Nafplio is a town on the Argolic Gulf in Greece, and it holds a special place in the country's story: it was Greece's first capital. Visitors come for its well-kept neoclassical buildings, which rise gently from the waterfront towards the hillsides, and for the relaxed pace of its old town.
The old town and harbor
Cobblestone streets wind between elegant Venetian buildings and past churches, so wandering on foot is the natural way to explore. The harbor is lined with waterfront cafes, a pleasant place to sit with a drink and watch the boats. The mix of architectural styles, from neoclassical to Venetian, gives the town a varied and romantic character.
Palamidi Fortress
The town is dominated by the Palamidi Fortress, which towers above it. Reaching it means climbing 999 steps, a steady walk rather than a short stroll, but the views repay the effort. From the top you look out over the Argolic Gulf and back across the rooftops of the old town.
What kind of visit it makes
- A slow, walking-based day or two in the old town and along the harbor.
- A climb to Palamidi for wide views over the gulf.
- Evenings at the waterfront cafes, with the town's architecture lit around you.
Nafplio suits travellers who enjoy history, good views and an easy atmosphere more than long lists of sights. Plan some comfortable shoes for the cobblestones and for the stairs up to the fortress.