The best things to do in Nafplio, Greece: climb Palamidi, boat to Bourtzi, wander the Old Town, and use it as your base for Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Tiryns.
Nafplio is a Greek story worth telling. This coastal town, deep inside the Argolic Gulf, is raw, beautiful, and packed with adventure.
My family had spent the day knee-deep in history. We wandered through the ruins of ancient Mycenae, where we stood under the Lion Gate and uncovered the torrid tales of Agamemnon and his heartbroken wife, Clytemnestra. We sang in the theater of Epidaurus, where whispers of ancient drama drifted through its famous theater.
But Nafplio was the prize, the promise of a place where the ancient stories aren’t dead; they’re still being written along every cobblestone alley and formidable fortress.
We were here to peel back the layers and find the heart of Nafplio, the grit beneath the postcard beauty. And trust me, it has got secrets. This town is a feast for the senses, a history lesson served with a side of ouzo.
So come along, let’s get lost in the urban maze, taste the salt air, and listen to the stories. Nafplio’s waiting, and it’s got a hell of a tale to spin. And I’m here to share that experience with you so that when you visit, you’re going to be able to experience all of the best things to do in Nafplio for yourselves.
Nafplio Trip Planner
Where: The northeastern Peloponnese, on the Argolic Gulf, and the first capital of modern Greece.
Getting there: About a 2-hour drive or KTEL bus from Athens (roughly 140 km / 87 miles).
How long you need: One night to taste it, two or three to use it as your Argolid base.
Don’t-miss trio: Palamidi Fortress, the Bourtzi island castle (now open to visit again), and the cobbled Old Town.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall (March to April, September to October) for fewer crowds and easy weather.
Nearby: Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Tiryns are all short drives away.
Plan-ahead tip: Climb Palamidi early or late to beat the heat, or drive to the car park by the top gate.
Our Visit To Nafplio, Greece
We limped in at dusk, the late-day shadows stretching across the city from Palamidi Fortress. Our bodies were worn out after a day of family travel through Greece, chasing ghosts at Mycenae and Epidaurus. But as we stepped into the narrow alleys of Nafplio, all of that exhaustion vanished amidst the effervescent smell of fresh orange mixed with grilled souvlaki.
We were ready for Nafplio to work its magic on us. The chipped paint from the wind-worn buildings whispered promises of late-night ice cream, ancient battlefields, and the stories of ancient royalty. Weary travelers? No doubt. But the night was young, and Nafplio is a city that comes alive as the sun sinks low. This wasn’t just a pit stop. This was an adventure waiting to unfold.
But we were determined to make the most of our night in the city.
Where We Stayed In Nafplio
Leto Nuevo Hotel would be our home base while my family visited the city. Stepping into the room, there was a tangle of limbs and laughter as the kids staked their claim on the prime sleeping real estate.
Cozy, with a view that screamed ‘vacation,’ this was an ideal launchpad for our Nafplio adventure. Once our suitcases were unpacked, we hit the streets, the floral scents of spring a welcome assault on our road-weary senses.
We carefully made our way down steep, stone steps, a pilgrimage towards the Nafplio waterfront, pausing only to pay respects in the historic Saint Spyridon Church.
Nafplio isn’t a squeaky-clean city. The buildings here are raw, and the cobblestone alleys are uneven. It’s a city that’s seen things and isn’t afraid to show its scars. History hung heavy in the air, a reminder that Nafplio wasn’t just a pretty face.
Nafplio Waterfront
The Nafplio waterfront was a pleasant surprise for a European vacation. No jostling elbows, no selfie sticks blocking the view. That kind of action is only at the height of the travel season.
It was March in Nafplio, and we felt like we had the whole town to ourselves—a stolen moment.
And there, rising from the water like a defiant fist, Bourtzi Fortress. Built by the Venetians, this building has worn more shades than a chameleon. The island has been a fortress, a prison, an executioner’s playground, and even a luxury hotel.
Now, it’s one of the top tourist attractions in Nafplion. Even from a distance, you can feel the weight of its 600 years of history, the whispers of the past clinging to its sun-baked stones.
Dinner In Nafplio
Hunger pangs gnawing, we stalked the waterfront, the hunt for the perfect taverna on.
