Ermioni isn’t just another summer vacation destination. Nor is it just a place for a weekend getaway. It’s one of those places that makes you feel like time passes a little more slowly. It is located in the heart of Argolis and it combines the sea, history, and a beauty that is hard to find in tourist destinations. Its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and small cafés right by the water create an atmosphere that makes you feel instantly at home.
Why rent a car in Ermioni
Ermioni is beautiful in its own right. Bisti, the forest at the tip of the peninsula, is perfect for walking, while the little taverns in its two harbors serve fresh fish that’s hard to find anywhere else. However, Argolis has a unique landscape.
The most beautiful beaches and the most picturesque villages aren’t always served by the frequent public transportation a traveler might want. With a car, you don’t have to depend on anyone. You can set out in the morning for a swim at a secluded beach and spend the afternoon sipping coffee in a mountain village with breathtaking views.
First stop: Didyma and the imposing craters
Just a 15- to 20-minute drive from Ermioni, you’ll find yourself in a landscape that looks like a scene from a science fiction movie. The village of Didyma is famous for its “dolines”—two enormous, circular craters in the earth.
You can drive right up to them. In fact, at one of the two, there’s a small path that leads you inside, where two tiny chapels are built into the rocks. It’s an experience most tourists miss out on, simply because they don’t have the means to get there easily.
Porto Heli and Kosta: The two jewels of the Argolic Gulf
Continuing south, you’ll arrive at the cosmopolitan town of Porto Heli. Although it’s known for its luxurious villas and yachts, its true beauty lies in the small coves that surround it. With a rental car, you can explore the area of Agios Emilianos. There, the beaches are small, with crystal-clear waters and absolute tranquility.
A little further on is Costa. This is where the boats depart for Spetses. You can leave your car in the parking lot and be on the elegant island in 10 minutes for a short stroll, returning to Ermioni in the evening.
The picturesque village of Koilada
You shouldn’t miss a visit to Koilada. It’s a fishing village that has retained its authentic character. There you’ll see the traditional boathouses, where craftsmen still repair wooden boats the old-fashioned way. It’s the best place to eat Koilada shrimp, a delicacy famous throughout Greece.
Near Koilada is the Franchthi Cave. It is one of the most important prehistoric caves in Europe. Getting there involves a short drive followed by a brief walk along the seashore. The view from the cave out over the bay is simply magical.
Freedom of movement
Driving in Ermionida isn’t a chore—it’s a pleasure. The roads wind through olive groves and orchards filled with pomegranate trees. The scents of thyme and pine drift in through the open car window, reminding you of what a Greek summer is all about.
Another advantage of renting a car is the opportunity to visit Ancient Epidaurus or Nafplio. Although they are about an hour away, the route is beautiful and allows you to combine the seaside relaxation of Ermioni with a dose of culture and history.
Ermioni isn’t just a place to lounge on a beach chair. It’s the perfect starting point for exploring one of the most unique corners of the Peloponnese. By renting a car, you can stop wherever the view catches your eye, stay on the beach until the sun sets, and discover places you won’t find in any travel guide.
Useful tips for renting a car
- Book early: Demand is particularly high in July and August. By booking your car in advance, you’ll have a better chance of securing the model that suits you best.
- Choose a versatile car: The roads around the villages can be narrow. A small or mid-size car will make parking and maneuvering much easier.
- Watch out for turns: The road network in Argolis is in good condition, but there are quite a few curves. Drive carefully and enjoy the scenery.
Select your preferred vehicle and contact us to make a reservation. You can find us at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, in Porto Heli, at the port of Kosta, in Galatas, and of course in Ermioni and Koilada. No matter where you start, Pop’s Carcan meet all your needs. And don’t forget that there’s always the service One Way Rental!
