Peloponnese

Nafplio

Venetian fortresses, neoclassical streets and a graceful Argolic waterfront.

Image: Nikoletta.petropoulou · CC BY-SA 4.0 · credit details

Why go

Venetian fortresses, neoclassical streets and a graceful Argolic waterfront.

Nafplio combines Palamidi and Bourtzi fortresses with an elegant old town, major museums, romantic walks and easy access to Mycenae and Epidaurus.

Nafplio served as the first capital of the modern Greek state, but its architecture reaches through Venetian and Ottoman periods. Palamidi fortress towers above the town, Bourtzi sits in the harbour and Acronauplia preserves the oldest defensive layers.

Syntagma Square, neoclassical lanes and the Archaeological Museum create one of Greece's most rewarding small-city walks. Restaurants and bars give the town energy beyond day trips, while Mycenae, Tiryns and Epidaurus sit close by.

Practical information

Frequent buses run from Athens. The old town is pedestrian and parking sits outside; climb Palamidi early or use the road entrance if steps are unsuitable.

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