The 11 best things to do in Nafplio
1. Big Street - Syntagma square
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Although there are many attractions in Nafplio, the first thing I recommend you do is walk down Vasileos Konstantinou Street, the big street as the locals call it, which offers a journey to another era and is one of the largest streets with neoclassical buildings in Greece. It starts from the picturesque town hall and ends at the historic Syntagma Square.
At the beginning of the big street is the funerary monument of the hero of the Revolution Dimitrios Ypsilantis, and the only statue in Greece of King Otto, who lived in Nafplio from 1833 to 1834. At the site of the statue there once stood the Government House which used to house the government offices and the governor's residence, designed by the Italian architect Pasquale Ippoliti. It began construction in 1829 and was completely destroyed in 1929 by fire.
The big street is decorated with bougainvillea that bloom in May, and as the flowers fall on the pavement they create a beautiful backdrop for photographs.
It ends at Syntagma square, where some of the most important public buildings in the city are located. I believe that the square had a more important role in the past because the city was enclosed by walls and there was no harbour where everyone now goes for a walk.
Notable buildings in the square are the venetian fleet warehouse of 1713, the 16th-century Trianon mosque and the building of the first Greek Parliament, also known as the Vouletiko, of 1730, which was a madrasa, i.e. a seminary. The trial of Theodoros Kolokotronis took place there in 1834, where he was sentenced to death and later imprisoned in Palamidi.
Below is a list of the hotels I recommend you to stay at:
- (€€) Ilion Suites (⭐ 9.1) I consider it one of the top stay options both for the interiors that refer to the 19th century when Nafplio was the capital and because it is near the city center
- (€€€) 3 Sixty Hotel & Suites (⭐ 9.3) the most luxurious stay option in the city in a central location with top-notch amenities
- (€€€) Ippoliti Hotel (⭐ 9.2) luxury of another era in the harbour of Nafplio with a view of Bourtzi
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2. Arvanitia walk
For a romantic walk with a fantastic view of the Argolic gulf follow the Arvanitia walk, a trail that is rathery popular amorng locals and visitors and that is why many people pass by on good days. The south side is very very steep and hides a much-photographed image of Nafplio, the passage that is like a cave if I may describe it that way.
I recommend caution however, because landslides occur on the steep side, which is why the entrances to the walk are closed with railings and have signs warning about the danger.
3. Cruise with Nafplio4Sail
A unique experience is a sailing cruise in some of the best waters of the Argolic gulf. Swim and live unforgettable moments in unspoiled spots, in Arvanitia, on the deserted islets Daskalio and Romvi in Tolo and on isolated beaches near Xiropigado in Arkadia. The price is affordable and advantageous and food is also offered.
Follow the link for information or to book.
4. Tour by tourist bus
The easiest way to see the sights and learn their history is by tourist bus.
5. Arvanitia - Karathona trail
A trail that is the definition of a nature trail that combines mountains and sea, little known to visitors but popular among locals when they want a peaceful hike in nature. It is an easy trail that can be walked by young and old, I have even seen people go there by bike.
The view of the sea is wonderful, which alone makes it worth hiking. It starts from Arvanitia beach at the foot of Palamidi and leads to Karathona. The route is 45 minutes, with return 1½ hours. If you want you can continue the hike in Karathona.
6. Fougaro Art Center
Here I recommend an old industrial space that was converted into a recreation and cultural space. It is not particularly well known to visitors because it is located outside the city.
Extremely popular with families because it has enough space for children to play in front of their parents. Periodic exhibitions are also held, while in the summer concerts takes place.
At night the space takes on a special charm with its lighting and the chimney is lit up red like the chimneys at the gas factory in Athens. It is located a few minutes from the city center and has a large parking lot.
7. Sunset in Karathona
An experience that only a local can recommend is to stay at Karathona until sunset, and because it is a huge beach you can combine swimming with a picnic to have a pleasant afternoon.
The hotel I recommend you to stay at:
- (€€) Ilion Suites (⭐ 9.1) I consider it one of the top stay options both for the interiors that refer to the 19th century when Nafplio was the capital and because it is near the city center
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8. Train ride
For a fun and joyful tour of Nafplio I recommend taking the train ride that starts from the harbour. If you have children then definitely do it as whenever I see it many of the passengers are young children.
9. In the most photographed spots
I have identified the most photographed spots on Instagram and I recommend them to you if you want to take impressive photos with yourself in the frame.
- the bougainvillea with the bike at the Omorfo Tavernaki
- the gate in Akronafplia, you will find it going up Akronafplia on your left
10. A candle at the Genesio of the Virgin
The Church of the Genesio of the Virgin remains open until late at night for those who want to light a candle. It was built around 1700 and its carved wooden iconostasis is rather impressive.
9. To Palamidi from the 999 steps
I recommend this experience only to those whose feet can afford it. Although it is not 999 but 857 it remains a challenge to climb to the top. If you decide to do it then slowly with water and a hat. However, the view compensates for the effort. Once you reach the fortress you pay an entrance fee to enter.
