One of the most beautiful towns in the area of Argolis (in eastern Peloponnese) as well as one of the most romantic cities all over Greece, Nafplio was the first capital of the newly born Greek state between 1823 and 1834.
The town was an important seaport held under a succession of royal houses in the Middle Ages as part of the lordship of Argos and Nauplia, held initially by the de la Roche following the Fourth Crusade before coming under the Republic of Venice and, lastly, the Ottoman Empire. The name of the town changed several times over the centuries. The modern Greek name of the town is Nafplio. In modern English, the most frequently used forms are Nauplia and Navplion.
The Palamidi Castle, which proudly stands 216 m above sea level. In order to reach it you have to climb all of its 999 steps carved into the rock. Not to worry, though: the view from above here is totally rewarding! Venture into a place drenched in history, where the famous hero of the Greek Revolution Theodore Kolokotronis had been imprisoned; it seems as if its battlements -named after the renowned ancient heroes Themistocles, Achilles, Fokion, Leonidas, Epaminondas and Miltiades- are still carefully protecting the city. Agios Andreas battlement built at the top of the Castle by Venetian conquerors undoubtedly offers stunning views to the Argolic gulf and the Mycenaean plain.
Akronafplia: the Acropolis of the Argolic Gulf
The acropolis of Nafplio, which the Ottoman’s named Its-Kale, was erected by the Venetians and later passed on to the Byzantines and Ottomans. It has three levels, each with a different castle and walls from different time periods. From the rock of Akronafplia you’ll take in the stunning view from the Bourtzi Castle to Arvanitias beach.
Bourtzi Castle: Nafplio’s ‘sea tower’
From afar it looks like an elegant stone sculpture. As you approach the islet of Agio Theodoro by boat, travelling the few metres that separate it from the coast, and finally see the Venetian castle up close, you’ll immediately feel its rich and tumultuous history. The castle (shaped like an irregular hexagon) was built in 1473 and the executioners of Palamidi prisoners once lived here.
It was also the residence of two governments (of 1824 and 1827) and a luxury hotel. Today it is one of the most significant attractions in Nafplio, and hosts various cultural events and festivals.
Also worth visiting: The War Museum, housed in the buildings of the former (first) Military Academy/ the houses of regent Armansberg and Mauer/ the “Lion of the Bavarians” standing in the suburb of “Pronia”/ the prestigious Peloponnesian Folk Art Museum/ The Children’s Museum / the one of its kind “Komboloi Museum”/ The Town Hall in the Trion Navarhon square/ The statue of Ioannis Kapodistrias, modern Greece’s first prime minister in the square bearing the same name/ Theodoros Kolokotronis Park with his statue standing there/ the recently renovated “Pili tis Ksirás” (Shore Gate).
Activities: at sunset take a romantic stroll around the so-called “Arvanitia Promenade”, the most popular walk in town (1 km in length) dominated by the rocky landscape of Akronafplia/ use the tourist trains to enjoy a leisurely tour around the town/ buy some souvenirs from the Old Town’s souvenir shops, certainly “kombolóyia” (a circular chain with beads, usually made of amber used by Greeks to keep hands occupied and ease stress) for the production of which Náfplio is particularly famous/ enjoy a cup of coffee or a delicious meal in Syntagma Square/ sip a drink at the port taking in the amazing view of Bourtzi – always lit up at night.
Beaches: The beaches of Argolida, are in the forefront of this land, especially for those seeking crystal clear seas and want to relax on the beach.
Whether in the bay of Argolida or facing the Argosaroniko Gulf or even in the northern parts of the region, the beaches of Argolida have their faithful fans, who prefer them for their easy access, their clean water and because, very often, they are just like the best beaches of the Greek islands.
Some of the best are :Kandia, Irion Beach, Kondili, Neas Kiou Beach, Archeas Asinis Beach, Arvanitia Beach, Kastraki, Karathona, Milon Beach, Plakas Drepanou Beach
