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.
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)!
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
I'm Anna and this is my lifestyle and travel blog! 
I’ve not been to Greece (and I’ll admit I’ve never heard of this place) but it looks lovely. The Banana flower photo is mesmerising (and I like the coloured flower pots too)
Well most people know about the Greek Islands but not much about the inland…Nafplio is a beautiful city and small enough to explore in a day!
Πόσο όμορφο το Ναύπλιο! Κι εσύ αστέρι 😉
Σ’ευχαριστώ! Είναι υπέροχο το Ναύπλιο κ είχα καιρό να το επισκεφτώ!
Wow, stunning pictures. Wish we would have been aware of this place last year during our trip to Greece. We will certainly add it for next time.
well it’s one of the many Greek cities that is “off the radar” for most visitors! It’s lovely to visit though and pretty close to Athens!
What a pretty place, next time I am in Greece I will have to check this place out!
Katie
yes you should add it to your list!! Greece has so many places to explore!
Great pictures and made my wish to go to Greece soon even stronger!
Thank you Monique! You should definitely visit one day!
Beautiful, I hope to get there one day. Such a pretty place and stunning photos.
Thank you Lyn! I hope you’ll make it one day!
This place is so charming! Looks like my kind of place. I know a lot of people go to Greece because of the islands but I think there is plenty to see in the mainland too. I have read about places like the Costa Navarino and Parga. Those are places I would like to visit.
Indeed Greece has many beautiful but less known places! Parga is very picturesque and has an island “feeling”. I haven’t been to Costa Navarino, but I’ve heard rave reviews!
Nafplio is also one of my favourite places for a day-trip from Athens! The beautiful streets, the bougainvilleas, the cute little shops and the view from the Castle – it feels like a world away from busy Athens, yet it’s so close. Last year I went to the nearby beach and was very surprised by how wonderful it actually was – it almost felt like an island!
ps. Love the hat!! 🙂
Sandy xx
http://www.smarksthespots.com
I haven’t made it to the beaches around Nafplio but I’m pretty sure they are beautiful like the city!
Your images are beautiful and conjure memories of our trip to Greece over 20 years ago! I can’t wait to take my children back – thanks for sharing!
I guess they’re happy memories! I hope you’ll visit again with your family soon!
How gorgeous this looks – I admit I hadn’t actually heard of Nafplio before this, there’s always so much to discover in Greece. I would love to go back with my daughter. #MondayEscapes
Indeed there is a lot to discover in Greece! It’s a quiet place and family friendly as well (and there are beaches all around)!
That looks stunning and somewhere else I need to add to my to do list #MondayEscapes
Glad you like Nafplio! Oh those lists are endless, aren’t they?!
Great photos as always Anna – I’ve never been to this part of Greece, but I want to now! Nafplio’s old town looks like the perfect place to wander. Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes. Ps. Just a little reminder when you link up to add one of our badges to the bottom of your post 🙂
Ahhh! Greece looks so pretty! I’ve never been before but it looks super relaxing (and now high on my travel list).
http://blog.jessicapei.com/
OMG this place is just the prettiest! Makes me wish that I can go there now! Lovely photos too! #MondayEscapes
Gorgeous photos! It looks so sunny and relaxing – definitely need some of that right now 🙂
Awe I am jealous of your day trips! So pretty and lovely pictures! Wish I was chilling by the ocean instead of at my desk right now!
D Y I N G to go to Greece! This is exactly what I imagine it to be like! What gorgeous photos!
Looks like a lovely town. So bummed that we missed it on our trip to Athens. Then again we did have a great time in Aegina instead.
I saw your photo on #MondayEscapes – all your photos here are truly amazing! I’ve probably already said that before, but they are :).
Thank you Corey! Well my husband took these ones actually! He’s got a good eye for photography!
You have such beautiful pictures! Looks like a wonderful trip! Thanks for sharing!
Oh my! I am headed to NAfplio this September and planning on staying there for 3 days and 2 nights. We’re attending a wedding nearby (I forgot the name of the place) so we thought of having a few stops before going back to Thessaloniki.
Keeping that icecream parlor in mind. :p