Nafplio
Nafplio the first capital of the modern Greek state, is one of the most beautiful towns of Greece. Located in eastern Peloponnese. Having a beautiful architecture and an imposing castle, Nafplio is one of the most picturesque destinations to visit during your tour in Peloponnese.
History
Nafplio was named after Nauplius, son of Poseidon and Amymone, and was inhabited since the Mycenean era. During the 7th century B.C. it was conquered by the nearby Argos and was turned to Argos’s port. Byzantine Nafplio was a vibrant commercial port that was later conquered by Venetians and the Ottoman Turks. After the Greek Revolution, Nafplio became the first capital of the new Greek state and it was the place where Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first Governor of Greece was killed in 1831. Since 1834, while Athens became the new capital of the country, Nafplio preserves its cosmopolitan ambiance and has been turned to one of the best travel destinations in Greece.
Attractions
The old town is the most beautiful part of Nafplio. Walk through its streets and admire the architecture of the old mansions and the big squares of the city. Visit the numerous Churches, the Vouleftikon and Trianon. Don’t miss a walk by the seaside, as well as in Akronafplia and Arvanitia.
Palamidi fortress is a Venetian castle that was built during the first decades of the 18th century. The fortress can be reached either by car or walking up the 999 (or more) steps from the old city. Palamidi was also used as a prison, and it was the place where Theodoros Kolokotronis, a Greek hero was jailed by Otto, the King of Greece. Palamidi offers a breathtaking 360o view and is one of the “musts” of a visit to Peloponnese.
Bourtzi, the small island-fort in the port is one of the most well-known images of Nafplio. Bourtzi was built in 1473 by the Venetians and since then had many amendments and repairs. You can visit Bourtzi with a boat from the port of Nafplio.
Nafplio Hotels
The old town of Nafplio has a lot of small boutique hotels offering high-quality services and authentic hospitality. The fact that Nafplio is only 2 and a half hours away from Athens, makes it a popular destination for weekend city breaks, so the hotel rates in Nafplio are higher during Friday and Saturday. During weekdays the rates are quite lower than weekends and are a great alternative for a stay during your Peloponnese tour.
Booking.com
