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Tyros, Arkadia

Tyros, Arkadia, Greece

By Wendy Copage

Tyros is a small seaside town which is actually a 2 for 1 deal. A beautiful coastal village with beaches, restaurants and cafes and it is also on the edge of  the largest National Park in Greece, Parnon Park.

On the seafront a 2km flat pebble bay the villages of Tyros and Sapounakeika meet and looking up from the harbour you can see the mountain villages clearly defined with Sapounakeika on the left and Tyros ( middle and upper) on the right.

Tyros is a working place which has a very short tourist season to boost the local economy in July and August. The tourism is based in small hotels and rooms along the bay that are all family run, The tourists that come here, year in and year out, are mainly Greek families that base themselves in the same spot and just cross the road to the beach, where they leave all their chairs and beach paraphernalia between their morning and evening swims.

The best time to visit is Spring to include the fantastic Easter celebrations especially Good Friday with the processions along the seafront accompanied by the local fishing boats. Autumn is also good when it is quieter but the sea is still warm. As a living village it does not close through the Winter either and is worth visiting to explore from here the surrounding mountain wilderness with spectacular monasteries.

Tyros, Arkadia, Greece

At one end of the bay is the harbour, which has recently been upgraded and extended to cater to the seasonal flotilla business. Actually what happened is the local fishermen took over the new berths and left the flotilla on the far side of the harbour so that any of the noisy gin palace parties do not disturb the Greek families in the hotels! A walk to the end of the harbour is a must as it gives you a spectacular panoramic view of the bay and the encircling mountains and villages. At the harbour end there is also a good amphitheatre that is used regularly for local events, dancing, music and theatre. The local community always lay on a number of events through the summer and it is a great way to join in the fun as most of the events are free.

Grilled sardines

Restaurants

A stroll along the seafront is a regular event and the road is closed to traffic in the summer months after 9pm at night so making it a safe environment for cyclists and kids skating along with parents. Along the seafront are numerous restaurants, bars and coffee shops.

The best eating place on the seafront is Akroyiali which is right at the opposite end of the bay from the harbour. Most of the other places are ok but Akroyiali is open year round and offers excellent value and choice of lots of local cooked dishes and seafood. For a coffee or a cocktail there are plenty of places to choose.

For another fantastic eating experience it is worth the 10 minute drive up to Saponakeika to Konatsi Taverna. This is basically a ‘psistaria’ with really well cooked local meat ( especially the pork chops and lamb stifado) but the highlight is the amazing mixed salad that is literally the best you will ever eat anywhere. They also have a fantastic view over the bay and the taverna is full of old family photos and collected local folklore items. To add to this they also have really good local herbs, marmalades and olive oil and small bottles of lotions all handmade by Litsa the owner.

So what to do to enjoy your holiday in Tyros…..here are some ideas...

Ligeria Beach Tyros

Swimming

Tigani Beach just to the North of Tyros town. Here you will find a beach bar, sunbeds and a shallow protected bay perfect for children. You can also hire a canoe or pedalo and go round the headland to visit lover’s cave. The snorkelling is the best here too.

Zaritsi Bay again just to the North of Tyros is a beautiful white pebble beach with St Christopher’s church on the road and a low key taverna right on the beach for a simple lunch.

Ligeria Beach (photo) is just South of Tyros below the windmills. This is only reachable by paths and is therefore very quiet and peaceful. The pebbles here are a remarkable mix of green and purple. It is best to make a day of a trip here and take your picnic and beer cool bag with you.

Stay in Tyros main bay and just step across the road from your hotel or bar…..The water is still lovely and you can tread water looking back at the mountains and watching the world go by.

Tyros walk

Walking

Visit the pre-historic walls of Kastro on the hill above Tyros harbour. This is about an hours walk and gives fabulous views over the windmills to the Argolida, Spetses and Hydra across the gulf.

Trikeri path to the North of Tyros. You can park just off the road and do either the straight path out and back overlooking Tyros bay ( 1 hour) or you can do the circular path that is marked in ORANGE from the parking that takes you around in around 2/3 hours. The first option is especially good early morning or evening time.

A local village walk can be arranged to start and finish from your hotel taking 3 hours or you can arrange in advance for a longer trip. Contact www.greeceonfoot.com

Elona Monastery, Arkadia

Around Tyros

You can take short drives from Tyros where you can visit  small villages and wander the back streets and take in the views over the Gulf.

Drive directly up from Tyros crossroads to Ano Tyros. Park just as you enter the top village and walk through the village  to the windmill and back. Sorry no coffee shop up here!

Drive up to Sapounakeika and park in the plateia near the Konatsi Taverna and wander down to the spring and up the back streets in a circle back to the Taverna.

Melana is 15minutes South of Tyros, a ttraditional protected village with a small folklore museum and coffee shop. Park below the plateia and walk up into the village and continue down passed the spring and over to the other side of the village with lovely sea views. Stop for a mountain tea or local tsipouro at the kafenion on the way back to the car. To visit the museum ask at the coffee shop and the local guide will open it and show you around.

Pragmateftis a little further South a village perched on a ridge high above Livadi bay. Park near the school when you 1st enter the village and wander the streets upwards to the old kafenion for a beer and a photo opportunity.

The trip to Kosmas is one of the most spectacular drives in Greece and you pass the Monastery of Panagia Elona (photo), built in an enormous cave on the rock face of the Dafnon River Gorge, which rivals the monasteries of Meteora.

Mostou Wetlands

The natural spring in Lake Mostou is part of the Mostou Natural Wetlands, a protected area which contains a large number of birds and other wildlife. Nearby is the beach town of Paralia Astros with its medieval castle and Archaeological museum and a coast road and harbor dotted with fish tavernas and fast food joints a popular holiday destination for Peloponesians and Athenians.

Tyros is also within striking distance of Nafplion, Corinth and he Argolis, Nemea, Kyparissi, Sparta, Mystras, Githeon, Monemvasia,  Leonideion and The Mani for day trips or overnights.

If you would like to really explore the area you can also book a 4x4 off road half or full day tour to explore the National Park visiting protected villages and hidden monasteries. Email contact wendycopage@gmail.com or visit my website at www.greeceonfoot.com

Finally don’t miss a visit to the working looms that make tapestries and carpets near the Shell garage on the main road. Super local designs you won’t find elsewhere.

Paraskevas Hotel in Tyros

Hotels and Rooms in Tyros

Only a few steps from the nearest beach, Hotel Paraskevas (photo) features a garden with sun terrace and a bar. It offers air-conditioned accommodation with free, high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the entire property. Local taverns and bars can be found within short walking distance. Opening to a balcony, all rooms and apartments at Paraskevas include a TV and a mini fridge. Each has a private bathroom with a shower. Most accommodation types enjoy views over the Argolic Gulf. The beachfront Oceanis Hotel features air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and furnished balcony overlooking Tiros Beach and the sea. Shops and restaurants serving fresh fish are just 30 meters away. A TV and fridge are included in all rooms at the Oceanis. Just a few metres from the pebbled beach of Tiros, Tsakonia Hotel features a sea-view snack bar and air-conditioned rooms with a balcony. It offers free sun loungers and umbrellas on the beach and free Wi-Fi throughout. Hotel Blue Sea is located right in the port of Tirós. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property and free private parking is available on site. Every room includes a TV. Certain units include views of the sea or mountain. Each room is fitted with a private bathroom equipped with a shower.

You can find more rooms, hotels and villas on Booking.com's Tyros Page

For car rentals visit Swift Rent-a-car and for taxis and tours see George the Famous Taxi Driver

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