Also called Nauplia or Nauplion, it is a city located in the southwest of continental Greece, in the Argolic Gulf, in the Peloponnese area.
It is the capital of the entire peripheral unit of Argolis and in the past, it represented the first capital of the modern Greek state.
Nafplio has a population of approximately 15,000 inhabitants (2011). In it, you will be able to appreciate Venetian-style buildings, terraces to the sea, and, as the main attraction, the Bourtzi castle. All this has given it the name of “the most beautiful city in the Greek territory”.
The distance between Athens and Nafplio is two hours by car by road, which is easily accessible and very well maintained. That makes the city a popular tourist destination for thousands of Athenians, especially during the weekends.
Like any Greek city, Nafplio has its old town. Also called the historic center of Nafplio, it is characterized by its Venetian-style architecture and its direct views of the sea. Many people catalog the city as the perfect place to visit as a couple due to the romantic fascination that is recreated after seeing the old town and its alleys adorned with cobblestones and flowers.
In the Old Town, you will find different attractions, such as the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio, the Nafplio War Museum, the Peloponnesian Folklore Museum, and the First Greek Parliament, also known as the First Hellenic Parliament (Vouleftiko). Another museum that may interest you is the Komboloi Museum, a curious place where, especially, pieces of Greek jewelry are exhibited.
Do not forget to visit the Acronauplia, the oldest part of this Nafplio center, where its buildings will transport you to medieval times without a doubt. Among the buildings of cultural value that are found there is the Orthodox Church of Agios Spyridon, which stands out for its architecture and its frescoes of Byzantine origin, such as the famous painting of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, and dates from approximately 1700. In addition, a few meters away you will find the Basilica of Agios Nikolaos.
Most of these attractions are located around or near Syntagma Square. It is one of the most important tourist spots in Nafplio, also located in the historic center of the city. There you will find multiple outstanding monuments, for example, the Trianon or the statue of Kolokotronis (leader of the Greek revolution), as well as a large number of cafes and restaurants.
It is a Venetian fortification dating from the 18th century. It is on the outskirts of the historic center of Nafplio, located on a homonymous hill that you will reach by the Palamidi Path, from where you can see the city. The fortress works today as a viewpoint and is a perfect place to take photos of another level. It will take you around 1 hour to get there on foot and it is ideal to visit if you are interested in hiking in Nafplio.
The best thing to do as an excursion city of Nafplio is a tour to Mycenae, the Corinth Canal, and Epidavros. It is also very interesting to know the vineyards of Nemea.
In case you visit Nafplio for a day, we recommend you take a walking tour of the city or take a bus tour of the most important places of interest in the city. Do not forget to visit the taverns of the old town, because the gastronomic offerings there are incredible.
It is extremely easy to get around Nafplio. If you plan to travel to Nafplio, we recommend that you consider exploring it on foot, by bicycle, by public transport, or by car. In any case, you can rent either of these options at multiple points in the city.
Greek gastronomy stands out internationally for its mixture of Mediterranean flavors, where the famous Greek olive oil is used. From the Greek breakfast to local products, are some of the specialties that you will try on your trip.