Situated in the Peloponnese in Greece, Nafplio is a coastal city and the capital of the regional unit of Argolis as well as a top tourist destination. As the first capital of Greece, it's considered to be one of the country's most romantic cities. It has much to offer for first-time visitors, along with layers of rich history, stunning ancient architecture, culture, and unrivaled cuisine to die for! You can't possibly go wrong here. To learn what you won't want to miss, review my list of 7 top-rated must-see tourist attractions in Nafplio. I have left the best of all 7 for last.
1. Archaeological Museum of Nafplio
Although there are several notable museums in Nafplio, the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio is the most famous of them all.
The museum is home to significant artifacts from the Prehistoric and Mycenaean Era, going as far back in time as 32,000 BC. In addition, you'll find here the sole surviving Mycenaean bronze armor, funeral offerings and even ceremonial clay masks.
2. Bourtzi Fortress
The 15th-century Bourtzi fortress gives the amazing illusion as though it were floating in the center of the water because of the small size of the island.
Bourtzi means tower in Turkish. Constructed in 1473 in the shape of a hexagon by the Venetians, the fortress served a number of roles such as deterring pirate raids, a residence for executioners, and even as lodging. Its stairs were built movable in the three-storey tower, and flamethrowers and cannons were set up so that they could be launched immediately.
Though pirates were its major threat for a while who roamed the nearby seas, it finally fell under the power of the Ottoman Turks in 1715. They reinforced the fortification and even dumped huge stones in the nearby waters so no large vessels could arrive at the island.
But today, after operating in various capacities, it sits empty and serves an entirely different role as a tourist attraction as well as hosting frequent music festivals. Tourists can enjoy the incredible vistas of the city.
Visitors can arrive at the islet via boat, which usually leaves from the northeastern end of Akti Miaouli in summer.
3. War Museum of Nafplio
It was the former site of the first Military Academy in Greece. The museum is home to a decent collection of historic weapons, uniforms, paintings, sketches, and photographs as early as from the Greek War of Independence, next, the Balkan Wars, the Greco-Turkish War, and of course, WWll.
4. Komboloi Museum of Nafplio
This museum displays a very fine collection of around 1,000 worry beads from all over the world. The worry beads go as far back as the 1700s and originate from Greece, Persia, Syria, Asia Minor, Egypt, and Turkey. The beads are made using rare materials like crystal, amber, coral, and seashell. Visitors can today walk away with their own worry beads from here, which is Greece's most sought-after type of souvenir, the "komboloi."
5. Akronafplia Fortress
Located on the rocky peninsula of Akronafplia, Akronafplia Fortress is the oldest castle in Nafplio with its lower sections dating as far back as the Bronze Age. The castle was used as a Greek political prison from 1936 to 1956.
Come by and see its thick walls, tower structures, and a clock tower. Then take a stroll up and enjoy the marvelous views above the old town.
On Politiko Nosokomeiou square and on the western edge of the town, a lift takes visitors up to the fortress.
6. Ancient Tyrins
Situated at a distance of about 5 kilometers from Nafplion, Ancient Tyrins used to be a powerful town during the Mycenaean Era. After Heinrich Schliemann and the German Archaeological Institute excavated certain parts of the town, they discovered significant remains of walls belonging to public buildings, a vaulted Mycenaean tomb, and a strong fortification.
7. Palamidi Castle
Standing at the top of the hill that overlooks Nafplio, Palamidi Castle is a real architectural beauty. The Venetians constructed it in 1686 and was obviously well designed; it was not till 1822 that its walls were broken through for the first time. During the history-making Greek War of Independence, Greek soldiers succeeded in storming the castle in one night and forced the Turkish troops within to give up without a fight.
The whole castle is well preserved, and the walk on its worn stones and between its huge walls and structures, are quite evocative. To go back in time to try to capture one-thousandth of the feelings that must have passed through inmates, sit in the so-called freedom fighter Kolokotronis' jail cell. Visit the Andreas Church and then look at the 8 bastions within the castle walls.
The almost 1,000 steps in the hike are absolutely worth all the trouble to catch the panoramic vistas of Nafplio as well as the Argolic Gulf. They won't disappoint.
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