Explora Journeys in Nafplio

Nafplio is a Venetian-and-Ottoman seaport on the Argolic Gulf in the Peloponnese, and Greece's first capital after independence. Its old town is a tight grid of marble-paved lanes, neoclassical mansions, and Venetian fortifications, watched over by the Palamidi fortress on the crag above and the little Bourtzi water-castle out in the harbor. It is one of the most walkable and architecturally complete towns on any Greek cruise route.

What to do on a day in Nafplio

• Palamidi Fortress, the vast early-18th-century Venetian fortress on the hill, reached by the famous stair climb (commonly cited as 999 steps, around 850 to the fortress) or by road, with sweeping views over town and gulf
• Bourtzi Castle, the small Venetian fort on an islet in the harbor, reached by a short boat shuttle from the waterfront
• Syntagma Square, the marble-paved heart of the old town, ringed by Venetian and Ottoman buildings and cafes
• The Arvanitia seaside promenade, a shaded coastal path that wraps the headland below Palamidi between the old town and Arvanitia beach
• Akronafplia, the oldest fortified part of town on the ridge between the old town and Palamidi
• The Komboloi (worry-bead) Museum and the Archaeological Museum on Syntagma Square, both short walks within the old town

Getting ashore

Nafplio is a tender port: the ship anchors in the bay and tenders you to the town pier, and a right turn off the dock puts you in the old town within a few meters. The whole center, including the climb to Palamidi, is walkable, and a hop-on hop-off bus runs from the tender dock to the fortress every half hour for those skipping the steps. One day comfortably covers the town and one fortress; serious Mycenae or Epidaurus add-ons need a tour and trim the in-town time.

When to book the ship's excursion vs your own →

Weather and when to visit

• April to May. Mild spring, highs climbing from about 20C in April to 25C in May, 8 to 10 hours of sun, and rapidly falling rainfall. Comfortable for the Palamidi climb without summer heat.
• September to October. Warm early autumn, highs around 28C in September easing to 23C in October, sea still warm for a swim. Rain begins returning in October but September is among the most reliable months to call.