Bourtzi, one of the town’s landmarks (along with Palamidi), was built in 1473 on the islet of Agioi Theodoroi, and was originally called Castello dello Soglio - the Castle of the Throne. Over the centuries, it has served as the first prison of Theodoros Kolokotronis, housed the Greek government, operated as the centre of the Tourism Organisation, but also as a luxury hotel and restaurant. Do not miss the opportunity to take one of the boats on the pier and visit Bourtzi – you will be amazed by its magnificent view of the Old Town and Acronafplia.   

One of the most important and well-preserved fortresses in Greece and an excellent example of Venetian fortification architecture, the 18th century Palamidi gives the town its special charm. On the bastion of Agios Andreas you will see the church of the same name and also the prison of Theodoros Kolokotronis, while the bird’s-eye view of the old town and the port on one side, and of the beach of Arvanitia on the other, will take your breath away.   You can reach it by car, but climbing each step up to Palamidi is a truly worthwhile experience. 

The old town of Nafplio, one of the most historic and picturesque towns in both Greece and Europe, is perfect for endless walks. Start from the historical building of the Town Hall and cross the large pedestrian street with the tiny shops to the beautiful Syntagma Square.  Stroll through the surrounding picturesque alleys with the fuchsia bougainvillea and listed buildings, historic churches, monuments, museums and attractions. Sit down for coffee with a view of Bourtzi, try local dishes in one of the small tavernas, or browse the tourist shops.  Ice cream in hand, walk lazily across the palm-lined coastal Bouboulinas Street to the Lighthouse, and, if you are in the mood for more discoveries, climb all the way up the Dromoskales to reach the picturesque alleys of Psaromachalas. 

Large and impressive or conspicuous and almost hidden, the churches of Nafplio are a valuable part of the religious and cultural heritage of the place that are worth discovering.  At the highest point of the district of Pronia, stands the imposing Evangelistria; at Philhellinon square, you will easily spot Agios Nikolaos; at Agios Georgios square, the church of the same name is linked to great historical moments. On Kapodistriou Street, you will find Agios Spyridon where the first Governor of Greece, Ioannis Kapodistrias, was assassinated, and in the heart of the old town, a few steps from Syntagma Square, you will find one of the oldest and most beautiful churches, the 15th century church of the Nativity of Virgin Mary. 

The alleys of the old town may be picturesque and romantic, but the Arvanitia Promenade will reveal to you a breathtaking landscape. Starting at the end of the coastal road and leading to Arvanitia Square, the route under the walls of Acronafplia, between the sky and the sea, will remain unforgettable.  For more remarkable experiences, continue your walk by taking the Arvanitia - Karathona route, and you will come across vertical rocks and daring climbers, large caves and hidden coves. And if you make it to Karathona and have the stamina to go on, walk a little further to visit the chapel of Agios Nikolaos, from where the view of the endless blue sea is simply extraordinary.

It is no coincidence that Nafplio attracts numerous winter swimmers, as the town has two beautiful beaches: Arvanitia and Karathona.   You can reach Arvanitia starting from the Arvanitia Promenade at the end of the coastal road, or through the town, going uphill from Kapodistrias Square. Leave your towel on the rocks or sit at the beach bar, and enjoy your swim in the crystal clear waters of the beach.  A few kilometers outside of Nafplio is the sandy beach of Karathona, with eucalyptus trees, shallow waters and many beach bars, making it a favorite of the locals. You will adore the idyllic landscape, with the fortress of Palamidi rising to the left, the beaches of Kynouria on the opposite side, and in the middle and the west the tiny Pontikonissi making the landscape even more unique.

A favorite means of transport for most residents in Nafplio, both in winter and summer, the bicycle is perfect for your most beautiful tours around the town.  Bicycles are available for rent in many central parts of the town, while for more fun with friends and family, you can rent a four-seater bicycle with a canopy from the port below Philhellinon square, and explore the picturesque pedestrian streets.  The more athletic types can try crossing the Arvanitia-Karathona route which involves a degree of difficulty, but the beautiful scenery will compensate you. 

If leisurely walks around the town or a relaxed swim at the beach do not suit your passionate temperament, in Nafplio you can test your limits with extreme sports activities that will give you an adrenaline rush. Sports clubs, associations and experienced trainers can help you in your first steps and provide you with the necessary equipment. You can climb the vertical rocks of Acronafplia, tame the waves by surfing, and try kite surfing on the beach of Nea Kios. Underwater enthusiasts can go diving and scuba diving, enjoy kayaking, canoeing and SUP, while sailing in the Argolic Gulf is an incredible experience that will remain unforgettable.   

The land of Argolis is full of citrus orchards, olive groves and vineyards, so food and wine tasting in Nafplio is a must.  Orange is the flavour king. So you must try the freshly squeezed orange juice, as well as the local orange pie, marmalade and spoon sweets made from this precious citrus fruit. Try handmade pasta such as trachanas, noodles, lasagna and the delicious local gogges. A short trip to the vineyards of Nemea will bring you closer to the world of wine producers and will give you the opportunity to take part in unforgettable wine tastings; olive oil tasting at local olive oil producers is also worth trying.   And, of course, speaking of flavours in Nafplio, we cannot leave out the tradition of “tasting at least one ice cream a day”, no matter the time of year you find yourselves here. You can find countless ice cream options, including local Greek or Italian gelato, so that you can choose your favorite texture and flavour.