During the shoulder season in Nafplio, we needed to be quick. The kitchens close up early. Then, we found the perfect spot, Bounos Psarosavoura, also known as Bounos Fish Tavern, right on the waterfront. A covered tent with windows looking out over a sunset painting the water surface, the perfume of grilled squid teasing our nostrils.
This was it. Plates piled high with the day’s catch, simple, honest food bathed in olive oil, the kind that makes you groan with pleasure. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we swapped stories, the day’s adventures mingling with the taste of the sea. From ancient Mycenaean ruins, concerts in the Epidaurus Theater, and ultimately back to this humble feast, Nafplio was delivering.
Late Night Walks
With our bellies full, we spilled out onto the cobblestone streets, ready to walk off our feast.
Nafplio at night is a different beast. The tourists are tucked away, the locals reclaim their streets, the squares are buzzing with life, and locals gather at cafes and restaurants.
Syntagma Square is the city’s heartbeat in the darkness, with laughter and clinking glasses spilling out from wide-open doors.
A late-night ice cream mission, a final sugar rush before bed. Then, back to our cozy nest at Leto Nuevo, dreams of ancient ruins and grilled squid dancing in our heads. Nafplio had welcomed us with open arms, and we were already under its spell.
Palamidi Fortress
Our night in the city was all about exploring the city. But looming above the town like a guardian angel is one of the top things to see in Nafplio, Palamidi Fortress.
Palamidi isn’t for the faint of heart or weak of knee.
999 steps carved straight into the rock lead adventurers to the Venetian vanguard. This historic guardian has seen centuries of conflict. But here’s a hint: if you want to save your knees, there’s a parking lot just outside the main door that we took advantage of.
The view from the top? None other than the beautiful town of Nafplio itself. Wrapping around the Argolic Gulf between the mountains and the sea. Palamidi is a testament to Greek resilience and ambition. You can almost smell the sweat of soldiers watching from the battlements, determined to protect their homeland.
All six of us split off in different directions, the boys playing hide-and-seek in the tunnels, caves, and armories of the fortress while Christina and I climbed among the rough ruins, looking for the perfect photo stops.
10 Things To Do In Nafplio To Get An Authentic Experience
Nafplio rewards the curious, those who are willing to wander through crumbling cobblestone and peer through broken walls. Here are the ten Nafplio experiences I’d build a visit around, from the obvious icons to the corners most visitors walk right past.
1. Climb (or Drive) Palamidi Fortress
If you do one single thing in Nafplio, make it this. Palamidi crowns the hill above town like a stone diadem, eight self-contained bastions of Venetian military genius thrown up in barely three years in the 1710s. You reach it two ways: on foot up the legendary staircase carved into the cliff, famously counted at 999 steps (the real number is closer to 900, but good luck counting when your calves are screaming), or the route I happily took, a quick drive to the car park by the upper gate.
Give the fortress a good 90 minutes to two hours, go early morning or late afternoon to dodge the heat, and let the kids vanish into the tunnels and armories while you soak up a panorama that sweeps the whole Argolic Gulf. It opens daily, with longer hours in the warm months and a small entry fee.
2. Take a Boat Out to Bourtzi Fortress
For years, Bourtzi was the castle that visitors admired from afar, marooned on its little islet in the harbor like a postcard that never fades. Here’s the news worth shouting: after a five-year restoration, the Venetians’ 1471 sea fort reopened to the public, so you can finally go stand on it.
Little boats run out from the harbor near Filellinon Square every half hour or so in season. The crossing takes about ten minutes, and there’s a small fare for the boat plus a separate entry fee (bring cash for both). Once a pirate deterrent, then an executioner’s residence, then, improbably, a luxury hotel, Bourtzi has worn more hats than anyone in Nafplio.
The views back at the Old Town and up at Palamidi are the real reward. Time it for the run-up to sunset.
3. Get lost in Nafplio’s Old Town
Ditch the guidebook and the pre-planned itinerary.
Nafplio’s old town is a labyrinth that is begging to be explored. It’s kind of like Venice, which isn’t surprising when you consider the town’s Venetian roots. Winding alleys, sun-bleached stone, and bougainvillea spill over balconies like a drunken promise of summer.
