14 Unforgettable Things to do in Nafplio, Greece

When people think of Greece, their minds usually jump straight to Santorini and Mykonos. But what if we told you there’s so much more to discover? Back when we were working as physiotherapists, we had tons of wonderful Greek clients who insisted we ditch the usual tourist hotspots and explore the more authentic, lesser-known sides of Greece. Two names kept coming up: the northern inland region around Thessaloniki and the western inland area of the Peloponnese. But no matter what, one place was always at the top of their list—Nafplio, a charming coastal town not far from Athens.

Now that we’ve road-tripped through Nafplio and the Peloponnese, we completely get the hype! This place has it all—rich history, stunning beaches, incredible food, and a vibe that feels quintessentially Greek, all without the overwhelming crowds of the islands. So, to help you plan your visit, we’ve put together a list of our 14 favorite things to do in Nafplio Greece—plus a full guide on how to make the most of this incredible town!

Is Nafplio Greece Worth Visiting

One of our dear Greek friends has been constantly raving about Nafplio and practically demanded that we visit the moment she knew we were going to visit Greece. Now having visited Nafplio, we could totally understand why. 

Just a short two-hour drive from Athens, Nafplio is the ultimate getaway, loved by both Greek locals and travelers alike. This coastal gem is packed with charm—picture a picturesque old town, two imposing castle fortresses, and quaint streets lined with boutique shops and cafés. Out of all the cities we explored on our Peloponnese road trip, Nafplio easily ranks in our top two.

Whether you’re here for delicious Greek food, cute boutique shopping, ancient history, local culture, or just a relaxing seaside escape, Nafplio delivers.

Plus, it makes the perfect base for exploring nearby historical sites like Mycenae, Epidaurus, and the Palamidi Fortress—or even hopping over to the Saronic or Spetses islands.

Trust us, this place is worth the visit.

14 Best Things to do in Nafplio Greece

Below we’ll share our most memorable 14 things to do in Nafplio. We try to include all sorts of activities, from adventurous kayaking, discovering historical sites, to relaxing at our favourite restaurants. You are sure to find something you’ll like!

1) Climb and Explore Fortress Palamidi

Climbing up the stairs to reach Palamidi Fortress, then exploring the impressive fortress complex, was by far one of our favourite experiences in Nafplio.

Yes, you can drive up and park at the parking lot right beside the fortress, but embarking on the journey up the stairs gives you a true appreciation of the purpose of the fortress back when it was built. The journey up is over 800 steps but as you climb up the zig-zagging staircase, you will get to admire some of the most breathtaking views over Nafplio. 

The fortress itself was designed as a formidable military structure with eight interconnected bastions for defence. Surprisingly, the fortress was overtaken multiple times through history, exchanging control from the Venetians, to the Ottomans, and ultimately reseized by the Greek revolutionaries.

We weren’t expecting to be this blown away, but Palamidi Fortress turned out to be one of the most striking and well-preserved fortresses we visited in Greece. If you can, stick around until closing—watching the sunset over Nafplio as you make your way down those 800 steps is an experience you won’t forget.

How to Get to Palamidi Fortress

You can either climb the staircase starting from this trailhead, or drive up and park beside the fortress. If you take on the staircase climb, it should take around 30 minutes to reach the entrance of the fortress. 

How Long do you Need to Visit Palamidi Fortress

We spent around 2 hours visiting the Fortress but could’ve easily stayed for an extra hour.

Something to keep in mind is that the security attendant may start kicking people out around 30-45 minutes before closing time.

When we visited in October, it was supposed to close at 18:30 but by around 17:50, she started blowing her whistle and rushing people out. So to properly explore, we would recommend getting to the fortress gates at around 16:00 latest. 

Opening Hours of Palamidi Fortress

check the official website here for the opening hours.

But based on our experience, they often close a bit earlier than what’s listed—so don’t cut it too close!

2) Explore Bourtzi castle or Kayak to Bourtzi Castle

Bourtzi castle is a small fortress located on an islet just off the coast of Nafplio.

As you stroll along the coastal boardwalk of Nafplio, you can’t miss it! However, Bourtzi castle has a very interesting history.

It was first build as a defensive stronghold to protect the city from naval attack from pirates, but over the years served multiple different purposes. One of the most interesting was that it was used as a residence for executioners, since the villagers didn’t want the executioners living within the town. 

