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Tolo might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a holiday in Greece, but that’s exactly what makes it so special.
Just 15 minutes from Nafplio, Greece’s beautiful first capital, this laid-back seaside village combines long sandy beaches, excellent seafood, boat trips to tiny islands and easy access to some of the country’s most important archaeological sites.
I visit the Nafplio and Tolo area several times a year, and every trip seems to uncover something new. Sometimes it’s a quiet beach I hadn’t noticed before, sometimes it’s a fantastic waterfront taverna, and other times it’s simply an excuse to slow down and enjoy one of my favourite corners of the Peloponnese.
🥳 TESTED TOP PICKS FOR THE PELOPONNESE
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🏨 Most famous hotel: The Peloponnese is famous for some pretty fancy hotels. If you want style and comfort then you must check out W Costa Navarino (especially if you love golf). As for me, I’ll take a 7 night stay at the incredible Kinsterna Hotel – one of the MOST famous boutique hotels in Greece.
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⛵ Activities: Sailing in the gulf near Nafplio. Way less crowds, more secluded swimming spots and still good value for money. Much different than nearby Hydra and Saronic gulf islands. You will LOVE this. For art lovers, make sure to check out this Mycenaean Ceramics Workshop Experience, it is by the Silo Art Factory.
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🥙 Favorite place to eat: So many but I had spiritual level experiences in Maria’s Restaurant in Tolo and Zerva’s Tavern outside Mycenae.
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🏰 Must-do repeat activity: I never get tired of climbing up Palamidi fortress. Grab your camera!
👉 This article is part of my things to do in the Peloponnese series, where I explore and share activities and ideas. It is a vast area, that it can take years to explore fully.
I also regularly update these guides, so if you have a suggestion for things to do, get in touch directly. If you love the Peloponnese, make sure to check this guide with 58+ things to do in the Peloponnese.
How to Get to Tolo
From Athens, Tolo is only 2 hours away. The drive is pleasant and mostly follows the new highway route. After leaving Athens, you will be awarded with views of Elefsina Bay and Salamina island, and you might also want to have a quick stop at the Isthmus of Corinth for photos.
The Canal of Corinth was first proposed in classical times, but after some failed attempts at construction, it was completed in 1983. The narrow 8-meter-long passage that was carved out, allows smaller vessels to pass through but it is also a popular bungee jumping spot.
- If you want to have a quick photo-op stop here, make sure to exit the highway that goes to Loutraki.
If you are coming to Tolo by bus then you can book a ticket with the Greek KTEL system from Athens to Nafplio and then from Nafplio to Tolo. Find more information here.
Best Things to Do in Tolo
1. Visit Tolo Beach
Being a coastal village, there is no surprise that Tolo has some great swimming options. the most famous of which is Tolo Beach, which starts from the area of Psili Ammos and stretches for more than 1 km until the port. You will find organized and unorganized sections with umbrellas and sunbeds available for hire.
Tolo Beach is very popular in the summer, with visitors coming from nearby Nafplio to enjoy the cool and protected waters of the bay. Even if swimming is not in the cards for you, there are a lot of restaurants and bars to relax in here.
2. Explore Ancient Assini
I’ve been to a lot of archaeological sites in Greece, but ancient Assini tends to move me differently.
Maybe it is the perfect hill from where you can gaze out towards the bay and small islets.. or the open plan of the actual archaeological site.
The site was brought to light during excavations in 1920 first by French archaeologists and later on by a Swedish team led by Axel W. Persson. This is a modern and newly established archaeological site that both the local community and archaeologists worked on together to make as accessible and educational as possible.
You will find a botanical garden, an excavation space where children get to practice being archaeologists for the day, as well as a collection of photographs from the Georgios Seferis archive with a poem that was written for the King of Asine.
A less well known fact is the role of Tolo during WW II and the presence of the ANZAC (Australian New Zealand Army Corps) in the area. You can visit a small cave at the top to read more about that period and the battle of Assine in Tolo on the 27th of April 1941.
Ticket prices:
The ticket price in 2026 is €5 per adult and €3 for reduced entry.
3. Have cocktails at Red Rock Bar
Very close to the acropolis of Ancient Assini, you will find the small bay of Kastraki and the classic Red Rock Bar. It’s popular with locals and tourists, for the insane views over the gulf and the great cocktails!
It is also a great beach if you want to avoid the crowds.