This city is old, but it’s not a museum. It’s a living, breathing organism. Syntagma Square is the heart of it all, a place to sip strong coffee and watch the world go by. Mosques whisper tales of Ottoman rule, and neoclassical mansions flaunt their faded grandeur.
Every corner of Nafplio is a surprise: a taverna tempting you with the smell of grilled octopus and a shop overflowing with handmade treasures. If the idea of getting lost is a bit intimidating, there’s a great walking tour of Nafplio on offer. It’s a chance to learn about all the little secrets of the city.
4. Walk The Waterfront
Nafplio’s promenade isn’t just a walkway. It’s a stage.
Locals were strutting their stuff, tourists were gawking at the sunset, and Bourtzi Fortress was playing the silent backdrop to the whole human drama. Grab a seat at a seafront cafe, order a strong coffee or something stronger, and watch the world go by.
The life of the city passes through here, its rhythm pulsing in the air. Sunset’s the golden hour, the light turning everything – the fortress, the sea, even the faces – into something worthy of Monet or Turner.
This place isn’t for sightseeing; it’s for living in the moment. It’s Nafplio’s heartbeat, and you’re right in the thick of it.
5. Stroll Along Arvanitia Promenade to Karathona Beach
Nafplio’s best walk is the Arvanitia promenade, a relaxing seaside path that rewards you with views that’ll make you forget all your troubles. This 20-minute stroll, hugging the curve of Akronafplia Hill, the sea breeze in your hair, the sun on your face.
During summer in Nafplio, there’s a beach bar waiting at the end, the perfect spot for a cold beer, an iced tea, or a plate of something fried.
But keep going. Push on to Karathona Beach if you’ve got the legs for it. This is a pilgrimage. Every step, a taste of that raw, untamed beauty that’ll leave you breathless in the best possible way.
The walk to Karathona Beach usually takes less than an hour. The hike is easy, with fantastic sea views, and it’s ideal for everyone. This sprawling stretch of golden sand invites weary walkers with a mix of calm waters, relaxation, and beachfront tavernas, all mixed with stunning views of the Peloponnese coastline.
6. Explore Akronafplia, the Forgotten Fortress
Everyone climbs Palamidi and boats out to Bourtzi, but the third of Nafplio’s fortresses gets skipped by nearly everyone, which is exactly why I love it. Akronafplia is the oldest of the trio, a ridge of layered Byzantine, Frankish, Venetian, and Ottoman stonework rising directly above the Old Town.
You can walk up through the lanes, or take the lift that tunnels up through the rock from the lower town, and you’re rewarded with quiet ramparts, wide sea views, and a fraction of the crowds. It’s a short, satisfying detour for anyone who wants the history without paying the 999-step tax.
7. Feel the History at Saint Spyridon Church
Tucked away like a secret, Saint Spyridon Church isn’t just a pretty facade. This is where Greece’s history took a sharp turn, where the whispers of revolution turned into a roar.
In 1821, the Greek War of Independence ignited, and six years later, Nafplio was the capital of a brand-new Greece. Stand in that alleyway and feel the weight of those stones, the echoes of those who fought for freedom.
If you look closely at the church’s outer wall, you can still see the pockmark from the bullet that killed Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first Governor of Greece. This is far more than just a church. It’s a battleground for Greece’s soul and a reminder that even the quietest corners can hold the loudest stories.
8. Walk Vasileos Konstantinou Street
Vasileos Konstantinou Street is Nafplio’s main artery. This urban vein pumps life from the Old Town’s beating heart to the New Town’s quieter pulse. We started our walk at Syntagma Square, Nafplio’s tourist center, where souvenir shops hawk their wares and tavernas beckon with the siren song of grilled octopus.
But as we kept walking. Pushing past the crowds, we let the street unfold its secrets. A statue of Kapodistrias, a glimpse of the old railway station – whispers of a past both grand and gritty.
Konstantinou Street is a journey through time. From the tourist-trodden path to the lived-in heart of Nafplio, where laundry flaps on balconies and kids kick footballs in hidden squares. This is where the real Nafplio reveals itself, one unhurried step at a time.
9. Dive Into Nafplio’s Museums
Nafplio punches well above its weight on small museums, and they make the perfect cool, shaded hour when the midday sun turns mean. The Archaeological Museum, set in a handsome Venetian arsenal right on Syntagma Square, holds finds from across the Argolid, including some seriously ancient Mycenaean armor.
