Saronic & Peloponnese · Enchanting elegance of the Peloponnese
Nafplio
Nafplio is one of the most beautiful towns in mainland Greece, a Venetian-flavoured port of neoclassical mansions beneath the Palamidi fortress. We design private Nafplio itineraries that use it as the perfect base for Epidaurus, Nemea and the northeast Peloponnese.
Enchanting Nafplio is one of the most beautiful towns in mainland Greece and the perfect base for exploring the northeast corner of the Peloponnese peninsula.
Enchanting elegance of the Peloponnese
The rugged, sparsely populated terrain of the Peloponnese evokes ancient times, when Greeks considered this a mysterious and even frightening land. The history of the Peloponnese is the history of Greece itself: a mythic world of terrifying creatures and warring tribes, followed by the Panhellenic Games, the Greeks of the Golden Age, Roman rule, centuries of Byzantium and four hundred years under the Ottomans. Coastal Nafplio is a striking reminder that this corner of Greece was, for centuries, an outpost of Venice.
Explore Nafplio
Nafplio’s gorgeous old town is laced with narrow streets lined by elegant Venetian houses and bougainvillea-draped neoclassical mansions, now home to boutique shops and delicious frozen yoghurt parlours. By day you can while away hours soaking up the atmosphere; by evening, an abundance of fantastic restaurants and bars delivers a top night out.
Palamidi Fortress
The imposing fortress overlooking the town is reached by a famous stair of some 999 steps, with views that get better and better as you climb. The islet in the harbour formed the first line of defence; the second was the early 18th century Palamidi itself, considered a masterpiece of Venetian military architecture. It fell to the Ottomans in 1715 and played an important role in the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s.
Epidaurus
Around 400 BC, Epidaurus and its sprawling complex of hospitals and sick wards was the most famous healing centre of the Greek world, where doctor priests treated pilgrims in the name of Asklepios, god of medicine. Its enormous theatre, with seats for up to 14,000 spectators, operated until 426 AD, when the emperor Theodosius closed the pagan sanctuaries. The acoustics had to be perfect, and they still are: stand at the centre of the stage and try for yourself.
Corinth Canal
The canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, connecting the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf across 6.3 kilometres. The Roman emperor Nero broke ground here almost two thousand years ago, but the channel was only completed by modern Greeks in the late 19th century. Today it is too narrow for most large ships, and it has found a second life as one of Greece’s most popular bungee jumping sites. Are you brave enough?
Pairing Nafplio
Nafplio grounds the mainland end of a Saronic route through Hydra, Poros and Aegina, and pairs naturally with Athens at the start or end of the journey.
Known first-hand
Our best picks in Nafplio
- Best Wine The Nemea region
Over 3,500 years of winemaking history within easy reach, home of the deep red Agiorgitiko, with wonderful wineries to explore including Palivou Estate, Lafazanis and Domaine Spiropoulos.
- Best Dining Pidalio Mezedopoleio
The best place to gain a true sense of local Nafplio flavours, with a menu that changes by season. If the caramelised octopus with aubergine puree is on, try it and thank us later.
- Best Beach Arvanitia Beach
A Blue Flag pebble beach a short seaside stroll from the harbour, beneath the cliffs of the Palamidi. Legend traces its name to a dark chapter of 1779, when Albanian mercenaries were cast from the fortress into the sea.
- Best Local Specialty Trachanas
A Venetian-influenced pasta of sour milk and wheat, dried in the sun and served as a warming soup. Buy it from the shop of Mr Mallios on Polizoidou street, a ship's captain who retired to devote himself to trachanas. We are grateful for the career change.
- Best Daytrip Olympia
The birthplace of the ancient Games, held every four years from 776 BC to 393 AD, and still where the Olympic torch is lit. Sprint the original track, then eat at Magna Grecia Farm nearby for home-cooked food and home-grown olive oil.
- Best Hidden Spot Fougaro
An industrial, laid-back arts complex in a former cannery three kilometres from town, hosting exhibitions through the year. Pair it with the excellent Archaeological Museum and the one-of-a-kind komboloi museum of Greek worry beads.
Nafplio sits about a two hour drive southwest of Athens, making it the natural gateway to the northeast Peloponnese.
Design
Design your experience
Tell us the occasion, the season and who is coming. One of our Epicureans will come back with a first sketch of Nafplio, and will tell you if another corner of Greece suits your dates better.