Nafplio is one of the most beautiful and romantic towns in Greece. As it is located deep in the Argolic Gulf in the Peloponnese, the gorgeous town gives the sense that you are on a Greek island that looks a lot like Plaka in Athens.
I’m Greek, and honestly, I could talk about why I love Nafplio all day. There are a zillion reasons!
Every time I wander its cobblestone alleys lined with neoclassical mansions and bougainvillea, I fall in love again.
The three massive castles, the cozy tavernas, the modern hotels—it all blends perfectly. And then there’s the gorgeous Aegean Sea wrapping around it.
As if that wasn’t enough, Nafplio is located close to some of the most important archaeological sites in Greece: Ancient Corinth, Mycenae, Tiryns, Argos, Nemea, and Asklepios Sanctuary with the Theater of Epidaurus.
So, without further ado here are my favorite 14 of the best things to do in Nafplio, Greece!
Travel the Greek Way is an Amazon Associate and participant in other affiliate programs. I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclaimer/privacy policy for more information.
My Latest Video on Nafplio
I visited Bourtzi Castle, checked out the Archaeological Museum on Syntagma Square, strolled through charming bougainvillea alleys, and stumbled upon an Ottoman hamam hidden in a hotel garden.
I wrap things up by exploring the Palamidi Castle and hiking the stunning coastal path from Karathona Beach to Arvanitia Beach.
Best Things to Do in Nafplio
1. Wander in Old Nafplio Alleys
The old part of Nafplio is car-free, so strolling is one of the best things to do in the town. Some parts are connected with stairs that lead to higher neighborhoods of the town.
The narrow alleys house tourist shops, cafes, taverns, the koboloi (beads) shops, bars, and hotels in a harmonious sequence. Nafplio has many neoclassic mansions, built between 1828 and 1920, some of them quite impressive, that are used today as hotels, shops, or residences.
Historical Tip: Nafplio became the first capital of Greece right after the end of the War of Independence against the Ottomans in 1821. Before that, Venetians, Franks, Romans, and the ancient Greeks left their impressive cultural traces on Nafplio.
Are you looking for somewhere to stay in Nafplio? Check rates and availability here!
2. Have a Greek Coffee at Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square is the main square in Nafplio, paved in marble and surrounded by popular restaurants and cafes.
You will also find Greek banks, the Archaeological museum loaded with ancient artifacts, and the Vouleftikon building, an Ottoman mosque that served as the first Greek Parliament.
Meters away from Syntagma Square stands another Ottoman mosque, which is now used as an events center under the name Trianon.
Right across from it is the Xenon Inn Hotel, a beautiful boutique hotel housed in an impressive historic building. The hotel also offers breathtaking views of the Palamidi
A pedestrian-only area, Syntagma Square is the heart of the town, and everyone, both locals and visitors, will pass by the square at least once a day.
Find a table, order your first Greek coffee (I always take it with some sugar), and enjoy the view of the people wandering about.
3. Walk up/Drive to Palamidi Fortress
For a little extra adventure and aerobic exercise, walk up the 857(!) steps to the Venetian Fortress of Palamidi, built in 1687.
If climbing all those stairs sounds like a huge task – I have done it and then my legs were shaky for quite some time from the strain – then consider taking a taxi or driving to the top of the Fortress. It is only 5 km out of Nafplio.
When you reach the top of Palamidi Fortress, let the spectacular view of Nafplio, Acronafplia, and the eastern Peloponnese amaze you.
Don’t miss visiting the imposing bastions, the historic church of Agios Andreas, and the impressive reservoirs that still collect the rainwater of the hill.
General Entrance €20, Open Daily between 08:00-20:00. Take sunscreen, a hat, and a bottle of water.
4. Take the Boat to Bourtzi Castle
Take the small boat from the port for a quick trip out to Bourtzi Castle, Nafplio’s iconic landmark rising from the sea (ticket €5).
Built by the Venetians in 1473 to protect the harbor from pirates and invaders, Bourtzi has seen centuries of change—modified by Ottomans, then Greeks, and even used as a hotel in the 20th century. Today, it’s a beloved symbol of Nafplio.
