Ermioni is a beautiful town on the southeast coast of Argolida with the main characteristic of its intense island color and with a population of about 2600 inhabitants. The city is built next to a pine-covered cape Bisti, on the edge of the Argolic Peninsula. Opposite it are the islands of Dokos and Hydra. The main occupation of its inhabitants is the cultivation of olives. In recent decades, the area has developed into a tourist destination, with the result that locals are also active in the tourism sector.
How to get there
Ermioni is about 180 km from Athens. You will go by road, following the National Road Athens-Corinth and at the Isthmus you will bypass for Loutra Oraias Eleni to Epidaurus. Continue the route and when you reach the bridge of Epidaurus, follow the road to the village of Koliaki. Just before entering Kranidi, at the crossroads, follow the road to Ermioni. In addition, there are frequent bus routes from Athens (210.51.34.588) and from Nafplio (27520.27.323). It takes two hours for the flying dolphins from the port of Piraeus (tel. 210.41.99.000), passing through Poros, Hydra and Spetses.
Glances at the past
It owes its name to the mythical hero Hermione, son of Europe, who founded the ancient city of Hermione and experienced prosperity from Homeric times, as a powerful naval power. The borders of the present province of Ermioni are identified with the territory of ancient Ermionida. The center of this city-state was the ancient Hermione which is located below the present city. Already from the 7th-4th BC. ai. together with the city of the Fishermen were the strongest of Ermionida. Hermione took part in the battles against the Persians and later became a member of the Peloponnesian alliance in the 4th century BC. With .. a tradition of centuries in navigation, the city assists with three triremes in the Battle of Salamis, in 480 BC. and in 479 BC. 500 of her men fought in Plataea. At the beginning of the 3rd BC. ai., Ermion will remain the strongest in the region. Ermionida is now very sparsely populated and at the end of the century will join the Achaean Confederation. At the beginning of the Roman period, Hermione received pirate raids from which she suffered great damage. During the years of Roman rule, after the extermination of the pirates of the Mediterranean by Pompey, the city will experience new prosperity. Its wealth for centuries was based on the processing and marketing of the famous "purple", a crimson indelible natural dye of the local shell of the same name, which dyed the royal tunic of Alexander the Great and the cloaks of Roman officials. A little later, Ermion will be abandoned and will reappear in the 14th century. with the name Kastri. In 1537 it passes from the hands of the Venetians to the Turks. During these years, many Arvanites settled in the area. Later than the 18th c. and then, Ermioni will develop commercially and the locals will acquire their own fleet with which they will help in the Greek revolution. Many Ermionites strengthened the revolutionary forces that were formed in the area and participated in many battles in the Peloponnese and Attica. In 1827, the Third National Assembly began its work in Ermioni, which was completed in Troizina.
Do not miss
If you like walking routes, do not forget to cross the small gorge of Katafyki, which connects Ermioni with Fourni. The journey takes half an hour and is truly enchanting. You will see unique landscapes. Rocks, caves, lush vegetation and the church of Ai Nikolas built since 1740, around which we find parts of a medieval wall, make up the charming landscape. The old historic bridge leads you through a magnificent place with pine trees and running water in the picturesque neighboring village of Fourni.
Events
There are many events that are organized every year in Ermioni. One of the most important associations of Ermioni is the music association which was founded in 1988 and since then has been a leader in the cultural events of the region. It organizes important music events in the city, while participating in various festivals in Greece and Europe. Every summer, especially in August, it organizes a choir festival with traditional music and dances.
For the last four years, the institution of carnival has been revived by the municipality in collaboration with other local bodies. On the last Sunday of the Triodion, the whole of Ermioni is flooded with the joy of locals and foreigners, who participate in the celebration. A variety of subjects and plenty of satire offer laughter and good mood. All ages masquerade and have fun.
Local events
"Yala-yala" is a special way of celebrating the Epiphany. Young people dress in traditional navy uniforms. The day before, they decorate the boats from where they will dive and go around the whole village from house to house to receive treats and wishes. They sing Yala-Yala, rocking the boats loudly, until they fall into the sea to catch the cross. The burning of Judas is another special custom of the region, which takes place on Easter Sunday. A group of people make a model of Judas, made of cloth, straw and flammable materials, which is placed in the port. On Easter Sunday night, boats with lit smoke generators gather in the port and the leader sets fire to the model. This spectacular spectacle is accompanied by fireworks and flares and is completed with lots of music and traditional dances. On the 1st of July and the 1st of November they honor the memory of Agioi Anargyroi with a big festival where all the residents and the visitors participate.
Ermioni hosts the fishermen's feast on Shrove Monday, where the Municipality offers to the attendees fasting delicacies, such as laganas, taramas and seafood fished by the fishermen. Still, there is live music to stir people up and make them have a good time.
Local products
The fertile plain of Ermioni is known for its delicious citrus fruits and pomegranates, which are considered the best on the market. The area is also famous for its excellent quality oil, as well as for its fresh fish and seafood.
