George’s Nafplio guidebook
City/town information
Nafplio is the capital city of the prefecture of Argolis, an area with rich history, culture and traditions. Despite of the small area, Nafplio has a lot of monuments, castles and attractions that you should visit. After our trip in the city, we prepared a tourist guide about Nafplio.
Nafplion established in 15th century under Acronafplia Castle. (1388 ‑ 1540) and until the Hellenic Revolution, the city was combining the Ottoman and the Venetian civilization. Due to the geographical location of Nafplio, the city was for many years a strategic point for many sectors. For about two centuries it was a military and administrative center of the Peloponnese, the seat of Moras Valesis during the First Ottoman Empire and the capital of the King of Morea during the Second Venetian Occupation. During the Second Ottoman Empire, the city declined sharply and until the Greek Revolution and it bore similarities with many cities of the Ottoman Empire. However, the situation changed with the independence of the country in 1830, when Nafplio became the capital of the Greek state. Previously it was a gathering place for Islanders, Messolonghi and Smyrnaeans. The population of the city was multidimensional, as it consisted of various social groups.
The name of the city comes from Nafplio, the son of Poseidon and Anymoni, a sailor who participated in the expedition of the Argonauts. His son, Palamidis is considered the inventor of lighthouses, weights, measures and dice games.
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Nafplion
Nafplio is the capital city of the prefecture of Argolis, an area with rich history, culture and traditions. Despite of the small area, Nafplio has a lot of monuments, castles and attractions that you should visit. After our trip in the city, we prepared a tourist guide about Nafplio.
Nafplion established in 15th century under Acronafplia Castle. (1388 ‑ 1540) and until the Hellenic Revolution, the city was combining the Ottoman and the Venetian civilization. Due to the geographical location of Nafplio, the city was for many years a strategic point for many sectors. For about two centuries it was a military and administrative center of the Peloponnese, the seat of Moras Valesis during the First Ottoman Empire and the capital of the King of Morea during the Second Venetian Occupation. During the Second Ottoman Empire, the city declined sharply and until the Greek Revolution and it bore similarities with many cities of the Ottoman Empire. However, the situation changed with the independence of the country in 1830, when Nafplio became the capital of the Greek state. Previously it was a gathering place for Islanders, Messolonghi and Smyrnaeans. The population of the city was multidimensional, as it consisted of various social groups.
The name of the city comes from Nafplio, the son of Poseidon and Anymoni, a sailor who participated in the expedition of the Argonauts. His son, Palamidis is considered the inventor of lighthouses, weights, measures and dice games.
Sightseeing
The Fortress is built at the top of Palamidi Hill. The Fortress built during 1711 ‑ 1715 by the Venetian Agostino Sagredo (district governor) It consisted of a complex of bastions with water reservoirs, warehouses of ammunition and food and barracks. You can enjoy the view of Argolis Plain from the castle.
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Fortezza di Palamidi
PalamidiouThe Fortress is built at the top of Palamidi Hill. The Fortress built during 1711 ‑ 1715 by the Venetian Agostino Sagredo (district governor) It consisted of a complex of bastions with water reservoirs, warehouses of ammunition and food and barracks. You can enjoy the view of Argolis Plain from the castle.
The museum is located in Syntagma Square, the central square of the city. Inside the museum you will see a rich collection from various areas of Argolis such as Tyrins, Mycinae, Assini, Kastraki, Epidavros and Argos. The oldest exhibit comes from Prosymna village from 32,000 BC. The building built in 1713 by Agostino Sagredo and it was used to as a hub of the Venetian Navy.
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Archaeological Museum of Nauplion
Πλατεία ΣυντάγματοςThe museum is located in Syntagma Square, the central square of the city. Inside the museum you will see a rich collection from various areas of Argolis such as Tyrins, Mycinae, Assini, Kastraki, Epidavros and Argos. The oldest exhibit comes from Prosymna village from 32,000 BC. The building built in 1713 by Agostino Sagredo and it was used to as a hub of the Venetian Navy.
The castle built in 1473 in the middle of the Argolic Gulf and it was used to as a Fortress until 1865. Later, the castle was used to as a prison of the executioners and from 1935 as a hotel. Today, the castle is a famous tourist attraction of the city of Nafplio.
