The Old Town is the main point of focus. Akronafplia (the historic rock at the foot of Palamidi Hill) is one border, the sea the other and in the middle the Syntagma (Constitution) square and the King Constantine pedestrian street. The distance from the square to the sea is 4-5 narrow streets with great mansions painted in different colours, with blooming gardens and with guest houses, little taverns, and bars filled with people, especially on the weekend.
The streets Othonos, Queen Olga, and Ipsilantou are all narrow alleys where noble families and rich captains resided, and where stories to be told in the future increase every day. Nafplio, not very far from Athens, is an ideal choice for a weekend filled with strolls, sightseeing and good food.
Historic stroll
From Palamidi and Bourtzi to the point where Governor Ioannis Kapodistrias was assassinated and to the archaeological museum, Nafplio is full of historic memories and sights. Built by Venetians in the 17th century, the Palamidi Castle played an important role during the Greek Revolution of 1821 when it was conquered by the Greek fighters, and the Ottomans were forced to surrender the city. You can reach it by car, or with a little bit more effort, by climbing the 900 steps that lead to it. The Venetians also built the Bourtzi fortress, also known as Seatower on the islet across from Nafplio. In the town’s archaeological museum, you will find important exhibits from the Early Stone Age, the Mycenaean, the Classical and the Roman Period.
Swimming
Located within the town’s limits, the small beach of Arvanitia is ideal for a short swim during the hot afternoons. It’s pebbled and there’s a beach bar there. The second closest beach to Nafplio is that of Karathonas. This large beach, approximately 2 kilometres long is sandy, with shallow waters and is serviced. A litter further away, around 12 kilometres from Nafplio, you’ll find Tolo, a beach with fine sand and lots of cafes, shops, and restaurants on the beach.
Sunset
The most popular walk in town and one that’s best to take at sunset to avoid the heat, is the so-called Arvanitia Promenade. It begins at the Nautical Club of Nafplio, and going around Akronafplia, by the sea, ends around 1 kilometre later at Arvanitia beach.
Food
For well-done meat go to “Stavlos”. There at the stone building and the treed garden you can eat kokoretsi (traditional Easter food that consists of skewered lamb intestines, wrapped around sweetbreads grilled over charcoal fire), kontosouvli (skewered pieces of meat grilled over charcoal fire), steak and delicious ribs. You can also go to the tavern “T’ alonia” outside Nafplio, to try the amazing lamb ribs, the juicy stuffed beef burgers and the traditional pasta called gogges. For great mezes and seafood go to “Pidalio” and “Aiolos”. And don’t miss the creamy delicious Italian ice cream prepared daily with fresh milk at “Antica Gelateria di Roma”.
Info: Stavlos, 12 Profiti Ilia street, Nafplio, tel. 0030 27523 06702, T’ Alonia, Pirgiotika, Nafplio, tel. 0030 27520 24610, Pidalio, 5 25th Martiou street, Nafplio tel. 0030 27520 22603, Aiolos, 30 V. Olgas street Nafplio, tel. 0030 27520 26828. Antica Gelateria di Roma 3 Farmakopoulon street & Komninou, Nafplio, tel. 0030 27520 23520
Accommodation
Nafplio offers many good accommodation choices. If you want a romantic, stylish, and cute guest house in the centre of the Old City, book a room at “Amymone” that is housed in a renovated old mansion. “Perivoli Country Hotel & Retreat” offers great views and breakfast with local products, while the Family Loft suites of “Athemion Suites & Villas” are ideal for families.
Info: Amymone, 39 Othonos street, Nafplio, tel. 0030 27520 99477, www.amymone.gr,
Perivoli Country Hotel & Retreat, Pirgiotika, Nafplio, tel. 0030 27520 47905, www.hotelperivoli.com,
Anthemion Suites & Villas, 25th Martiou street & Agiou Eleftheriou, Nafplio, tel. 0030 27520 22912, www.anthemion.gr
