The Coastal Town of Nafplio In The Peloponnese

Nestled at the bottom of the Argolic Gulf, Nafplio is a true historical and colorful gem: a must-visit stop for anyone touring the Peloponnese!

Nafplio in a few nutshell

Over the centuries, the city passed through the hands of the Byzantines, the Franks, the Venetians, and then the Ottomans before becoming the first capital of Greece in 1829. Even today, an exotic atmosphere lingers over the labyrinthine alleys and the small port of the town.

With its spectacular citadels, its charming city centre and its picturesque little harbour, Nafplio truly is a delight! Unsurprisingly, it is one of the most visited tourist cities in Peloponnese. An endless succession of shops, restaurants and bars are now lined up along its ancient streets. A few miles away from the city, the coastline is punctuated by sandy beaches and enchanting coves, ideal for swimming, sunbathing and relaxation.

In short, Nafplio is a favorite of Captain Ulysses’ and a must-see for anyone traveling through Peloponnese!

Getting to Nafplio

Perched on the coast in the Argolic Gulf, Nafplio is located in the west of Peloponnese, some 87 miles from Athens.

Several options are available to get to Nafplio from Athens:

🚌 The bus: KTEL Argolida buses depart from Athens to Nafplio. Prices range from 12 to 18 € per person, for a 2 hour drive or so.

🚗 By car: Nafplio is easily accessible from Athens, approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes away. The journey includes tolls. If you’re looking to rent a car in Greece, Captain Ulysses highly recommends the company Rentalcars.

🚐 Organized tours: Several travel agencies offer organized tours to explore Nafplio and the Peloponnese. The length of these excursions varies from 1 to 4 days, depending on how much of Peloponnese you want to see. Captain Ulysses recommends two day-trips in particular:

• Full-Day Mycenae & Epidaurus Trip from Athens: this day-trip is the perfect way to discover two of the most emblematic ancient sites in Greece, Mycenae and Epidaurus, with a professional guide (available in English and French). The bus will also stop in Nafplio and give you time to explore the city. The trip includes: bus ride, services of the guide, entrance fees to the ancient sites, and lunch (optional). Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.
  👉 Find out more here.
• 4-Day Tour of Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi & Meteora: this very exhaustive 4-day trip is ideal to discover all the must-sees in mainland Greece, accompanied by a professional guide. The trip of course includes a stop in Nafplio. It’s a very convenient option if you don’t want to bother planning your trip yourself. The tour includes: bus rides, services of the guide, 3 hotel nights with dinners and breakfasts, entrance fees to the sites. Cancellation is also free up to 24 days in advance.
  👉 Find out more here.

Moving about Nafplio

The city of Nafplio is relatively small and easy to explore on foot.

A Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour also stops in most of the city’s historical sites and points of interest. It’s an interesting option if you don’t want to spend the entire day walking about. Find out more here.

Exploring Nafplio

In Nafplio, no risk of getting bored: you’ll find plenty to do and see!

Palamidi Castle

If you’re brave (just like Captain Ulysses, of course!), you’ll walk all the way to the castle from Arvanitia square, in the city historical centre. But you’ll have to climb 857 to 999 steps (believe it or not, the estimations vary)! If you’re (understandably) not feeling like climbing all these steps, no worries: you can drive to Palamidi Castle.

Perched 216 metres (709 ft) above Nafplio’s bay, the castle was built in the 17th and 18th centuries by the Venetians, under the supervision of a French architect called La Salle. The thick wall connects 8 bastions and countless lookout towers.

Entrance fees are 8 euros per person (free for children under 18 and U.E. students).

Acronauplia

Acronauplia is unofortunately not as well preserved as Palamidi Castle, and is mostly worth the visit for the incredible panorama on Nafplio and the Argolic Gulf. Overlooking the city’s historical centre, the fortress is a “patchwork” of constructions dating back to the Byzantine, Frankish and Venetian occupations of Nafplio.

