Nafplio
Country: Greece · Region: Greek Isles
Nafplio is a charming historic port town in Peloponnese with Venetian and Ottoman architecture, serving as Greece's first capital. It offers a compact walkable old town, nearby ancient sites, and beautiful beaches ideal for a day excursion.
Top sights
Palamidi fortress, Bourtzi castle, Archaeological Museum, Tiryns Mycenaean palace, St Spyridon church, Syntagma Square
Things to do
- Palamidi
- Venetian fortress standing over the town with 857 stairs offering unique views; completed 1714 and captured by Greeks in 1822.
- Archaeological Museum
- Located on Syntagma Square in a 1714 Venetian building, featuring a 13th century BC bronze Mycenaean armor suit and multimedia exhibits.
- Bourtzi
- Venetian fortress built around 1400 on a rock island at the port entrance, accessible by 5-minute boat ride for €4 round-trip.
- Tiryns
- Well-preserved Mycenaean walled palace 4 km from town, reachable by walking the old railway tracks.
Beaches
- Karathona Beach
- Quiet sandy blue-flagged beach just south of Palamede castle where locals swim.
- Arvanithia Beach
- Beach located 10 minutes' walk south of town, accessible via scenic coastal walking path from Karathona Beach.
Where to eat
- Zorbas the Greek
- Family-run taverna offering salad, drinks and mains for two at about €27.
- Alevri+Zahari
- Traditional bakery-pastryshop on Sidiras Merarchias Street known for local pastries and ice cream.
Bars and nightlife
- Popeye
- Restaurant on Staikopoulou Street serving fresh Italian-style pizza, burgers and Greek micro brewery beer.
Getting around
All major sights in the old town are within walking distance (less than 15 minutes end-to-end), or you can take the free municipal bicycles from Town Hall.
What to eat
Try traditional Greek bakeries like Alevri+Zahari for pastries and local ice cream, or dine at budget-friendly tavernas like Zorbas the Greek near the port.
Tips
Park at the free port parking area and explore the old town on foot; visit Palamidi fortress at night for scenic views of the town and Argolic Gulf under moonlight.
Best for
History, castles, beaches, walking
More ports in Greek Isles
Athens (Piraeus) · Corfu · Heraklion · Hydra · Katakolon · Milos · Mykonos · Patmos · Rhodes · Santorini