Tolon Beach is a long, sandy resort beach on the Argolida coast, about 12 km south of Nafplio in the northeastern Peloponnese, Greece. The beach curves for nearly a kilometre along the sheltered bay of Tolon, facing southwest across calm water. The sand is medium-grained and pale gold, the water shallow and clear, and the seabed gently sloping — excellent conditions for families with young children. Tolon is the most fully developed beach resort in Argolida, with a complete range of facilities: organised sun loungers and umbrellas, beach showers, bars, seafront restaurants, and water sports operators offering parasailing, jet-ski hire, pedal boats, kayaks, and banana-boat rides. The village of Tolon runs directly behind the beach and has supermarkets, ATMs, and a wide selection of tavernas and cafés serving throughout the day. In summer the beach is busy and the village lively, with a mix of Greek and international visitors. The atmosphere is convivial and social rather than remote or undeveloped. Tolon is most commonly used as a beach day-trip destination from the historic city of Nafplio — 15 minutes away by car or KTEL bus — which has superior architectural character, accommodation variety, and dining. Nafplio's Venetian fortress of Palamidi, the old town with its Venetian mansions, and the seafront Bourtzi castle are all worth visiting in combination with a morning at Tolon beach. The ancient fortified citadel of Tiryns is 10 km north of Tolon and features some of the most impressive Mycenaean stonework in Greece. The Theatre of Epidaurus, 30 km northeast, requires a half-day or full-day trip. Tolon's central position makes it an effective beach base for combining sea time with the extraordinary concentration of ancient sites in the northeastern Peloponnese.
Amenities
- Sandy organised beach resort with full facilities: sun loungers, showers, bars, restaurants, water sports, pedal boats, parasailing. Busy in summer but convenient for Nafplio base.
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, sunbathers, partiers, solo
Location
Tolon, Argolida 210 56, Greece
37.5154, 22.8615 View on map
Highlights
- Full resort facilities — sun loungers, water sports, parasailing, pedal boats, and beach showers on a long sandy bay
- Shallow, calm water with a gently sloping sandy seabed suited to families with young children
- Easy KTEL bus access from Nafplio (15 min) — a beach day requires no car
- Central location for day trips to Epidaurus, Mycenae, Tiryns, and the old town of Nafplio
- Lively village with a wide range of tavernas and bars directly behind the beach
Tips for visiting
- KTEL buses from Nafplio run to Tolon up to 6 times daily in summer; the 15-minute journey stops in the village centre, 2 minutes from the beach.
- Arrive before 9:30 am in July and August; central sun-bed positions go quickly and the water-sports queue builds from mid-morning.
- The quietest part of the beach is the northern end, away from the main water-sports hub and restaurant strip.
- Parasailing slots on busy days are allocated on a first-come basis; check with the operator early in the morning.
- Staying in Nafplio and day-tripping to Tolon is a consistently better combination than staying in Tolon itself — Nafplio offers significantly better dining and cultural depth.
When to visit
June and September are the best months — water is warm, crowds are lighter, and the tavernas are open without peak-season congestion. July and August are the busiest period; the beach has full facilities and the water sports options are at maximum availability, but early arrival is essential.
Accessibility
The beach is accessed from the seafront road via a short flat path. The compact sand and flat approach make it among the more accessible beaches in the region. No dedicated beach wheelchair service is confirmed; the broad flat beach surface is generally manageable for visitors with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Tolon from Nafplio?
By car the journey is about 12 km south and takes 15 minutes. KTEL buses run from Nafplio up to 6 times daily in summer. Taxis are also available; the one-way fare is around €12–15.
What water sports are available at Tolon?
Operators on the beach offer parasailing, jet-ski hire, pedal boats, kayaks, and banana-boat rides. Prices vary by operator; expect parasailing at around €30–50 per person and pedal boats at €8–12 per hour.
Is Tolon Beach suitable for young children?
Yes. The water is shallow and the seabed slopes gently, making it one of the most child-friendly beaches in the northeastern Peloponnese. Lifeguard coverage is typically present during peak season.
Can ancient sites be combined with a beach visit to Tolon?
Yes. Tiryns (10 km north, Mycenaean citadel) and Nafplio (12 km north) are close enough to combine with a morning at Tolon beach. The Theatre of Epidaurus is 30 km northeast and is better suited to a dedicated half-day excursion.