Discover charming Nafplio: sights, beaches, food, sleep, and day trips
Nafplio was one of those places where we knew right away: we could stay here a bit longer. We visited this charming city during our tour of the Peloponnese. Nafplio (or Nafplion, both are used) was once the capital of Greece, but Otto of Bavaria later made Athens (only a 2-hour drive from Nafplio) the capital.
We had heard a lot about Nafplio, but it wasn’t until we walked around it ourselves that we understood why so many people rave about it. It’s like a postcard come to life, with cobbled streets, neoclassical houses full of flowers, cozy squares, and a view of the sea that will leave you speechless.
Whether you come for the blue waters of the Gulf of Argolis, the history with the Palamidi castle, the beaches, the food, or just to stroll through the old town: Nafplio has it all. And it is also the perfect base for a visit to the historical sites of Mycenae or Epidaurus.
We stayed in Nafplio for 3 days and in this article we will go over the best things to do in Nafplion and our tips for visiting Nafplion, including our favorite places to eat, where to stay, and ideas for fun trips nearby. Ready to fall in love with Nafplio? Then read on!
How to reach Nafplion (from Athens)
The easiest way to get to Nafplion is by car (which is what we did). This city is probably also one of your first stops during your road trip in the Peloponnese. Via the toll road from Athens, you can count on about 2 2-hour drive. We found the Corinth Canal a nice stop along the way. If you have some more time, you can also visit the archaeological site of Corinth.
TIP: If you want to rent a car in Athens we recommend Rentalcars.
If you prefer not to drive yourself, you can also take the bus from Athens to Nafplion. It leaves from Kifissos bus station (nearest metro is Agios Antonios – M2). The bus company is KTel Argolida, and you can expect to pay around €15 for a ticket.
If you go with a camper there is a large camping place on the water (tour bus parking) or at the Arvanitia Parking on the other side of the city.
The best things to do in Nafplio
Walk around in the Old Town of Nafplio
The old centre of Nafplion is fortunately not that big. We loved wandering through narrow streets with colourful houses, flower boxes, small boutiques and cosy terraces. Everything breathes romance and history. Definitely walk along the lively Syntagma Square, where you will see a mix of architecture from different eras, from Venetian buildings to Ottoman mosques.
On the same square you will find the Archaeological Museum with archaeological finds from the region, including a remarkably well-preserved Mycenaean armor. For those who like to dig a little deeper into history, this is a must. During your walk you will also discover the Vouleftiko building (first parliament of Greece), a mosque, the war museum and the Panagia church.
If you like shopping, you will find most of the boutiques and specialty shops in the main street Staikopoulou. You will notice that quite a few shops also sell bead necklaces or “komboloi“. These are made of coral or amber. This is typical for this region, there is even a Komboloi museum in Nafplion.
TIP: If you want to know more about the history and the city of Nafplio, we recommend you to book this guided tour. The guide will tell you all the interesting stories and show you the most beautiful places in Nafplio.
Visit the Palamidi Fortress
The imposing Palamidi Fortress, built in the early 18th century by the Venetians, towers over the city. It is undoubtedly one of the things to do in Nafplion. This castle consists of several bastions connected by a wall.
It is reached by some 900 steps (yes, we counted them!). But don’t panic: you can also drive up. Once at the top, a breathtaking view of Nafplio, the sea and the surrounding mountains awaits you. The fortress itself is impressive and tells stories of Greek heroes, Venetian architecture and Ottoman occupation.
Visit the Bourtzi Island
The small Bourtzi castle, located on an islet just off the coast, surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea, is the symbol of Nafplio. You can reach it by boat from the harbour. Once there, you can enjoy the beautiful view of Nafplion and the surrounding coastline.
Formerly a defense post, later a hotel (imagine that!) and now mainly a nice place to walk around and take pictures. The place tickles your imagination and takes you back to the time of knights and pirates. It was also built by the Venetians in the 15th century against invaders who tried to invade the city by sea.
If you want a more special experience, you can also take an organised kayak tour that sails past the island.
Discover Akronafplia
Akronafplia Castle is located in the oldest part of Nafplion, and is the oldest of the three castles. It was built in the third century with walls of no less than 85m high. Last century it was used as a prison by the Greek government.
It is a quieter alternative than your visit to Palamidi. You walk between ruins, cypresses and rock formations with a view of the sea. At sunset it is magical here.
Stroll along the Arvanitias promenade
The Arvanitias promenade in Nafplion runs along the beautiful coastline of this historic city. This promenade, starting at Arvanitia Square, ends at Karathona Beach, about 1.5km away. Along the way you have beautiful views of the sea and the rocks.
On clear days you can see the other islands on the other side. Along the route you will find cacti and other Mediterranean plants that give the walk an exotic touch. There are several benches along the route where you can sit and enjoy the view, and maybe even have a picnic.
Unfortunately, here and there you see abandoned buildings and graffiti, something that not everyone likes. We found it rather interesting.
Relax on the Nafplio beaches
Arvanitias Beach
Within walking distance of the centre lies this small pebble beach with crystal clear water. There is a nice walking route along the rocks (the Arvanitia Promenade), and the view of the cliffs is beautiful. Ideal for a refreshing dip after exploring the city.
