Best things to do in Nafplio: the most charming seaport town in the Peloponnese
Overview
The charming seaport town of Nafplio in the Peloponnese peninsula is revered as being one of the most romantic places in Greece. Situated just 2 hours from Athens in the Argolic Gulf, it’s a popular weekend destination for locals and tourists alike. In particular, Old Town Nafplio will have you captivated. From its web of cobblestone streets that open in to large paved plazas, to the fresh seaside air, to the boutique shops that line the promenade there’s just so much to love! In addition, Nafplio has two famous fortresses: Bourtzi and Palamidi. In the evenings, expectant visitors are seated along the stone wall the end of Akti Miaouli to enjoy the stellar sunsets. Keep reading for my pro tip on where we found the best view!
In addition to tourism, agriculture is also important. The city is surrounded by a fertile irrigated plain and produces oranges, lemons, peaches, apricots, olives and almonds. These are used in many of the local tavernas and restaurants and the fresh quality food in Nafplio is to die for! During peak season, the Port is adorned with a plethora of leisure ships and yachts, all swaying to the rhythm of the sea.
If you’ve been following my epic Mainland Greece Road Trip as part of my Best 3 Weeks in Greece, then this forms day 4 and 5 when we stayed overnight in Nafplio.
What day trips are possible from Nafplio?
Many! For wine lovers, check out my post on the nearby wine region of Nemea which can be visited as a day (or half day) trip from Nafplio. Alternatively, history buffs should definitely foray through Ancient Greece as a day trip to the ancient sites of Corinth, Mycenae and Epidaurus. Lastly but by no means least, take a 15 minute taxi to nearby Tolo Port and set sail for the magical Hydra Island for a taste of Greek island paradise.
Itinerary
Enjoy a waterfront meal on the Promenade
Get lost in the cobblestone streets of the Old Town
Boutique shopping in Old Town
Partake in a Greek tradition with an iced coffee from Kosmos bakery
Stroll along the promenade of the Argolic Gulf
Experience sunset over Bourtzi Fortress from Nafplio lighthouse
Climb the 999 steps to the top of Palamidi Fortress
Visit the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio
Have an evening beverage in a lively old town bar
Go for a dip at the popular Karathonas beach
Old Town Accommodation & Parking
Recommended Nearby Day Trips
Ancient Nemea & Nemea Winery Region
Ancient Corinth, Mycenae and Epidaurus
Hydra Island
Enjoy a waterfront meal on the Promenade
An absolute must for anyone visiting Nafplio is to find a local taverna on the Promenade in Old Town and enjoy a fresh seafood meal. By day, the sea is glistening and the boats bob up and down. By night, there is a hum in the air as diners converge under the restaurant tarpaulins and sip on Greek wine as they await their dinner. Street music, laughter and hearty discussions fill the night air. There’s no doubt about it: you’re on holiday!
Below: Promenade street eats by Nafplio Port
Get lost in the cobblestone streets of the Old Town
Nafplio Old Town is a maze of narrow streets, hidden squares and breathtaking neoclassical mansions. The well-preserved historic centre is an epicentre of bold colours, with bright pink bougainvillea framing many of the characteristic buildings. One of the best things to do in Nafplio is to put on some walking shoes and enjoy a refreshing walk in the backstreets. You’ll find cafes, museums, tavernas, monuments and more! Note that Nafplio is not short of steps so ensure your shoes are comfortable! Make sure to sit down in one of the cafes in the large open squares. These are a fantastic place to people watch and to truly absorb that holiday feeling.
Boutique shopping in Old Town
Continuing on from the above, find your way to the heart of Old Town and immerse yourself in the very best of boutique shopping. Here you’ll find designer clothing, jewellery, artworks and other trinkets and homewares. Why not take home a memorable souvenir from your trip to Nafplio or surprise your family and friends with unique gifts!
