In May 2025, I traveled to Greece with my siblings. The trip included Athens and the Peloponnese region. We planned the trip a few months in advance to ensure we visited special places that suited our style—beautiful natural landscapes, charming towns, and authentic cuisine.
One of the places we were especially curious about was the town of Nafplio. We had seen tons of recommendations and pictures, and it looked magical. The only thing we were a bit hesitant about was its reputation as a highly touristic spot—but we decided it was worth a visit anyway, and it truly was. 
A Quick Look at Nafplio
Nafplio is a small, pleasant port town in the Peloponnese, with a rich history and stunning views. It was the first capital of modern Greece in the early 19th century. The town features a blend of Venetian architecture, picturesque alleyways, impressive fortresses, and a relaxed vibe. It sits right on the sea, with mountains all around, adding to its charm. When to Visit?
We visited in mid-May, which isn’t peak season, so the town didn’t feel too crowded. There were tourists, mostly local school groups on year-end trips, but it wasn’t noisy or packed.
The best times to visit are probably in spring (April–June) or early fall (September–October). The weather is pleasant, the landscape is lush, and the crowds haven’t taken over like they do in July–August. How to Get There
We stayed in the town of Epidaurus at the Yialasi Hotel and drove to Nafplio in about half an hour with a rental car.
We rented the car in Athens through Europcar, which we found via the Paapm Paapm search engine. I like booking through them because it saves time and allows you to filter out unreliable rental companies. I’ve written a detailed blog post about renting a car abroad, and I highly recommend reading it—especially if it’s your first time renting.
In the Paapm Paapm search, I filtered for an automatic car and pick-up directly at the terminal, so we didn’t have to wait for a shuttle.
The drive from Athens to Nafplio takes around two and a half hours.
Also, if you’re visiting Athens and just want to do a day trip to Nafplio and the surrounding area, you can join an organized tour.
Click here to book a tour from Athens online and for more info Where to Stay
As mentioned, we stayed in another town, not in Nafplio itself, but I did look into accommodations in Nafplio and found some interesting options:
Palamidi Fortress
A stunning fortress perched on a high hill above the town, offering amazing views of the sea and city. There are quite a few steps to climb, but you can also drive to the top. It’s best to visit in the morning or near sunset for the light and cooler weather. 
Shopping
This isn’t a shopping destination like Athens with big brands, but you’ll find boutique shops selling handmade jewelry, locally designed clothes, natural soaps, ceramics, and handcrafted bags.
I bought a pair of Camper shoes and a handmade, high-quality laptop bag. It’s worth checking out the small side-street shops, not just the main pedestrian street.
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Wandering the Town
The town is full of charming spots to discover, and it’s best explored without a specific goal. The cobblestone streets, colorful houses, balconies with flowerpots—all contribute to the lovely vibe. There’s no one main attraction, but any alley can surprise you. 
Pastry or Ice Cream Stop
My siblings are ice cream fans, and we found a good patisserie that also serves ice cream and coffee. It was less crowded than other places and had good reviews on Google: L’amande.
There are some nice outdoor seats in a quiet alley, which adds to the experience. The coffee was okay (I think it’s hard to find great coffee in Greece outside of Athens—but maybe I’m just picky). My siblings liked the ice cream, and the pastries looked good too—worth a try. 
Swimming
If you visit in summer or on a hot day, bring swimsuits. There are small, lovely coves along the coast of the town, with shallow, clean water—great even for kids. Some are near restaurants and bars, so you can combine swimming with a light meal or drink. 
The Promenade
Nafplio’s promenade is gorgeous. If the wind isn’t strong, it’s a great spot for a walk. There are benches, sea-view restaurants, and an overall relaxed feel. Around sunset, it’s the perfect place to sit with a glass of wine or a coffee and just take a break. Bourtzi Castle
When we were there, it was a windy day and the sea was rough, so we skipped the visit to the castle on the small island in the bay.
But if the weather is nice and the sea calm, it’s worth taking a short boat ride from the port to visit this impressive Venetian structure. If you don’t get seasick, it could be a great little adventure. 
Snorkeling Boat Trip
If you’re staying in the town, you can also enjoy other activities like a snorkeling boat trip and visits to secluded beaches near Xiropigado.
Online booking and more info here More Nearby Recommendations
Argos – About a 20-minute drive from Nafplio. It has a local market (Municipal Neoclassical Argos Market), open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with fresh produce, local honey, cheeses, and more. Directions.
Epidaurus Theater – Ancient Theatre at the Asklepieion of Epidaurus: A major archaeological site about a 30-minute drive away. A massive ancient theater with amazing acoustics—well worth a visit. Directions. 
In Summary, Nafplio offers a great balance of history, scenery, atmosphere, and light tourism, at least during the shoulder seasons. You can easily spend 2–3 days here, and it’s even better when combined with nearby day trips. It’s suitable for solo travelers, couples, and families alike. If you’re looking for a place that mixes calm vibes, walkable streets, charming alleys, good ice cream, and beautiful views, it’s worth stopping by.
I hope my post helped you! If it did, feel free to leave a comment. And if you have any questions, you’re welcome to ask below or message me via my blog’s social channels: Facebook and Instagram.
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