Reachable in just two hours by car from Athens, the little city of Nafplion has it all.  This important historic harbor town was once the capital of free Greece while Athens was still occupied by the Turks.  Nafplion is jam-packed with Greek, Venetian, Frankish and Ottoman structures that have been repurposed as museums, boutique hotels, retail shops, tavernas and cafes, galleries and cultural centers. Having a car is ideal for exploring the nearby sites such as Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nemea, etc;  but, with a good pair of walking shoes, there is more than enough to see and do in Nafplion to fill several days. Below are just a few recommendations.

 

Stay:

Ippoliti Hotel Located one block from the bustling waterfront (Akti Miaouli).  Charming boutique hotel, each room uniquely decorated; some upper level suites have a small balcony and sea view. 

 

3Sixty Hotel Very nicely restored neoclassical mansion well situated in the historical center near the harbor. Sister property of the Ippoliti Hotel, and part of the Neoklasiki Group which also includes the Nafsimedon Hotel and Xenon Inn, and the 3Sixty Grill & Wine Bar.

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Hotel Marianna Beautiful views from its location high on the rock of Akronafplia. Choose a room with a balcony, or the charming and quirky Romantic Large Stone Rooms.

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Eat:

Pidalio Mezedopoleio Large selection of Meze to share.  At 5 25th of March St. 

 

Savouras Fish Taverna on Bouboulinas Street along the commercial side of the harbor.

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Fougaro Art Center offers classes, performances, readings and other cultural activities. The Fougaro Cafe has great salads, meze and sandwiches, and outdoor seating. “Fougaro” refers to the iconic smokestack that remains from the pre-WWII Anthos tomato cannery.

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Aiolos Taverna at 30 Vassilisis Olgas St. Traditional dishes and creative cuisine.

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Koustenis Ice Cream at 16 Vas. Konstantinou and Pergamonto at 1 Komninou are great choices for dessert.

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Visit:

Nafplion Archaeological Museum used to be a Venetian Navel Depository, and is one of the best preserved Venetian structures in Greece.  Collection consists of finds from archeological sites in the area.  

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Peloponnesian Folklore Museum  is the best place to learn about the traditions and customs of the Peloponnese. The collection of regional costumes is outstanding.  The gift shop is excellent.

 

Walk, Swim, Kayak:

Arvanitia Promenade is the  paved stone walkway that starts at the Port of Nafplion at the base of the Acronafplia fortress. Shortly after starting along the walkway, there is a blue marker indicating a path leading to the hillside Church of the Panagitsa which operated as a secret school during Ottoman occupation.There are a few swimming platforms along the walk before arriving at the small pebble beach of Arvanitia.  The beach itself can sometimes be too crowded for lingering, but this is a good place to cool off, particularly after a long day of exploring the town. For walkers, continuing past Arvinitia beach, the promenade leads to the larger pebble beach of Karathona.

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PanExpeditions offers Kayak Tours around Nafplion and the coast, including Sunken City in Epidaurus. Owner and Head Leader, Alex, is a 4-Star Sea Kayak Leader certified by British Canoe.  Also available are hiking, trekking and cycling with a guide.  

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