Today, you can either admire Bourtzi Castle from the shore, or you have the option of doing a Kayaking tour. We highly recommend trying out the kayaking tour since you’ll not only learn about the history of the castle, but also kayak up close to admire it from all angles, and also have time to snorkel in the area!

I mean, how often do you get to paddle like an explorer to an isolated offshore castle—one that once housed executioners, no less?

3) Boutique shopping in Nafplio or take a Nafplio Walking Tour

Boutique Shopping in Nafplio

One of the things we absolutely loved about our trip to Greece was admiring (and, let’s be honest, buying) the incredible craftsmanship of Greek jewelry.

It all started in Corinth, where we stumbled upon a boutique selling handcrafted silver pieces with designs so intricate and unique, we couldn’t resist. So naturally, when we arrived in Nafplio, we went on another jewelry hunt—and it did not disappoint. 

The town is full of boutique shops, each showcasing different specialties, many of which are custom handmade. The best part? The prices are surprisingly affordable!

Also, don’t just stick to the town centre and instead also explore the Eastern part of town. Although there aren’t so many shops, the area has a far more local feel.

And if you need a lunch break, head to ΤΣΑΡΛΥ’S Bakehouse—they serve an incredible spanakopita and fresh salads, plus they have an adorable dog. What more could you ask for?

Alternative: Walking History Tour in Nafplio

If shopping isn’t your thing, and you would prefer to learn more about the rich Greek history, I would recommend instead joining a Nafplio Walking Tour. In our opinion, there’s nothing more valuable than learning from a local—hearing their stories and personal experiences adds a whole new depth to your appreciation of the places you visit.

4) Walk along the coast on Arvanitias Promenade

If you climbed up to Palamidi Fortress, you probably noticed the scenic coastal path wrapping around the mountainous peninsula where Akronafplia’s Castle is located—that’s the Arvanitias Promenade, one of the best seaside walks in Nafplio. 

This short but stunning 1km trail offers incredible views of Palamidi Fortress, the Argolic Gulf, dramatic cliffs, and the distant silhouette of Bourtzi Castle. And if you have extra time after your stroll, you can cool off or simply unwind at Arvanitia Beach (Paralia Arvanitias in Greek). 

This was high on our Nafplio to-do list, but with so many incredible things to do in the area, we unfortunately ran out of time. Hopefully, you’ll get the chance to experience it for us!

5) Visit Mycenae Archeological site

Mycenae was one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and was the center of the powerful Mycenaean civilization. This ancient city was home to the legendary King Agamemnon, the leader of the Greek forces in the Trojan War, as told in Homer’s Iliad. Here you can discover the massive Cyclopean walls, the iconic Lion Gate, and the elaborate tholos (beehive) tombs, including the Treasury of Atreus. 

Review of Mycenae Archeological Site

We were really excited to visit Mycenae after seeing some incredible photos online. But after exploring the site in person, we found that the ruins weren’t as well preserved as we had hoped, making it challenging to imagine the structures that once stood there.

In contrast, when we visited the southern coast of Turkey, we had seen many incredible archeological ruins that were so well preserved, including the marble columns and the main avenues, that you could practically hear the bustle of the merchants that once stood there. 

With that said, the most impressive part in Mycenae for us was definitely the massive beehive-shaped tholos tombs. While it wasn’t our favourite archaeological site in Greece, if you’re in the area, we’d still say it’s worth a visit!

Entrance Cost

• 12€ for adults, 6€ for Children
• For more details, you can visit their official website 

How Much Time Do you Need in Mycenae

I would say that around 60-90 minutes there should be enough to explore the entire archeoleogical site of Mycenae.

6) Ancient theatre of Epidaurus with amazing dinner

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, one of the best-preserved and most acoustically perfect theatres in the world, was built in the 4th century BCE as part of the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the ancient Greek god of medicine.

As you explore the archeological site of Epidaurus, you will notice that all the structures had once played an important role of healing, and was a sanctuary that attracted people from all over Greece seeking cures for their ailments.

While the remains of the chambers, dormitories, and temples aren’t as well preserved, there are informative panels that provide fascinating insights into their original purpose.