Karathona Beach
A little further away but perfect for a relaxing day at the beach. This long sandy beach is popular with families and locals. There are sunbeds, tavernas and plenty of shade under the trees.
Tolo Beach (daytrip from Nafplio)
A short half hour drive from Nafplio lies the village of Tolo with a wide beach, shallow water and many restaurants. Perfect if you are traveling with children or fancy a day at the beach with more facilities.
TIP: An absolutely unique experience around Nafplio is this boat tour that takes you for half a day on the Aegean Sea, towards the deserted beaches around Xiropigado. But the most magical moment is undoubtedly watching the sunset from the boat.
Where to eat in Nafplio
We had a great meal in Nafplio, both in traditional taverns and in more trendy places. There are nice restaurants on the water but we recommend you to eat in the center. These are our favorites:
- Kastro Karima: here you can enjoy traditional dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki and fresh seafood
- Pidalio Mezedopoleio: If you like to share mezedes (Greek tapas) with friends or family: this is the place to be.
- Kalimera: perfect spot for breakfast or brunch with delicious coffee, yoghurt with honey and freshly baked bread.
- 3Sixty Grill Dining: a bit more upscale, with a modern twist on Greek cuisine. The steak and cocktails are top notch here!
- Antica Gelateria di Roma: come here for delicious Italian gelato or a cup of espresso.
Spending the night in Nafplio
You can choose to stay in the center of Nafplion, or in one of the surrounding villages. Nafplio has something nice to offer for every budget. We have listed our favorite hotels for you:
- Marw’s home: two bedroom apartment, perfect for families.
- Amymone Suites: a small-scale boutique hotel in the old town, stylishly decorated and with a fantastic breakfast.
- Hotel Ippoliti: if you want a bit more luxury in a boutique hotel, this place is perfect for you! Every morning a traditional breakfast is served by the pool.
Other places to stay in Nafplio
Nice day trips from Nafplio
Nafplio is not only a destination in itself, but also a perfect base for day trips. During our 10-day road trip through Greece we stayed a few nights in Nafplio and visited Epidaurus and Mycenae, among other places.
Epidaurus (30 min drive)
The Epidaurus Theatre (UNESCO) is one of the best preserved ancient theatres in Greece (4th century BC) and known for its incredible acoustics that make it world famous. Take some time to explore the theatre and the surrounding sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of medicine, and learn more about the historical and cultural significance of this site.
During the summer months concerts are still held in the theatre of Epidaurus, which can seat up to 12,000 spectators. There is also an interesting museum on the site. The theatre of Epidaurus is about a 30-minute drive from Nafplion. On the way you will pass olive groves, vineyards and picturesque villages.
Tolo & Drepano (20-25 min drive)
Fancy a relaxing day at the seaside with a holiday atmosphere? Then Tolo and Drepano are perfect destinations for a short trip from Nafplio.
Tolo is a lively coastal village with a long, gently sloping sandy beach, ideal for families with children. The atmosphere is relaxed, with plenty of tavernas by the water where you can order fresh fish or a refreshing frappé with your feet almost in the sand. Those who fancy a bit of action can also try out water sports here, such as kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding. From the harbour, small boat trips leave for the surrounding islands, which is a nice change from a day at the beach.
Right next to Tolo is the somewhat quieter Drepano, with the vast Plaka Beach. This pebble beach is surrounded by nature, with azure blue water and a more relaxed vibe. You will find charming family campsites and small-scale accommodations. It is the perfect place if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a quiet afternoon of swimming or sunbathing.
Mycene (25 min drive)
For lovers of Greek mythology this is a must. In Mycenae you step back in time to the era of kings and legends, a must for lovers of Greek mythology. It was once one of the most powerful cities of ancient Greece and is often mentioned in the same breath as the heroes of the Trojan War.
The impressive Lion Gate, the oldest monumental gateway in Europe, is the iconic start of your visit. Continue walking along the remains of the palace, see the deep shaft tombs and marvel at the royal burial domes, such as the famous ‘Treasury of Atreus’.
It is fascinating to realize that this is the place where King Agamemnon is said to have lived. Mycenae is not only historically important, but also mysterious and inspiring, especially if you are into mythology or just like places with a story. Mycenae is certainly a favorite in our family.
Nemea (1 uur rijden)
Are you a wine lover? Then you have to put Nemea on your list. Known as the “Bordeaux of Greece”, this region is famous for its ruby-red Agiorgitiko wines, one of the oldest and most refined grape varieties in the country. You can visit several wineries for tours, tastings and even a walk among the vineyards.
But Nemea has more than just wine: ancient Nemea is also an archaeological gem. Visit the Zevus sanctuary, the stadium where the Nemean Games (a kind of small Olympic Games) used to be held, and the museum with impressive finds from the region. Nemea is the ideal day trip to combine nature, history and gastronomy.
Finally: why we came to love Nafplio
Nafplio is the kind of city where you come for a day and end up staying longer. It’s romantic and historic, but also lively and full of charm. You can wander around without a map, eat without rushing and swim without worrying. It felt to us like a place where we could easily linger for a while, whether you’re a couple or a family. And because it’s also an ideal base for some of the major sights in the area, you can easily spend a few nights here.
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