Nafplio is a small jewel only 140 kilometers from Athens. With its splendid bay, its fortress in height and its old city with Venetian charm, this beautiful city of the Peloponnese deserves a visit. Here is a suggested itinerary and our favorite addresses in Nafplio.
Nafplio: What to do? Where to stay? Where to eat?
What to do in Nafplio? Day 1
- Early morning departure from Athens. Stop at the Corinth Canal: Exit the freeway at Loutraki, pause at the suspension bridge leading to the Peloponnese, and enjoy the scenic view of the canal.
- Continue towards Nafplio. Upon arrival, park along the harbor as the city is pedestrianized. Stop at one of the bars in the main square or at a sea-view café to feel the atmosphere of the city.
- Then walk around the pretty Syntagma square and the old town: what a pleasure to get lost and stroll through the charming alleys!
- You can punctuate your walk with small stops in religious buildings: visit the Vouleftiko mosque (pretty courtyard), the Orthodox Church Panagia (all gilded and icons) and the Catholic Church Frangoklissia (former mosque).
- The archaeological museum on Syntagma square is also worth a visit.
- For lunch, you can stop at Alaloum, followed by an ice cream at the Antica Gelateria di Roma.
- In the afternoon, go and see Acronauplia (ancient fortress) and then reach the beach of Arvanitia by the beautiful path along the sea.
- Take advantage of the late afternoon to drink a coffee or an ouzo on the Arvanitia beach.
- At the end of the day, why not let yourself be tempted by a little shopping in the colorful and lively streets? The amateurs can also visit the small museum of the komboloi (“rosary” without any religious connotation).
- And to close this first day, go and have dinner by the sea if you want to enjoy the setting or in one of the taverns in the pedestrian streets.
- Another way to explore the city is to use the Nafplio multi-stop bus. Ideal to link the port, the city center and the fort of Palamidi without getting tired and at a lower cost!
What to do in Nafplio? Day 2
- Start the day with a visit to the fort of Palamidi. It can be reached on foot by a steep staircase for the most courageous or by car. The place is impressive of beauty. The view on the sea and the city is absolutely sumptuous, breathtaking panorama.
- Before heading back to Nafplio, take a break for a swim and lunch on the beautiful beach of Karathona (about 5km south of Nafplio, accessible by car or by a path along the sea shore).
- Before returning to Athens, do not hesitate to make a detour to Epidaurus : this grandiose site is really worth the detour.
Where to sleep in Nafplio? Our favorite hotels
- Ilion (4/6 Efthimiopoulou street , corner of Kapodistriou street): perfectly located hotel in the heart of the old town, with a rococo style, kitschy tendency, affordable rates (room from 60€).
- Ippoliti (Ilia Miniati street): refined, well located but expensive (room from 110€). Spacious and comfortable family rooms. Excellent breakfast in a courtyard by the (very small) pool.
- Grand Sarai Nafplio (3 Potamianou): beautiful pink building, located in the city center, with a clean and modern interior. Comfortable bedding, good breakfast (rooms from 90€).
You can find more hotels and other nice accommodations like house or apartment on the Booking website.
Where to eat? Our favorite restaurants in Nafplio
- Alaloum (Αλαλούμ – 13 Dim. Ipsilanti St.): an excellent tavern serving fresh fish and well-cooked traditional Greek dishes. Good value for money: it is copious and the bill remains reasonable.
- Aiolos Tavern (Αίολος – 30 Vassilissis Olgas St.): casual tavern that serves good traditional Greek food (the moussaka is very good). Several wines are offered for tasting so that you can make your choice. Dessert and digestif offered.
- Mezedopoleio O Noulis (O Νούλης – 22 Moutsouridou Street ): quiet tavern, well known to Naupliotes. On the outside, it doesn’t look like much. But it serves good vegetarian mezze and seafood specialties.
- Antica Gelateria di Roma (at the corner of Pharmakopoulou and Komninou streets ): for those with a sweet tooth, a stop at this small ice cream shop is a must. It offers excellent fresh fruit sorbets and delicious homemade ice cream. Everything is made on the spot from natural products.
Shopping in Nafplio: Our good addresses
- Armiriki Stories (15 Staikopoulou Street): Armiriki is a Greek brand. She is dedicated to creating unique, limited edition, hand-printed t-shirts. 35€ the tee-shirt
- Nectar & ambrosia (4A rue Plapouta) : you will find in this store very good honeys but also royal jelly, bee pollen and propolis. The products are the result of a responsible and ecological production process.
- The store of the Komboloi Museum (25 Staikopoulou Street) offers for sale replicas of ancient komboloi, made in the Museum’s workshop (from 5€), authentic ancient komboloi. As well as pieces produced in various Greek and foreign monasteries.
Other travel agencies also offer guided tours of Nafplio, but we have not yet tested them:
- from Athens, day trip to Mycenae, Nafplio and Epidaurus
- in Nafplio, Hop on Hop off Bus to visit the must-sees of the city.
Laure M.
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Last updated on March 1, 2024
