Nafplio

Nafplio is a romantic small town in Peloponnese with a beautiful neoclassical center featuring small historic houses, squares, and churches. It served briefly as Greece's first capital before Athens and offers Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman heritage alongside Greek Revolution significance. The compact old town is walkable in 15 minutes, making it ideal for leisurely exploration.

Nafplio is accessible via KTEL buses from Athens and other Peloponnese destinations. The local bus station is at Sygrou str 8, at the end of the park just before the old town. Daily buses connect to surrounding villages, archaeological sites, and coastal towns including Epidaurus, Mycenae, and Argos.

All major sights are within the walkable old town. The municipality provides free bicycles for a day in front of the Town Hall by the KTEL bus station. Horse carriages and small tourist trains offer alternative tours. Cars are restricted in most of the old town, encouraging pedestrian exploration year-round.

Nafplio is enjoyable year-round, though summer brings beach crowds. The Arvanitia and Karathona beaches are most accessible, while more remote beaches require local bus or car. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures ideal for walking the old town and climbing Palamidi fortress.

Accommodation options range from pensions to hotels. The Amymone Pension at Othonos Str offers doubles from €65 with breakfast included. Marianna Pension provides rooftop breakfast with town views for €65-75. Rigas Pension on Kapodistriou Str offers doubles from €50 with AC and ensuite bathrooms. Camping Xeni is available in nearby Tolo village at Assini Beach.

Nafplio features Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. Kipos Garden at Ethnikis Antistaseos offers quality Mediterranean-Italian dining near Philellinon Sq. Popeye on Staikopoulou St serves Italian-style pizza, burgers, and Greek microbrewery beers. Cafes cluster around Syntagma Sq, while waterfront cafeterias west of Philellinon Sq offer views of Bourtzi castle at higher prices.

Climb the 857 stairs to Palamidi fortress (adults €8, open daily 08:30-15:00) for panoramic views including the Argolic gulf and Argos castle. Visit Bourtzi castle with small boats from the port (€4 round-trip, 5 minutes). The Archaeological Museum at Syntagma Sq displays Mycenaean bronze armor from the 13th century BC (general €2, students €1, free under 18 and EU students). Explore Psaromachalas neighborhood under Acronafplia for traditional Greek island atmosphere with narrow alleys and white houses.

Nafplio is considered one of the safest places in Greece with almost no violence. Nights are safe for walking at all times. Occasional pickpocketing occurs in tourist areas. Begging children may be encountered but respond to a firm 'no.'

WiFi is available in some hotels including the Amymone Pension (128kbps in suites). Mobile coverage is reliable throughout the town. The Nafplio Post Office can be contacted at 27520 24855.

Budget travelers can expect to spend €40-60 per day including dorm-style accommodation or budget pensions, meals at tavernas (€8-15 per meal), and local transport. Major attractions include Palamidi (€8), Bourtzi boat trip (€4), Archaeological Museum (€2), and Komboloi Museum (€3).

Nafplio serves as an excellent base for Peloponnese exploration. UNESCO World Heritage sites include the Epidaurus theater, Mycenae, and Tiryns (4 km walk from town). Argos, Europe's most ancient town, offers a castle and theater ruins. Daily cruises operate in the Argolic Gulf during summer with swimming stops.

Nafplio is famous for kombolois (worry beads) made from amber and other materials. The Komboloi Museum on Staikopoulou 25 (€3, daily 09:30-21:30) showcases these traditional items. Greek traditional culinary products based on locally produced crops are also popular purchases.

From the KTEL bus station at Sygrou str 8, travelers can reach Epidaurus (ancient theater), Mycenae, and Argos. 4 daily buses travel to Kranidi and Porto Heli (high-speed ferry to Spetses, 15 minutes) and Hermioni (ferries to Hydra, 30 minutes, continuing to Poros and Athens Piraeus, about 2 hours). Nearby fishing villages include Vivari with Kondyli beach and Koilada with prehistoric Frahthi cave.