Nafplio, Greece – Complete Travel Guide to the Romantic Seaside Town of the Peloponnese

With its neoclassical mansions, seaside promenade, and towering Venetian castles, Nafplio (also spelled Nafplion) is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and romantic towns in Greece. Once the first capital of modern Greece, Nafplio is a treasure trove of history, architecture, and cultural richness.
 

Nestled in the northeast corner of the Peloponnese, Nafplio combines Ottoman, Venetian, and neoclassical influences, offering a deeply atmospheric setting for couples, history lovers, and cultural explorers alike.

📚 Table of Contents

Why Visit Nafplio

A Brief History of Nafplio

Top Things to Do in Nafplio

Castles and Fortresses

Beaches in and Around Nafplio

Museums and Culture

Food and Local Cuisine

Where to Stay

Day Trips from Nafplio

How to Get There

Best Time to Visit

Travel Tips

Final Thoughts

✨ 1. Why Visit Nafplio?

🏛️ One of the most historic towns in Greece

🏰 Surrounded by castles, fortresses, and old city walls

🌊 Stunning seaside location with clear waters and views of the Argolic Gulf

👫 Romantic old town with cobblestone streets and vibrant bougainvillea

🍷 Full of traditional tavernas, cafes, boutique shops, and local charm

🏺 2. A Brief History of Nafplio

Nafplio has a long and complex history shaped by Byzantine, Frankish, Venetian, and Ottoman rule. It became the first capital of modern Greece after independence from the Ottomans in the 19th century.

Key historical moments:

🏰 Venetians built Palamidi Fortress in the early 1700s

🔫 Bourtzi Fortress was constructed to guard the harbor

🇬🇷 In 1829, Nafplio was declared the capital of newly-liberated Greece (until 1834)

Today, the town's architecture and layout reflect its layered heritage, making it a true open-air museum.

🧭 3. Top Things to Do in Nafplio

🌉 Walk Around the Old Town

Nafplio’s old town is a visual feast of colorful buildings, balconies dripping with flowers, and historic alleyways. Highlights include:

Syntagma Square – central plaza surrounded by historic buildings and cafes

Archaeological Museum of Nafplio – housed in a 1713 Venetian building

Acronafplia – ancient acropolis offering sweeping views of the sea

🏰 Climb to Palamidi Fortress

Over 900 steps (or drive up)

Incredible panoramic views over the town and coast

Learn about its use as a fortress and later, a prison

⛵ Visit Bourtzi Fortress

Small island fortress in the harbor

Take a boat from the port (5–10 mins)

Built in the 15th century to defend against pirates and invaders

🛍️ Browse Boutiques and Art Galleries

Nafplio is home to artisan shops selling leather goods, handmade jewelry, traditional sweets, and local products like olive oil and honey.

🏯 4. Castles and Fortresses

🏰 Palamidi Fortress

Built by the Venetians

Eight bastions, each with unique views and stories

Offers insight into Nafplio’s strategic military importance

🏝️ Bourtzi Castle

Picturesque castle on an islet

Photogenic spot, especially at sunset

Hosts occasional summer concerts and festivals

🏞️ Acronafplia

The oldest of Nafplio’s fortifications

Offers scenic walking paths and history dating back to antiquity

🏖️ 5. Beaches in and Around Nafplio

🌊 Arvanitia Beach

Just below Palamidi Fortress

Pebble beach, clean waters, easy access from town

Surrounded by cliffs and a scenic promenade

🏝️ Karathona Beach

Long, sandy beach about 3 km from Nafplio

Great for swimming, sunbathing, and families

Organized with sunbeds, cafes, and water sports

🚗 Nearby Beaches Worth Visiting:

Tolo Beach – soft sand and shallow waters (10 km away)

Kandia and Drepano – quiet spots ideal for a relaxed day by the sea

🖼️ 6. Museums and Culture

Archaeological Museum – Bronze Age artifacts, Mycenaean finds

War Museum – Documents Nafplio's role in Greece’s struggle for independence

Komboloi Museum – Unique museum dedicated to worry beads, a Greek tradition

Many of Nafplio’s cultural landmarks are set in beautiful Venetian and neoclassical buildings, adding to the atmosphere.

🍽️ 7. Food and Local Cuisine

Nafplio is a culinary hotspot in the Peloponnese.

Must-Try Dishes:

🥘 Kokkinisto: Beef stewed in tomato sauce

🍚 Giouvetsi: Lamb or beef with orzo pasta

🧀 Saganaki: Fried cheese appetizer

🐟 Fresh seafood: grilled octopus, sardines, and calamari

Recommended Restaurants:

Pidalio Mezedopoleio – Local meze with a view

Kastro Karima – Modern twist on traditional Greek dishes

Tavern Vasilis – Authentic Greek flavors in a cozy setting

3Sixty – Stylish restaurant-bar with upscale cuisine

Don’t forget to try local wine from the Nemea region and homemade ice cream from shops around the main square.

🏨 8. Where to Stay

🏰 Luxury:

Nafplia Palace Hotel & Villas – Set on Acronafplia Hill, with private pools and panoramic views

3Sixty Hotel & Suites – Neoclassical elegance in the heart of town

🛏️ Mid-range:

Amfitriti Palazzo – Boutique charm and sea views

Hotel Agamemnon – Great location near the port

💸 Budget:

Pension Dafni – Family-run and friendly

Acronafplia Pension – Affordable, cozy, and close to everything

🚗 9. Day Trips from Nafplio

Nafplio is a perfect base for exploring the northeastern Peloponnese.

🏛️ Mycenae (25 minutes)

One of Greece’s most important archaeological sites

Explore the Lion Gate, Treasury of Atreus, and ancient palace complex

🎭 Epidaurus (30 minutes)

Famous for its 4th-century BC theatre, still in use today

Excellent acoustics and dramatic historical setting

🏖️ Tolo & Drepano

Seaside towns perfect for a beach day

Water sports and fresh seafood tavernas

✈️ 10. How to Get to Nafplio

From Athens:

By car: ~2 hours via Corinth Canal

By bus: KTEL buses run regularly from Athens’ Kifissos Station

By taxi/private transfer: Ideal for comfort and flexibility

There’s no airport in Nafplio; the nearest international airport is in Athens (ATH).

🌤️ 11. Best Time to Visit

The Nafplio Carnival in February is also worth experiencing if visiting in winter!

📝 12. Travel Tips

🚶 Bring comfortable shoes for walking the cobblestone streets

🌅 Visit Palamidi or Acronafplia at sunset for magical views

📷 The promenade by Bourtzi Castle is perfect for photos

🕍 Museums close early in the afternoon—plan accordingly

💶 Some smaller shops and tavernas may prefer cash

🏁 13. Final Thoughts

Nafplio is more than just a scenic Greek town—it’s a journey through centuries of history, romance, and tradition. Whether you're exploring its castles, enjoying a sunset stroll along the promenade, or savoring local delicacies, this town has a way of capturing the heart of every visitor.

It’s a place where past and present blend seamlessly, making Nafplio not just a stopover but a destination in its own right.