Nafplio is a Venetian town with ancient Greek roots. It is located in the Peloponnese, at 2 hours driving from Athens.
Nafplion was already inhabited in the Mycenaean period (1600-1100BC) and up till the present day, although there have been times that the city was largely deserted. Known in Venetian times as Napoli di Romania, the modern Nafplion is largely an Italian-looking town. It was also the first capital of modern Greece after the war of independence against the Turks. Here also the first president of Greece, Johannis Kapodístrias, was murdered in 1831.
In the early Middle Ages (500-600 AD) the city had shrunken to a castle and a small settlement, but in the 11th century AD the lower city was again completely fortified by the Byzantines, largely on ancient Greek and Hellenistic foundations. Around 1200 a local ruler, called Leon Sgouros, for a long time successfully defended the city against western Crusaders ('Franks').
The Venetians (who had taken the city as a gift from the Franks), ruling Nafplio in 1389-1540 and again in 1686-1715, completely transformed the city (Napoli meaning 'New Town'). During their second reign the Palamidi hill was provided with extensive fortifications, which turned the city into the most powerful fortress of Greece, if not of Europe.
Explore Palamidi Fortress
The climb up 900 plus steps to the top of this historic fortress is worth it if you love stunning views. The Venetians built it in 1686. What's fascinating is it was so well designed all attempts to conquer it were unsuccessful. Until the Greeks came and managed to take it over in 1822 during the Greek Revolution, surprising the world at the time. Independence was won against the Ottoman Empire. Greece was a new free state. Nafplio was named capital.
Visit the Fougaro
In recent years the Fougaro has become a new modern landmark. The word means smokestack and the place was once atomato canning plant with a big one. It's been smartly and impressively renovated into a creative arts and cultural space perfect for taking in some local artwork, relaxing with a lovely meal or for sipping a coffee. There are all kinds of neat community events going on for all ages including workshops, book readings and concerts, just check the website to see what is new.
Take a Day Trip from Nafplio
If you are staying longer in Nafplio, there are many great day trips (within an hour or so drive away) to consider including:
- Epidavros
Two modern towns bear the name Epidavros: Palaia (Old) Epidavros and Nea (New) Epidavros. The ancient theater of Epidavros is famous for its perfect acoustics, symmetry and beauty is also used today for drama festivals. - Delphi
Delphi is one of the most popular and most important archaeological sites in the country, once considered the center of the earth and once the home of the most important ancient Greek oracle. - Mycenae and Tyrins
Mycenae was a powerful citadel town in its glory days. It was so influential, it lended its name to an entire historical period called the Mycenaean period. - Nemea
Another important archaeological site which was once a religious sanctuary where pan-Hellenic athletic games were held every two years during ancient times. - Porto Heli
A very beautiful summer resort town on the Peloponnese coast.
How to Get to Nafplio
The drive is about 1.5- to 2-hours from Athens. I recommend hiring through Imperial Car Rental
By Bus: At least a dozen daily buses connect Nafplio with Athens. They leave from Terminal A in the Kifissos bus station. The journey is two hours and costs € 20-25 with return.
There are also buses to/from Thessaloniki and other Peloponnese cities.
By Boat: If you are coming by hired boat or yacht, Nafplio has a nice protected port which can host several yachts with facilities.