Argolic Gulf

The Argolic Gulf ([Αργολικός Κόλπος Argolikós Kólpos] Error: {{Lang-xx}}: text has italic markup (help), also Nafplio Gulf or Nauplia Gulf) is a small gulf off the east coast of the Peloponnese, Greece, opening into the Aegean Sea. Its main island is Spetses. This gulf and its islands are sometimes combined with the Saronic Gulf and Saronic Islands, with the result called the Argo-Saronic Gulf and the Argo-Saronic Islands. It is surrounded by two regional units, Arcadia and Argolis. The main island that is in the gulf is Bourtzi, a small island with a castle that is now a monument. Islands in the gulf are Plateia and Psili Nisida which lie south east of Tolo.

The gulf is crossed by ferry routes from Nafplio, Spetses, Hydra, Tyros and Leonidio.

The cities and towns that lie around the gulf are:

Tyros, SW
Leonidio, SW
Astros, W
Myloi, NW
Nea Kios, NW
Nafplio, N
Tolo, N
Iria Beach, NE
Porto Cheli, SE
Spetses, SE

Sailing in the Argolic Gulf

The Argolic Gulf is a wonderful sailing area, particularly for families and occasional sailors as the Peloponnese mainland wraps around the north and north east of the Gulf, protecting it from the summer Meltemi wind that can reach F7 and above further to the east in the Aegean islands. Yet the Gulf has reliable sea breezes meaning it still provides entertaining sailing, but without the excesses of wind and waves that can make sailing in the Cyclades and Dodecanese a tad more 'entertaining' than some might wish.

The best aspect of the Argolic Gulf though is how quiet it is. There are not large numbers of flotilla fleets in the area and if you are willing to try the smaller harbours, is still possible to be the only yacht in the harbour.

The area is also surrounded by history ranging from the small ruined castle above the harbour in Astros to the huge and truly magnificent Palamidi citadel that sits above Navplio (Naphlion), the ancient sites of Mycenae and Tiryns. And if you venture further down the eastern Peloponnese coast you'll be rewarded by Monemvassia, a colossal rock with the remains of a Byzantine town spread across the top and a walled medieval village tucked on its southern side.