Things to Do in Nafplio, Greece

Nafplio is one of my favorite towns in Greece — a seaside gem just two hours from Athens, full of history, charm, and romance. It was even the first capital of modern Greece after the War of Independence, and you can still feel that importance as you walk its cobbled streets and elegant squares.

Whether you visit as a day trip from Athens or as part of a Peloponnese road trip, Nafplio will win you over with its Venetian castles, lively cafés, and beautiful sea views.

In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Nafplio, nearby sights worth visiting, and tips on how to get there.

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Want a closer look at Nafplio? Watch my video on the best things to do in Nafplio — filmed on location so you can see the highlights before your trip!

12 Things to Do in Nafplio Town

1. Explore Palamidi Castle

Perched high above Nafplio, Palamidi Castle is the town’s most famous landmark. Built by the Venetians in the early 1700s, it later passed to the Ottomans and even served as a prison. The fortress has eight bastions and a small chapel of Agios Andreas.

You can climb the 900+ steps from town (a workout but worth it for the views!) or drive up the road to the top. The panoramic sea and town views are unforgettable.

👉 Tip: Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

2. Take the boat to Bourtzi

Sitting on a small island in the middle of Nafplio’s bay, Bourtzi Castle was built by the Venetians in 1473 to guard the harbor. For years, it was closed, but now it’s open to the public as a museum.

Boats run regularly from the port, and the trip only costs about €5 return. It’s a short ride, but once there, you can walk around the fortifications, enjoy the views back to town, and learn about its fascinating past.

👉 Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for the best light over the bay.

3. Check out the first parliament of Greece (Vouleftikon)

When Nafplio became the first capital of modern Greece, this former Ottoman mosque (1730) was transformed into the country’s first parliament building in 1825. With its domed roof and stone chamber, it’s a striking reminder of Nafplio’s role in shaping modern Greece.

Over the years, it has served as a school, prison, courthouse, and gallery, but locals still call it “Vouleftikon.” You’ll find it right on Syntagma Square, so it’s easy to combine with a coffee break nearby.

👉 Tip: Check if there are temporary exhibitions inside during your visit.

4. People watch at Syntagma Square

The lively Syntagma Square is the heart of Nafplio, surrounded by elegant Venetian and neoclassical buildings. Once a gathering place for revolutionaries and politicians, today it’s lined with cafés and restaurants where you can sit outside and soak up the atmosphere.

It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee, watch local life go by, and start or end your walk through the Old Town.

👉 Tip: Come in the evening when the square is beautifully lit and full of life.

5. Check out the Museums

For a small town, Nafplio has an impressive range of museums — perfect if you want to dive deeper into its history and culture.

• Archaeological Museum – Housed in a Venetian building on Syntagma Square, it displays artifacts from prehistory to the Mycenaean era.
• War Museum – Covers Greece’s more recent history, from the War of Independence to the Balkan and World Wars.

National Gallery – Focuses on works related to Greece’s fight for freedom from Ottoman rule.

• Folklore Museum – Exhibits traditional costumes, toys, and tools.
• Komboloi Museum – A quirky little museum dedicated to Greek worry beads, with a shop where you can buy your own.

👉 Tip: If you only have time for one, make it the Archaeological Museum — both the building and the collection are outstanding.

6. Check out the Land Gate

The Land Gate was once the only entrance into Nafplio from the mainland. The version you see today was built in 1708 by a French engineer during the Venetian era. In the past, it was heavily guarded, and every night the gates were locked, leaving latecomers outside the city walls.

Today, it’s a symbolic reminder of Nafplio’s fortified past and a great photo stop as you stroll between the Old Town and the castle walls.

👉 Tip: Visit at sunset when the walls glow in the golden light.

7. The Lion of Bavaria

Carved into the rock in the 1800s, the Lion of Bavaria is a moving monument dedicated to Bavarian soldiers who died during a typhoid epidemic in Nafplio. It was commissioned by King Ludwig of Bavaria, father of King Otto, Greece’s first king.

The sculpture lies in a peaceful little park, making it a quiet spot to pause and reflect away from the bustle of the Old Town.

8. Walk around The Akronafplia

The Akronafplia is the oldest part of Nafplio, a rocky peninsula fortified since ancient times. Over the centuries, it was used by Byzantines, Venetians, and Franks, and parts of their fortifications still stand today.

Walking here gives you sweeping views of the town, the Argolic Gulf, and the Palamidi Castle above. It’s quieter than the main squares and perfect for a scenic stroll through history.

👉 Tip: Come in the morning for cool air and clear views over the bay.

9. The Church of Panaghia

Dating back to the 15th century, the Church of Panaghia is one of Nafplio’s oldest and most atmospheric churches. Inside, you’ll find beautiful murals, a carved wooden iconostasis, and a graceful bell tower.

It plays a central role in local traditions, especially during the Good Friday procession, when its bells ring out through the old streets of Psaromachalas.

👉 Tip: Step inside even if just for a moment — the quiet interior contrasts beautifully with the lively streets outside.