Stroll around the small castle, explore its stone chambers, and climb to the top terrace for panoramic views of the town, the Palamidi fortress, and the sparkling Argolic Gulf. Bring your camera—sunset from Bourtzi is unforgettable.
Entrance ticket to Bourtzi €7.
5. Go to Acronafplia Castle and swim on Arvanitia beach
Short History of Acronafplia
- In Acronafplia, you will find traces of a prehistoric settlement, while in the western part of the Acropolis, parts of its ancient polygonal walls are from the 4th century BC.
- In 1210-1212, the Franks occupied Nafplio and started building the walls and the castle
- The castle was taken by the Ottomans in 1540 and renamed Its Kale(Iç Kale)
- The Venetians overtook the Ottomans in 1686 (in 1687, they bombarded Acropolis Hill in Athens)
- The Ottomans reoccupied Nafplio in 1715 and
- Finally, in 1822, it became Greek territory again
Back in 1961, the Xenia Hotel was built on Acronafplia as part of a big, state-funded tourism project. It was pretty ambitious, but by the late ‘70s it went bankrupt and shut down.
The old building is still there today, just sitting empty while everyone waits to see if the Greek authorities will tear it down or fix it up.
The Xenia Hotel overlooks the popular and easy-to-access Arvanitia beach, where you can also see traces of the old Xenia beach facilities.
The waters are clear, although I prefer to swim to Karathonas Beach, which is some 2 miles down the coast (see activity 8).
6. Enjoy the beautiful Sunset at Arvanitia Promenade
The “Promenade of Arvanitia”, is the favorite walk of Nafplio residents. The promenade starts after the end of the beach and ends at Arvanitia Square, at a total distance of about one kilometer.
The entire route is dominated by the cliffs of Acronafplia, with its imposing walls and stunning views of the Argolic Gulf.
Just before the middle of the promenade, you will find the small church of Panagitsa, or Santa Maria Della Grotta, a favorite pilgrimage for both the inhabitants and its visitors. I love this walk, especially when the sun sets, it is one of the most romantic things to do in Nafplio!
Alternatively, you can hike from Karathona beach to Arvanitia beach — a scenic, easy 3 km trail along Nafplio’s beautiful coast. Check out this post for all the details!
7. Stay in the 3 Sixty Hotel & Suites
Why should you stay in this beautifully renovated, neoclassic 4-star, exceptional hotel? For three main reasons:
3 Sixty Hotel & Suites has classy, spacious rooms with linens and regal furnishings that remind us of Nafplio’s old charm and rich history.
It has some of the best chefs, specializing in premium, organic meat and Greek cuisine with a twist, and has a fantastic wine list. It is centrally located, within walking distance of all the best things to do in Nafplio.
8. Karathonas Beach
At the Arvanitia parking lot starts a beautiful trail going all the way to Karathonas Beach, which is two miles east of Nafplio.
The coastal trail is straightforward to follow with fantastic sea views. Karathonas sandy beach is where most of the locals go, there are cafes and four fish tavernas to have lunch or have a beer, looking at the beach.
At the end of the beach, there is the white Church of Agios Constantinos. Wander in its yard and the nearby houses where people and many cats live.
If you continue a few meters toward the main road, you will see that another trail begins. If you follow this easy and short trail – and undeniably this is by far my favorite hike in Nafplio – you will get to the small seaside chapel of Agios Nikolaos Krasoktistos.
You don’t want to hike to Karathonas? Take a taxi to drive you there, it is very close to Nafplio.
9. Discover the Leon of Bavarians
Between the church of Agion Panton and the current cemetery of the city, you can visit a monument of exceptional art sculpture, and one of the most important art items of the 19th century in Greece, known as the Lion of Bavaria, dating from 1840 to 1841.
The sculptor of this beautiful monument is the German Christian Ziegel, who was the first professor of sculpture at the Technical University of Athens. The model for Ziegel’s work was the Lucerne Lion by the famous Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen.
10. Visit the UNESCO Archaeological Site of Tiryns
8 km away from Nafplio lies the World Heritage Mycenaean Acropolis of Tiryns.
