Description of Nafplio
Apart from
Greece’s
first capital city,
Nafplion is also the capital of tourism in Greece as it holds the reigns of visitors’ favourite
weekend destination. The
seaside port city of
Nafplion has a wide variety in
hotels and
guesthouses for your
accommodation and many
restaurants and
cafes. It is a place ideal for strolling around picturesque
alleyways between
neoclassical mansions or on the waterfront facing the islet of
Bourtzi and the dominant
Castle of
Palamidi nested on the cliff above.
History of Nafplio
The town first started to develop in the 7th century BC. Since then it has known prosperity and progress but also several invasions and occupation by many foreign conquerors like Venetians who ruled the city and built many of the renaissance buildings of Nafplion that survive till today. After the liberation of Nafplion from the Turkish Rule in 1822, it was chosen as the first capital city of the Greek State until it was transferred in Athens in 1834.
Sightseeing in Nafplio
A trip to
Nafplio is pleasant no matter when you go and you can combine visits to nearby areas such as
Mycenae,
Epidauros,
Tolo,
Argos,
Tyrintha and
Porto Cheli. Mycenaean treasures, Venetian fortresses, traditional villages and beautiful beaches all make a trip to this part of the Peloponnese well worthwhile. On the top of the cliff are the castle of
Palamidi and the old citadel Its Kale both offering great views to the sea and the surrounding area, revealing the city’s long history. The islet-castle you face from the waterfront of Nafplio is the famous Bourtzi, a Venetian Fortress built in 15th century which has served as a prison in the past. Nowadays, Bourtzi serves as a place of culture with many events and concerts taking place.
How to get to Nafplio
Nafplio is 155 km far from Athens. Follow the Athens-Corinth highway and then head to Tripoli, following the signs Argos-Nafplio.
Useful Phone Numbers in Nafplio
Tourist Police in Nafplio: +30 27520 28131
Police in Nafplio: +30 27520 21536
Hospital in Nafplio: +30 27520 27309
Bus services in Nafplio: +30 27520 27323