Partake in a Greek tradition with a refreshing iced coffee from Kosmos Bakery
Drinking iced coffee all year round is something that the Greeks are very proud of. Our driver took us to Kosmos Bakery, famous for its quality iced coffees. A popular drink is the frappé. This is a foam-covered iced coffee drink made from instant coffee, water, ice cubes and sugar (or sometimes even ice-cream). However, our guide had a particularly distinguished coffee appreciation and instead guided us towards the freddo. These are made with a double shot of fresh brewed espresso coffee mixed with ice cubes and served cold. On a hot summer’s day, this was incredibly refreshing.
Kosmos Bakery is a sprawling complex of elegantly decorated baked goods and chocolates, with an emphasis on artistic display and creations.
Stroll along the promenade of the Argolic Gulf
For a peaceful and scenic walk, stroll along the waterfront past cafes and buildings towards the Arvanitia lighthouse. The island fortress of Bourtzi will be on your right hand side whilst Palamidi Castle will tower over you from the left.
Bourtzi Fortress sunset at the Lighthouse
Bourtzi Fortress cuts a striking image on the tiny island of St Theodoroi just off of Nafplio Harbour. Built by the Venetians in the 15th Century, its functions have been varied. It has been used as a castle, a prison, a hotel, a restaurant, a tourism office and even an executioner’s residence. It’s now a popular location for events and concerts in the summer and tourists can visit by boat that departs Nafplio Port twice daily.
Prime viewing across Bourtzi occurs at sunset! The blazing pinks and oranges that we encountered that night will stay with me for life.
Climb the 999 steps to the top of Palamidi Fortress
Another veritable feat by the Venetians is the magnificent Palamidi Fortress, standing high above the Old Town of Nafplio.
It was built in 1711-1714 and climbing the (supposed) 999 steps to the top is well worth it for the stunning 360 degree views across the coastline and town of Nafplio. Palamidi Fortress is important for being the setting of one of the first Greek liberations from the Turks. It was also the prison for the Greek revolutionary hero, Theodoros Kolokotronis. The site is now in ruins but parts have been well preserved.
If you are keen to climb to the top, the path begins to the right of Kontrabasso Bar. We visited Palamidi Fortress after a day trip to the Nemea winelands thus fortuitously decided to taxi to the top! However we did walk back down the stairs, passing some sweaty hot-and-bothered faces along the way.
Visit the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio
Have an evening beverage in a lively old town bar
Nafplio is not an outrageously crazy place at night but it definitely springs to life in the evenings. We passed quite a few very busy bars, with popular venues needing to line up for entry.
My favourite was the Rosso Music Cafe & Wine Bar, which had an eclectic mix of decor such as a traditional British red phone booth and John Lennon artwork. Most importantly, the energetic atmosphere was compelling us to enter!
Other great options can be found along the seafront Promenade, such as Aktaion Mare and Psarosavouras Bounos.
Go for a dip at the popular Karathonas Beach
A popular place for locals, Karathonas Beach is the Nafplio’s longest beach. It’s fresh crystal blue waters are the perfect way to cool down in the height of Greece summer!
Old Town Accommodation & Parking
Accommodation
Accommodation options are plentiful in Nafplio. Whether you are after plush hotels, private homes with pools or views of Palamidi Castle or the bay, everything is possible! We found some great private home options using booking.com, based in the heart of Old Town. The home we stayed in had won some interior design awards and had access to all the major tourist sites.
Parking
Nafplio is notoriously poor for parking options so this can be frustrating if you have driven from Athens. There is a small parking lot called ‘Five Brothers’ near the Lighthouse, which is a nightmare to navigate in and out but will likely mean less of a distance hauling your luggage up and down the cobblestone steps to your accommodation. The benefit of staying in a privately owned accommodation on booking.com is that the owner can hold a park for you at Five Brothers. Our accommodation owners kindly did so for us.
Additionally, there is a huge car park along the wharf of Nafplio Port but this can also be quite a hike to your accommodation. Be sure to check your accommodation in relation to these two car parks and to consider the luggage you will take.
