One-day Trip to Nafplio (optional visit to Mycenae)

Highlights

Palamidi Fortress, Old Town, Bourtzi, Archaeological Museum, Kapodistrias Palace, First Parliament of Greece

We depart in the morning with a positive mindset, optimistic that we are about to visit one of the most beautiful cities not only in the Peloponnese but in the entire Greece, offering us not only its rich history but also its beauty through countless vibrant images.

Upon reaching Nafplio, we will visit Palamidi, one of the most beautiful, extensive, and well-preserved castles in Greece. Legend has it, among the many that flood Nafplio, that the castle’s 999 steps (in reality, 857) were once 1000 until the last step was broken by Kolokotronis’ horse. The bravest can accept the challenge and climb them, while for others, there is a regular road to the castle entrance. Descending towards the old town, it’s not surprising if many visitors admit in the end that one day was not enough to satisfy their curiosity about Nafplio.

The cobblestone streets, surrounded by mansions adorned with bougainvilleas, the stone steps you encounter with every few steps leading to various neighborhoods where dreamy tranquility prevails.

At the center of it all is Syntagma Square, gathering around it most of the landmarks: the Parliament, which was housed here when Nafplio was the capital of Greece, the Kapodistrias Palace, the Archaeological Museum, the house of Theodoros Kolokotronis, and a little further, the impressive St. George’s Church.

Heading towards the beach, we will encounter ‘Bourtzi,’ as the Ottomans later named it, because its original name was ‘Castello dello Soglio’ – the Castle of the Throne, as Venice called it when they built it. It is a fortress on the islet of Agios Theodoros, which has served as everything from a prison to a luxurious hotel many years ago. It’s worth taking the boat and visiting it.

As you can understand, Nafplio is a city that enchants you both in winter and summer. Enjoy your coffee in a cozy café overlooking Bourtzi and savor the local delicacies before we take the road back, filled with memories from this wonderful city.

(During the summer months, if desired, we have the option to visit the archaeological site of Mycenae.)