Enchanting Nafplio is one of the most beautiful towns in mainland Greece and the perfect base for exploring the northeast corner of the Pelepponese peninsula.
The rugged, sparsely populated terrain of the Pelepponese evokes ancient times when Greeks considered this a mysterious and frightening land. The history of the Pelepponese is Greece’s history!
This is a land known to be a mythic world of terrifying creatures and full of warring tribes followed by the Pan-Hellenic Games, Golden Age Greeks, Roman rule, centuries of Byzantine rule and 400 years of Ottoman rule. The coastal city of Nafplion is a striking reminder that this part of Greece was, for centuries, an outpost of Venice.
Enchanting Nafplio is one of the most beautiful towns in mainland Greece and the perfect base for exploring the northeast corner of the Pelepponese peninsula. Nafplio’s gorgeous old town has narrow streets lined by elegant Venetian houses and bougainvillea-covered neoclassical mansions, which now house boutique shops and delicious frozen yogurt parlours.
You can while away hours relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere by day. In the evenings, you will find an abundance of fantastic restaurants and bars, which offer a top night out.
For those who want to stretch their legs, the imposing fortress overlooking the town below can be reached via 1000 steps progressing up for views that get better and better. The island in the harbour was the first line of defense and the second-line was the imposing early 18th century Palamidi fortress on the hilltop which is reached by climbing 999 steps and thought to be the best example of Venetian military architecture. It fell to the Ottomans in 1715 and played an important role in the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s. It was occupied by the Nazis in WW2.
In 400BC, the city of Epidaurus with its sprawling complex of hospitals and sick wards was the most famous healing centre in the Greek World. Sick people came to be treated by doctor priests doing the work of Askeplios, the Greek God of medicine. The ginormous theatre provided entertainment to those who had made long pilgrimages to Epidaurus and continued to operate until 426 AD when Christian Emperor Theodisius closed it down, along with all other Pagan sanctuaries. Given its tremendous size, with seats for up to 14000 spectators, the acoustics had to be perfect – and they still are! Stand in the middle of the stage and try for yourself!
The Corinth Canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, connecting the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. Spanning a distance of 6.3 kilometres, it is one of the oldest man-made canals in the world. 2000 years ago, the Roman Emperor Nero broke ground for this canal. However the 4 mile long ditch wasn’t actually dug until about a century ago by modern Greeks. Nowadays, the canal is quite narrow for most large ships to pass through but it is one of the most popular bungee jumping sites in Greece. Are you brave enough?!
Nafplio is the perfect stationing point to explore the Nemea region – an area with over 3500 years of winemaking history. There are a plethora of wonderful wineries to explore, including Palivou Estate Winery, Lafazonis Winery and Domaine Spiropolous.
The best place to gain a true sense of local Nafplio flavours on your trip to Greece is Pidalio Mezedopoleio. The menu changes according to the season and the food is excellent. If the caramelised octopus in aubergine puree happens to be on the menu, try it and thank us later!
If you’re in the mood to be a beach bum, take a stroll from the harbour along to the Blue Flag pebbly Arvanitia beach – According to the legend, the area got its name from the great massacre of Albanian mercenaries in 1779. The legend says that Captain Pasha deceitfully guided them to Palamidi castle and from there, he threw them down into the sea.
Nafplio has had a turbulent history, full of occupation, and the Venetians left their mark by way of pasta. One Greek pasta product is Trachanas. Trachanas is made of sour milk and wheat boiled together and then dried in the sun and prepared as a soup. The best place to try this specialty is at Mr Mallios’ shop on Polizoidoy – Mr Mallios used to be a ship captain before retiring to devote his time to making Trachanas and other delicious Greek specialties, and we are very grateful for his career change!
Head to Olympia – the birthplace of the most famous and important sporting event in the ancient world. The Olympic Games took place here every four years from 776BC to 393 AD and, nowadays, it is still the place where the Olympic torch is lit. Sprint up and down the running track and live your own Olympic dream! While near Olympia, make sure you check out Agriturismo Magna Grecia (Magna Grecia Farm) for some truly excellent home-cooked food and home-grown olive oil in the most romantic of locations.
As well as the excellent Archaeological Museum in Syntagma Square, Nafplio also has a komboloi (worry beads) museum that is certainly ‘one of a kind’! For culture vultures, Fougaro. 3km from Nafplio, in the former canning area, lies the industrial, artistic, laid-back arts complex of Fougaro. Check out if they are hosting any exhibitions which coincide with your visit at https://www.fougaro.gr/
Would you like to find out more about this destination or speak with one of our Epicureans about the best options in Greece? Reach out to one of our experts who can tailor an unforgettable experience that will be the envy of your friends.