When we first came to Nafplion, we had little idea what to expect. All we knew was that a Venetian fortress towers over the old town, which is not uncommon in Greece. But after just a few steps through the narrow streets, we had already fallen in love with this city on the Peloponnese peninsula.
Nafplio was the first capital of modern Greece, but unlike Athens, there is no big-city hustle and bustle here, just an almost village-like idyll.
Tom & Ella
Nafplio on the Peloponnese is regularly voted by Greeks as the city with the highest quality of life in the country. We think this is absolutely correct, and if we had to choose a place to live in Greece, Nafplion would be at the top of our list.
The traffic-calmed old town with its shopping streets offers countless cafés, taverns, and music bars, colorful bougainvillea climbs up the facades of the houses, and a new photo opportunity awaits you at every corner. And anyone who has experienced the sunset from the Palamidi Fortress will be forever enamored with the city.
We’ll tell you why you should definitely visit the most beautiful city in the Peloponnese and give you the best tips for your visit to Nafplio:
🏖️ Dream beaches & hidden bays
🍽️ Restaurants, tavernas & cafés
🏛️ Must-see highlights & ancient sites
🗺️ Worthwhile spots & insider tips
🚘 Practical info like rentals & parking
♾️ Lifetime access & updates
#1 Getting to Nafplio
Nafplio is located on the Argolic Gulf in the east of the Peloponnese and is easily accessible from several directions. We would even say that a visit to Nafplio is an absolute must-visit during a Peloponnese holiday. The city is also an excellent starting point for exploring the eastern Peloponnese. Historical sites such as Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Corinth are less than an hour’s drive away.
How far is it to Nafplio?
- Athens to Nafplio: approx. 140 km, approx. 2 hours’ drive
- Kalamata to Nafplio: approx. 146 km, approx. 2 hours’ drive
- Corinth to Nafplio: approx. 60 km, approx. 1 hour driving time
- Patras to Nafplio: approx. 180 km, approx. 2.5 hours’ drive
- Tripoli to Nafplio: approx. 65 km, approx. 1 hour driving time
To Nafplio by rental car
The most flexible way to reach Nafplio is by rental car. From Athens, take the A8 motorway to Corinth, then continue on the A7 towards Argos and from there to Nafplio. The route is well developed and usually easy to drive. Alternatively, you can take the scenic coastal road via Epidaurus (see No. 7) and plan a stop there.
However, parking in Nafplio is a bit of a challenge. The old town is largely car-free, so you will have to park your car on the outskirts. It is best to park in one of the parking lots at the port of Nafplion or along the access road and explore the rest on foot. In high season, it is advisable to arrive early.
You can find a cheap rental car for the Peloponnese through our partner Discover Cars*:
➲ To affordable car rental offers*
By bus to Nafplio
Several buses run daily from Athens to Nafplio (approx. 2.5 hours, from Kifissos bus station). The buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and the cheapest option for those without a rental car. In Nafplio, the bus stops at the central bus station, which is only a few minutes’ walk from the old town. Information on departure times for bus connections to Nafplio can be found on the KTEL Argolidas website.
#2 Tour of the old town of Nafplio
With its 14,500 inhabitants, Nafplion (also known as Nafplio or Nauplion) feels more like a large village than a small town. Strolling through the old town with its pastel-colored neoclassical houses, you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. The traffic-calmed streets are lined with elegant shops, pretty boutiques, and cozy cafés where you can lose track of time. After just a few minutes, you’ll understand why life is so good here.
The heart of the old town beats around Syntagma Square (Platia Syntagmatos), where beautiful marble slabs invite you to stroll. Incidentally, Nafplion’s main square bears the same name as the large square in front of the government building in Athens. The city’s trendiest restaurants and bars are located around it, but not all of them shine with excellent service – day trippers are attracted by quick money. We were most impressed by the ΞENON Café Bistro.
