If you’re planning to spend one day in Nafplio, you’re in luck. This gorgeous seaside town in Southern Greece is one of the country’s most exciting destinations thanks to its rich history, traditional architecture, and authentic vibes.
We’ve been to Nafplio countless times. Yet, we’re nowhere near getting tired of this beautiful coastal city in the Peloponnese, and for good reason.
For starters, Nafplio would fascinate any history buff, like us. From ancient times to recent history, Nafplio has always played an important part in the nation’s history. So much so that it was the first capital of Greece, after its liberation from Ottoman occupation.
Several of Nafplio’s landmarks attest to the city’s troubled but also glorious past and this is why the architecture of Nafplio is yet another valid reason to plan a trip there.
With so many fantastic things to do in Nafplio, it would be best if you could plan a multi-day trip to Nafplio either as a standalone city break or as part of a longer road trip across the Peloponnese region.
That said, if you only have one day in Nafplio, that’s still enough time to get a good taste of the city, check out its main landmarks, and, inevitably, promise to go back before too long.
How To Move Around Nafplio
Nafplio is a very walkable flat city, a true delight to explore on foot. Most of its main attractions, restaurants, and accommodation options are within easy walking distance from the heart of its quaint Old Town.
That said, the city’s main landmark, Palamidi Fortress, is quite uphill. If you’re not in the mood for an uphill walk or if you’re visiting Nafplio during the hot summer months, you might want to grab a taxi to get there. Alternatively, if you’re visiting Nafplio from April to October, we’d recommend buying tickets for the fun and very convenient hop-on hop-off bus.
One Day in Nafplio
Morning
To make the most of your one day in Nafplio, start early to visit its main landmark with the morning sun before you head back to the Old Town, one of the prettiest in Greece. But first, breakfast.
Breakfast at Xenon Café Bistro
Probably the best place to enjoy breakfast in Nafplio while indulging in relentless people-watching is Syntagma Square, Nafplio’s shiny main square.
Lined with gorgeous neoclassical mansions, the square is the ideal place to start your day. You can’t go wrong with any of the cafés right on the square but we’d recommend Xenon Café Bistro for its variety of breakfast options.
Although you can savor a full hotel-style breakfast there, we believe it’s worth going for Loukoumades, the delicious Greek-style doughnuts, instead. These deep-fried sweet treats will give you all the energy you need to enjoy the charms of Nafplio that await you.
Visit Palamidi Castle
Crowning the city of Nafplio, the dramatic Fortress of Palamidi is where you should start your exploration of Nafplio.
Occupying a hill overlooking the sea and the Old Town of Nafplio, legend has it that you need to climb 999 steps to get to the castle. In reality, the steps are 857 – still quite a lot. To save energy and time, we recommend getting to Palamidi Castle either by taxi or by the hop-on hop-off bus.
Built by the Venetians at a height of 216 meters, Palamidi Fortress is a magical place to discover, one bastion at a time. Apart from breathtaking panoramic views, don’t miss the chance to get into the depths of the tiny cell where the greatest hero of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottomans, Theodoris Kolokotronis, was imprisoned after the end of the war.
After you’re done exploring the castle, it’s time to say hi to those 857 steps. But, instead of climbing them up, enjoy a pleasant downhill stroll to Nafplio’s beautiful Old Town, and more specifically, the historic church of Agios Spyridon.
Step Inside The Church of Agios Spyridon
Very close to Syntagma Square, the Church of Agios Spyridon narrates one of the darkest moments that followed the end of the war against the Ottomans.
When Nafplio was the capital of Greece, the country’s governor was Ioannis Kapodistrias, one of the most eminent diplomats and politicians of his time. Yet, that didn’t stop his political rivals from assassinating him outside the Church of Agios Spyridon as Kapodistrias was ready to step inside to attend mass.
One of the bullets that missed him is still visible on the church’s outer wall.
Get Lost in a Maze of Quaint Narrow Alleys
From the church, you can begin your quest to discover the most beautiful nooks and crannies of Nafplio’s historic center. Let your feet guide you as you walk past stunning neoclassical mansions along pedestrianized streets adorned by brightly colored bougainvilleas.
