Fancy a getaway not too far from Athens and authentically Greek? I highly recommend visiting Nafplio (Nafplio – Ναύπλιο in Greek). It was the first city liberated from Turkish occupation in 1822 and served as the initial capital of the Greek state in 1828 before Athens.
Nafplio is my favorite destination for a short stay. I can’t seem to get enough of it. Just ask my husband; we visited five times in one year! And I enthusiastically recommend it to all our friends who come to visit us in Athens.
Why go to Nafplio?
Well, simply because it is beautiful! In my opinion, it is a perfect summary of the different pleasures of Greece. Charming old town, old fort at the entrance of the port, beautiful seaside promenade, citadel overlooking the city, beach with view on the fortress, archaeological sites nearby (Epidaurus at 30 km, Mycenae at 55 km).
It’s easy to access. Nafplio is located 140 kilometers from Athens, about 1 hour 45 minutes by car, no need to take the ferry (so no long lines at Piraeus), possibility to go by bus from Athens via the city of Corinth. You can even go there by day from Athens as part of an organized tour .
And it’s an “all-round” destination: perfect for a romantic getaway, very easy to do with children, nice and friendly for a stay with friends.
Nafplio is certainly one of the most beautiful cities of the Peloponnese. A delightful place full of charm! Visits, romantic walks, shopping in the pedestrian streets, swimming on the nearby beaches, ouzo in front of the sea. The city is bursting with good addresses. Everyone can find their happiness here! It is the ideal place to put down your bags and explore the Peloponnese.
The old city being pedestrian, we park on the port before leaving to stroll on foot in the alleys, or by taking advantage of the bus with multiple stops for a first glimpse of the city and its surroundings at a very affordable price.
My three favorites in Nafplio
1 – The fortress of Palamidi
First of all and without hesitation, my first favorite is the citadel of Palamède, which dominates the city. Here you will take the most beautiful pictures of your stay in Greece. Pictures worthy of postcards, with the old stones of the fortress and the azure blue sea of the Argolid gulf in the background. The fort overlooks the bay of Nafplio and the view is absolutely magnificent. Not to be missed under any circumstances!
2 – The old city of Nafplio
The beauty of Nafplio is also due to the charm of the old city. It is very pleasant to stroll and get lost in the small streets. Take the time to stop at Syntagma Square (the main square of the city) where a large Venetian building which now houses the archaeological museum, two mosques and elegant neoclassical mansions coexist harmoniously. There is also a plane tree under which you can sit in the shade to cool off. In the evening, this large pedestrian square comes alive with musicians, shows, street vendors, children playing soccer while their parents dine on the terrace.
3 – A walk along the sea
I also recommend the seaside walk that leads to the beach of Arvanitia. What a pleasure to take this beautiful paved and pedestrian path, under the cliff covered with prickly pear and pine trees. You will be able to enjoy magnificent views of the sea and a beautiful panorama of the city. To reward you for this short walk, a refreshing swim awaits you at the foot of the rocks, with a view of the citadel (pebble beach of Arvanitia).
Please note: access is now forbidden due to the risk of landslides. In practice, however, the path is still used at one’s own risk.
To discover our suggested itinerary and our favorite addresses in Nafplio (accommodation, restaurants, beaches, shopping), click here.
Nafplio is also a good place to stay and visit some of the must-see places in the Peloponnese.
Going to Nafplio for a day?
From Athens, if you don’t have much time, you can make the round trip by day. The easiest way to do this is to rent a vehicle. Or use an agency.
Thus, Alternative Athens proposes a day trip from Athens: Discover the wonderful city of Mycenae and Nafplio in a different way. Also, some agencies propose coupled excursions with Mycenae and Epidaurus.
Our selection of activities around Nafplio
Some original ideas for outings within 1 hour of Nafplio:
- Visit the sunken city of Epidaurus by sea kayak from Gialasi beach
- Live an intense moment in sensations with a bungee jump from the famous Corinthian canal
- Canyoning for everyone in the largest canyon of Peloponnese : Inachos Canyon
Laure M.
Updated February 29, 2024
