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discover Nafplion with our yachts

Welcome to Nafplion

“The first capital of Greece that should not be missed”

The first capital of Greece that should not be missed

Directly on the edge of the Peloponnese looking towards the Argolic Gulf you will find Nafplion. A glorious town that will captivate the senses and take you on a journey back into the ages. Elaborate fortresses, prisons and a medieval castle all bring about sensations of the previous times experienced in this charming city. Nafplion was the original capital of Greece after the Ottoman Empire and has a rich culture and history to indulge in. 

Directly opposite the town of Nafplion, in the middle of the sea (as if commanded to emerge there) is a small islet on top of which Bourtzi Castle (one of the most famous) was built. Used to protect from invaders, pirates and other types of enemies, Bourtzi has been a symbol of Nafplion from past to present. Once used as a prison for those awaiting execution or as a hotel in more relevant times, it is easily accessible by boat and definitely something you would not want to miss when visiting this lovely town.

Located at the very top of the town lies the fortress of Palamidi, a dominating castle built by the Venetians during the 1700’s. For those seeking adventure and exercise, try climbing the 999 steps from the center of town, up to the fortress. Legend has it there were 1000 steps but on the day of liberation the horse of Theodoros Kolokotronis, who was a Greek hero, destroyed it as a sign of victory(In actual fact there are 857 steps). The castle gives the impression of a labyrinth with its little alleys and the stone medieval architecture creates a provocative sensation to remember for the ages. The top of the castle provides an astonishing view of the town center all the way to Bourtzi Castle and the Argolic Sea. In case you do not want to go on foot, consider the option of driving up with a car or taxi.

Make sure to also explore the many beautiful alleyways which will captivate and make you fall in love with Nafplion. The buildings boast a wide range of colors, classical architecture and beautiful scenic hotels create everlasting impressions of charm and beauty. The best way to visit Nafplion is via sea with a sailing yacht charter, providing the benefit of avoiding traffic (outside the old town) and placing you in the heart of all the activities you can enjoy in this location. Take a stroll in town, relax for lunch or dinner, finally hop onto your sailing yacht or catamaran and sail to your next destination to the Greek Isles. Enjoy!

1

Location:
Peloponesse Coast

2

Known for:
Historic events

3

Anchorage:
Nafplion port

4

Distance from Athens:
86 miles

5

Famous heritage:
Palamidi Fortress

6

Interesting info:
First Capital of Greece

NAFPLION IN GREECE
Included in our 1 week route for the Saronic Gulf

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3 TOP THINGS TO DO IN NAFPLION

Visit the fortress of Palamidi

Located 999 steps away from the old town of Nafplion (or 10 minutes’ drive with a taxi) this is the No1 must see site when visiting. Built by the Venetians, who did not manage to fully complete the structure which remains a truly amazing spectacle to whoever visits. The exceptionally unique views offered once reaching the top, along with the labyrinth of alleys, create a real sense of romance when exploring this interesting location, causing visitors to reminisce on the lives and relationships people experienced during previous centuries. When making your way to the castle on foot be sure to prepare yourself for quite a strenuous walk. Try to avoid early afternoon hours (11:00-16:00) due to the intense heat as well as having water available while on your journey up.  Be sure not to forget your camera as this location will provide endless magnificent moments especially when reaching the peak.

Visit the islet/castle of Bourtzi

Although the view of the castle may be greater from the distance, Bourtzi castle will take you back into the ages and bring flashbacks of the movie “The Rock” with Sean Connery. Located just opposite the old town of Nafplion, deserted upon a small islet with many tales and legends etched into its past. There is a little boat, which leaves from the old town and reaches the castle within 3 minutes. Giving you the opportunity to see how the soldiers would have felt while the fortress was being used to ward off pirates, the melancholy feeling of how prisoners where once executed here and finally the fascinating sight of the fortress taking up pretty much all the surrounding area of this islet. Not as over glamorized as advertised but surely a visit not to be missed.

Walk in the old town

Colorful and charming the old town of Nafplion is a great place to explore and relax and is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful small Greek cities. Experience the rich heritage of the region through its many red roofs, classical mansions, colorful flowers and lovely stone paved alleys scattered around the town. Enjoy an intense romantic experience when strolling or dining in the streets behind the waterfront, which surely won’t be forgotten. Access is easy due to the fact it is located right in front of the port making entry stress-free when on board a sailing yacht or catamaran. Awaken the adventurer in you and explore this enchanted area.

Although we always like to remain objective there are things in each island we admire and others we believe you need to be aware of.
PROS

Very romantic scenery

Many options of restaurants and activities

The town is right on the port – no transportation needed

Great sightseeing, fortresses, prisons, mansions, museums etc.

