Weekend in Nafplio.
Nafplio, one of the most charming seaport towns in Greece, is close to Athens and is perfect for weekend escapes! It is only one and a half hours from Athens and it is a quite popular destination all year round. It is also known as the Naples of the East, and it used to be the Greek capital from 1828-1833.
My uncles and my cousins are living in Nafplio, but I didn’t have the chance to visit. This made it even harder, especially after I moved to London.
Finally, I visited Nafplio, the last time I was in Greece. Although I wish I could stay more!
It immediately brought me back memories from my last visit, some years ago. I have already visited the popular attractions. So this time I just spend my time strolling around the beautiful alleys of Nafplio.
We strolled around the preserved historic part of the city with my uncles and my two little cousins playing with their friends at the main square of the city, Syntagma square.
We bought gelato (my first of the year) and strolled around the harbour.
Where to stay:
3Sixty Hotel & Suites
- Located in the historical centre, this romantic and small hotel in a neoclassical building is distinguished by its exceptional architecture and design.
Hotel Athena
- Located centrally, with elegantly decorated rooms and views over the Syntagma square.
Amfitriti Pension
- Charming hotel with modern rooms in the old town of Nafplio. The spacious terrace offers panoramic views of the historic city.
Grand Sarai
- A beautiful renovated historical manor house located in the historic part of the city with nice and conformable rooms
Anymore and Adiandi
- This artistic small boutique hotel is located in the historic part of the city.
Byron Hotel
- Friendly atmosphere, located centrally with a beautiful terrace and views over the city.
What to see:
- Start from the medieval old town where you can see the beautiful Venetian and neoclassical well-preserved buildings. The heart of the city is Syntagma square, with many historic buildings around, like Trianon, The Archeological Museum and the National Bank. There are also many places to eat and drink.
- …and of course, walk between the irresistible narrow cobblestone alleys.
- Visit the Venetian fortress of Palamidi and admire the breathtaking view to the Argolic gulf and the Mycenaean plain from 216 meters above the sea, by climbing the (according to the legend) 999 steps (but they are actually 857 steps ) to reach it. The fortress is famous because the hero of the Greek Revolution Theodoros Kolokotronis had been imprisoned there for 11 months.
- Within a short boat ride, in the middle of the harbour, you can visit Bourtzi. which in Turkish means “castle” and it is the landmark of the city. It was constructed by the Venetians and it served as a fortress until 1865. This small island castle within 10 minutes distance from Nafplio, will reward you with some panoramic views over the city of Nafplio.
- Visit Akronafplia, the rocky peninsula which has been the walled town of Nafplio until the 15th century and its castle, which is the oldest of the three castles in Nafplio.
Activities to do:
- “The round of Arvanitia” as it is known by the locals, is a beautiful pedestrianized walk starting around the corner on the left side of the port, to the – very much beloved by the locals – beach of Arvanitia. The best option is to start just before sunset as the landscape and the sky colours will reward you with a very romantic route. *It is highly recommended!
- Nafplio is also a great place to go climbing. For the most part, the cliffs are solid limestone and the crags of Nafplio are in seaside locations.
- You can also enjoy various cycling trails in and around Nafplio.
Where to eat and drink:
- Pidalio Mezedopoleio is an excellent place to eat at reasonable prices. It also has options for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diets.
- Kakanarakis 1986 it serves greek/mediterranean cuisine and many vegetarian/vegan options, this restaurant is one of the best in the town.
- Vyzantio located in a beautiful narrow street, beneath a bougainvillea tree, this restaurant serves local cusine and has also vegetarian/vegan options. Perfect for a romantic dinner.
- Mavros Gatos (Black Cat) a unique retro cafe/bar with lovely decoration to drink your coffee or wine during the night and loosen up. Special guest start is the black cat ♥
- 3Sixty Wine Bar an all-day stylish restaurant bar
Where to swim:
- Arvanitia beach and Karathona beach.
I almost forgot to mention the “Fougaro“.
“Just three kilometers away from Nafplio is situated this historic industrial space, where it has been transformed into a place of Recreation and Expressiveness. featuring an art and sciences library, exhibition and concert rooms, art workshops for the young and the old, a cafeteria and the “Art-Shop”, a shop formerly operating in the city centre”. (for more info, click here)
It is a wonderful space not to be missed if you have the time to visit it! ♥
Other attractions:
There are also many attractions around the city of Nafplio which are worth checking, as the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, the Mycenae etc. Check From Nafplio: Mycenae and Epidaurus Tour for a great guided tour. (free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts).
Until next time ♥