From Syntagma Square, we always stroll through the shopping streets, where the high-quality leather goods and pretty boutiques are particularly eye-catching. The many shops selling kombolois are striking: beaded chains that older gentlemen in particular use to pass the time. Once you get your hands on one, you can’t help but play with it. It’s a typical souvenir from Nafplio. Our komboloi even hangs from the rearview mirror of our car.
Incidentally, quadracycles, or four-pedal bikes, are also typical of Nafplio. You pedal together and roll through the city center. In Nafplio, they can be rented on the waterfront promenade for around €15 per hour. This allows you to ride leisurely through the traffic-calmed old town or along the promenade. This is probably one of the most beautiful ways to explore Nafplio.
In addition to the pretty old town streets, Nafplio has a lot more to offer. Kolokotronis Park, which borders the city center to the east and is considered the green lung of the city, is a wonderful place to relax. The Ar&Ko bakery offers fresh pastries and really good coffee for a snack. Art lovers should not miss the National Gallery. We were particularly impressed by the stunning neoclassical paintings.
Bouboulinas waterfront promenade
Parallel to the old town streets runs the Bouboulinas waterfront promenade, which leads along the harbor and is named after the Greek freedom fighter Laskarina Bouboulinas. Cafés, taverns, and ice cream parlors line the promenade, and the view of the water and Bourtzi Castle is a delight at any time of day. When the sun sets behind the fortress in the evening and the lights of the city are reflected in the water, this is probably the most romantic spot in Nafplio.
When cruise ships anchor in Nafplio, the promenade is instantly transformed from a retreat into a bustling promenade. Hundreds of day tourists then flock to the old town at the same time, and the quiet charm of the city temporarily gives way to real hustle and bustle. If you want to avoid this, it’s best to come early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the cruise passengers are long back on board – then the promenade belongs to the locals and you again.
Museums in Nafplio
Culture lovers should pay a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio on Syntagma Square. This 18th-century Venetian building displays finds from the entire Argolis region, the administrative district around Nafplio. These include ceramics from Mycenae, bronze weapons, and an impressive suit of armor from Dendra (15th century BC), as well as numerous objects from Epidaurus.
- Opening hours of the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio: Wed-Mon 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Admission: €10
Another exciting destination for culture enthusiasts is the Komboloi Museum in Nafplion. It is located in Staikopoulou Lane and is well worth a visit for a small admission fee. Greek worry beads are used for relaxation, to combat stress, or simply as a pastime. They slide through the fingers or click. They became particularly popular during the Ottoman occupation of Greece. Here you will find all kinds of worry beads, for example made of wood, pearls, or ivory.
A stone’s throw away is the Nafplio War Museum (Polemiko Mouseio), a branch of the Athens War Museum, which documents the country’s military history from the Greek War of Independence against the Ottomans to the 20th century. The museums in Nafplio are compact and can easily be incorporated into an extended tour of the old town.
💡 History of Nafplio: Nafplion was already an important port of Argos in ancient times. In the Middle Ages, Byzantines, Franks, Venetians, and Ottomans fought over the city. The three fortresses are the visible legacy of this turbulent period. A mosque on Syntagma Square still reminds us of Ottoman rule today. In 1822, Greek soldiers liberated the city and declared Nafplion the first capital of independent Greece. This chapter lasted only until 1834, when King Otto I of Greece (from the House of Wittelsbach in Bavaria) decided to move the Greek capital from Nafplio to Athens. You can learn more about the history of the city on a guided city tour, which can be booked on GetYourGuide*: To the city tour*
Shopping tips in Nafplio
Nafplio is a small shopping paradise that goes far beyond the usual souvenir offerings. In the numerous alleys around Syntagma Square, you will find individually designed shops, each with its own character. And best of all, next to every shop there is at least one café or restaurant that invites you to linger. Agnythes Hand Woven Textiles offers beautiful hand-woven fabrics and accessories made in Greece.