Very calm waters and protected port

Water and electricity in the port (in most of the births apart from the ones close to the eastern side)

CONS

High temperatures during July-August

Can be crowded during summer

 

Nafplion is a wonderful town and an authentic Greek experience! I would suggest entering the port in the afternoon, strolling the alleys of the old town, enjoying dinner and finally visiting the Palamidi fortress early in the morning to avoid the extreme early afternoon heat. Visit the castles then hop onboard and sail to one of the various beautiful beaches for a refreshing swim!

-Eugene suggests

  • “Wonderful people, boat, and, of course, sea, sun and islands”


    We chartered a 54ft sailboat from YachtSailing.gr for a 2 week Greek Isles vacation. We opted to have a skipper even though we are experienced sailors because we don't speak Greek nor do we know the islands and ports. Vasilis, one of the founders of the company, was our skipper and he was wonderful. He did everything he could to make our vacation the best possible. We visited the islands in the Saronic Gulf and then headed to the Cyclades where we visited well-known as well as less well known islands. Regardless of where we stopped, the people were so friendly and eager to have us love their island and their country. The islands themselves are beautiful with little fishing ports, clear clear water, and in many, fascinating ancient ruins dating back thousands of years. We sailed at the beginning of November and were very lucky to have blue skies and sunshine everyday. Not beach weather but we weren't looking for that as much as wanting to get to know the people and places of Greece. Eugene and Maria helped us before and during the trip in everyway possible and were always available and happy to answer questions and make whatever arrangements necessary. All in all, everything was perfect!


    Visited November 2015

    JAT600

  • “Fantastic Sailing in Greece”

    We were seven sailing for the first time in Greece for a week. We chartered a Lagoon 420 with George as the skipper. We had fantastic time through the Saronic Island.
Yachtsailing team is great, very friendly, professional, helpful and all very well organized. Price was fine. the boat was great and well equipped. they booked all transfers for us from Athens, did the first shopping delivered on the boat the day of departure. We will definitely do it again next year and still with yachtsailing! we definitely strongly recommend them.

    Visited August 2015

    Isabelle2712

  • Bourtzi castle in Peloponnese, Nafplion, Greece by Milan Gonda

  • Fortified walls with Venetian lion carved above the gate to the Palamidi fortress, Nafplio, Greece by Inu

  • Embankment in Nafplio, Peloponnese, Greece by Walencienne

  • Nafplion village seen from Palamidi Castle, Greece by Alberto Loyo

  • Main shopping street in city of Nafplio, Greece on June 11, 2015. Nafplio is a seaport town in Peloponnese in Greece that is now the capital of the regional unit of Argolis.

  • Panoramic view with the belfry at the top of Palamidi Fortress in Nafplion, Argolis - Greece by Kotsovolos Panagiotis

  • Palamidi fortress on the hill, Nafplion - Greece by Kotsovolos Panagiotis

  • Greece, Nafplion in a beautiful summer day by S-F

  • Greece, Nafplion in a beautiful summer day by S-F

  • Central square in Nafplio, a seaport town in the Peloponnese in Greece by lulu and isabelle

Sites Worth Visiting

Church of Agios Spiridonas

A wonderful church and most significant religious structure of Nafplion. Dressed in glorious byzantine paintings with beautiful colors and unique depictions. The church is mainly recognized for an incident that took place in 1831, when Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor at the time, was assassinated by two men when visiting the church. The first bullet which did not manage to kill him remains preserved in a wall (in a glass frame) till this very day. This was the first political assassination in Greece.

Acronafplia

Once the Acropolis of Nafplion, Acronafplia sits upon a hill offering dreamy views of the Argolic Gulf from its one side and the center of Nafplion from the other. If interested in a romantic path, this will surely be a worthwhile endeavor being only 1km away in distance. Make sure to have water available as there are no stores once you arrive. Ideally, try visit during sunset or early morning to avoid the early afternoon intense heat.

Bouleftikon Building

Originally constructed by a Turkish lord but due to an earthquake in the years to follow was eventually destroyed and finally abandoned. In 1825, an architect called Vallianos restored the structure which would become home to the first Greek Parliament until spring 1826. Then, used as a prison for the remaining years to come. Today, it serves as a conference room and you can locate the Municipal Art Gallery on the ground floor.

"Museum of Kompoloi"

In the heart of the town you will notice the famous museum of the Kompoloi (worry beads). Constructed by the Evagelinou couple and still regarded today as the best worry bead museum in the world as well as the one and only that exists. Founded in 1998 and hosting a huge collection from all around the globe(dating from 1700-1950), it was created in order to increase and preserve the worry beads fame.

Weather
  • Average temperatures of 30°C during summer
  • Extremely sunny in summer months
  • Calm waters in the port
  • Humidity and heat during July and August
  • Nice sandy sea bottom for good grip in the port

Map of Nafplon

NAFLION IN GREECE

Included in our 1 week route for the Saronic Gulf

CLICK TO SEE THE ROUTE
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