You will see the Western Bastion which is an exceptional achievement of Mycenaean architecture, the famous Cyclopean walls that raise questions even today about their size, the Lower Acropolis, and the Geometric Temple.
According to mythology, the king of Tiryns, Eurystheus, ordered the feats of the hero Hercules. The finds from the excavation of Tiryns are exhibited in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens and the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio.
The Site is open daily between 8.30-15.30 with a €10 entrance.
11. Take the Hop-on Hop-off Bus in Nafplio
Get on the hop-on hop-off bus in Nafplio and explore all the key monuments of the town. Some of the places you will visit are:
- Palamidi and Acronafplia castles.
- The 1st High School of Greece, the Courthouse, the Armansperg Residence, the Land Gate, the Lion of Bavaria, and the Cathedral Church of Euaggelistria.
Book your seat on the popular bus here.
12. Learn about Greek Modern History at the Nafplio National Gallery
The National Gallery is housed in a beautifully renovated neoclassical building. It keeps a large and unique collection of paintings and relics of the heroes and events of the Greek War of Independence of 1821.
Ticket: €3 (general admission), every Monday free. Open Mon., Thu., Fri., Sat. 10:00-15:00, Wed. 10:00-15:00 & 17:00-20:00, Sun. 10:00-14:00, Wed. closed.
13. Have a Traditional Greek Meal at the Palm Promenade
Walking towards the Nafplio seaside part, you get to a series of paved areas where you can have a very romantic meal.
The walking area has many cafes, restaurants, and fish taverns to choose from, and it is adorned with beautiful palm trees, giving the Nafplio seaside a Miami-kind look.
14. Explore Nearby Nafplio Sites
If you are staying longer in Nafplio, then you will be spoilt for choice of what else to do:
- Go to the small traditional village of Tolo for a swim and Greek old-fashioned taverns
- Visit the Sanctuary of Asklepios in Epidaurus. From Epidaurus, you can drive to volcanic Methana and hop onto Poros Island.
- Travel to the Archaeological sites of Mycenae and Nemea
- Go all the way south to Porto Heli, jump on a ferry, and spend a day or two on Spetses island
- And if you are up for a bigger adventure, Sparta, Mystras, and Monemvasia will thrill you
- Book your ferry tickets in advance with no hidden fees with FerryScanner.
How to Get to Nafplio from Athens
You can go to Nafplio by public bus, although the easiest and most adventurous way is to either rent a car and drive through the Peloponnese or book a private transfer from Athens airport to Nafplio.
Join Our FB Group & Subscribe to My YouTube Channel!
For more travel to Greece tips and beautiful destinations in the Greek islands please join my FREE Facebook Group or SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube & TikTok channels for amazing videos of Greece! Until then happy and safe travels, Evgenia.
How to Get to Athens Port (Piraeus) from Athens Airport
- Bus: If you are arriving at Athens International Airport you can travel straight to the port by taking the X96 express bus (€5.5, children <6 yo, free entrance), which departs every 40 minutes and the average trip lasts 1 hour – runs 24/7.
- Metro: (€9) is easily found across airport arrivals (blue line – M3) going directly to Piraeus port. The average trip to Piraeus lasts 1 hour.
- Taxis are available in front of the airport (around €45 to Athens, €55 to Piraeus (depending on the traffic in Kifisos), and take up to 3 or 4 people with small luggage)
- Rent a car with Discover Cars for reliable, new cars at affordable prices
- You don’t like driving but love hassle-free solutions? Book a Private transfer with an English-speaking driver from Athens International Airport to Piraeus Ferries, or anywhere else in Greece.
Essential Travel Info for Greece
- ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Greek: “Ya sou” and “Efharisto”
- Booking.com: I use Booking.com mostly for Europe.
- All-Inclusive Resorts in Greece
- FerryScanner to book ferries to the Greek Islands
- Rent an Affordable Car in Greece
- Athens Metro Website (timetables and ticket info)
- Trains (Hellenic Train)
- Public Buses KTEL
- Get Your Guide: For all your day or multi-day tours and city guide needs, I use Get Your Guide
- Emergency Numbers Anywhere in Greece: AMBULANCE 166 – FIRE 199 – POLICE 100– EMERGENCY NUMBER 112
