Syntagram Square Naplio

Nafplio is my favorite day trip destination from Athens. In just 2 hours ride you step back in time and visit Greece’s first capital city after it was liberated from the Ottoman Empire. Now,to be honest at that point Nafplio was a significant city since ancient times. Back then it was called Tirintha (now an archaeological site) and was located a few kilometers from the city’s current position. If you look up to the hill above Nafplio you will see Palamidi fortress built by the Venetians back in the 18th century.

Palamini fortress, Nafplio

Palamidi should be your first port of call when arriving in the city. It’s better to drive up there and walk around the fortress grounds before it gets too hot during the summer months. From here you have a wonderful view over the city and of course Bourtzi castle in the middle of Nafplio’s harbor.

Every time I visit, I like to wander around the cobblestone streets of Nafplio’s old town. These streets are full of cute little shops, cafes and restaurants. On Vasileos Konstantinou street that connects Trion Navarchon square with Syntagma square (old town’s central square) you will find my favorite ice cream parlor Koustenis which is a local brand and was recommended to me by Vasia who lives in the city, so she knows best! Then on Staikopoulou street behind Syntagma square you are going to find a couple of restaurants/taverns as well. My favorite one there is Vassilis (and I keep going back again and again)!

Koustenis ice cream

During past visits I also liked to walk along the paved path that leads to Arvanitia beach, a few miles from Nafplio port. Last week though it was too hot to even attempt such a thing! Well, there’s always next time! For the time being I leave you with more colorful photos from my day trip to Nafplio!

Related: Spring City Breaks in Greece

Colorful street in Nafplio Balcony in Nafplio

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