Tolo (Τολό) sits inside one of the calmest, most sheltered bays in the Peloponnese, ringed by family-friendly beaches all within a 30-minute drive of Nafplio. The Argolic Gulf is shallow, the prevailing summer winds are blocked by the Asini headland to the south, and the seabed is mostly fine sand — three reasons local families have been coming here since the 1960s. Below are the swims we actually recommend to guests at Tolon Holidays Hotel, chosen by character rather than reputation.
1. Psili Ammos, Tolo (0 km from the hotel)
A 1.2 km stretch of soft sand running the length of the Tolo seafront. Shallow for the first 15–20 metres — the safest option in the Argolid with toddlers. Sun loungers (€10–12 per set), beach bars and watersports operators are spaced along the promenade, with a free public stretch at the eastern end below the Asini bluff. Best swim: 08:00–10:00, before the Nafplio day-trippers arrive.
2. Karathona Beach (8 km — between Tolo and Nafplio)
A wide, undeveloped sandy bay backed by olive trees, inside a Natura 2000 protected area. No sunbeds in the middle stretch — bring a towel and an umbrella. A scenic 2.5 km coastal footpath (the Arvanitia–Karathona promenade) connects it to Nafplio's old town in about 45 minutes; walk it back at sunset and you'll understand why locals call it the prettiest sea walk in mainland Greece.
3. Plaka Drepanou (5 km)
Small organised beach on the road to Drepano village. Pine shade reaches the waterline — genuinely rare in the Argolid — which makes it the coolest mid-afternoon option in July. Two tavernas, both fish-focused: Taverna Plaka and O Akrogialos. Parking is free but limited to about 40 cars.
4. Kondyli Beach (6 km)
A locals' favourite tucked east of Tolo: two coves separated by a low headland, fine pebble and sand, water so clear you can count rocks at five metres. No facilities beyond a single canteen — bring water. Limited parking; arrive before 11:00 in July and August or you'll be walking from the road above.
5. Iria Beach (18 km)
If you want a quieter day, drive 20 minutes east through Drepano and Vivari. Iria is a long flat beach with far fewer hotels, dunes at the back, and two genuinely good fish tavernas at the south end (Lygia and Tassos). Worth combining with a visit to the small wetland of Vivari lagoon on the way home — flamingos in spring.
Other beaches worth knowing about
- Kandia (22 km east) — wide sandy bay with shallow water, popular with windsurfers in the late afternoon.
- Asini ancient site beach (3 km south) — pebbly, with the acropolis ruins right behind you.
- Arvanitia (12 km, Nafplio) — small rocky cove under Palamidi; not for kids, but unbeatable for an evening swim before dinner in the old town.
- Tolo Bay Romvi-side coves (boat access only) — see our guide to boat trips around the islets.
Practical tips (locally verified, 2026 season)
- The Argolic Gulf is calm almost all summer — meltemi winds rarely reach Tolo Bay, and when they do they blow offshore.
- Sea temperature is comfortable from mid-May (20°C) to late October (22°C); July–August peaks at 26–27°C.
- Most beaches near Nafplio have free roadside parking; only the centre of Nafplio old town is paid (€1.50/hour).
- Pack reef shoes for the rocky coves east of Drepano — sea urchins are common in shallow water.
- Blue Flag status: Tolo Psili Ammos has held the EU Blue Flag continuously since 1997.
Staying at Tolon Holidays Hotel puts you within a 2-minute walk of Psili Ammos and a 10–20 minute drive from every beach on this list — and we keep an updated tide and parking sheet at reception.
