Nafplio

Day 1: Old Town, fortresses and sea light

Ease into Nafplio with its layers of history and big-sky views. You’ll blend fortress panoramas, a coastal stroll and long, late Greek dining—exactly how locals savour their town.

• Morning: Beat the heat with an early ascent of Palamidi (walk up the famous steps or take a taxi to the top and wander between bastions). Wear proper shoes, carry water and allow 90 minutes to linger over the 360° views before ambling down the steps into town.
• Midday: Claim a harbourside table for an hour-long coffee and watch small boats shuttle to Bourtzi; hop over if the sea is calm. Lunch in the backstreets of Psaromachalas at a fish taverna—order in stages (salad, a meze or two, then a shared main) and try the house wine by the carafe.
• Afternoon: Walk the Arvanitia promenade around the Akronafplia cliffs; pack swim gear for a dip at Arvanitia beach. In high summer, aim for shade and sea-breezes here rather than stone-hot streets.
• Evening: Head up to Akronafplia (Toro Bastion or near the clock tower) for golden-hour views over Bourtzi and terracotta roofs. Dine at a modern taverna: look for seasonal specials like artichokes in spring or gkogkes pasta in winter; expect a complimentary kerasma at the end.

Day 2: Markets, flavours and hidden corners

Today is for tasting Nafplio—meeting producers, sipping iconic spirits and finding the viewpoints locals keep for themselves. Pace yourself; Greeks lunch late and linger longer.

• Morning: If it’s Wednesday or Saturday, browse the laiki agora (farmers’ market): taste oranges, pick up honey and cheeses, and chat with vendors about what’s best today. Otherwise, graze through specialist delicatessens and a bakery for warm spanakopita to fuel your wander.
• Midday: Tour Karonis distillery for a short primer on ouzo, tsipouro and masticha, with a measured tasting. Follow with a relaxed ouzeri lunch: meze plates (grilled octopus, gavros, fava) matched to your drink; lunch hours run 2–4 pm, so no rush.
• Afternoon: Siesta or swim, then scout lesser-known viewpoints: the hairpins of the road up to Palamidi have pull-offs with big views over the Argolic plain; the upper lanes of Pronia frame the fortress perfectly. In summer, photograph later for softer light and clearer horizons.
• Evening: Book a table (essential on weekends and in July–August) at a neo‑taverna championing local olive oil and Nemea wines. End at a wine bar with a flight of Agiorgitiko styles—rosé, fresh red, then an oak‑aged bottle—to understand the region’s range.

Day 3: Wine country or coastal hike—your call

Choose between inland vineyards or the wild-blue coastline. Both are close; pick by season and mood—vineyards shine in autumn, the coast is bliss from late spring to early autumn.

• Morning: Wine option: drive 30–40 minutes to Nemea for pre‑booked tastings at two boutique wineries; start with fresher Agiorgitiko before moving to single‑vineyard or barrel‑aged wines. Coast option: walk the cliff path from Arvanitia towards Karathona, stopping for a quiet swim at Neraki; sturdy shoes and water required.
• Midday: Wine option: a simple taverna lunch among the vines or a picnic of market finds; designate a driver for tastings. Coast option: picnic under tamarisks at Karathona or grab a light bite from a beach kantina; the sea breeze is your air‑con.
• Afternoon: Return to Nafplio via an olive mill or a gourmet shop for an olive oil tasting to compare varieties and harvests. Rest, then browse Old Town boutiques; winter visitors can swap beach time for a café window seat and citrus desserts at a patisserie.
• Evening: For a finale, eat where locals go on Sundays: a suburban psistaria in Aria or Lefkakia for grilled lamb chops and salads at great value; or a seafood feast back on the waterfront if the evening is calm. Join the volta along the harbour as lights twinkle on Bourtzi and toast with a last glass of Agiorgitiko.

By Air

• Athens International Airport (ATH): Nearest major airport with year‑round flights. Drive time to Nafplio 1h50–2h15 via A8/A7 motorways. From ATH:
  • Taxi/private transfer: approx. 2h; typical cost €180–€250 (more at night/peak).
  • Car hire: straightforward motorway drive with tolls.
  • Bus: Airport bus X93 to Athens Kifissos Intercity Bus Terminal (45–70 min), then KTEL coach to Nafplio (see “By Bus”).
• Kalamata Airport (KLX): Seasonal international flights. Drive ~2–2.5h via A7 (Tripoli). Limited public transport; taxi or car hire is most practical.
• Araxos Airport (GPA, near Patras): Seasonal charters. Drive ~2.5–3h. Public transport requires multiple changes; car hire recommended.

By Train

• There is no train service to Nafplio.
• Alternative (slower, with changes): Athens suburban railway (Proastiakos) to Corinth/Kiato, then regional bus via Argos to Nafplio. Usually longer and less convenient than the direct coach from Athens.

By Bus

• Athens ↔ Nafplio (KTEL Argolidas):
  • Departures from Athens Kifissos Intercity Bus Terminal (KTEL Kifisos); tickets at kiosks or online.
  • Frequency: roughly hourly in the day (fewer late evening).
  • Duration: 2–2.5 hours; many services call at Argos en route.
  • Fare: about €15–€20 one way.
  • Arrival: KTEL Nafplio bus station (central; ~10 minutes’ walk to Syntagma Square/Old Town).
• Other key links (KTEL, often via a change):
  • Corinth: ~1–1.5h (often via Argos).
  • Tripoli: ~1–1.5h (direct or via Argos).
  • Kalamata: ~3–4h (via Tripoli).
  • Patras: ~4–5h (via Corinth/Argos).

By Car

• From Athens: A8 (Olympia Odos) to Corinth, then A7 (Moreas) towards Tripoli; exit for Argos/Nafplio (EO70). Distance ~140 km; 1h50–2h in normal traffic. Tolls payable (approx. €10–€15; cards accepted).
• From Kalamata: A7 north to Tripoli, then exit for Argos/Nafplio; ~2–2.5h.
• From Patras: A8 to Corinth, then A7 to the Argos/Nafplio exit; ~2.5–3h.
• Parking: Old Town is largely pedestrianised. Use the large free/low‑cost car parks by the port/marina or on the town periphery; walk into the centre.

By Taxi/Private Transfer

• Widely available from Athens (city or airport). Typical journey ~2h. Pre‑book for fixed pricing and vehicle class (saloon/van). Expect surcharges late at night and for larger vehicles.

By Ferry

• No scheduled ferry services to Nafplio. The port handles leisure craft and excursions only.