Nafplio: The Romantic First Capital of Greece
Nafplio is widely considered the most romantic and elegant city in Greece. As the first capital of the modern Greek state, it is a city where every corner breathes history and neoclassical beauty. Nestled in the Argolic Gulf, Nafplio is a tapestry of Venetian fortresses, Ottoman fountains, and marble-paved alleys filled with bougainvillea. In 2026, it remains a premier destination for travelers who appreciate high-end culture, incredible gastronomy, and the sophisticated atmosphere of a city that has always been a crossroads of the Mediterranean.
Things to know about Nafplio
Geographically, Nafplio is a coastal city in the Peloponnese, just 2 hours from Athens. Historically, it was the seat of the first Greek government under Ioannis Kapodistrias. An ideal trip length is 3-4 days. It is famous for the Palamidi Fortress, the Bourtzi island fort, and its proximity to the ancient sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus. The city is a car-free paradise in its old quarter, known for its high-quality handmade shoes and traditional ‘Komboloi’ (worry beads).
Top attractions in Nafplio
The Palamidi Fortress
Dominating the city from a 216-meter hill, this is a masterpiece of Venetian military architecture. To reach it, you can drive or climb the legendary ‘999 steps’. Inside, you can see the eight bastions and the prison of the revolutionary hero Theodoros Kolokotronis, while enjoying a panoramic view of the Argolic Gulf.
Bourtzi Fortress
The symbol of the city, Bourtzi is a small castle built on an islet in the middle of the harbor. Originally used as a fort, it later became the residence of the city’s executioners. Today, it is a beautiful site reachable by a 5-minute boat ride, offering a unique perspective of the Nafplio waterfront.
The Old Town (Chora)
Walking through the Old Town is like visiting an open-air museum. Syntagma Square is the social heart, surrounded by historic buildings like the Archaeological Museum and the old Trianon mosque. The narrow streets are lined with neoclassical mansions and artisan workshops.
The Promenade of Arvanitia
This is the most beautiful walk in the city. A paved path winds around the foot of the Akronafplia hill, with the sea on one side and the cliffs on the other. It leads to the small, turquoise beach of Arvanitia, the city’s favorite swimming spot.
The Archaeological Museum of Nafplio
Housed in a grand Venetian building in Syntagma Square, this museum contains a significant collection of artifacts from the Argolida region, including the world-famous Mycenaean bronze armor found in Dendra.
Akronafplia (The Ancient Citadel)
The oldest part of the city, Akronafplia features layers of walls from the ancient Greek, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman periods. It offers a peaceful atmosphere and a stunning view of the Bourtzi and the city from above.
The Church of Agios Spyridon
A site of great national significance, this is where the first governor of Greece, Ioannis Kapodistrias, was assassinated in 1831. You can still see the mark of the bullet in the wall near the entrance of the church.
The Komboloi Museum
Dedicated to the traditional Greek ‘worry beads,’ this unique museum explores the history and types of Komboloi from various cultures. It is a great place to buy an authentic, handcrafted souvenir of the city.
Karathona Beach
Located just a 10-minute drive or a beautiful 45-minute hike from the city, Karathona is a long sandy bay with shallow water and palm trees. It is the most popular beach for families and offers many facilities for water sports.
The Lion of the Bavarians
A colossal lion carved into the rock in the 19th century as a monument to the Bavarian soldiers who died during a plague. It is a powerful example of romantic sculpture and a unique landmark in the city’s residential district.
Island-hopping from Nafplio
Nafplio is the gateway to the Argolic Gulf. During summer, there are regular ferry connections to the nearby islands of Spetses and Hydra (1-1.5 hours). It is also the perfect base for exploring the archaeological heart of the Peloponnese: Mycenae and the Great Theater of Epidaurus are both only 30 minutes away by car.
