ABOUT NAFPLIO'S HISTORY
Visit Nafplio while staying in Tolo for a day of exploration in the historic Old Town. Have a family day visiting the castle of Palamidi or go around the graphic Old Town Streets and find beautiful scenes, gorgeous views for the best photos and cafes & restaurants in the narrow streets to get a taste of authenticity. The mixture of architectural styles, blending neoclassical styles with Venetian hanging balconies alongside some Turkish style enclosed balconies make it clear how many times the occupants of Nafplio changed. The area has been inhabited since ancient times evident from the Akronafplia castle, the oldest fortification in Nafplio. Being the first capital of the newly liberated state of Greece it has a lot historical building, like the town hall, originally the first school called "Gymnasio" the first Military School in Greece, the first Pharmacy in Greece and many more.
See the Museums in NafplioMORE ABOUT NAFPLIO
The history, architecture and castles of Nafplio create a scenery truly unique, that is perfect to explore with your couple or your family! Visit the sea fort of Bourtzi, one of the most photographed spots in Greece, watch the sunset from any part of the Old Town and wonder at the beauty. Stroll through the town and discover restaurants hidden in the narrow, Venetian streets of Nafplio, see small interesting shops and historic buildings pop-up out of seemingly nowhere. Take a tour around the museums in Nafplio like the Archaeological Museum in the Syntagma Square or the National Gallery Annex a few minutes away. Nafplio is home to three castles, the Akronafplia fortification, ancient in origin, right above the Old Town, the Bourtzi fortress built on a reef in the middle of Nafplio harbour and last but not least the famous Palamidi castle towering above the town.
THINGS TO DO & SEE IN NAFPLIO
Walk thought the graphic streets in the Old Town of Nafplio, explore sites, historic buildings, churches, shops & restaurants.
Built between 1702 and 1706 during the Second Venetian occupation by commander Francesco Grimani it was designed to guard the Land Gate and the entrance to Akronafplia.
The Land Gate is the old entrance to the city of Nafplio, imagine the town surrounded by walls and this being the only official way in besides some small gates on the seaside.
Visit the Syntagma Square and right above it find the Vouleftiko, a building that served as Greece's First Parliament and that was built as a mosque durin Ottoman occupation.
The Clock Tower of Nafplio is located inside the walls of Akronafplia right above the Old Town. It was built during Otto's reign, destroyed in 1944 during WW II by the Germans and rebuilt in 1949.
A focus point of the town, the Filellinon Square as the name suggests is dedicated to the French that fought and died to help in Greece's Revolution against the Ottoman Turks in 1821.
Walk from the centre of Nafplio to the beach of Arvanitia on the gorgeous promenade. The path leads all the way to Karathona beach, where one can find small coves and even a rock climbing spot!
The 'Five Brothers' is a bastion, named after the five identical cannons brought by the Venetians to equip and defend the city. They still look out into the sea and provide an amazing view.
Nafplio's theatre, Trianon, is a historic building located right on Syntagma Square and was built and used as a mosque during Nafplio's first Turkish occupation.
A sculpture gifted by Ludwig I of Bavaria, in honour of fallen bavarian soldiers during King Otto's reign in Nafplio. The Bavarion Lion in Nafplio is a symbol of strengh & resilience.
Take a tour of Nafplio on a bus, hop-on and hop-off at any stop you find interesting! This is one way to explore the city, visiting sites that attract you and with little bother.
Guided tour of the Old Town on a small train going through all the important monuments and sites in Nafplio. An ideal activity for families visiting and available in many languages.
NAFPLIO
Nafplio is a great place to visit and one of the most beautiful cities in the country! Choose to explore the sites, monuments & historical buildings, go around and experience local culture through food & coffee, or visit the museums in Nafplio for an interesting way to learn about the town's history. At the end of the day return to Golden Moon in Tolo and enjoy your accommodation right on the beach where you can relax and enjoy the views of the sea. If you're looking for more things to do in the area check out our activites page, dedicated to the things you can do in and around Tolo.
