Nafplio, Greece; one of the loveliest towns of mainland Greece

Visit Nafplio

Nafplio is a beautiful seaside town on the Peleponnese Peninsula of mainland Greece. Nafplio was the capital of the first Hellenic Republic and of the Kingdom of Greece until 1834. It is about 60 kilometers south of Corinth and just a two hour drive from Athens making it a popular weekend destination.

Nafplio is also called Nauplia or Nauplion in English.

Explore Nafplio

Nafplio occupies a beautiful position on a small peninsula and so surrounded by sea on three sides and with a steep cliff rising up behind it on which the Palamidi castle sits commanding views over the dramatic vista.

Nafplio

In the sea out from the main entrance to the port of Nafplio is a small island and the Bourtzi castle that once defended the port from attack. The castle can be visited on a boat trip from the port.

The old town of Nafplio with its tall, colourful houses and narrow streets is a pleasure to explore. At the heart of the town is Syntagma Square (Constitution Square) which is a lined with outdoor bars and restaurants and is an excellent place to sit and enjoy a drink or a meal.

The lovely neo-classical buildings that surround the square are painted beautiful shades of pink, yellow and ochre and look stunning against the bright blue skies of Greece. The floors are polished marble and gleam in the light.

The Archaeological Museum, on one side of the square, is one of the most impressive buildings in Nafplio and is built in Baroque style. It has previously been used as a Venetian garrison and as an interrogation centre by the Germans during World War Two.

Near to here is the 'Vouleftikon' or Parliament which was originally built as a mosque in 1730 but later converted into the Parliament building.

Also worth looking out for are the Armansberg residence was lived in by Count Ludwig Joseph von Armansberg, who was the Prime Minister in the early 19th century, and the neoclassical Courthouse.

Another beautiful square is the Three Admirals Square named after the three admirals who fought on the Greek side in the battle of Navarino in 1827. The square was built in neoclassical style and is home to the Town Hall.

The port area of Nafplio is also pleasant to explore and the town beach, Avanitia beach is a pleasant beach on the southern edge of town. It is a gravel beach but has sun loungers to hire and a beach cafe. There is a pleasant seafront walk from the port and leads to Avanitia beach and square.

There is also the Banieres lido near to the old town which also has a beach bar. You get excellent views across to the Bourtzi castle from here too.

It is also worth hiking uphill to the Palamadi castle which dominates the hillside behind Nafplio. The castle was built in the 18th century by the Venetians.

The Palamdi castle was used as a prison from 1840 for about a hundred years and during this time the 857 steps to the castle were built. It is a great climb if you can manage it but it is possible to drive to the back of the castle if not.

From the castle you get great views over Nafplio and the Argolic Gulf. The castle is open for visitors and you can explore the buildings and the jail cells.

Nafplio

Attractions nearby

Tolo is the nearest beach resort to Nafplio and has a long sandy beach. Drepano and Vivari are also pretty beach villages to the east of Nafplio. They are well known locally for their good taverns.

Nafplio is close to the ancient Greek archaeological site of Epidaurus which is home to one of the best preserved Greek Theatres in the world.