Plizio Visual Lab
Nafplio
Nafplio is widely considered one of the most romantic cities in Greece. Serving as the first capital of the independent Greek state between 1823 and 1834, it is home to a remarkably preserved Old Town. Visitors can wander through narrow cobblestone alleys lined with neoclassical mansions and bougainvillea-draped balconies. Syntagma Square forms the heart of the city, surrounded by historic buildings such as the former Trianon mosque and the Archaeological Museum. The city's skyline is dominated by three fortresses. The Palamidi, built by the Venetians in 1714, sits 216 meters above the town and is accessible via a steep staircase of 999 steps. Acronafplia is the oldest part of the city with walls dating back to pre-classical times. Floating in the middle of the harbor is the Bourtzi, a small water fortress designed to protect the port from pirates. A walk along the Arvanitia promenade gives spectacular views of the sea and the Peloponnese mountains. Nafplio is a convenient year-round destination, located just a two-hour drive from Athens. It serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby Mycenae and Epidaurus. Gastronomy here focuses on fresh seafood and local Argolic citrus fruits. Popular activities include walking the Arvanitia promenade and swimming at Karathona beach. The town's artisanal shops are famous for producing high-quality 'komboloi' (worry beads), a traditional Greek handicraft.
- Location: Greece
- Top sights: Nafplio lighthouse · Promakhonas tou Epameinonda · The Land Gate
- Nearby: Nea Kios (6 km)
- Population: ~14.582 (2020)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 10 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 24 | 20 | 16 | 12 |
| Rain mm | 80 | 70 | 56 | 32 | 25 | 22 | 14 | 10 | 32 | 53 | 76 | 92 |
Geography
Facts
- First capital of modern Greece (1829–1834).
- 999 steps lead up to the Palamidi Fortress.
- Venetian-style Old Town with marble squares.
- Bourtzi water castle protects the harbor entrance.
- Located just 120 km away from Athens.
- Akronafplia is the oldest part of the city.
- Base for visiting Mycenae and Epidaurus.
- Famous for artisanal 'komboloi' workshops.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Nafplio (15)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Was Nafplio the first capital of Greece?
How many steps lead to the Palamidi Fortress?
What is the Bourtzi?
Is the Old Town car-free?
Are there beaches nearby?
Nafplio: where is it located?
Nafplio: what is there to see?
Nafplio: when is the best time to visit?
Nafplio: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
