Tolon

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Tolon, Argolis

Tolon is surrounded by ancient sites like Asine (where excavations during 1922-1930 by Swedish archaeologists proved that this area had already been inhabited since the copper era) mentioned by the first Greek poet Homer (where also one of Nobel prize winning poet George Seferis inspired most beautiful poems), Epidaurus, Tiryns, Mycene, Argos, Heraion.

Tolon is one of the most well known resorts in Greece and lies 11 km east of Nafplion. It was founded in 1831 by fighters from Crete, who after being persecuted by the Turks, came as refuges to the land of Argolida and settled in this area.

Their settlement was made possible after a decision made by governor Capodistrias in March 1831.In 1834 it was decided that the under construction town would be named Minoa and all the Cretan fighters scattered in the Kingdom were invited to come and live in it. The Municipality of Minoa was thus founded and preserved as such until 1912.

Several interpretations have been given regarding the origins of the name of Tolon. The most likely is that of the name coming from the different naming Porto Di Rogvi and Port Aulon, which are mentioned in several texts by foreign travellers, and thus a synaeresis was made to Port Taulon, Taulon, Tolon and finally Tolo.

For decades fishing was the main occupation of the inhabitants until 1954 when the gradual activation of tourist sector started in the area and led to the development of today.