Ditch your map and simply wander around to your heart’s content until your stomach announces lunchtime. Then, head to the waterfront.
Lunch at To Teloneio
To Teloneio is a restaurant that combines delicious Greek cuisine with a superb location. Set along the promenade, it might not offer the best sea views but it’s conveniently located for what awaits you for the second half of your day in Nafplio.
At this traditional restaurant, it’s best to order several meze dishes to share the Greek way.
As we follow a vegetarian diet, some of the dishes we’d recommend are the mushrooms cooked in wine, fried zucchini, cheese pies, fava beans spread, and, of course, a delicious Greek Salad doused in extra virgin olive oil.
Afternoon
There’s no better way to fight the inevitable laziness that comes after a lovely meal than a long stroll, enjoying breathtaking sea views along the way.
People-Watch Along Nafplio’s Promenade
Nafplio boasts a beautiful promenade, ideal for a long stroll any time of the day. The promenade is lined with cafés and bars that offer stunning views of the sea and the iconic Bourtzi Fortress.
Admire Bourtzi Fortress
Probably the most emblematic of all Nafplio attractions is Bourtzi, the bijou fortress built in the middle of the sea, guarding the city of Nafplio for centuries on end. Yet another of the fortifications built by the Venetians in medieval times, Bourtzi was once the residence of the city’s executioners.
Nowadays, Bourtzi is restored and can be visited after a short boat ride. The boats depart from the small harbor of Nafplio, right next to the promenade. We recommend joining the short boat trip for the unique ambiance of the small fortress itself, but also the views of Nafplio from the best vantage point on your way back.
However, if the weather isn’t suitable for a boat ride, pick a table at one of the promenade’s cafés and catch your breath before the last – and, to us, the best – activity of the day.
Stroll Along The Romantic Arvanitia Promenade
The promenade of Nafplio continues to the so-called Arvanitia Promenade that goes around Akronafplia Hill and ends on Arvanitia Beach. No words can describe the beauty of this walk, which we deem one of the loveliest in Greece.
The paved path runs along the deep blue sea under the shade of yet another of the city’s mighty fortresses, Akronafplia Castle. The best time to enjoy this walk is, of course, sunset.
Dinner at Vasilis Tavern
Mesmerized by the beautiful views, head back to the Old Town to enjoy dinner at an equally enchanting spot. Vasilis Tavern is one of the city’s oldest, offering delicious dishes of traditional Greek cuisine. Yet, the tavern’s highlight is its wonderful setting, regardless if you choose the indoor or the outdoor area.
We have been going back to Vasilis Tavern for years and we’re happy to say that the quality and customer service remain excellent. Here you can safely try all the traditional dishes of Greek cuisine you’ve always wanted to sample. Oh, and don’t forget to order their delicious take on the Greek cheese pie.
Night
We saved the best for last, our favorite way to end one day in Nafplio. Head to Antica Gelateria di Roma, an ice cream shop between the Old Town and the promenade. Owned by Italians, this place serves some of the best ice cream in the country.
Grab a cone with the flavors of your choice and take a last stroll through the dimly lit streets of the Old Town. There’s no going back. You’re now hooked on Nafplio for life.
Where To Stay in Nafplio
The best place to stay in Nafplio is no other than its historic center. One of our favorite hotels in Nafplio is Impero Nafplio Hotel & Suites. Housed in a gorgeous neoclassical mansion in the heart of the Old Town, the hotel offers unobscured views of the sea and Bourtzi Fortress from its spotlessly clean and smartly decorated rooms. Click here to see the latest rates.
Nafplio is one of the Greek destinations we hold close to our hearts. We hope we helped you see this gem of a city through our eyes and enjoy your one day in Nafplio to the fullest.
Author’s Box: Katerina and Maria are content creators focusing on the power of storytelling via long-form content (articles and YouTube videos), with a passion to promote sustainable tourism, slow travel, and authentic experiences.
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