A coastal town on the Gulf of Corinth with a 15th-century Venetian port and fortified castle. The horseshoe-shaped harbor has traditional fishing boats and waterfront cafes.
Nafpaktos sits on the Gulf of Corinth, where a 15th-century fortified harbor marks the town center. Walk through the stone gates of the circular port, climb to the hilltop castle with its 2-kilometer walls, or swim at Psani beach. The town played a key role in the 1571 Battle of Lepanto - a bronze statue of Miguel de Cervantes stands by the harbor where he once fought.
Exploring the Venetian Port
The round harbor measures 40 meters in diameter, protected by stone walls and two towers at its entrance. Local fishing boats dock between the walls, while the surrounding promenade fills with people walking and dining. Cafes and restaurants line the waterfront, where you can watch the sunset behind the medieval fortifications. Fish tavernas serve catches from the morning's fishing boats.
The Castle Above Town
The Venetian castle opens daily from 8:00 to sunset. A 15-minute uphill walk leads through five defensive levels, with walls extending 1.8 kilometers around the hillside. Each level contains guard towers and gates from different time periods. From the top, you'll see the 2.2-kilometer Rio-Antirrio Bridge crossing the gulf and the Peloponnese mountains. The Prophet Elias church stands inside the uppermost walls, marked by its white cross.
Beaches Near Town
Psani Beach stretches west of the port, while Gribovo Beach extends to the east. Both have changing rooms, showers, and shallow water for swimming. Drive 9 kilometers west to reach Platanitis Beach, where you can see the Rio-Antirrio Bridge spanning across the water. During July and August, the beach road at Gribovo closes to cars after 7 PM, creating a waterfront walking path.
Getting Around and When to Visit
The town center takes about 20 minutes to cross on foot. To reach the castle or beaches, take a taxi or drive - parking is available at both locations. Visit between April and June or September to October when temperatures range from 15-25°C. July and August temperatures reach 30°C, though evening breezes cool the harbor area.
Day Trips from Nafpaktos
Cross the Rio-Antirrio Bridge to reach Patras in 30 minutes. The archaeological site of Delphi lies two hours north by car. The Evinos River, 20 kilometers away, has Class II and III rapids for rafting. Mount Varasova's limestone face rises 900 meters, with climbing routes rated from 5a to 7c on the French scale.
Historical Significance
The 1571 Battle of Lepanto changed Mediterranean naval power when the Holy League defeated the Ottoman fleet. Miguel de Cervantes lost his left arm in this battle - his bronze statue now stands near the port's eastern tower. The Fethiye Mosque dates to 1499, while the Tower of Botsaris contains exhibits about local maritime history.
