This coastal Greek town has ancient roots and Venetian charm. Explore its cobblestone streets, hilltop castle, and local eateries while enjoying views of the Argolic Gulf.
Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece, is a coastal town in the Peloponnese region. Its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with Venetian and neoclassical buildings. The town is overlooked by the Palamidi Fortress, which you can reach by climbing 999 steps. In the harbor, you'll see the Bourtzi Castle on a small islet. Nafplio is close to the ancient sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus. You can relax on nearby beaches like Arvanitia and Karathona. Local food specialties include gogges pasta, and the area is known for its Nemea wines.
Exploring Nafplio's Old Town
Nafplio's Old Town is a maze of narrow alleys and staircases flanked by colorful buildings with bougainvillea. As you wander, you'll come across Syntagma Square, the center of the town, surrounded by historic structures. On the square, you'll find the Archaeological Museum in a Venetian building, displaying artifacts from the Mycenaean civilization. Nearby is the Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation Museum, which exhibits local traditions and costumes. You can walk along the waterfront promenade to see fishing boats in the harbor and look out over the Argolic Gulf.
Climbing to Palamidi Fortress
The Palamidi Fortress sits 216 meters above sea level, dominating Nafplio's skyline. Venetians built this fortification in the early 18th century, consisting of eight bastions connected by walls. You can reach the fortress by climbing 999 steps or driving up. From the top, you'll see Nafplio, the Argolic Gulf, and the surrounding countryside. The fortress has a small museum about its history and role during the Greek War of Independence.
Visiting Bourtzi Castle
Bourtzi Castle is on a small island in Nafplio's harbor. Venetians constructed it in the 15th century to defend the town from sea attacks. Over time, it has had various uses, including as a home for the executioners of Palamidi prisoners. You can take a 10-minute boat ride from the harbor to explore the castle. Once there, you can walk around and climb to the upper levels for views of Nafplio.
Beaches Near Nafplio
While Nafplio focuses on history and culture, there are beaches nearby. Arvanitia Beach, a pebble beach with clear water, is a 10-minute walk from the Old Town along a coastal path. Karathona Beach, about 3 km south of Nafplio, has a longer stretch of sand. This Blue Flag beach has sunbeds, umbrellas, and tavernas serving seafood. Tolo Beach, about 10 km from Nafplio, has a long sandy shore with calm waters suitable for families.
Day Trips to Archaeological Sites
From Nafplio, you can visit important archaeological sites. The ancient city of Mycenae, linked to King Agamemnon, is 24 km away. There, you can walk through the Lion Gate and explore the ruins of this Bronze Age civilization. About 30 km from Nafplio is the ancient theater of Epidaurus, known for its good acoustics and still used for performances during the annual Athens and Epidaurus Festival. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and provide insights into ancient Greek history and culture.
Savoring Local Cuisine
Nafplio's food reflects its coastal location and agricultural surroundings. You can try local dishes like gogges (pasta with various sauces) or bogana (slow-cooked lamb with potatoes). Waterfront tavernas serve fresh seafood with views of the harbor. You can taste wines from the nearby Nemea region, known for red wines made from the Agiorgitiko grape. For dessert, try local ice cream shops, particularly those with flavors made from fresh oranges grown in the area.
Getting to Nafplio
Nafplio is about 140 km southwest of Athens. You can drive there in about 2 hours, taking the highway towards Corinth and then the coastal road. If you prefer public transport, regular buses run from Athens' Kifissos Bus Terminal to Nafplio, taking around 2.5 hours. In Nafplio, you can explore the Old Town on foot. Consider renting a car if you want to visit nearby beaches and archaeological sites.
When to Visit
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) have mild temperatures for exploring the town and nearby sites. If you want to swim, plan your visit between June and September when the sea is warmer. July and August can be hot and busy, as many Greeks take their vacations then. Winter is quieter with mild temperatures and some rainy days, suitable for those interested in history and culture rather than beach activities.