Amphitheatre of Epidaurus

What makes the amphitheatre of Epidaurus truly impressive is its impeccable acoustics—thanks to its precise design, even the softest sounds from the stage can be heard clearly in the highest seats. It’s actually pretty entertaining to watch as groups of tourists test this out—one person stands in the center clapping or whispering, while their friends sit way up in the stands, excitedly confirming they can hear every sound. 

And if watching the crowd is not enough entertainment, from the seats, you get a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Museum at Epidaurus

Before leaving, make sure to visit the museum where many of the original archeological pieces are preserved. It is astounding to see from up close the level of detail they managed to carve into these statues!

Entrance cost to Epidaurus

• 12€ for adults, 6€ for children
• You can check their official website for more information, including the opening hours. 

How much time do you need in Epidaurus and Asclepius

I would recommend around 1.5-2 hours to explore this archeological site and the museum. 

Dinner at off-the-beaten path restaurant Ταβέρνα ΟΙ ΛΕΥΚΕΣ – ΣΕΡΦΑΣ

Next, a special bonus for you!

After staying until sunset, we were pretty hungry. Rather than returning to Nafplio for dinner, we decided to seek out a more off-the-beaten path local dining experience.

So we drove 20 minutes from Epidaurus to this unassuming little road-side restaurant called Ταβέρνα ΟΙ ΛΕΥΚΕΣ – ΣΕΡΦΑΣ. The owners were so friendly and welcoming, and here we got to have one of the best grilled lamb of our entire Greece trip! 

This post is part of our series about Greece. If you want to learn more about Greece, planning your trip, and some of the best experiences there, check out the guides below:

9 Best Things to do in Corinth, Greece (2025)

Peloponnese Road Trip: 14 Days Greece Itinerary (2025)

2 Days in Athens: The Ultimate Itinerary for an Unforgettable Trip

7) Kayaking the sunken city in Epidavros

The Peloponnes are surrounded by incredible history and some of the most clear turquoise waters, so why not combine the two for one epic adventure?

Located a little further than Epidaurus, you will find the port of Archaia Epidauros where you can kayak out and explore the ancient sunken city known as Argolida’s Lost Atlantis. 

Since the water is only 1-2 meters deep, it is perfect for underwater sight-seeing and you can clearly see the remains of the structures. Then you will have some free time to snorkel in the area, before heading over to the Little Theatre of Epidaurus.

You will finish off the tour with an amazing meal made from local greek organic products at Athina EcoFarm before heading back to Nafplio.

8) Nemea for wine tasting and archeological site

Located around 45 minutes drive from Nafplio, you’ll discover the incredible vineyard region of Nemea. Often called the “Bordeaux of Greece,” Nemea is especially famous for its signature grape variety, Agiorgitiko, a deep red wine known for its rich flavours and aging potential.

The Wine production here is believed to date back to ancient times, with legends linking the region to Hercules and his first labor—the slaying of the Nemean Lion.

A day trip to Nemea for wine tasting is the perfect day trip from Nafplio. Whether you prefer sleek modern wineries or quaint family-run estates, you’ll get to sample their exceptional wines while soaking in the panoramic views of the rolling vineyards stretching across the landscape.

Some of our top recommendations for vineyards in Nemea include Bairaktaris Winery, Karamitsos Winery ΚΑΡΑΜΗΤΣΟΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΣ, or Semeli Estates if you want the ultimate in sleek modern winery.

Finally, if you’re not too buzzed from all the delicious wines, you can finish off your day trip by visiting the Archeological site of Nemea. 

9) Sailing Around Nafplio

When road tripping through the Peloponnes, at one point you have to explore the stunning turquoise waters by boat. To Sail through the crystal clear waters, snorkeling under the perfect sun, and relaxing on the deck while munching on delicious local Greek treats is an experience like no other! 

Although we didn’t get to participate in the boat tour in Nafplio, we got to rent our own boat and captain it through the Laconian gulf when we visited the Mani Peninsula, and it was one of the most memorable experiences of our Greece trip!

So if you’ll be in Nafplio, we highly recommend joining in on one of their semi-private sailing cruises.

Don’t worry, you won’t need to captain the ship but instead can focus on exploring the isolated beaches, swim in the crystal waters, stand-up paddleboard, and kick back while enjoying some freshly cooked Greek lunch accompanied by wine. I don’t think the day could get any better! 