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Bourtzi Castle
The castle built in 1473 in the middle of the Argolic Gulf and it was used to as a Fortress until 1865. Later, the castle was used to as a prison of the executioners and from 1935 as a hotel. Today, the castle is a famous tourist attraction of the city of Nafplio.
Opposite to Palamidi Fortress, you will see Acronaflia Castle. The castle consider the continue of Palamidi Fortress. In the past, Acronafplia protected the city by the rivals. Today, if you visit the castle, you will see bastions and the clock.
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Acronauplia
Opposite to Palamidi Fortress, you will see Acronaflia Castle. The castle consider the continue of Palamidi Fortress. In the past, Acronafplia protected the city by the rivals. Today, if you visit the castle, you will see bastions and the clock.
Kompoloi Museum (Worrybead) is a museum in Staikopoulou Street in Nafplio. The museum established in 1998 by Aris Evaggelinos and Rallou Gomitsari. In the second floor you will see thousand kompolois from Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians. The museum is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Nafplion Town.
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Komboloi Museum
25 StaikopoulouKompoloi Museum (Worrybead) is a museum in Staikopoulou Street in Nafplio. The museum established in 1998 by Aris Evaggelinos and Rallou Gomitsari. In the second floor you will see thousand kompolois from Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians. The museum is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Nafplion Town.
The museum is housed in Sofroni Street. Inside the museum, there is an exhibition of costumes and various objects from 19th century.
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Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation "Vasileios Papantoniou"
The museum is housed in Sofroni Street. Inside the museum, there is an exhibition of costumes and various objects from 19th century.
In this church, the first governor of Greece, Ioannis Kapodistrias was killed in 1831 by Mavromihalis Family. The church built in 1702 during the Second Venetian Occupation.
Agios Spiridon
In this church, the first governor of Greece, Ioannis Kapodistrias was killed in 1831 by Mavromihalis Family. The church built in 1702 during the Second Venetian Occupation.
The Land Gate
The only entrance to the city of Nafplio was constructed in 1708.
The first Parliament building was housed in Vouleftiko when Nafplio was the capital of Greece (1830 ‑ 1834).
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Vouleftikon - Greek first parliament
StaikopoulouThe first Parliament building was housed in Vouleftiko when Nafplio was the capital of Greece (1830 ‑ 1834).
Syntagma Square (Platia Syntagmatos) is Nafplio’s heart. Here the Nafpliots sit with a coffee in the morning, or the children play in the soft evenings, while parents and grandparents enjoy dinner, couples and friends meet over wine or beer… Syntagma means Constitution, and you will find squares by this name all over Greece. But Nafplio’s Syntagma is truly unique. The beautiful buildings, primarily in neoclassical style, create a beautiful frame around the square, and the polished marble floor reflects both sunlight and streetlights. Even in winter this is the place to be, the sheltered location between all the buildings - and strategically placed heat lamps - make the cold disappear.
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Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square (Platia Syntagmatos) is Nafplio’s heart. Here the Nafpliots sit with a coffee in the morning, or the children play in the soft evenings, while parents and grandparents enjoy dinner, couples and friends meet over wine or beer… Syntagma means Constitution, and you will find squares by this name all over Greece. But Nafplio’s Syntagma is truly unique. The beautiful buildings, primarily in neoclassical style, create a beautiful frame around the square, and the polished marble floor reflects both sunlight and streetlights. Even in winter this is the place to be, the sheltered location between all the buildings - and strategically placed heat lamps - make the cold disappear.
Many restaurants and cafes line up the Nafplio port. Locals and tourists walk along the path to a great view.
Porto di Nafplio
Many restaurants and cafes line up the Nafplio port. Locals and tourists walk along the path to a great view.
Platia Trion Navachon (The Three Admirals’ Square) gets its name from the three admirals who fought (and won) on the Greek side in the battle of Navarino in 1827: the British Codrington, the French DeRigny and the Russian Heyden. Sir Edward Codrington later became the assistant to Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar.
Ioannis Kapodistrias, Greece’s first govenor, had the square constructed, asking a civil engineer, Stamatis Voulgaris, to design this elegant piece of Nafplio.
Three Admiral's Square
Platia Trion Navachon (The Three Admirals’ Square) gets its name from the three admirals who fought (and won) on the Greek side in the battle of Navarino in 1827: the British Codrington, the French DeRigny and the Russian Heyden. Sir Edward Codrington later became the assistant to Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar.
