilla's for retro nights from the 70s and 80s in an authentic disco from the old days. A different bar I also recommend is Red Rock on stepped balconies on a slope
T7 beach bar
Beach
The beach is magical but only a small part is free as most of it is built up. Taverns and hotels manage the beach as if it were their own and have placed tables or sun loungers. It is shallow, suitable for children, but then the car will be ruined by the fine sand. The open part of the beach has showers.
What to do
One-day cruise to Hydra - Spetses islands with Pegasus Cruises. Excursion program is posted at various spots in Tolo.
For a cruise to Hydra - Spetses islands
Cruise with Eros boat trips to the hidden beach of Romvi. Contact number 6942 449067.
Visit the Asini Acropolis, an archaeological site with the ruins of the mycenaean kingdom which if you like hiking then is one more reason to visit it. The most interesting spots are the gate and the towering eastern bastion. However it also has a history from World War II as it was occupied by the italian conquerors as a bastion of defense of the surrounding beaches. The area is generally of strategic importance as it is the back door of Nafplio. The italian general Francesco Morosini landed on the beach of Tolo in 1686 to march with an army against the turkish-occupied Nafplio.
A walk in Nafplio one of the most romantic cities in Greece. For information about Nafplio refer to my travel guide.
Where to eat
1. Kokkino Piperi
Choose it for simple, delicious and affordable food. For souvlaki, wraps, pizza and a delicious variety of meats.
2. Maria's
On a wonderful balcony with a sea view that you can't get enough of. Specialties include shrimp spaghetti, chicken rigatoni and grilled talangani salad. The flavours are as good as the view.
3. Panorama
It combines the amazing sea view with the gourmet menu. Specialties include barley soup with shrimp, marinated salad and chicken skioufichta. You will be surprised how delicious the kolliva dessert with kaimaki ice cream is. It also offers a vegetarian menu.
4. Leimonia
In an old stone building that used to be the primary school of Tolo, at the end of the main road. With a garden in a very nice environment. Specialties are the chicken rigatoni, the Cleopatra salad but all the dishes are delicious. It also offers very nice pizzas.
5. Trypia Sagionara fish tavern
On the sand, a few centimeters from the waves in a very nice courtyard with mulberry trees. Enjoy Mrs. Virginia's homemade food, simple enough to eat and fill you up. Rich menu with very nice flavours, I can't say that I single out any dish because everything is delicious. The seafood prices are also very good.
6. Romvi
On the sand for fresh dishes in large, mom-sized portions. The shrimp spaghetti, seafood risotto and zucchini meatballs stand out in terms of taste, the menu also emphasizes seafood. The prices are also affordable.
7. Agkyra
On the sand in a very nice environment with a view of the islet Romvi. The menu emphasizes fish dishes but also offers some cooked dishes and fresh ones. All well-cooked and delicious. An additional reason to choose it is for the fresh fish.