4. Spread out at Paralia Assinis
On the other side of the ancient ruins is a long stretch of land that is called Assini Beach or Plaka. Due to its size there are sandy, pebbly and rocky parts. This is one of the quietest spots in the area, and most people come from nearby hotels. There are not a lot of facilities but you will find a handful of tavernas.
5. Sail to Koronisi, Romvi and Daskalio Islands
If you haven’t spotted the small islets in the bay yet, you’ll want to do so now.
They are Romvi, Daskalio and Koronisi. Romvi is the largest and greenest with a big natural bay on its southern side.
There are findings that suggest people lived on these islands as far back as the 6th and 7th centuries, mostly to flee from raids on the mainland.
Daskalio is much smaller and opposite Romvi but with a bit of a local legend.
The name Daskalio, means “little school”. So it is said, that during the Ottoman years of occupation, the priests operated a secret school here to teach Greek children about the Orthodox faith, and the Greek language.
There is also the small chapel of Zoodochos Pigi and it’s an overall perfect swimming spot.
I recommend inquiring ahead of time at Tolo Sailing – the same people I went with and the only provider in the area.
They have two sailboats and really competitive prices, which makes this very worth it for larger groups.
You will spend the day exploring bays, swimming, doing the hike around the island or having a BBQ at the beach.
My other recommendation is Intro Dive which offer both introductory Open Water Courses and Divemaster courses for more experienced scuba divers.
6. See the beautiful Monastery of Agia Moni (Zoodochos Pigi)
Only 10 km away from Tolo and at a driving distance of 15 minutes you will find the monastery of Agia Moni also known as Zoodochos Pigi which translates to “source of life”. The water spring in the chapel has mythological and religious significance with the first mention of the spring believed to be in the 2nd century AD by Pausanias.
On the grounds you will find the beautiful church, and small chapels as well as the living quarters as this is an active monastic community and nunnery. The oldest parts of the church date back to the 12th century.
7. Stop by the Church of Agia Kyriaki
The beautiful blue and white church of Saint Kyriaki is bulit on a hill and without a doubt has the best view of the area around and below. From here, you can even spot Romvi and Karonisi islands across the bay.
As one can imagine this is quite the spot to get married in. You get a peaceful and magical setting, Cycladic Island vibes, and it’s only a five-minute drive down to waterfront and the best seafood tavernas.
8. Have a tasting at Ouzo Karonis
A family run distillery that has been operating almost as long as the modern Greek state has existed. The Karonis Ouzo distillery is only a 20-minute drive from Tolo so there is no excuse to miss it.
Here you can learn more about the process and production of ouzo, one of the most important Greek drinks and try the original recipe with its 145 years of history. To get the best results you need to use the traditional method of “apostaxi” that does not alter the flavour or use additives and high quality water from the region.
Try not to be the designated sober driver so you can try the local tsipouro as well as the cherry and lemon liqueur (a different kind of limoncello).
9. Have a Traditional Olive Oil Tasting
On your way to the archaeological site of Epidavros, you will find the Melas Olive Oil Domain. With more than 1.5 million olive trees in the area, this “liquid gold” as Homer once said is one of the most prized exports of the region.
The modern olive oil production process is a complicated and serious affair, that combines the latest technology and expert knowledge of the producers to achieve taste, quality and nutritional benefits. There are a lot of olive oil tasting experiences, but this allows you to peak behind the curtain, right where the action happens.
10. Have a unique beekeeping and honey tasting experience
Bee-keeper or astronaut?
This was one of the most special experiences I got to have a few years ago. You get to taste and observe beekeeping practices, while also tasting the produce (and some extra goodies).
You’ll have to reach out to the municipality directly for this experience, so I recommend emailing them way in advance.
More information by contacting Tolo.gr here.
Nearby Escapes From Tolo
Of course, there are a ton of nearby spots and attractions to explore as well.
11. Explore Nafplio
Nafplio is a vibrant city with strong influences from the Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans creating a kaleidoscope of history and culture. It is also one of the most charming and Instagrammable towns in Greece.
In addition to being the first capital of Greece (1827) it boasts the first pharmacy, first hospital for the poor and the setting of the first political assassination and first Greek Parliament.
It is impossible not to love the cobbled alleyways and charming waterfront that create an intimate and romantic setting. Inhabited since ancient times, the peninsula that Nafplion is located on was an important strategic harbour.
Personally, I find Nafplio one of the most walkable cities in Greece and with a lot of things to keep visitors occupied for 2-3 days.