Ioannis Kapodistrias, Greece’s first govenor, had the square constructed, asking a civil engineer, Stamatis Voulgaris, to design this elegant piece of Nafplio.
The Promenade of Arvanitia is a paved path on the seaside, an ideal choice for a romantic stroll. It extends for about 1km. It starts from the harbor of Nafplio, next to the lighthouse, and finishes on Arvanitia square and Arvanitia beach.
Arvanitia Walking Area
ArvanitiasThe Promenade of Arvanitia is a paved path on the seaside, an ideal choice for a romantic stroll. It extends for about 1km. It starts from the harbor of Nafplio, next to the lighthouse, and finishes on Arvanitia square and Arvanitia beach.
Originally, a part of Acronafplia called Castle of the Greeks, stood here.
The first Clock Tower was built during King Otto's reign, bombed by the Germans in 1944, and raised again in 1949. It',s the perfect place to be to take bird's eye view photos of the old town.
The Clocktower - Nafplio
Originally, a part of Acronafplia called Castle of the Greeks, stood here.
The first Clock Tower was built during King Otto's reign, bombed by the Germans in 1944, and raised again in 1949. It',s the perfect place to be to take bird's eye view photos of the old town.
This church’s interior is one of the most beautiful in the city. Naos Panagia was built sometime in the 1400s, and rebuild around year 1700.
Every Greek city has a patron saint, and usually one of the churches is given this saint's name.
This church is right across our apartment.
Church of Panagia
FarmakopoulonThis church’s interior is one of the most beautiful in the city. Naos Panagia was built sometime in the 1400s, and rebuild around year 1700.
Every Greek city has a patron saint, and usually one of the churches is given this saint's name.
This church is right across our apartment.
The sculptor of this beautiful monument was the German, Christian Siegel, who was the first professor of sculpture at Athens Polytechnic.
Below the lion there is an inscription in German that informs us that this monument was commissioned by Ludwig of Bavaria, father of Otto first King of Greece, in memory of the Bavarian soldiers in Otto's escort who died during the typhoid epidemic in Nauplion which devastated the area between 1833 and 1834.
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Lion of the Bavarians
24 Michail IatrouThe sculptor of this beautiful monument was the German, Christian Siegel, who was the first professor of sculpture at Athens Polytechnic.
Below the lion there is an inscription in German that informs us that this monument was commissioned by Ludwig of Bavaria, father of Otto first King of Greece, in memory of the Bavarian soldiers in Otto's escort who died during the typhoid epidemic in Nauplion which devastated the area between 1833 and 1834.
The centre of the park is dominated by a monumental statue on horseback: the hero of the Greek revolution, Theodoros Kolokotronis. It is one of the most important works of neo-Hellenic sculpture and was created by the Tinian sculptor Lazaros Sochos in Paris.
Theodoros Kolokotronis, one of the most important figures in the Greek struggle for freedom, lived in Nauplion for many years, as did many of the well-known wartime leaders. In fact he was given a house in Syntagma Square, as well as land near the entrance to the city, in the modern Argous Street, together with the Chapel of Agioi Theodoroi, which survives to this day.
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Kolokotronis Park
3 DervenakionThe centre of the park is dominated by a monumental statue on horseback: the hero of the Greek revolution, Theodoros Kolokotronis. It is one of the most important works of neo-Hellenic sculpture and was created by the Tinian sculptor Lazaros Sochos in Paris.
Theodoros Kolokotronis, one of the most important figures in the Greek struggle for freedom, lived in Nauplion for many years, as did many of the well-known wartime leaders. In fact he was given a house in Syntagma Square, as well as land near the entrance to the city, in the modern Argous Street, together with the Chapel of Agioi Theodoroi, which survives to this day.
It is the closest beach to Nafplio, behind the city of Nafplio and Akronafplia.
You can reach the beach on foot (from Nafplio city center) or by car. Crossing the uphill road next to the Land Gate you will reach a large parking lot. Then, you have to descend several steps to reach the central beach of Arvanitia.
There are big pebbles in its center. It is rocky at its edges, where you can access the sea by small metal stairs.
It is a moderately sized beach, sandy with fine pebbles and the sea bottom is sandy.
Great beach bar and restaurant (Blublanc) is found at Arvanitia.
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Arvanitias
ArvanitiasIt is the closest beach to Nafplio, behind the city of Nafplio and Akronafplia.