✅ We would recommend either this Nafplio Sun Sail Cruise or this Half-day Argolic Gulf Cruise. 

Both tours are fairly similar, lasting around 4.5 hours, and can start either in the morning at 10am, or late afternoon at 4pm.

10) One of our favourite greek meals at Εστιατόριο Kollegas

We’ve had countless amazing meals in Nafplio, but the one that stood out to us the most was at Εστιατόριο Kollegas. While traveling through Greece, you’ll notice many of the restaurants feature similar dishes like Calamari, Grilled pork, moussaka, pastitsio, and souvlakis. What we loved about Kollegas was that they took the traditional Greek food and added their own fusion and flare to it! 

There, we had the most incredible grilled octopus, but unlike any other restaurant in Greece, this one had this creamy peppercorn sauce. To be honest, I have no clue what was in the sauce but it was so delicious that we went back the next day to order the same dish!

Then, we paired it with a seafood pasta that was so fresh and flavourful! The other time we came back and ordered the octopus again, and their tomahawk pork which is big enough to feed two people!

The name of the restaurant, Kollegas, means companion in Greek. But not just a friend, its a partner in laughter, and ally through thick and thin, a bond that makes your life richer. This is definitely one of those meals that made our trip to Greece richer and unforgettable! 

11) Stroll Along Nafplio Port

This is a small activity but one not to be missed. After dinner, as the sun starts to set, one of the best spots to soak in the ambiance is by strolling along Nafplio port. One one side will be a line of trendy restaurants, and on the other, the silhouette of the coast and Bourtzi Castle.

Make sure to head all the way out to the lighthouse where you’ll get one of the closest views of Bourtzi Castle. From there, you can also look back and admire the town, with Palamidi fortress looming above it! 

The port itself is not very big so you can arrange for around 30-45 minutes there to enjoy! 

12) Karonis Distillery ouzo tasting

If you wanted to sample Greece’s most famous alcohol Ouzo, the best way is by visiting one of their distilleries.

Located only a short drive away from Nafplio is Karonis Distillery. It is a family business of over 145 years passed down from generation to generation. They produce ouzo, tsipouro, and mastic, all distilled in modern copper stills. They offer tours of their distillery as well as tasting that can be booked by contacting them directly by email. 

For more information about visiting Karonis Distillery, you can check out their Visit page. 

13) Fougaro Art Center

If you are into art, then make sure to check out Fougaro art center. It is located just at the edge of town and hosts a bunch of art exhibits as well as workshop activities. For example, when we visited, they had a mosaic workshop, Macrame bracelets workshop, weaving workshop, and even a drawing class. The activities change every month or so so make sure to check out their event page. 

14) Visit Tolo Beach

Finally, no trip to Greece is complete without a visit to the beach! While the mainland beaches may not have the iconic postcard-perfect look of the Greek Islands, they’re still a fantastic way to cool off on a hot summer day.

We headed to Tolo Beach and loved its laid-back vibe—fairly quiet, mostly locals, and best of all, free entry and parking! If you want to head to a beach that is closer, you can also check out Paralia Karathonas. 

How Many Days to Visit Nafplio

We spent four nights soaking in the charm of Nafplio, balancing time between exploring the town and taking day trips to nearby ancient ruins—and honestly, it felt like the perfect amount of time in Nafplio.

In Nafplio itself, you can enjoy boutique shopping, wandering through picturesque streets, indulging in delicious Greek cuisine, and visiting the impressive Palamidi Fortress and Bourtzi Castle.

But the real bonus? The incredible variety of day trips within easy reach. You’ve got Mycenae, Epidaurus, the wine region of Nemea, the island of Spetses, the beach, and even Corinth Castle—especially handy if you didn’t get a chance to visit Acrocorinth.

For us, four days gave just the right balance of town exploration and nearby adventures, but if you want to take things slow and really soak it all in, you could easily stretch your stay to a week.

Nafplio Greece Itinerary

To make your trip planning easier, we’ve put together the ultimate Nafplio itinerary, packed with the best experiences this charming town has to offer!

Since we spent four nights in Nafplio, we’re sharing our ideal 4-day itinerary to help you make the most of your time here.

