Writer: Magdalena
There are many amazing places in the world. So what is it that makes a place special to you? Usually there is not just one answer to that. In the case of Nafplio, it was the combination of the cosy old town, the crystal-clear water, the mountains, the views - but above all the atmosphere.
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ShareAlthough there were a lot of people, it did not feel touristy. It felt like it was mainly Greeks visiting. We only heard two Swedish voices - those of our friends. They travelled 70 miles from there to surprise us. So incredibly funny!
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Nafplio - a special place for us
A couple of months ago, my husband and I had never even heard of Nafplio. We had booked a flight to Athens and decided to stay on the mainland. After a bit of research, we decided on Nafplio - and what a good choice it was. We wondered how we could have missed that this place even existed. It became a very special place for us where we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary.
Accommodation in boutique hotels
We stayed at Epoch House & The Orange Shop, a small boutique hotel down in the old town, near the harbour.
We had breakfast on the balcony - just the quiet start you hope for. A stubborn cement mixer disturbed us a bit the first morning, but we quickly got used to it and thought that everyday life was going on outside. We tried to think positively, that it was part of the charm.
Cosy alleys in the Old Town
The old town is as charming as you want it to be - small cobbled alleys, traditional houses with balconies and bougainvillea climbing over balconies and between houses. Between the quay and the upper neighbourhoods, steep climbs and stone stairs await.
Cliffs, forts and swimming
The sea is close at all times. You can swim right from the rocks just outside the old town. There are ladders straight down into the deep, clear water.
The bathing sites are located at Akronafplia. It is a pleasant walk around the cliff, with several restaurants along the way. If you want to visit beaches, Arvanitia is near the old town and Karathona a little further away. However, you don't go to Nafplio for the beaches - there are much nicer beaches elsewhere in Greece.
Also significant for Nafplio is Bourtzi, a small guard castle in the harbour entrance. It is possible to go there by boat, but we were content to see it from land.
Excursions and activities
During the days in Nafplio we made several excursions. We drove up to the Palamidi Fortress, which is just over 200 metres above sea level. It is said that the stairs up consist of 999 steps, but about 857 is supposed to be closer to the truth.
We saved our legs and took the car road up and walked inside the area instead. The entrance fee was €20 when we were there. The views are amazing: the Argolis bay, Bourtzi out in the sea and the mountains framing everything.
We also took a sailing excursion with Nafplio Sailing Cruise. The captain sailed along the cliffs and we stopped in a couple of bays for swimming, snorkelling and SUP paddling.
The water was so clear that we could see the bottom even though it was very deep. All food and drink was included, and for lunch the captain cooked, among other things, a mushroom risotto on board - the best I have ever eaten (and I have eaten many anyway).
We also travelled to the wine region of Nemea (about 30-45 minutes from Nafplio) for a wine tasting at Domain Skouras, a reputable producer in the area with well-known wines and a pleasant tasting environment.
We then visited the Melas - Epidaurus Olive Oil Domain, where we were given a briefing on how olive oil is made and sampled different oils.
Between the sailing, the visit to Palamidi, the Nemea tour and the olive oil tasting, we filled the days with walks along the water, really good meals and good, affordable Greek wine.
Visiting Nafplio - practical facts
Where is Nafplio?
Nafplio was the first capital of Greece and is located in the Gulf of Argolis in the north-eastern Peloponnese (mainland).
How do you get there?
- Travelling from Athens: Driving by car via the Corinth Canal takes about 2 hours depending on traffic. There are also direct buses from Athens which take around 2-2.5 hours.
- Car hire: We hired a car in Athens and drove to Nafplio, which also allowed us to easily make day trips.
What is there to do?
- Sailing: There are several different companies that organise day sails. We sailed with Nafplio Sailing Cruise, which we were very happy with.
- Strosa: Old Town and Akronafplia, evening walk along the waterfront, Bourtzi Fort in the harbour and Palamidi for the history and views.
- Nemea is a wine region near Nafplio. There are a plethora of wineries you can visit. Some have restaurants that serve lunch, offer wine tasting and guided tours. Olive trees thrive in the area and there are several producers you can visit for guided tours and the opportunity to taste olive oils.
- Bada: Steps directly from the cliffs of the old Lido in town. Nearby beaches are Arvanitia and Karathona. Choose Nafplio for the town and the atmosphere. The beaches are a plus, but not the point of going here.
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Svenska
Anneli says:
Good morning, everyone,
I sit and smile as I read this blog post.
Wonderful place! I feel like I could settle there.
A few years ago I was there with a high school class from Mora Gymnasium.
It was a field trip where students had learnt about the different destinations.
Absolutely marvellous.
Thank you for this.
Have a nice day.
Regards,
Anneli
27 August 2025 - 6:50
Magdlena, Travelsis says:
Hi Anneli
What fun to travel Nafplio with a high school class and what a good arrangement that the students got to read about different destinations before departure. How happy I am that I made you remember back to that trip.
All good!
Magdalena, Travelsis
28 August 2025 - 15:43
Marianne Cargus says:
How cool with the bouganvilla that has crossed the street!
27 August 2025 - 9:32
Magdlena, Travelsis says:
Yes, of course it is! I've never seen anything like it before.
Yours sincerely
Magdalena, Travelsis
28 August 2025 - 15:44
znogge says:
What a lovely place and I understand that it is an appealing destination. Generally, I think mainland Greece is underrated and many people only focus on the islands. You shouldn't do that because the country has more to offer.
27 August 2025 - 20:51
Magdalena, Travelsis says:
Hi Znogge!
Yes, it was an amazing place. I think like you, it feels like the mainland gets forgotten a bit. I've done that myself before, so I'm really glad I realised we would be staying on the mainland when we booked our trip to Athens. Now I'm eager to discover more. 🙂
28 August 2025 - 15:52
Lillan Kind says:
Oh how nice it looks... Unfortunately I didn't see much of the city when I was there many years ago. I used to spend time in Halkidiki every summer, and then made a trip to Nafplio. It's so cosy with old neighbourhoods, and I would love to go on the sailing trip, because it looked very lovely.
28 August 2025 - 10:26
Magdalena, Travelsis says:
Hi Lillan
How wonderful it sounds to go to Halkidiki every summer. It is not possible to see everything you want to.
Yes, there is something special about old neighbourhoods, it's nice to stroll around, enjoy the atmosphere and stop and pause at a restaurant and just sit and watch passers-by.
Yours sincerely
Magdalena
28 August 2025 - 16:00
Lena - gott för själen says:
I have never heard of Nafplio. But what a nice and nice destination it seems to be! Will tell my sister-in-law about it. She travels to a new place in Greece every year. Island or mainland varies.
Hug Lena
05 November 2025 - 13:50