Nafplio

With its well-preserved architecture and monuments, Nafplio is a window to Old Greece. Enjoy it and launch day trips to ancient sites nearby.

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A panoramic picture showing a part of the old city of Nafplio.
photo: C messier / CC BY-SA 4.0

Nafplio Attractions

A picture of Syntagma Square in Nafplio surrounded by numerous cafeterias and restaurants.
photo: C messier / CC BY-SA 4.0
#1

Syntagma Square of Nafplio

Old and historical central square of the city that offers numerous coffee and food choices in a picturesque and genuine environment.

A photo showing the walls and the facilities of the Fortress of Palamidi in Nafplio.
photo: FIT-SUNY Greece Study Tour 2018
#2

Fortress of Palamidi

A large and well-preserved fortification which is the one of most significant examples of Venetian medieval architecture in Greek territory.

A panoramic picture showing the Akronauplía peninsula of Nafplio.
photo: Andreas Tille / CC BY-SA 3.0
#3

Akronafplia Fortress

Located approximately 45 meters over sea level, it was an ancient Αcropolis that was used as a prison until the middle of the 20th century.

A white Lion of Bavaria carved in a grey boulder. The lion is in resting position and has a sad facial expression.
photo: Konstantin Malanchev / CC BY 2.0
#4

Lion of the Bavaria

Modern Greece's first King was Bavarian. They carved this sad lion to commemorate their compatriots who died of typhus in 1833 in Greece.

The Vouleftikon is an old mosque with a domed tower covered with ceramic tiles, here among other buildings in Nafplio.
photo: C messier / CC BY-SA 4.0
#5

Vouleftikon (Parliament)

Vouleftikon is modern Greece's first parliament. It operates a small exhibition an projects a short documentary about the Greek War of Independence.

The interior of an arched church with blue ceiling and hagiography - Saint Spyridon Church, Nafplio.
photo: C messier / CC BY-SA 4.0
#6

Saint Spyridon Church

A beautiful church mostly known among Greeks as the place where the first governor of the modern Greek state, Kapodistrias, was assassinated.

An oxidized green cannon and graffities on the stone wall nearby at the Bastion of Five Brothers, Nafplio.
photo: Stolbovsky / CC BY-SA 3.0
#7

Bastion of Five Brothers

Picturesque area along Nafplio's waterfront with five cannons pointing to the sea. It's a pleasant walk on your way to dinner.

An overview of the Bourtzi Castle of Nafplio in the entrance of the port of the city.
photo: linmtheu / CC BY-SA 2.0
#8

Bourtzi Castle

Bourtzi is a small island fortress in front of Nafplio. A boat trip there will have you hanging out around cannons and embrasures.

Nafplio Museums

A circular fenced area with drawings and a small statue in the yard of Stathmos Childhood Museum, Nafplio.
photo: CHILDHOOD MUSEUM STATHMOS
#1

Childhood Museum «Stathmos»

A rare exhibition of toys from antiquity to today in a well-designed place. Don't miss the opportunity to revisit your childhood.

Four mannequins in traditional green, yellow, and black attire in an orange room in the Foundation V. Papantoniou.
photo: Πελοποννησιακό Λαογραφικό Ίδρυμα / CC BY-SA 4.0
#2

Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation «V. Papantoniou»

An exhibition adeptly decorated with traditional attires and everyday items from past centuries. The gift shop is the highlight.

The Nafplio National Gallery is a neoclassical building with pediments and balconies.
photo: C messier / CC BY-SA 4.0
#3

National Gallery - Nafplio Department

Nafplio's national gallery displays paintings, weapons, and statues on the Greek War of Independence. It's small and your visit won't take too long.

A photo showing exhibits in displays in one of the rooms of the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio.
photo: Dimitris Kamaras / CC BY 2.0
#4

Archaeological Museum of Nafplio

The museum exhibits pottery, jewelry, and armors from ancient years. The museum itself is a Venetian building and it's located on Syntagma Square.

A picture showing exhibits in one of the rooms of the Komboloi Museum in Nafplion.
photo: Komboloi Museum
#5

Nafplion Komboloi Museum

A truly unique museum exhibiting worry beads. These are strings of beads to keep fingers busy. Buy one if you're quitting smoking.

Nafplio Why visit?

  • Modern Greek state's first capital between 1828 and 1833.
  • Franks, Venetians, and Turks ruled and left their mark on the city.
  • Nearby trips to bronze-age, classical, and medieval Greece.

Nafplio Things to Do

The logo of Cine Nafplio 'Therino', meaning Nafplio's summer cinema in Greek.
photo: CineNafplio
#1

Cine Nafplio Open Air Cinema

Located at the castle's feet, at the Open Air Cinema you can watch movies under the stars. Comfortable chairs, an endearing experience.

A trail with lush green blossom and trees on both sides of the walk - the Arvanitia Hiking Path, Nafplio.
photo: C messier / CC BY-SA 4.0
#2

Arvanitia Hiking Path

An extraordinary trail to the fortress of Palamidi and the lighthouse passing between the sea and the mountain. Don't miss it.

A view of Bourtzi fortress and a long quay with a lighthouse and moored boats.
photo: Jean Housen / CC BY 3.0
#3

Nafplio Port

Nafplio port enjoys a beautiful view of the sea and fortress. It has a promenade with restaurants and cafeterias. Best time to be here is at sunrise.

An old stone building elegantly lit, tables an chairs, and people enjoying drinks standing at FOUGARO Art Center.
photo: FOUGARO ARTCENTER
#4

FOUGARO Art Center

A neat art center with pottery, drawings, workshops. If you're lucky you, a live music night. Kids friendly and with exceptional ice-cream.

Statue of Kolokotronis, on a horse pointing forward with his finger, surrounded by trees.
photo: C messier / CC BY-SA 4.0
#5

Kolokotronis Park

A nice cute park dedicated to Theodoros Kolokotronis, a key figure of the Greek Independence War. You now know whose the statue is. Perfect for families.

Nafplio Beaches

A picture from above showing green trees, umbrellas on the beach, and people enjoying the sea at Arvanitias Beach.
photo: S-miroslav / CC BY-SA 4.0
#1

Arvanitias Beach

Arvanitias is just below Palamidi. It's small and charming, beautifully developed, and enclosed in green woods and turquoise waters.

Karathonas Beach in Nafplio on a crescent bay and the arid hills in the background.
photo: Patrice78500 / CC BY-SA 4.0
#2

Karathonas Beach

Karathonas is the distant beach you see from Palamidi Fort. Great waters, some natural shade, and a few restaurants and bars.

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