Argolic Olive Oil Tasting and Ancient Epidavros: A Detailed Review
So, you know, Greece happens to be more than just sandy beaches and the bright lights of islands. Actually, it’s also brimming with culture and tasty local treats. You know, I recently went to Nafplion, and well, let me tell you, it’s certainly something! I was checking out the local olive oil and visiting the old theater at Epidavros. Honestly, I figured it was worth jotting down a few notes for you, like your own sneak peek before you even go.
Experiencing Nafplion’s Charm
First, Nafplion is more or less as quaint as people say, you know? That is, there are red-tiled roofs and the water right there. The old-town part, it’s rather a bit of a trip down memory lane, with structures from back when the Venetians were kicking around, actually. Like your pictures on the internet? Nah, nothing prepares you, too it’s almost unbelievable in person.
And like wandering without a plan, that seems to be the move. Just, you know, walk along the waterfront area, stop at shops, grab some gyros, and definitely give the Palamidi Fortress a quick glance from down below. Supposedly, there are almost a thousand steps up to the top, but frankly, I wasn’t ready to do that in the middle of the heat.
Olive Oil Tasting: A Sensory Exploration
Ok, let’s be honest, one of the main reasons I came this way was just a little for the olive oil. That is, Argolis happens to be known for it. Argolic olive oil? Yep, you can believe the stories. I found a little olive farm right outside of Nafplion, which, you know, offered up a tasting session. These sessions aren’t as commonplace in this region as in say Tuscany but are worth looking around for.
And there I learned that good olive oil, you know, isn’t only created equal. Really, there is all this involved. Like what? Well, stuff about how the olives are grown and when they were picked. After that, I found there is the pressing part, the differences in what comes from each part, and like actually how the heck it gets stored, arguably. But of course.
As a matter of fact, the family running this farm were like super excited about things and they were all, very, very eager for people to get that there is more to it all than what shows up in your average store. Actually, what seemed the craziest to me happened to be just how you are supposed to actually taste it! Basically, sip a bit from a small cup, swish, slurp some air, and well… concentrate! The flavors change quite a bit as the peppery feeling tingles a bit on your tongue. Honestly, you know that little bite that really is the telltale sign of a real olive oil?
Journey to Ancient Epidavros
And hey, Epidavros isn’t even too far from Nafplion; like it’s only half an hour away in the car, something like that, too it’s almost like you’re driving through hills filled with olive trees and the local wild stuff. The reason to come is, as I was saying, for the old theater, obviously. You have to picture this spot was like the hot destination in ancient times for anyone who was having troubles and were needing some treatment.
You know, this isn’t only some theater, it might be the best preserved one that I know. Still, the big thing here is actually the acoustics. It doesn’t really matter where you end up sitting; seriously, you can still hear what’s going on down below. Just give a try when you are at the top. Like having someone at the stage whispering; basically, you can really hear it just like you were standing nearby.
In fact, to feel things as they were, it turns out a few acts still do them some performances during the summer. The way I look at it is it is clearly something else just experiencing these old plays inside of what I would call one of the oldest theaters ever, too it’s almost like, actually bringing it alive for a bit.
Planning Your Visit: Tips and Recommendations
Alright, thinking of actually checking this out yourself? So, well here are some things that should be easy to pick up.
- Best time to visit? Usually spring or autumn. You are definitely going to sidestep super hot days and huge mobs. I had it so great when I got here during mid-September!
- Need a spot to stay? Seriously, Nafplion’s got places for those on a budget and spots that are something else! Actually, just snag a room near the old-town spot. By the way, that puts you in the heart of where the shops, tasty places, and, as a matter of fact, some night scenes will be.
- Do you need help moving from spot to spot? Just grab a rental car for getting around, arguably, particularly, I think, if you wanna hit up some other spots around the area. Supposedly there are buses to get you to Epidavros; seriously though, there might only be a small amount that heads that direction each day, basically.
- Anything I would change? Nah, that would have to be seeing Epidavros early in the day. Trust me that you should miss out on the packs if that is even doable! So, also plan a picnic; the areas are actually pretty beautiful if that tells you anything.
Greece is such a cool country that you are going to love this.
