Ermioni: holidays with an island backdrop
One more destination in mainland Greece was my spontaneous thought before visiting Ermioni but in the end the island scenery I encountered there was a pleasant surprise. And this is because I went by road, passing through mountains and mountains, but if I had gone by ferry I would have gotten an island air passing through the Saronic islands and would have been prepared for what I would encounter.
I have lived in Ermionida for 6 years so what I tell you is firsthand
And why shouldn't it be considered an island? It is a destination for the Saronic gulf ferries and pleasure boat, it has two ports, Mandrakia, which used to be small boat harbours and the northern port. The old houses are white, it has a nautical tradition since the old people where travelling to the fishing grounds of the Aegean and it also has several fish taverns. If you forget about it you will really think you are on an island.
Mandrakia
If you want to admire the landscape in all its glory then go to Agios Gerasimos church to see the Ermioni peninsula and the sea that surrounds it as far as Dokos and Hydra islands.
Where to eat
- Ganosis an old name with a history in Ermioni, for delicious traditional seafood, stews and meat dishes
- Spyrandreas enjoy original seafood gastronomic delights. The surprise is the catch of the day which is served fresh and is what the boats have caught, so fish not on the menu may also be offered. It is of course well-known as the most expensive fish tavern in Ermioni
- Maria's an old tavern too with a menu that includes meat, seafood and stews. It also offers breakfast
- Kavos mainly for seafood but also meat and stews. The specialty is the fisherman's pasta with mussels and shrimps as well as the dishes with the fish of the day. It is located in a spot with a very nice view of the sea, in a balcony location and the best time of day is at sunset.
- Michalis in a traditional building in Mandrakia. It may look old compared to other taverns but it is not inferior in taste at all. It offers excellent seafood and other dishes
- Tzieris an old and well-known fish tavern on a platform with a fantastic view. Its specialties are grilled octopus, fried anchovies and delicious zucchini meatballs
For coffee - drinks - sweets
- Casa Dei a spot for coffee and drinks with a view of the sea and the boats in Mandrakia
- Cavo Bianco a very nice bar by the sea for the night. But literally on the sea with a very nice view of a small boat tied up a short distance
- Yacht cafe for coffee and drinks in the harbuor in an old white building. Late at night the music gets louder
- Millenium for very nice waffles and crepes
- Ermioni for very nice waffles and crepes too
- Mandraki for coffee and drinks at a spot with a traditional mandraki
Godai Seascape
A seaside bar - restaurant on Sentoni beach, a short distance from Ermioni, in a closed bay with a sandy beach with sun loungers and sunbeds for moments of relaxation and carefreeness. It has tables and a bar with a menu that includes burgers, pizza, children's dishes, pasta, sweets and sushi. It is a very good choice for families as it has a playground. With large free parking and a shower and changing room.
Beaches in Ermioni
- small beach in Bisti a very small beach, a secret of the locals, on the south side of Bisti. The white steps lead there
- Kouverta a pleasant sandy beach with a canteen, sun loungers and plenty of free space. It also has tamarisk trees for shade. Just 10 minutes south
- Dardiza (Achladitsa) a pleasant beach with a canteen and sun loungers. It has tamarisk trees for shade and plenty of free space. Towards the mountain there is a sunken ancient settlement
A walk at Bisti
Be sure to take a walk at the Bisti pine forest, a nature lover's trail for a refreshing walk to gaze at the sea and take in the sea air. Additional reasons to visit are the ruins of ancient towers along the trail, the white renovated windmill and the foundations of an ancient temple located just above the mill.
How many days and nearby excursions from Ermioni
Two or three days are enough, you don't need to stay longer unless you combine it with a nearby excursion. The easiest excursion is to Hydra which you can go to either by ferry or from Metochi, a half-hour drive, by water taxi. You can also go on a one-day excursion. Also nearby destinations are Porto Heli, Spetses, Epidaurus, Nafplio and Poros.
Here is the list of accommodation options that I recommend:
- (€) Grand Bleu Apartments & Villas (⭐ 9.6) several options in various locations in Ermioni. The Dream House in Bisti forest stands out, with steps leading to the sea, and the villas at the port
- (€€) Dardiza Boutique Hotel (⭐ 9.6) on the beautiful Dardiza beach next to the sea with a swimming pool. A destination for relaxation
- (€) Leonidas Resort (⭐ 8.6) very good option outside Ermioni, in Agioi Anargyroi bay with elegant rooms and a small swimming pool
Search for hotel deals in Ermioni
The best option is Barcelo Hydra Beach Resort, with independent houses, garden, large swimming pool, beaches, water sports and restaurants
History and mythology
I will not refer to information that you can read anywhere on the internet. During my stay I searched for the best spots with local guidebooks.
Ermioni was one of the few cities in antiquity where Hades was worshipped. And this is no coincidence because this worship began at the terrible Katafyki pass where the locals believed that Persephone was abducted and that from the cave on the terrible rock, Hercules came from the Underworld with Cerberus. I have written a dedicated article about Katafyki.
According to Pausanias, in Ermioni is the mythical mountain Thornakas or Kokkygio, where Zeus sat and waited to mate with Hera, who was standing on the opposite hill of Pronas. He transformed himself into a cuckoo and, unleashing a storm, fell into her arms, who wrapped him in her tunic to protect him. It is the mountain with the antennae behind Ermioni. The reason why the ancients placed Thornakas there is probably because it overlooks Katafyki and the myth says that the abduction of Persephone took place with the knowledge of Zeus.
Something also worth seeing is outside the port authority the roman funerary monument with a couple whose faces were never finished.
How to get there
It is located in the prefecture of Argolida in the province of Ermionida. It is 170 km or 3 hours drive from Athens and by ferry with a daily connection from the Piraeus port from the Argosaronic gulf gate. You can also go by intercity bus, but it is tiring as it is a 5-hour journey on a road with many bends and slow speeds.
Map
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