Amanzoe Resort

Situated in the East Peloponnese, just 51km from Amanzoe, Epidaurus is home to the Sanctuary of Asklepios, a Unesco World Heritage Site. The site – which includes a renowned amphitheatre – is surrounded by forest and has the ambience and seclusion of a retreat. The Sanctuary of Asklepios was the most renowned healing centre of the ancient world. The God of Medicine to the Ancient Greeks, Asklepios was considered a son of the god Apollo, given the gift of healing after his mother died giving birth to him. Represented by the snake (hence the global symbol of modern medicine – a snake entwined around a rod), Asklepios was one of the later additions to the Hellenic gods. Consisting of temples, hospitals and other facilities dedicated to health, the Sanctuary was visited by those looking for a cure from as far afield as Rome. The oldest buildings date back to the sixth century BC, and within the ruins are the remains of the Enkoimitirion. Here people would sleep in the hopes of having Asklepios appear to them in their dreams with a cure for what ailed them. Treatments included ‘licks’ from snakes, as well as entertainment, as the Greeks believed in the power of theatre to heal the mind and spirit. Built in the fourth century BCE, the amphitheater is remarkably well preserved. With capacity for 15,000, it is still host to live performances every summer.

Full of storied monuments dating from ancient and medieval times, the historic town of Nafplio is situated just 65km from Amanzoe. The town also played a major role in the history and creation of modern Greece, as it hosted the first Greek parliament after the Greek War of Independence and became the state’s first capital in 1828. Before Independence, Nafplio was ruled by a host of conquerors including the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires and the Venetians. Over the centuries, the different occupying forces left their mark on the architecture and culture of Nafplio, imbuing it with the unique and cosmopolitan atmosphere it has today. Renowned for its neoclassical architecture, the imposing Palamidi Fortress overlooking the city and the Bourtzi Castle set on an island in the middle of the harbour, Nafplio is a charming town to wander. The quaint streets of the old town are shaded by bougainvillea and lined with restaurants and shops, while jazz bars provide entertainment in the evenings.

Hydra is a picturesque town on a peaceful island. As you approach the port, the statue of Andreas Miaoulis, a local war hero, welcomes you as he stares out to sea. From the water, you can see the impressive clock tower of Hydra, and stately old mansions climbing the hillside. No motortransport is allowed anywhere on the island: donkeys and water taxis provide the only means of getting around. Hydra is as welcoming in the morning as it is in the evening, whether you wish to browse the shops, dine in the atmospheric restaurants or explore the museums. You may choose your tour time according to your personal wishes, but please keep in mind that the heat of midday can be quite intense during the summer months. The car journey from Amanzoe to the port of Metochi takes approximately 40 minutes, while the water taxi journey from Metochi to Hydra takes approximately 10 minutes.

The island of Spetses has a long and rich history, but the most interesting period is that of the Greek War of Independence and the Greek Revolution of 1821. Spetses was the first of the Greek islands to raise the flag of the Revolution on the morning of 3 April 1821 at the monastery of St Nicolas. Laskarina Bouboulina of Spetses, a very important and influential person in the Revolution, used her wealth to build and lead a navy after her husband’s death. Today, Bouboulina’s house is one of the most impressive places to visit in Spetses, among other mansions and museums. Spetses offers not only an inspiring past, but also natural beauty. It is cosmopolitan yet traditional – an enchanting combination of quaint streets, pine forests and local charm with reminders of its rich history around every corner.