You can reach the beach on foot (from Nafplio city center) or by car. Crossing the uphill road next to the Land Gate you will reach a large parking lot. Then, you have to descend several steps to reach the central beach of Arvanitia.
There are big pebbles in its center. It is rocky at its edges, where you can access the sea by small metal stairs.
It is a moderately sized beach, sandy with fine pebbles and the sea bottom is sandy.
Great beach bar and restaurant (Blublanc) is found at Arvanitia.
he beauty of the city's longest beach, stretches behind the rock of Palamidi, a length of approximately three kilometers. In order to get there, you can drive or you can choose a lovely walk, following the famous path to Karathona from Arvanitia square. When you reach the beach for the first time, with a quick view you may understand why Karathona is the locals' favorite beach: palm trees, eucalyptus trees spreading their valuable shadow and the tiny Mouse island, make it so particularly beautiful.
In the summer, the quiet sandy beach is completely transformed, as it is filled with people sitting on the sunbeds, under the umbrellas, enjoying their refreshing drinks in the beach bars ( our favorite is Sambala) or eating fresh fish in the taverns of Karathona.
There are water sports available that you can rent if you wish. The water is warm and shallow which is ideal for families.
In Karathona, many private barbeque parties are organized.
Perfect beach to spend a summer evening with your friends.
Karathona is awarded a "blue flag" .
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Paralia Karathonas
he beauty of the city's longest beach, stretches behind the rock of Palamidi, a length of approximately three kilometers. In order to get there, you can drive or you can choose a lovely walk, following the famous path to Karathona from Arvanitia square. When you reach the beach for the first time, with a quick view you may understand why Karathona is the locals' favorite beach: palm trees, eucalyptus trees spreading their valuable shadow and the tiny Mouse island, make it so particularly beautiful.
In the summer, the quiet sandy beach is completely transformed, as it is filled with people sitting on the sunbeds, under the umbrellas, enjoying their refreshing drinks in the beach bars ( our favorite is Sambala) or eating fresh fish in the taverns of Karathona.
There are water sports available that you can rent if you wish. The water is warm and shallow which is ideal for families.
In Karathona, many private barbeque parties are organized.
Perfect beach to spend a summer evening with your friends.
Karathona is awarded a "blue flag" .
Neighbourhoods
"Megalos Dromos", Great Road, the Nafpliots still calls it, although it’s long ago named Vas. Konstantinos. This is the main artery through Old Town Nafplio, mainly car-free and full of life, ambience and culture.
We begin at Syntagma Square. Megalos Dromos is the road that starts just to the left of the old mosque in the east of the square. This part of the Great Road offers us beautiful neo-classical buildings, lush bougainvilleas, small shops and nice cafes. You can buy clothes or jewellery, have a coffee or a light meal, and perhaps do a bit of people spotting.
Soon the road leads us to The Three Admirals Square with its Town Hall, across Sygrou Street, past the Court House and Kapodistrias’ statue, and into the park, where we walk in the shade of pines and palm trees. Here is also a fenced playground for children, and Kolokotronis, which the park is named after, sitting on horseback. (See here if you are wondering who is hiding behind these names.)
In the eastern end of the park we find another big playground, recently upgraded and often full of happy kids and their parents or grandparents. Behind the park, we'll see a huge roundabout, Endekati. Here Megalos Dromos ends, and we are in the shopping area of the New Town and near the suburb Pronia.
It was Greece's first president, Ioannis Kapodistrias, that had Megalos Dromos built on the pattern of great European cities. It originally ran from his palace on The Three Admirals Square to Syntagma.
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Syntagma Square
"Megalos Dromos", Great Road, the Nafpliots still calls it, although it’s long ago named Vas. Konstantinos. This is the main artery through Old Town Nafplio, mainly car-free and full of life, ambience and culture.
We begin at Syntagma Square. Megalos Dromos is the road that starts just to the left of the old mosque in the east of the square. This part of the Great Road offers us beautiful neo-classical buildings, lush bougainvilleas, small shops and nice cafes. You can buy clothes or jewellery, have a coffee or a light meal, and perhaps do a bit of people spotting.
Soon the road leads us to The Three Admirals Square with its Town Hall, across Sygrou Street, past the Court House and Kapodistrias’ statue, and into the park, where we walk in the shade of pines and palm trees. Here is also a fenced playground for children, and Kolokotronis, which the park is named after, sitting on horseback. (See here if you are wondering who is hiding behind these names.)
