Nafplion, Greece Location: Nafplion or Nafplio is a seaport town in Greece, located on Argolikos Bay in the northeast Peloponnese (see the map). Nafplion has many attractions to visit and can serve as a base to some of Greece's most famous archaeological sites, including Mycenae, Tirins, Epidaurus and Korinth.
Getting to Nafplion: Nafplion is two and a half hours by car from Athens, four hours by bus and three hours by train--when it's on time. Bus is the most popular form of transportation, and if you're coming from Athens, you can choose to stop in Corinth along the way. You can also take the famous taxi to Nafplion and around.
Why Visit Nafplion?: Nafplion is a very pleasant city to visit with a wonderful port and old town and a lively plaka that many describe as more beautiful than Athens'. Climbing the 899 steps up to the Palamidi Fortress gets you thighs to die for and a view of the city and Argolikos Bay from 700 feet above the port. Nafplion makes a fine base from which to explore the Argolis and its archaeological sites.
Tourist Office: The Nafplion Tourist Office is located at 25 Martiou diagonally across from the bus station. Telephone: 27520/24-444.
Nafplion Climate: Nafplion has weather much like Athens--without the summer smog. It's hot and dry in the summer, with a rainy season that runs from October to March. To see historic climate and weather charts, see Nafplion Climate and Weather
Attractions in Nafplion: As mentioned above, you'll get a good overview from the Palamidi Fortress. Make sure you check the tourist office for possible events held in the fortress while you're there. You won't want to climb those 899 (or so) steps, then come down to earth with your thighs burning only to find out there was a concert scheduled for that evening (sad voice of experience here...)
Bourtzi, built in the bay to keep bad guy's ships out by Venetians in 1473, served as a fortress until 1865. It even served as a hotel from 1930 to 1970. Some concerts are held here in summer also.
Nafplion's Archaeological Museum is housed in a Venetian palace constructed in 1713. You'll find it in Syntagma Square.
The Popular Art Musuem in the old town at Ypsilandou 1 is all about textile arts through the centuries. You'll see superior displays of textile-producing and folk costumes.
Shoppers will find some unique art and craft shops in Nafplion. Like worry beads? You can see them being made and buy them at the Komboloi Museum, reviewed by deTracy Regula.
For an annotated map of the city, see: Nafplion, Greece Map
