Nafplio

The first of your things to do in Nafplio is to explore the Old Town. Entering through the Land Gate (the original entrance), you’re surrounded by elegant architecture and a sense of history. The Church of Saint Spyridon is where Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor of Greece, was assassinated in 1831. You can still see the bullet hole in the wall. Syntagma Square is the heart of Nafplio, lined with historic buildings like the Trianon (originally an Ottoman mosque, built in the 16th century but with clear Byzantine influences) and the Archaeological Museum.

Nearby, the church of Agios Georgios is where King Otto was crowned. Inside is a replica of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, painted by one of his pupils. Other landmarks of the Old Town include the Vouleftiko, a former mosque converted into Greece’s first parliament in 1825, and the Komboloi Museum, a collection of over 700 worry beads from around the world.

Dominating the skyline is Palamidi Castle, built by the Venetians between 1711 and 1714. It was one of the most formidable fortresses of its time, and the Ottomans later used one of its bastions as a prison. Climbing its near 1,000 steps rewards you with panoramic views over Nafplio and the Argolic Gulf.

No visit is complete without a waterfront stroll. The path offers some of Nafplio’s most romantic views, including Bourtzi Castle, built in 1473 on the tiny island of Agios Theodoros and briefly the seat of government during the 1820s, and the Five Brothers – a line of Venetian cannons once protecting the harbour.

Accompanying you on your walk is Akronafplia, the acropolis of Nafplio and the oldest of the town’s castles. Along with sections dating to ancient times, there are later additions by Byzantine, Frankish, Venetian and Ottoman rulers. Tucked into its base is the chapel of Panagia tis Spilias (Virgin Mary of the Cave), known to the Venetians as Santa Maria Grotta. It is one of Nafplio’s most romantic sunset spots.

Take a walking tour in Nafplio’s romantic Old Town

Just a short walk from the Old Town, Arvanitia is the easiest beach to reach in Nafplio – a small pebbled cove with clear water and great views. Continuing along the coastal path, you reach Neraki beach, a quieter, more secluded option surrounded by nature. Fifteen minutes away by car, Tolo beach is long, sandy and fully organised, with cafes, tavernas and water sports. And nearby Asini beach sits beneath the ruins of Ancient Asini, offering a quieter, more scenic spot.

Plaka beach, near Drepano, is known for its smooth pebbles, beach bars and relaxed vibe, while Kondyli beach is wider and more open, with plenty of space and both organised and natural sections. For an even quieter swim, Kantia and Iria are peaceful and unspoiled beaches that you can combine with a taverna meal by the sea or in a nearby village. A little further on, Kiveri beach combines great views back to Nafplio with a few nearby tavernas.

Nafplio is also ideally placed for day trips to some of Greece’s most legendary archaeological landmarks. Less than an hour away is Ancient Epidaurus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to an iconic 4th-century BC theatre. Renowned for its exceptional acoustics, it is still in use today.

Just north of Nafplio lies Mycenae, seat of the mythical King Agamemnon and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. To the northeast, Nemea is known for both its ancient stadium and temple, as well as vineyards that you can visit. Beyond that, Ancient Corinth and the dramatic hilltop fortress of Acrocorinth combine history with unforgettable views. Meanwhile, closer to Nafplio, the Monastery of Agios Dimitrios Avgou offers sweeping views of the Rados Gorge. Look out for olive presses on the way. Many offer olive oil tasting experiences.

For a combination of nature and myth, head west to Lake Stymfalia, the southernmost mountain lake in Greece and home to rich birdlife and mythological tales. This is where Heracles is said to have confronted the man-eating Stymphalian birds in one of his labours.

Finally, you can take boat trips to beaches and coves in the Argolic Gulf from Nafplio and Tolo (10km from Nafplio). From Tolo, there are also boats to nearby islands in the Argosaronic Gulf, such as Spetses and Hydra.

Tours & Activities in Nafplio

Nafplio lies around 140km southwest of Athens and easy to reach by car or bus. The drive from Athens takes around 2 hours via the Corinth Canal and Argos, mostly on well-maintained national roads. If you’re arriving at Athens International Airport, you can hire a car directly from the airport or take a connecting bus into the city.

Intercity (KTEL) buses to Nafplio depart regularly from Kifissos Bus Station in Athens and take around 2 hours. Tickets can be booked in advance online or at the station.

There’s no train or direct ferry service to Nafplio, but once you’re there, everything is walkable, and the town makes a great base for exploring the northeastern Peloponnese by car.

Nafplio is a year-round destination, with something to enjoy in every season. Spring and autumn are magical times to explore the eastern Peloponnese countryside, with warm days, blooming landscapes and fewer crowds.

Peak summer (July and August) is the busiest, especially in town and at the beaches near Nafplio. For the best mix of good weather in Nafplio and a more relaxed vibe on the beaches, visit in June or September. May and October are also ideal for sightseeing and the sea is still warm enough for swimming in October.