If you’re looking for unique jewelry, you’ll find it at Anna Douka Handmade Jewelry, where designer Anna crafts her pieces with great attention to detail. The Feelwood Concept Store offers a beautiful selection of sustainable lifestyle products, natural cosmetics, and gift ideas. Those interested in local organic products should visit Bio..logiko (organic shop) on the eastern outskirts of the city.
#3 The fortresses of Nafplio
As the former capital of Greece, Nafplio has always been hotly contested. Venetians and Ottomans fought bitter battles here, and the traces of this history are still visible everywhere today. As soon as you drive into Nafplio in your rental car, you will notice the city’s various fortifications, most notably the imposing Palamidi Fortress.
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Palamidi Fortress
The Palamidi Fortress towers high above the city of Nafplio on the approximately 220-meter-high Palamidi Mountain and is the city’s most famous landmark. You can reach the Palamidi Fortress either on foot via the famous 999 steps from the old town or more comfortably by car via an access road. The Palamidi Fortress parking lot is located at the southeast end of the complex.
Admittedly, the climb up the 999 steps is like a pilgrimage. Even we needed a few breaks to catch our breath, but we used them to take photos of Nafplio and the Argolic Gulf. This made the climb along the mighty castle walls even more exciting than it already was. Just don’t go up at midday in the height of summer, as it’s unbearable.
The complex consists of several bastions connected by corridors and staircases, but not all parts are accessible. The Venetian fortress was built during Venetian rule between 1711 and 1714. In 1715, the castle was taken by the Turks and remained under Ottoman rule until 1822. After 350 Greek soldiers captured the castle, they declared Nafplion the first capital of the country.
- Palamidi Fortress opening hours: daily 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Admission: €20
Akronauplia
Akronauplia Fortress above the old town is not immediately noticeable, as larger hotels have been built in this area. The people of Nafplio have been annoyed by these modern eyesores for years. Only the outer walls of the castle, built in the 13th century, remain. Unfortunately, there is a lack of maintenance. A road leads up to the Roloi Nafpliou clock tower, from where you have a beautiful view of the harbor and the city, especially at sunset.
Bourtzi
The third fortification is also one of the city’s landmarks: the small moated castle of Bourtzi. It is located on an offshore island in the harbor that is only 120 m long. Several times a day, all year round, excursion boats sail to the former Venetian fort from the 15th century. The view from the harbor, especially at sunset, is one of the most beautiful moments of our Peloponnese trip.
- Bourtzi Island opening hours: daily 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter) | Admission: boat trip €7, tour €7 extra
If you want to get to know the city in depth, we recommend a guided tour of Nafplio, which can be booked through our partner GetYourGuide*:
➲ To the city tour incl. boat trip*
#4 Restaurants & cafes in Nafplio
Nafplio really surprised and spoiled us with its cuisine. Here you will find a mix of traditional Greek cuisine and surprisingly creative restaurants that you wouldn’t necessarily expect in a city of this size. No wonder, as international day trippers and tourists from Athens love to come here. Here are some of our recommendations for restaurants in Nafplio.
Pergamonto – For lovers of Greek loukoumades, there’s no way around this little shop. The heavenly dough balls are available here in a wide variety of flavors, but they are especially delicious when served traditionally with honey and cinnamon. The two owners are absolutely lovely, and their loukoumades are homemade.
Karima Kastro – In the evening, we recommend this restaurant serving Greek-Oriental cuisine. We found the hummus, falafel, and couscous salad really delicious! The restaurant is located in a quiet side street away from the hustle and bustle of the main street and scores with fair prices and a relaxed atmosphere.
Antica Gelateria di Roma – If you’re looking for really good Italian ice cream in Nafplio, this is the place to go. The ice cream parlor is located right on Syntagma Square and serves first-class gelato in countless flavors. On warm evenings, there are lines here, but it’s definitely worth the wait.
3SIXTY Grill Dining Wine Bar – For a nightcap, this is one of the coolest bars in Nafplio, tucked away in a small side street. It offers creative cocktails, delicious food, and good wine, a relaxed atmosphere, and slightly higher prices, which are more than reasonable for Nafplio.
