Athens: Corinthian History and Coastal Bliss

Hey Wallflowers! πŸ‘‹

Day Five brought me the final, fantastic full-day trip outside of Athens! This time, it was a historical and scenic journey to Ancient Corinth and Nafplio. I loved the change of pace: a smaller group, a car, and two absolutely stunning destinations. History, sunshine, and great companyβ€”what more could a solo female traveler ask for?

Here’s the full journal entry from my last big Greek adventure before heading home! πŸ‘‡


Phase 1: From Athens to Ancient Corinth πŸ›οΈ

I woke up ready for action! Our group for the day was perfectly cozy: me, my travel buddy (who is now officially my travel soulmate!), and two other wonderful folks, all in a car with our knowledgeable guide. A true small group tour experience!

Ancient Corinth Archeological Museum and site (Sept 2025)

  • Ancient Corinth: We drove for a couple of hours to reach the renowned ruins of Ancient Corinth, a city of immense historical importance that was once a major commercial hub and the setting for St. Paul's letters. Our guide brought the ancient marketplace, temples, and Roman forum vividly back to life.

  • The Museum: We spent a fascinating morning exploring the Ancient Corinth Archaeological Museum. It was incredible to see the detailed statues, mosaics, and artifacts β€” especially the stunning Roman statues β€” that gave real substance to the stories of this powerful ancient city. The site, framed by the mountains, was truly breathtaking.


Phase 2: Coastal Charm in Nafplio 🌊

Next, we headed to Nafplio, often referred to as the original capital of Greece. This coastal town is pure magic.

Enjoying the sea in Nafplio (Sept 2025)

  • Castle Views: Our guide first took us to a castle lookout, where the views of the shimmering ocean and the Venetian architecture were absolutely stunning. This is a must-do for scenic tours from Athens! 🏰

  • Afternoon Freedom: My favorite part? We were given the entire afternoon to wander as we pleased, so my friend and I headed straight for the beach. I loved slipping into the ocean and simply floating, feeling completely safe and wonderfully free. Pure, blissful relaxation in the Greek sea.


Phase 3: Burgers, Blooms and Coffee β˜•

After our perfect ocean dip, we refueled and explored the town's charm.

  • Beachside Bites: I grabbed a quick, satisfying burger and, naturally, another amazing Freddo Cappuccino from a beachside restaurant. The ideal coastal lunch!

  • Quaint Streets: We then walked through the quaint, picturesque streets of Nafplio, admiring the vibrant flowers and neoclassical buildings, before heading back to the meeting point for the drive home.

Nafplio views (Sept 2025)


Phase 4: A Delicious Farewell to Athens πŸ‡¬πŸ‡·

The drive back to Athens was long but comfortable. As soon as I was back at my hotel, I had one mission: to feast!

  • The Go-To Gyros: Knowing I could rely on amazing taste and quick service, I picked up another delicious pork gyros from Ambrosia near my hotel. It’s the perfect way to cap off a long day of touring!

  • Sweet Dreams: For dessert, I treated myself to some sweet, honey-cinnamon loukoumades (Greek donuts) from Lukumades, a truly essential Athens dessert! With a full belly and a heart full of history and sunshine, I was ready for a long, solid night of sleep.

Honey and cinnamon Loukoumades (Sept 2025)

This trip truly proved that combining deep historical exploration with simple beachside bliss makes for the most fulfilling travel experience!

Wallflower Wonders: Loukoumades or Gelato? What’s your favorite sweet treat to end a Greek adventure? πŸ‘‡

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Athens: Olympic Glory, Modern Art and Sunset of the Gods

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Athens: Saronic Gulf Swims and Island Hopping