4 Day Nafplio Itinerary

• Day 1: arrival in Nafplio, walk around the town, visit Palamidi Fortress for sunset
• Day 2: Day trip to Mycenae, or if you are less interested in ruins and more interested in wine, do a Nemea wine tasting tour!
• Day 3: Day trip to Epidaurus to see the Amphitheatre or going a bit further to kayak in the sunken city of Epidavros
• Day 4: Relaxing beach day at Tolo beach or take to the waters on this Nafplio sailing tour

Day Trip Tours to Nafplio

We have compiled this list of amazing things to do in Nafplio assuming that you will be spending a couple of day there.

However, you will be happy to hear that you can visit Nafplio and some of the archeological sites around it conveniently as a day trip!

We have listed below the two best day trips to Nafplio departing from Athens, each focusing on a different archeological site

How to get to Nafplio

Getting to Nafplio from Athens is very easy, making it one of the top vacation destinations for Greek locals! You have the two following options:

Rent a Car From Athens/Airport

Rent a car and drive 1h40 from Athens. This is the option we took as we did a full road trip through the Peloponnes! We rented the car directly from Athens Eleftherios Venizelos Airport and drove from there to get to Corinth, and then later Nafplio. 

Bus from Athens to Nafplio

Take a bus from Athens to Nafplio, costing around 15€ per person each way, and taking 2 hours.

However, you will first need to reach Athens from the Airport, and we would recommend scheduling a pickup with WelcomePickups! We have used them several times in the past and it is reliable, convenient, and affordable!

Where to Stay in Nafplio

When choosing where to stay in Nafplio, it is important to consider whether you want to be close to the centre where all the shops and restaurants are, or do you prefer a more local and quiet area. 

Nafplio is divided into a Western and Eastern section, separated by Polizoidi Street. On the Western side you will find all the most popular streets, boutiques, and restaurants. This is the main touristic area where you’ll find Palamidi fortress and Nafplio port.

On the Eastern side, the area is a lot more local and quiet. There are some restaurants and cafes there but the options are limited. 

Our Recommendations for Where to Stay in Nafplio

We would recommend staying on the Western side of Nafplio, that way you are close to all the action. If you still prefer a bit of peace and quiet, you can stay higher up on the hill on the far western tip.

For example, both αυλή Ναύπλιον and Alivio Lux Residences are located high up in a quiet corner of Nafplio, with beautiful views of Bourtzi Castle, but all the while being only a 7 minutes walk to the city centre. The other bonus here is that there is free and abundant street parking right closeby. 

If instead you prefer to stay right in the city centre and not uphill, you can check out Marie Suite where you can get a one-bedroom apartment for a very affordable price!  

Where to Go After Nafplio

Nafplio can be conveniently visited as a day trip from Athens, but if you have the time, we highly recommend renting a car and doing a road trip through the Peloponnes like we did! 

We started in from Athens airport, then headed to Corinth for a few days, before arriving in Nafplio. After Nafplio, we went on to discover the beautiful mountainous area of Mystra, the stunning castle town of Monemvasia (one of our favourites!), then further West towards Gytheo, Methoni, and Messene, before spending a final few days in Athens. 

In total this was an 18-day road trip and we were able to discover so many off-the-beaten path places throughout Greece! 

Using WISE card in Greece

When taking cash out of an ATM while abroad, you will most likely be charged both a foreign exchange fee and a foreign transaction fee by that country’s ATM. With my Canadian card, this can easily be 3-4$ + 2.75% + a markup on the exchange rate charged by my bank, and then another 3-5$ charged by the foreign ATM.

This can be really costly. For this reason, we recommend using WISE card which has only minimal fees and just about no foreign currency exchange markup. This helps me save at least 5-7$ every time I take out money from an ATM. If you want to see our full review of the card showing exactly how WISE can help you save, check out our WISE Travel card Review post.

Recap: Best Things to do in Nafplio Greece

Nafplio hit that sweet spot between ancient history, modern comforts, and downright delicious food! For us, it was the ultimate home base for exploring the eastern Peloponnese, from wandering the legendary ruins of Mycenae to marveling at the acoustics of Epidaurus. And after spending time here, we totally get why Greeks rave about Nafplio—it’s got that irresistible charm. If you’re planning a Peloponnese road trip, do yourself a favor and put Nafplio at the top of your list!

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