A Breath Away from Athens:
Our Three-Day Trip to Nafplio
You don't need to take a plane to feel like you've truly traveled. Just a few hours of driving are enough to feel like you've left everyday life behind.
That's how our getaway to Nafplio began during the May Day long weekend. Traveling by car from Athens, with no rush and no strict schedule—just the desire to enjoy three days away from the fast pace of the city.
And Nafplio did exactly what it does best: It relaxed us.
Nafplio: Attractions and First Impressions
There are cities that win you over with grand monuments. Nafplio wins you over with its details.
Cobbled alleys with colorful balconies and blooming bougainvilleas. Small cafes spreading their tables out into narrow streets, and people walking by without a trace of stress.
From the very first moments, we felt that this city doesn't demand to be conquered; it simply invites you to walk through it.
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Where to Stay in Nafplio
Palamidi: Many Steps, Great Reward
Palamidi was one of the first places we visited. The climb takes effort, but once you reach the top, you realize why everyone says it's worth it.
Nafplio stretches out before you like a painting. Bourtzi looks like it's floating in the harbor, and the sea stretches as far as the eye can see. These are the moments when you put your phone away and just look.
The Most Scenic Route
If someone asked me which moment from the trip I'd like to experience again, I would probably say the walk out to the lighthouse.
The coastal promenade, the smell of the sea, Bourtzi across the water, and the sound of the waves create a peace that's hard to find. There's nothing overly extravagant, and yet, it's one of those walks you remember the most.
Wandering the Alleys Without a Plan
Our favorite moments weren't necessarily at the big attractions, but rather when we got lost in Nafplio's narrow streets, walking without checking maps.
We'd stop for a coffee, a little later for ice cream, taking photos without any rush. Ultimately, those were the moments that gave character to the trip.
A Stop in History
We visited the building where the Hellenic Parliament assembled during the period 1825–1828. It's a place that reminds you that Nafplio was the first capital of the newly established Greek state from 1823 to 1834, hosting events that shaped the country's course.
Opposite the port stands Bourtzi, the small Venetian fortress, while another special stop was the house of freedom fighter Nikitaras, bringing us closer to the legacy of a great hero.
The Taste That Was Worth It
At the Savouras tavern, we tried an exceptional fish soup. It was one of those meals that fits perfectly with a day by the sea: simple, warm, and full of flavor.
Would We Go Back?
Without a second thought. Not because we didn't manage to see everything, but because Nafplio is one of those cities where a walk, a coffee, a sunset, and good company are enough to make you feel complete.
Until the next journey, remember that every trip is a new story waiting to be lived!