10. Three Admirals’ Square

Known locally as Platia Trion Navarchon, this elegant square honors the three admirals who led the Greek fleet to victory in the Battle of Navarino (1827). Surrounded by neoclassical buildings — including the Town Hall — it’s a beautiful spot to wander.

The square is especially magical at golden hour, when the façades glow in the late afternoon light.

👉 Tip: Pair your visit with a stroll down the nearby waterfront promenade for sunset views.

11. Check out the Beaches in Nafplio

Nafplio isn’t just about history — it also has some lovely beaches nearby.

Karathona Beach – A long sandy stretch about 3 km away, with tavernas, sunbeds, and watersports — perfect for a full beach day.

Arvanitia Beach – A small pebble beach just below the town, popular with locals for a quick swim and evening drinks.

12. Walk the Arvanitia Promenade

For one of the most beautiful walks in Nafplio, follow the Arvanitia Promenade. This easy seaside path runs around the base of the Akronafplia cliffs, connecting the Old Town with Arvanitia Beach.

It takes about 20 minutes at a leisurely pace, with stunning views of the Argolic Gulf the whole way. Locals love it for an evening stroll, especially at sunset.

👉 Tip: Bring your camera — the light on the sea and cliffs is unforgettable.

6 Things to See near Nafplio

If you have more than a day in Nafplio, there are some incredible sites and experiences just a short drive away:

1. Mycenae

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites. Explore the Lion Gate, royal tombs, and the remains of the citadel — once the center of Mycenaean civilization (1600–1100 BC).

👉 Tip: Combine with Epidaurus for a perfect half-day trip.

2. Asklepion and the ancient site of Epidaurus

Another UNESCO treasure, Epidaurus is home to the ancient theatre, world-famous for its perfect acoustics, and the Sanctuary of Asklepios, dedicated to the god of medicine.

3. Ancient Assini

A lesser-known site dating back to 300 BC, with fortifications used by successive civilizations. You’ll also see remains of Roman baths and Venetian walls, plus sweeping views over the sea.

4. Ouzo tasting at Karoni’s distillery

Just minutes from Nafplio’s center, this family-run distillery has been making ouzo, tsipouro, and mastiha for over 140 years. The visit includes a small museum and tastings.

5. Olive oil tasting at Melas olive oil factory

Learn about olive oil production and taste some of the region’s best — an authentic local experience and the perfect place to buy souvenirs.

6. Wine Tasting in Nemea

The Nafplio area is famous for wine, especially the Agiorgitiko grape. A visit to a Nemea vineyard is a must for wine lovers, with tours and tastings set against beautiful Peloponnese scenery.

👉 Tip: If you don’t have a car, consider a guided day tour from Athens that combines Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Nafplio for an easy and stress-free way to see it all.

Where to eat in Nafplio

Nafplio has no shortage of charming tavernas and restaurants — here are two local favorites worth trying:

• Kipos – A stylish spot serving traditional Greek dishes with a modern touch, using fresh local ingredients. The menu also includes Mediterranean options like pasta, seafood, and fresh salads — perfect if you’re traveling with a group and want variety.
• Tavern Vasilis – A classic Greek taverna in the Old Town. Expect comforting favorites like moussaka, pastitsio, dolmades, and tzatziki, all served with warm hospitality. Outdoor seating makes it a lovely choice for a summer evening or a leisurely weekend lunch.

👉 Tip: For dessert, don’t miss gelato from one of the shops in the Old Town — a sweet way to end your stroll.

How to get from Athens to Nafplio

Nafplio is about 140 km from Athens, making it easy to reach for a day trip or weekend. Here are your main options:

By Bus (KTEL)

The most affordable way. Buses leave regularly from Athens’ Kifissos Bus Station and take around 2–2.5 hours, depending on traffic. Tickets can be booked in advance or purchased at the station.

👉 Check the latest KTEL timetable before traveling.

By Car

Driving takes about 2 hours, and having a car gives you the flexibility to stop at sights along the way, like the Corinth Canal or nearby beaches. It’s also the best choice if you want to explore Mycenae, Epidaurus, or the Nemea wine region on the same trip.

👉 Check car rental options from Athens here.

Guided Day Tour

If you prefer a hassle-free option, join a guided day tour from Athens. These tours usually combine Nafplio with Mycenae and Epidaurus, plus a stop at the Corinth Canal. It’s the easiest way to see the highlights in one day if you’re short on time.

👉 I recommend this Day Trip to Mycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplio.

Whether you’re wandering Nafplio’s cobblestone streets, climbing up to Palamidi Castle, or relaxing by the sea, this town is the perfect mix of history, beauty, and charm.

For me, Nafplio always feels like stepping into another era — yet it has the warmth and liveliness of a modern Greek town. Whether you visit as a day trip from Athens, spend a weekend here, or use it as a base for exploring the Peloponnese, you’ll quickly see why it’s one of Greece’s most beloved destinations.

What do you find most interesting about Nafplio? Let me know in the comments below.

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