12. Explore the amazing sights of Epidavros & Mycenae
Two massively important archaegolocial sites that are less than an hour away from Tolo are the sanctuary of Asclepius and Ancient Theatre of Epidavros and the archaeological site of Mycenae which is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
While the theatre of Epidavros often steals the spotlight with its summer long festival hosting international performances, operas and ancient tragedies, the area of Epidavros was actually a hugely important healing centre where people would travel to from all over for rest, relaxation and to be cured.
The kingdom of Mycenae is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and one of the richest, as it was practically covered in gold. The site dates back to the 7th millennium BC but very little remains of that time, as it was continuously inhabited. The monuments that are still visible today were build sometime during 1350 and 1200 BC during the Late Bronze Age. The Lion Gate and Atreus’ Treasure are both simply breathtaking and must see pieces of archaic power.
I would highly recommend you book an experienced tour guide for both archaeological sites to fully appreciate their history and importance.
Where to Eat in Tolo
For such a small town, Tolo sure delivers on food. There are dozens of establishments along the water, and of course fresh fish and seafood are the main highlights in the area. I’ve visited many spots, but my main and most important recommendation is Maria’s restaurant. The photos are a bit older, but the food is every bit as good in 2026. The location and service are also both excellent, with views over the bay and small islets, which feels like you’re right on the water.
More options for dining in Tolo
- Golden Beach Restaurant: For something more casual, with right on the beach and with great calamari. Make sure to try the local beer “Toliani”.
- Akrogiali Restaurant: Right on the water, with reasonable prices and a relaxed atmosphere.
- CARNAYIO Sea Side Restaurant: A bit further out of the village, this is a Greek fusion space where you can enjoy lunch and a swim, or stay for dinner. The risotto and octopus carpaccio are amazing dishes.
- Marinero Taverna: Probably the most reviewed, and local feel spot that is not next to the water. A very traditional family run taverna, with focus on quality.
- Cleopatra Bakery: A great little bakery with lots of options, for anytime you need a snack.
Where to Stay in Tolo
Despite its small size, Tolo has a surprisingly good range of accommodation for every budget.
But they do book in advance, so keep that in mind.
Most hotels are within a short walk of the beach, so you don’t need to worry too much about location unless you’re specifically after uninterrupted sea views.
During the 2026 season, expect to pay around €60–90 per night for a clean budget hotel or apartment, and €100–180 for a comfortable mid-range stay with a pool or beachfront location. There are no 5 star hotels here, but lots of resort-style options.
If you’re looking for the highest-end stay in Tolo, King Minos Hotel is generally regarded as the town’s closest equivalent to a resort hotel, offering panoramic sea views, a large pool, modern renovated rooms and a wide range of facilities.
Other excellent options include John & George Hotel, which is known for its rooftop pool, spacious rooms and fantastic views over the bay, with rates generally starting around €110–180 per night in season.
Finally, Paradise Lost Hotel remains one of my personal favourites after staying there myself. Set just a short walk from the beach in a lush tropical-style garden, it offers excellent value, with most rooms typically ranging between €80–160 per night depending on the time of year.
Have more questions about the Peloponnese?
I’ve written quite a few guides on the Peloponnese τηατ you might find handy as you research things to do in the region.
- 23 Best Things to Do in Nafplio, Greece (With Prices for 2026)
- Tolo, Greece Travel Guide; Things To See, Do & Eat
- How Many Days Do You Need in Elafonisos? The Smallest, Most Unknown Greek Island
- 7 Epic Greece Road Trip Itineraries
- Hiking Mount Taygetos in the Summer
- The Best Things to Do in Kalamata (Updated for 2025)
🥳 TESTED TOP PICKS FOR THE PELOPONNESE
🏨 Most famous hotel: The Peloponnese is famous for some pretty fancy hotels. If you want style and comfort then you must check out W Costa Navarino (especially if you love golf). As for me, I’ll take a 7 night stay at the incredible Kinsterna Hotel – one of the MOST famous boutique hotels in Greece.
⛵ Activities: Sailing in the gulf near Nafplio. Way less crowds, more secluded swimming spots and still good value for money. Much different than nearby Hydra and Saronic gulf islands. You will LOVE this. For art lovers, make sure to check out this Mycenaean Ceramics Workshop Experience, it is by the Silo Art Factory.
🥙 Favorite place to eat: So many but I had spiritual level experiences in Maria’s Restaurant in Tolo, Zerva’s Tavern outside Mycenae, and the best souvlaki at Nikitas in Kalamata.
🏰 Must-do repeat activity: I never get tired of climbing up Palamidi fortress. Grab your camera!
