Nafplio is one of the most beautiful towns in Greece: a peninsula of Venetian and neoclassical streets beneath the great Palamidi fortress, with the little island castle of Bourtzi in the bay. After the War of Independence it was the first capital of modern Greece, until the seat of government moved to Athens in 1834.
For visitors to Olympia it is the natural other end of a Peloponnese road trip. From Nafplio, Mycenae and the great theatre of Epidaurus are each about half an hour away, and the drive west to Olympia across Arcadia takes around two and a half to three hours.
What to see at Nafplio
Climb to the Palamidi
Hundreds of steps lead up to the eighteenth-century Venetian fortress — or drive up — for one of the finest views in the Peloponnese.
Wander the old town
Syntagma Square, the waterfront promenade and the lanes below Akronafplia are made for an evening stroll and a long dinner.
Day-trip to Mycenae and Epidaurus
The citadel of Agamemnon, with its Lion Gate, and the best-preserved ancient theatre in Greece are both within easy reach.
How to get to Nafplio
- From Olympia: about 2.5–3 hours by car via Tripoli.
- From Athens: about 2 hours by car; KTEL buses run from Kifissos terminal.
- On a tour: multi-day Classical Greece tours combine the Nafplio area, Mycenae and Epidaurus with Olympia.
Insider tips
- Spend at least one night — Nafplio is at its best in the evening.
- Climb the Palamidi early in the day; the steps are exposed to the sun.
- A classic loop: Athens – Nafplio (2 nights) – Olympia (1–2 nights) – Athens.
Best tours & tickets for Nafplio
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Nafplio with context:
Multi-day tour from €648 4-Day Tour of Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi & Meteora
The classic mainland loop from Athens: the Corinth Canal, Mycenae and Epidaurus on day one, Olympia on day two, Delphi on day three and the monasteries of Meteora on day four. Hotels, guides and entry fees included; over 200 reviews.
- Five UNESCO sites in four days
- Licensed guides, entry fees and 4-star hotels
- A stop at the Corinth Canal and the Meteora monasteries
Multi-day tour from €457 3-Day Greece Tour with Guide, Tickets & Hotel Pickup
Classical Greece at a brisk pace: the Peloponnese and central Greece in three days, taking in Mycenae, the theatre at Epidaurus, Ancient Olympia and Delphi, with a guide, tickets and hotel pickup included.
- Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia and Delphi
- Guide and entry tickets included
- Hotel pickup in Athens
