Writer: Magdalena
There are many great places in the world. What makes a place especially for one? Usually there is not just a reaction to that. When it comes to Nafplio, it was the combination of the cozy old city, the crystal clear water, the mountains, the view – but especially the atmosphere.
Although there were many people, it didn’t feel touristy. It felt like it was mainly Greeks who was visiting. We only heard two Swedish voices – our friends. They went 70 miles away to surprise us. So incredibly fun!
Nafplio – A special place for us
A few months ago my husband and I had never even heard of Nafplio. We had booked flights to Athens and decided to stay on the mainland. After a little investigation, the choice fell on Nafplio – and what a good choice it was. We wonder how we could have missed that this place even exists. It became a very special place for us where we celebrated our 25-year wedding anniversary.
Accommodation at boutique hotels
We stayed with Epoch House & The Orange ShopA small boutique hotel in the old town, near the harbor.
We had breakfast on the balcony – only the quiet start that you hope for. A stubborn cement mixer bothered a small first morning, but we quickly got used to it and thought that daily life went outside. We tried to think positively that it was part of the charm.
Cozy alleys in the old town
The old city is just as charming as you want – small paved alleys, traditional houses with balconies and bougainvillea climb over the balconies and between the houses. Steep climbs and stone stairs are waiting between the quay and the upper neighborhoods.
Cliff, fast and bath
The sea is always close. You can bathe directly from the rocks just outside the old city. Ladders are straight down in the deep, clear water.
The seaside resorts are located in Akronaflia. It is a nice walk to walk around Klippan, with various restaurants en route. If you want to visit beaches, Arvanitia is a bit further away near the old city and Karathona. However, you do not go to Nafplio for the beaches – there are much finer beaches in other places in Greece.
Something that is also important for Nafplio is Bourtzi, a small guard castle at the entrance of the harbor. It is possible to go there by boat, but we were satisfied to see it from the country.
Excursions and activities
During the days in Nafplio we made various excursions. We drove to the Palamidi bracket, which is just over 200 meters above sea level. It is said that the stairs Up consists of 999 steps, but about 857 will be closer to the truth.
We saved our legs and the car road up and we walked in the area instead. The entrance cost 20 € when we were there. The view is fantastic: the Gulf of Argolis, Bourtzi in the sea and the mountains that frame everything.
We also took a sailing excursion with Nafplio Sailing Cruise. The captain sailed along the rocks and we put in a few bays for swimming, snorkeling and paddles sup.
The water was so clear that we saw the bottom, although it was very deep. All food and drinks were recorded, and for lunch the captain cooked a mushroom price on board – the best I have ever eaten (and I still ate a lot).
We also left the Nemea Wine Region (about 30-45 minutes from Nafplio) for wine tastings at Domain Skouras, a renowned producer in the area with well-known wines and a nice test environment.
Then we visited Melas – Epidaurus Olive Oil Domain, where we got an overview of how olive oil will be and tried different oils.
Between sailing, the visit to Palamidi, the Nemea tour and the olive oil tasting, we filled the days with walks along the water, really good meals and good, affordable Greek wine.
To visit Nafplio – practical facts
Was lying Nafplio?
Nafplio was the first capital of Greece and is located in the Gulf of Argolis in the northeast of Peloponnese (mainland).
How do you get there?
- Travel from Athens: Driving a car via the Corinth Canal takes approximately 2 hours, depending on the traffic. There are also direct buses from Athens that last approximately 2-2.5 hours.
- Car rental: We rented a car in Athens and drove to Nafplio, making it possible to make day trips easy.
What to do?
- Sail: There are various companies that organize sailing every day. We sailed with Nafplio Sailing Cruise, which we were very happy with.
- Round: Old city and Akronaflia, evening walk along the water, the Fort Bourtzi in the harbor and Palamidi for history and views.
- Nemea is a wine area near Nafplio. There is an abundance of vineyards that you can visit. Some have restaurants that serve lunch, offer wine tastings and tours. Olive trees thrive in the area and here are various producers that you can visit to get guided tours and the possibility to taste olive oil.
- As: Ladders directly from the rocks at Old Lido in the city. Beaches that are close by are Arvanitia and Karathona. Choose Nafplio for the city and atmosphere. The beaches are a plus, but not the point to go here.
Magdalena and Pernilla Run Travelsis.se and Living in Zuid -SKåne. Both are social economists, whose biggest leisure interests are with the family, but also like to do things and travel with friends and parents. What they do that their lives are gilded, they would like to share to inspire others.
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