Nafplio is a beautiful coastal town located on the Argolic Gulf in the Argolis region of Peloponnese in Greece. It is beautifully landscaped by ancient castles, charming cobbled alleys, lovely town squares and has a strong medieval vibe.
Nafplio has a long history that spans from the ancient eras to the Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman invasions and the Greek Revolution. During this time, it has served as an important commercial port and a military stronghold. When Greece gained independence after the Greek Revolution in the 1820s, Nafplio was named as the capital, which was later changed to Athens.
In the present day, Nafplio has become a popular tourist destination in Greece.
The lovely cobbled maze of streets are lined with remarkable architectural styles of the Venetians, Ottomans and Byzantines. Adding to this, you also have charming neoclassical mansions, high-end boutiques and eateries. Nafplio is known for its excellent authentic Greek cuisine, so make sure to try some.
Syntagma Square is the heart of its Old Town, surrounded by colourful buildings and historical monuments like the Trianon – an ancient mosque and a Venetian arsenal. The square is always bustling with activity with people hanging out in its many cafes, restaurants and shops. It is also an important place for public gatherings and has witnessed great speeches and events.
The highly impenetrable Palamidi fortress was built by the Venetians in the 17th century and considered widely as a remarkable architectural structure. It sits on a hill that is over 200m high and offers stunning views of Nafplio town and the Argolic Gulf. There are eight bastions and the central one housed the Agios Andreas chapel. The fortress played an important role in the Greek Revolution for independence in the 19th century, when the rebelling Greeks managed to capture the fortress from the Ottomans.
You can either drive to the top or take the 900 plus stairs if you are up for a challenge.
Bourtzi is a small fortified island off the coast of Nafplio and is located around 600 meters from its port. It was constructed by the Venetians in the 15th century and was mainly occupied by the Ottomans. That is why it is still called ‘Bourtzi’ which means ‘Tower’ in Turkish. Over the years, it was used to defend from pirates, a residence for executioners, a hotel and currently as the setting for the Summer Music Festival. You can visit this fortress that seems to be floating on the water by taking a boat from the port.
This is the oldest fortress in Nafplio, dating back to the Bronze Age. It was a separate town until the 13th century after which the Venetians transformed it as a part of Nafplio’s fortifications. In addition to some of its original structures, the fortress also holds the additions and modifications made by the Venetians, Ottomans and Franks. The fortress and its surroundings are a beautiful and exciting place to explore by foot and you will also be rewarded with great views of the town and sea. You can visit this historical castle by taking a lift from the town (Fancy, huh?) or choosing the old-fashioned way by taking the stairs.
Just 5km away from Nafplio is the archaeological site of Tiryns which was an important ancient city in the Mycenean times. It also has a strong mythological backdrop which says that the fort was built by Cyclops, who were mythical one-eyed giants. It is also linked to the legend of Hercules and has been mentioned in Greek literature. Today you can visit this UNESCO site and witness the ruins of the citadel, temples and halls.
The Archaeological Museum narrates the long history of the Argolis region with artefacts from various eras including the Mycenaean, Geometric and Paleolithic ages. The bronze armour of a soldier from the Mycenaean era is its prized display. The museum is located in a 17th-century Venetian building in Syntagma Square.
The War Museum, which was once a military school displays artefacts on Greece’s military history. You can find tools, weapons, paintings, maps, assorted military equipment, uniforms and photographs from the Greek Revolution till the World Wars.
The Peloponnesian Folklore Museum is known for its collection of costumes, jewellery, sculptures, paintings and household items from 19th and 20th century Nafplio. There is a gift shop as well where you can find local handmade products of great quality.
Komboloi Museum is wholly dedicated to the iconic Greek Kolomboi or worry beads. These beads do not have a religious purpose, but are widely used by Greeks to soothe themselves or pass time. (Like a fidget spinner!) You will see a good collection of such beads on display, a workshop where the beads are hand-made and a shop selling those beads.
Karathona Beach, located 5km away from the town’s centre is fringed by pine trees and has a few bars, restaurants and tavernas on its shore. Arvanitia Beach is the closest beach to the town, located below the hill of Palimidi fortress and near Acronafplia. It is a small pebbled beach and a good place to watch the sunset. Other beaches in the area include Neraki, Kastraki and Tolos.
Nafplio is undoubtedly one of the most attractive, romantic and picturesque destinations in the Peloponnese region. Its rich historical elements, combined with its natural beauty have made Nafplio a lovely destination to explore.
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