Things to do in Nafplio

Picturesque and lively Syntagma Square is Nafplio’s historic heart. Come here to admire significant city landmarks, visit museums and enjoy open-air dining at the welcoming cafés and restaurants. Syntagma Square is a meeting point for locals and tourists alike and for centuries has been a hub of Nafplio’s social activities.

Karathona Beach is a horseshoe-shaped strip of golden sand just south of the city of Nafplio. Sunbathe on the sands, swim in the safe waters and soak up the high-spirited vibe at the beachfront cafés and tavernas.

Arvanitia Beach is Nafplio’s pretty town beach. Legend states that the beach takes it from Albanian mercenaries who were thrown from the nearby Fortress of Palamidi. Arvanitia is a Greek word for Albanians.

Perched on a hilltop overlooking Nafplio and the Argolic Bay is the architecturally impressive Fortress of Palamidi. Stroll amid the fortress’ solid stone walls to spot well-preserved bastions and monuments. The Venetians constructed the fortress in the early18th century and it was added to by the Ottomans, after they conquered the city in 1715. The fortress takes its name from Palamedes, a Greek mythological hero of the Trojan War.

The Castle of Bourtzi is one of Nafplio’s great Venetian-style landmarks. It sits on a rock-island just off Nafplio’s small harbor and looks back across the city and out toward the Argolic Gulf. Explore the castle’s rooms and enjoy spectacular views from its ramparts. Watch local and international musicians perform at an annual festival of folk music.

A visit to the Archaeological Museum in Nafplio presents a glimpse into the fascinating cultures and history of Argolis, a southern region of mainland Greece. Spot displays of ancient artifacts that date from the prehistoric to late antiquity periods. Discover the history of nearby excavation sites such as Asini, Epidavros and Tiryns.

Rising out from a headland above Nafplio’s Old Town is the ruined castle of Acronafplia. Stroll around the castle’s ramparts to spot the remnants of centuries-old monuments. Enjoy views back across Nafplio’s historic center and marvel at the sunsets over the Argolic Gulf. Acronafplia is the oldest of three castles located in Nafplio, built over hundreds of years by the Romans, Venetians, Franks and Turks.

Learn about the fascinating history and cultural associations of worry beads at the Komboloi Museum. Worry beads, which are known as komboloi, are very common in Greece and can often be seen in the hands of locals, who fiddle with and manipulate them in an effort to soothe stress.