The award-winning Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation Museum is a beautifully curated dive into Greek costume, craft, and daily life. And then there’s the gloriously niche Komboloi Museum, devoted entirely to the worry bead, which is far more fascinating than it has any right to be. Pick one, or make an afternoon of all three.
10. Chase the Best Gelato in Greece
Remember that late-night ice cream mission I mentioned? Nafplio takes its frozen treats seriously. Antica Gelateria di Roma, run by Italian gelato masters, serves what plenty of people (me very much included) will argue is the finest gelato in all of Greece, churned fresh daily with proper technique and zero shortcuts.
On a warm Nafplio evening, a cone from here, eaten slowly along the waterfront with the lights coming up on Bourtzi, is about as close to a perfect moment as travel gets. Call it research.
Things To Do Near Nafplio
Epidaurus
Epidaurus, unlike many of the ancient Greek and Roman ruins throughout the country, is far more than just a pile of ancient stones. This 2,400-year-old city echoes with the ghosts of laughter and tears.
Imagine a theater so perfectly designed that a dropped coin on stage rings clear in the back row. It’s not just acoustics, it’s a connection to the past, a shiver down your spine as you picture the crowds, the drama, the sheer audacity of it all. And this theater is still used for shows to this day.
Epidaurus is a reminder that even in ruins, the human spirit, the hunger for connection, for story, echoes through the ages.
You can read all about our visit to Epidaurus here.
Mycenae
Mycenae is the city where Dylan, my nine-year-old, discovered selfies for the first time. But let’s be honest, this place is about more than duck faces and filters. It’s where legends were born, where Agamemnon marched off to war, and Clytemnestra plotted her revenge.
When we walked those cyclopean walls, built with massive stones hauled by who-knows-what, we felt the weight of history pressing down. The Lion Gate, a snarling reminder of power and pride, and the Treasury of Atreus, a tomb fit for a king, even in ruins, are awe-inspiring.
Mycenae is a stark reminder that even great empires rise and fall. And it was a lesson for Dylan, too. That selfies fade, but the stories we leave behind last for generations.
You can read all about our visit to Mycenae here.
Tiryns
Ten minutes up the road toward Argos sits Tiryns, and if you’ve already done Mycenae, don’t write it off as more of the same. This UNESCO-listed Mycenaean citadel has some of the most staggering Cyclopean walls anywhere, stones so massive that the ancient Greeks themselves assumed only the one-eyed giant Cyclopes could have stacked them.
It’s compact, gloriously uncrowded, and a stone’s throw from town, which makes it the easiest history win in the entire Argolid. If you only have an hour to spare between meals, spend it here.
Mystras
Mystras is, quite possibly, the world’s most beautiful ghost town. This testament to hard living clings to a mountainside less than two hours from Nafplio. We drove straight to these mist-filled ruins from Nafplio after visiting Palamdi Fortress, and the views still haunt me.
We wandered the labyrinthine streets, marveling at frescoed churches and crumbling palaces, imagining the orders of emperors and courtiers echoing through the ruins. Then, the sky cracked open—a Peloponnesian thunderstorm, furious and unforgiving. Rain lashed down, turning the ancient stones slick and treacherous.
That’s when the call came out that this ancient ruin was closed. It was no longer safe to be there. But we’ve all vowed to return because it was one of the most beautiful places that we visited in Greece.
You can read about our visit to Mystras, Greece, here.
How Many Days Do You Need in Nafplio?
You can taste Nafplio in a single night, which is exactly what we did, and still come away smitten: a waterfront seafood dinner, a late gelato, and a morning at Palamidi.
But Nafplio’s real superpower is as a base. It sits within an easy drive of more world-class history than almost anywhere in Greece, so two or three nights lets you fan out to Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Tiryns by day, push as far as Mystras or even Monemvasia if you’re ambitious, and come home each evening to those cobbled lanes and that glowing harbor. If you’re tackling a Greek road trip through the Peloponnese, make Nafplio your hub and thank me later.
Travel Resources For Families Visiting Greece
For practical planning, safety considerations, and logistics, these dedicated guides provide all of the resources you need for family travel in Greece
Best Time To Visit Nafplio
Nafplio’s charm is no secret. Mild weather, stunning scenery, plenty of incredible things to do, all a stone’s throw from Athens, it’s a siren song for city dwellers seeking escape.
