Ermioni is known by its lively celebrations. Although most of them are related to religious subjects, usually these occasions are characterised by traditional eating and dancing, as well as by listening to the native music, just like in the rest of Greece. The area of Mandrakia on south is the liveliest. It counts on traditional cafes and nice taverns where the best fresh fish and octopus can be enjoyed. These are usually accompanied by a bottle of good wine or by ouzo.
Regarding the places of interest in Ermioni, there is a road coming from Mandrakia that leads to the ancient hill of Pronos. This hill offers a great view over the old shipwreck of Dokos, the island of Hydra and the plain. Another interesting site to see in the area is Franchthi Cave, which is thought to be the longest recorded inhabited cave in Greece.
Whilst visiting Ermioni, it is worth exploring the old village of Ermioni. It still has a certain authentic charm about it. The locals are very friendly and welcome visitors. Wander through the small backstreets and see some of the local craftsmen at work and play.
In the old village visit Vivi and her family at the fresh fruit and vegitable shop, who have a good selection of fresh produce daily. Go and see Yorgos, the friendly village butcher, who will assist you in your choice of fresh quality meats, as well as having a good selection of frozen fish. There is also a small mini-market next to the Panaghia church front. Prices might be slightly higher in the old village, but supporting the local traders is important, otherwise it will be yet another shop that closes down, which would cause certain hardship to the elderly villagers. Many established businesses have already re-located to the plateia square, behind the Limania front.
To find the old village, head uphill from the harbours towards the churches of Taxiarches (Archangels) and Panaghia (Holy Virgin). Also, you can follow the museum direction signs from the Limania main square up to the old village, where there is a Feng Shui shop en-route that sells a selection of interesting home gifts and accessories. The old village shops are found close to the Panaghia church.
For visitors who need to bring their laptops, there is the Village Library which opened in 2008, and offers free Wi-Fi connection. The library is situated in the corner, next door to the fresh fruit and vegitable shop, behind the original village school built in 1888. Many Greek books are available in the library, but there are also a few English/European books to select from. The success of the library has been thanks to private donations and volunteers. The library is open 18:00 - 20:30 Monday to Friday, 10:00 - 12:00 on Saturday.
There is the Ermioni Museum of History and Folklore which is worth a visit. The museum is located behind the garden with the two Mitsas' brothers memorial statues, adjacent to the Taxiarches church. It is set in a renovated 18th Centuary building that was used for the third Hellenic National Assembly in 1827, at the time of the Greek War of Independence. The museum is spread over two floors, with the upper floor being the place where the actual Assembly took place. The museum is open throughout the year, every Saturday and Sunday. In Winter: 17:00 - 19:00. In Summer: 19:00 - 21:00. Also open every evening between 19:00 - 21:00 during August. Admission is free.
The old village has two Greek Orthordox churches, the 9thC Byzantine Taxiarches (Archangels) Metropolitan church and the newer Panaghia (Holy Virgin) church, which are both beautiful inside, decorated with wonderful paintings, frescos and icons. The priests' for both churches are Papa Yiannis (Taxiarches) and Papa Dimitris, father and son, who both welcome visitors to attend service, or just look around. The largest festivals are Easter (Paskha) in April, The Dormition - Sleeping of the Virgin (Panaghia) in August and Taxiarches Day in November, which is only celebrated in Ermioni.
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