#5 Beaches around Nafplio
Even though Nafplio is primarily known for its Greek culture, you don’t have to forego a refreshing dip in the sea. There are several beautiful beaches around the city that are perfect for cooling off after sightseeing. We recommend the beaches south of Nafplion. Unfortunately, a lot of flotsam is often washed up in the north at the end of the gulf.
Arvanitia Beach
Arvanitia Beach is located directly below the Akronauplia Fortress and is just a few minutes’ walk from the old town. Nafplio’s small city beach is framed by rocks and offers crystal-clear water, perfect for a quick dip in the sea between two sightseeing stops. During the season, there are sun loungers and a small beach bar.
Karathona Beach
About 3 km south of the old town lies Karathona Beach, a long sandy beach with shallow entry into the water. Well suited for families with children! You can reach it either by car (parking available) or via a beautiful coastal path from Arvanitia. In high season, there are sun loungers, taverns, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Tolo Beach
The resort of Tolo is located about 12 km southeast of Nafplio and offers one of the most popular beaches in the region. The wide sandy beach slopes gently into the sea and is well organized with sun loungers, umbrellas, and water sports facilities. Tolo is naturally much more touristy than Nafplio itself in the summer due to Tolo Beach. However, the infrastructure there hardly extends beyond taverns and cafés. But Tolo is absolutely suitable for a beach trip.
#6 Hotels in Nafplio
In Nafplio, you will find a wide range of accommodation, from small boutique hotels in the old town to modern apartments with sea views. We recommend planning at least one overnight stay to experience the city away from the day trippers. Click on the Booking* links to see details of hotels in Nafplion:
Aetoma Hotel
An elegant hotel in the historic center of Nafplio, where tradition meets modernity. Friendly staff, varied breakfast, and very fair prices. The owners have put a lot of heart and soul into the interior design, and you can feel it.
Regno Di Morea
Small boutique hotel on the eastern edge of the old town with tastefully and stylishly furnished rooms and suites, some with balconies, as well as a fantastic breakfast.
The K Nest Hotel Nafplio
Quiet hotel on the western edge of the old town. The rooms are really chic and the view from the hotel terrace of Bourtzi in the evening is simply magical. There is also a great breakfast every morning. It’s best to stay for three days.
#7 Places of interest in the surrounding area
Nafplio is a great starting point for exploring the eastern Peloponnese. Some of Greece’s most important archaeological sites are only a short drive away and can be easily planned as day trips from Nafplio. Mycenae in particular is not to be missed. This site is one of the most popular attractions in Greece and a must-see for anyone touring the Peloponnese.
Mycenae
Only about a 35-minute drive from Nafplio is Mycenae, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Peloponnese. Here, German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, famous for discovering Troy, uncovered large parts of the ancient city. The massive Cyclopean walls, the famous Lion Gate, and the Treasury of Atreus transport you to another time. Mycenae has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
- Mycenae opening hours: 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. | Admission: €20, reduced €10
You can conveniently book your ticket to visit Mycenae online via GetYourGuide*:
➲ To the online ticket for Mycenae*
Epidaurus
The ancient theater of Epidaurus is considered one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in Greece. With 55 rows of seats and room for 14,000 spectators, it is also one of the largest, and its acoustics are legendary: it is said that even in the top row, you can hear a speaker whispering on stage. Even today, performances are still held under the starry sky as part of the Epidaurus Festival in August.
- Opening hours of Epidaurus: 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. | Admission: €20, reduced €10
You can conveniently reserve your ticket to visit Epidaurus online via GetYourGuide*:
➲ To the online ticket for Epidaurus*
Tiryns
Halfway between Nafplio and Argos lies the Mycenaean fortress of Tiryns, which, like Mycenae, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mighty Cyclopean walls are over seven meters thick in places and are still impressive today. Tiryns is less visited than Mycenae, making it a quiet and authentic experience that we highly recommend.