In the eastern end of the park we find another big playground, recently upgraded and often full of happy kids and their parents or grandparents. Behind the park, we'll see a huge roundabout, Endekati. Here Megalos Dromos ends, and we are in the shopping area of the New Town and near the suburb Pronia.
It was Greece's first president, Ioannis Kapodistrias, that had Megalos Dromos built on the pattern of great European cities. It originally ran from his palace on The Three Admirals Square to Syntagma.
Consigli per viaggiatori
Muoversi in zona
How to get to Nafplio from Athens Airport
Take a bus from the Airport (The Bus X93 and the ticket per person is 7 euro) which will take you to Kifisou Intercity Bus Station (KTEL Kifisou). That ride depending on traffic is about an hour.
Once you reach Kifisou Bus Station, you will need to look for KTEL Argolidas buses which will take you to Nafplio. That bus goes from Athens, Mycenae, Argos and ends at Nafplio. Buses leave depending on the season every hour and the fare is 14.40 euro per person. This bus ride takes, depending on traffic, from 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Muoversi in zona
Ktel (Bus Terminal) directions:
The main Nafplio bus terminal (KTEL) is 500 meters away. Once you get off the bus, head north on Andrea Siggrou street toward Vasileos Konstantinou (the first street you will see roughly 30 meters away) and make a left. Walk around 300 meters on Vasileos Konstantinou street. Vasileos Konstantinou street is the most beautiful street in Nafplio and it’s a pedestrian only street filled with restaurants, cafes and small shops. You will walk the past the stunning Syntagma square, where the Archeological Museum is found. Vasileos Konstantinou intersects at Farmakopoulou where you will make a right.
Muoversi in zona
Parking in Nafplio
There are no building parking spots in the old town of Nafplio. Our building is one of the few ones that allow for drive up luggage drop off at the main building entrance. There are a few free street parking spots, but we recommend you park in the free 24-hour city parking lot at the port which is found 60 meters away.
Metodi per risparmiare
Farmer's market
Every Wednesday and Saturday, Nafplio has a farmer's market where you can get fresh fruit and vegetables (from 7am until 2pm) at 25is Martiou 3 (500m away, 5 minutes away) (cash only)
Metodi per risparmiare
Free admission dates for Archeological sites and Museums
The admission is free on the following days:
October 28th, March 6th, April 18th, May 18th, last weekend of September, first Sunday of every month from November 1st to March 31st.
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Cafes
Our favorite cafes are:
Sokaki (good place to people watch, a few steps from Maison Nafplio)
Rosso Music Café (right next to Sokaki)
Kontogiorgos Café (great view of the Bourtzi castle)
Rendez vous
Iliostasio (great view of the port)
Allotino Café ( Vasileos Konstantinou 19)
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Restaurants
These are our favorite restaurants in Nafplio:
Kakanarakis 1986 (Vasilissis Olgas) -Greek cuisine
Pidalio Tavern (25is Martiou 5) -Greek cuisine
Trendy (Boumpoulinas 41) – Souvlaki, gyros and great crepes
Scuola Pizza (Boumpoulinas 39) -Pizza and pasta
Il Porto (Bouboulinas 43) -Pizza and pasta
3Sixty (Vas.Alexandrou & Ferreou) -Nafplio’s finest restaurant
Alaloum (Dimitri Ipsilanti 13) - Greek cuisine
PsaroSavouras (Boumpoulinas 77) - Best Seafood
Mentor (Syntagma Square) -Greek cuisine
Omorfo Tavernaki - Kotsonopoulou 1 -Greek cuisine
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Drinks
These places serve the best cocktails:
3Sixty
Boutique
Akanthus Nightclub (Winter and Summer club, open on weekends)
BluBlanc (Open during the summer season)
Teory
The George
Liberty hotel Rooftop Bar (Best view of Nafplio)
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Desserts
Our favorite dessert places:
Gelarto (Eth. Antistasis 4) -Ice cream and Gelato
Pergamonto (Komninou 1) -Best loukoumades in Greece, steps from Maison Nafplio
Koustenis Ice cream (Vasileos Konstantinou 16) -Ice cream made in Nafplio
Antica Gelateria di Roma (Farmakopoulon 3) -Nafplio’s famous gelato
Trendy (Boumpoulinas 39) – Great crepes