But paradise has a price. Summer’s a scorcher, and weekends? Forget it. Hordes descend, turning quaint alleys into selfie-stick battlegrounds.
So, here’s the insider tip: come off-season. March, April, September, October – that’s when Nafplio breathes easy. The crowds thin, the temperature’s perfect for exploring, and the town reveals its true soul. Trust us, it’s worth the wait.”
How To Get To Nafplio
Nafplio is one of Greece’s hottest tourist destinations. You can get here by car, bus, or plane, but it will take a little bit of work. The easiest airport with access to Nafplio is Athens International Airport. There are three ways to get to Nafplio from Athens:
- Nafplio by bus: There are bus routes to Nafplio from Athens that are run by KTEL. The whole trip takes just over two hours. The bus to Nafplio departs from Kifissos Bus Station and makes several stops along the way. You can pick up tickets here.
- Nafplio by car: My favorite way to get around is by car. Roadtripping offers the freedom to stop anywhere that your heart desires, whether it’s for a snack, a bathroom break, or to check out an ancient Roman bridge. We rented a van from the Athens airport that could hold the six of us and set our sights on a mainland driving tour. Just remember, Nafplio is a very walkable city. You’ll want to leave your vehicle on the outskirts and get around the city on foot.
- Join a tour: There are several ways to experience Nafplio and many of the other amazing places to visit in Greece if you join a tour. Some of the top tours that include Nafplio are the 3-Day Private Tour of Classical Greece from Athens: Epidaurus, Mycenae, Nafplio & Olympia, which includes almost everything here, as well as a visit to Olympia, which is incredible. Another great Greece tour that includes Nafplio is a Full-Day Trip to Nafplio & Ancient Epidaurus. It’s good for those who have a little less time in the country but still want to see some of the Peloponnese Peninsula.
Where To Stay in Nafplio
My family shacked up at Leto Nuevo, a beautiful, historic hotel overlooking the city’s rooftops. It was great. There was a fantastic buffet breakfast filled with traditional Greek snacks, along with some comfort food for the kids. The rooms were comfortable, and everything in Nafplio was easily walkable.
But if you’re visiting during the peak of the tourist season, things book up fast, and options are important. Here are a few other accommodations that we considered.
Aetoma Hotel
Located in an 18th-century mansion, Aetoma is one of the most highly rated hotels in Nafplio. It’s located right in the center of the Old Town and features rooms decorated with historic works of art and handmade carpets.
You can check their current rates and availability here.
3 Sixty Hotel and Suites
The neoclassical 3 Sixty Hotel & Suites is located in the center of Nafplion, just 100m from the port. There’s a popular restaurant on-site, and most of the rooms have a beautiful spa bath. You can check their current rates and availability here.
Nafplio Frequently Asked Questions
About 140 km (87 miles), or roughly a 2-hour drive. The KTEL bus from Athens’ Kifissos station takes just over two hours.
One night is enough for a memorable taste: dinner on the waterfront, a gelato, and a morning at Palamidi. But two or three nights lets you use Nafplio as a base for the wider Argolid, with Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Tiryns all close by.
The legendary count is 999, though the real number is closer to 900. If your knees object, you can skip the climb entirely and drive to the car park beside the upper gate.
Yes. After a multi-year restoration, the island fortress reopened to visitors, so you can take a short boat from the harbor and explore it. Expect a small boat fare plus a separate entry fee, both payable in cash.
Absolutely. As the first capital of modern Greece, it pairs three historic fortresses, a gorgeous cobbled Old Town, and excellent seafood with an unbeatable location for exploring the Peloponnese.
Spring and fall, roughly March to April and September to October, bring comfortable weather and far thinner crowds than the summer peak.
Very. Between the tunnels and armories of Palamidi, the boat ride out to Bourtzi, the beaches at the end of the Arvanitia walk, and that gelato, there’s plenty to keep younger travelers happy.
Have you been to Nafplio, or is it on your list? Drop a note in the comments, or come share a photo on our Facebook page. This page is updated as new regional guides and planning resources are published. Looking beyond Greece? Explore my International Family Travel Guide.
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