Corinth Canal
About an hour’s drive north of Nafplio, the Corinth Canal cuts through the narrow isthmus of the Peloponnese. People dreamed of creating a passage here as far back as ancient times, but the project was not realized until 1893. Since then, smaller ships have been pushing their way through the cobalt green canal, an impressive spectacle that is best admired from the old bridge (Palea EO Athinon Korinthou).
→ Find out what there is to discover in the Gulf of Corinth in this article: Gulf of Corinth
Pyramid of Hellinikon
Just a few kilometers southwest of Nafplio stands one of the most mysterious ancient structures in Greece: the Pyramid of Hellinikon. The pyramid-shaped structure continues to puzzle archaeologists to this day, and its purpose is hotly debated, with theories ranging from watchtower to tomb to military base. A short detour is particularly worthwhile for curious explorers who are venturing off the beaten tourist track.
Kefalari Spring & Zoodochos Pigi
At the foot of a steep rock in the village of Kefalari, about a 10-minute drive from Nafplio, a mighty karst spring rises. Right next to it is the church of Zoodochos Pigi, picturesquely built against the rock. The shady spot with the rushing water is wonderfully refreshing and a popular destination for locals. Combine your visit with a cool freddo in one of the cafés on the village square overlooking the Zoodochos Pigi church.
Kastro of Astros
Only about 30 kilometers from Nafplio, the Kastro of Astros is a real insider tip in the Peloponnese. The small castle towers above the small fishing village, and after a short climb, a wide view of the gulf and the landscape opens up. Although the ruins are sparse, there are hardly any visitors and a special tranquility. The Kochyli tavern at the harbor is a great place to dine by the sea at any time.
Visit to Argos
Argos is overlooked by many holidaymakers. The city is loud and hectic, but at second glance it has a few worthwhile highlights to offer. From Larissa Castle above Argos, there is a fantastic panoramic view over the Argolic plain to the sea. In the town itself, it is worth taking a detour to the archaeological site with its theater and agora. For food, we recommend To Kompologaki Mezedopoleio, a rustic restaurant with excellent meze dishes!
→ Find out about the top sights in the Peloponnese in this article: Peloponnese Peninsula
Guided excursions from Nafplio
If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can also discover the most important sights around Nafplio on organized Peloponnese day tours. Some tours start in Athens and include several highlights such as Mycenae, the Corinth Canal, and Nafplio. You can conveniently book the excursions online via GetYourGuide*:
➲ To the excursion to Nafplio & Mycenae*
➲ To the excursion to Corinth & Epidaurus*
→ Here you can find more articles about the region and lots of tips about the Peloponnese peninsula:
FAQ about Nafplion
What is the best way to get to Nafplio?
A rental car offers the most flexibility. From Athens, it is approximately 140 km on well-maintained highways. Alternatively, KTEL buses run several times a day from Athens to Nafplio (approximately 2.5 hours).
How many days should I plan for Nafplio?
One to two days are sufficient for the city itself. If you want to explore the surrounding area, including Mycenae, Epidaurus, and the Corinth Canal, we recommend three to four days in the region.
Can you swim in Nafplio?
Yes! Below the city, there are several pretty bays and beaches for swimming. The small town beach of Arvanitia is within walking distance of the old town, and you will find more beaches towards Tolo and Karathona.
Is Nafplio suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! The traffic-calmed old town is child-friendly, the flat beaches at Tolo are great for families, and the climb to the Palamidi Fortress is a real adventure for older children. Plus, Antica Gelateria di Roma has the best ice cream in town.
When is the best time to visit Nafplio?
In spring (April/May) and fall (September/October), the temperatures are pleasant and it is less crowded. In summer, it can get hot in the city, but the evenings at the harbor are particularly atmospheric. In August, the Epidaurus Festival takes place nearby. We visited Nafplio for the first time in mid-May and thoroughly enjoyed it: there were few people around, yet almost all the shops were open.
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