From the city centre, you can easily walk or drive to Acronauplia.

Nafplio’s historical centre

Nafplio’s historical centre is a charming succession of maze-like alleys in which the Captain can only recommend that you take the time to get lost! The city remained under Venetian influence for quite a long time and somehow still looks like it could be Italian. With its countless shops, bars and restaurants, the centre is bustling with life.

During your exploration, don’t miss the Vouleftiko mosque. Several churches are also worth a visit, including the Church of Panagia, with its extravagant gildings, the Church of Agios Spyridon or Frankoklisia, the Franks’ church.

Archaeological Museum of Nafplio

Greece is synonymous with archeology and Nafplio is no exception to the rule. You’ll find onsite a small museum exhibiting ancient remains, including the oldest armor in Greece, which dates back to the 15th century BC. The museum’s collections also include various everyday objects, ceramics and ceremonial masks several centuries old!

Nafplio’s beaches

Even though it is possible to swim in Nafplio, the city does not count any really pleasant beach. Good news though: you only have to drive a few miles out of the city to finds beautiful places where to swim.

Nafplio’s surroundings count beautiful coves, as well as two beaches: Arvanitia beach and Karathona beach. Unfortunately, Captain Ulysses found them somewhat disappointing. Other downside: during high season, they are packed with tourists and locals. That’s the reason why the Captain recommends that you put on your hiking shoes and explore the coast where pathways lead to preserved coves.

Komboloi Museum

“Komboloi, what is that?”, you may as. A komboloi is a traditional rosary, which holds a special place in Greek tradition. To the extent that Nafplio even has a museum-shop dedicated entirely to him. Traditional or more modern designs, bead enthusiasts will undoubtedly find what they’re looking for!

Sports & activities

Between the Mediterranean sea and the beautiful surrounding landscapes, Nafplio has more than one trick up its sleeve to charm sports enthusiasts!

Biking

From the streets of the old town to the cliffs of the Argolic Gulf, passing through charming wooded trails, Nafplio and its surroundings are an ideal playground for cycling enthusiasts.

Horse-riding in Nafplio

How about exploring Nafplio off the beaten path, on horseback? It’s the perfect opportunity to discover a less touristy side of the region, from the surrounding mountains to the quaint traditional villages off the beaten path. The guides will adapt to your level and can even give you a brief introductory lesson if you are a beginner.

Sea kayaking

Captain Ulysses is an accomplished sailor and never says no when offered to go to sea! If, like him, you are looking to combine nautical sports and exploration, one option: going on a kayaking tour in the Argolic Gulf. With your instructor, you’ll head to Bourtzi Castle before exploring beaches and coves which are inaccessible from the land.

Discovering local gastronomy

Greece is undoubtedly a land of fine cuisine and winery. Moussaka, Greek salad, stuffed peppers, souvlakis, fresh fish, vine leaves… the choice is endless and the Captain definitely had at it! Here, “eating” is an art: get ready to feast!

Nafplio’s surroundings

One of Nafplio’s main advantages is also its ideal localisation, close to some of the most emblematic ancient sites in Peloponnese: Epidaurus, Mycenae, Tiryns, Corinth…

Nafplio is an ideal base to explore the North-East of Peloponnese.

If you’ve rented a car (the Captain highly recommends this option, if, unlike him, you’re without sea legs), you’ll be able to discover freely all of these extraordinary sites.

Hotels in Monemvasia?

Are you looking for accommodation in Nafplio? Captain Ulysses has a few recommendations in store that might interest you :)

• For those on a budget: Asimoni Pension, Pension Dafni, Omorfi Poli, and Andromeda Suites.
• For mid-range budgets: Gambello Luxury Rooms, Filoxenion Luxury Rooms & Lofts, Anthemion Suites (outside of Nafplio, but with a pool).
• For a more upscale option: 3 Sixty Hotel & Suites.

👉 Save time! Book your activities in Nafplio now!