Built on the slope of a small peninsula jutting out into the Argolic Gulf and under the imposing fortifications of the Acronafplia, the city’s oldest fortress, Nafplio has character. Not only is it blessed with a magnificent setting, but it is also a city that truly wears its history on its sleeve. Lively and popular, it’s no wonder it’s a city for all seasons.
Engage with the place in the most authentic way possible, by slowing down and taking in the details and small moments that surround you. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your travel experience in Nafplio.
- Open the time capsule: the Historic Old Town
Wander the cobbled streets of Nafplio’s Old Town, where typical local stone buildings with sloping red barrel tile roofs, shuttered windows and balconies form a picturesque backdrop. Take your time to discover hidden squares, quaint shops and local cafes. Don’t miss Syntagma Square, where you can sit and watch the world go by over a Greek coffee. The magnificent Syntagma Square, which has been there under various names since the Middle Ages, is home to a number of great buildings: an early Ottoman mosque, now a theatre; a late Ottoman mosque that became the parliament building; the Venetian Naval Arsenal, now the Archaeological Museum; and a quirky interwar Mycenaean pastiche that is the National Bank.
- Taste the local cuisine
Eating like a local means having the option of meat dishes as well as fresh seafood. Look for traditional tavernas tucked away from the city centre. Try local specialties such as gkiosa or mpogana, the local recipe for suckling lamb with potatoes (better to ask in advance at a restaurant, as this dish takes a long time to prepare and is not served everywhere); or the gkokes dish, which will delight pasta fans. Be sure to accompany your meal with a glass of local wine or ouzo, or a refreshing beer. For a sweet treat, try baklava or ice cream from a family-run bakery.
- Visit the markets
Visit Nafplio’s markets and immerse yourself in the local culture. Every Saturday and Wednesday, from early morning until midday, the city hosts a vibrant farmers’ market where you can find fresh produce, handmade goods and artisan products. Talk to the local vendors and don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations on what to try. It is a great way to connect with the community and learn about seasonal ingredients.
- Take part in local festivals & all kinds of outdoor activities
A year-round cultural hub, the Fougaro Art Centre has become a popular cross-generational meeting place for Nafplio residents, passers-by and Athenians. Once a cannery, the fully renovated building now houses a library, an art workshop, exhibition and concert halls, as well as a café-bar, open until late at night with music and cocktails at the outdoor bar, delicious Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, juices and drinks served in the garden. Art, photography and craft exhibitions are frequently held indoors and on the semi-outdoor deck, while live music and DJ sets enliven weekend evenings throughout the year. Summer concerts and the annual autumn Fougaro Jazz Festival are also held here.
If your visit coincides with a local festival, don’t miss the opportunity to join in the festivities. Events such as the Nafplio Festival and the newly established Acronafplia Festival feature concerts, theatre performances and art exhibitions that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage. Attending these festivities is a fantastic way to meet local residents and experience the spirit of the city.
If you are a film buff and visiting Nafplio in the summer, you have the chance to enjoy a unique cinema experience under the stars: the open-air Cine Nafplio offers a wide range of films.
- Enjoy the beaches
Nafplio has beautiful beaches, perfect for soaking up the sun. Head to Karathonas Beach or Arvanitia Beach, where you can relax, swim or enjoy a beachside taverna -or just bring a picnic for a lazy day by the sea.
- Aim high and head for the Palamidi fortress!
The Arvanitia promenade, as it is characteristically called by the locals, is one of the most popular walks in Nafplio. It starts at the harbour and follows a romantic stone path around the fortified promontory of Acronafplia, ending at Arvanitia Square – a total distance of about 1 kilometre. A little further on is the route to the Palamidi Fortress, one of the largest, best preserved and most beautiful Venetian fortresses in Greece, built following the morphology of the Palamidi hill. As you climb the 857 steps (don’t be discouraged by the popular miscalculation that there are 999 steps…), take in the scenery and appreciate the historical significance of this Venetian castle. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view of the old town, the Argolic Gulf and the coastline.
- Connect with the local residents
One of the best ways to soak up the spirit of a place is to interact with the residents. Take a local cooking class, enroll in a Greek language or culture course, or simply strike up a conversation in a café. Many residents are eager to share their stories and traditions, giving you a deeper insight into their way of life.
- Embrace the siesta culture
In Nafplio, the siesta is a cherished tradition. Take a cue from the residents and enjoy a leisurely afternoon break. Many shops close for a few hours in the afternoon, allowing time to relax and recharge. Use this time to explore a bookstore, take a nap, or enjoy a long lunch with friends.
Discover the joy of a new way of living with one of our villas near Nafplio – Villa Starlett, Villa Levanda, Villa Thymari, Villa Rosemary, Villa Daiquiri… They are an ideal base for exploring the area and a wonderful retreat after a busy day.
