7 Top-Rated Must-See Tourist Attractions in Nafplio

Nafplio

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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7 Best-Rated Must-See Tourist Attractions in Zakynthos

 Zakynthos

Zakynthos island really offers a wide range of things to do and top attractions to see. Accessible at only 16 kilometers off Peloponnese's west coast in the Ionian Sea, the topography here is breathtaking and varied. 

The combination of lovely scenery, stunning beaches, and easy access to a fabulous underwater world, packed with colorful fish and concealed caves, which is ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling, has popularized Zakynthos as a great tourist destination in Greece.

Learn what are Zakynthos' best attractions to visit and top activities to do in Zakynthos with my list. I have left the best attraction for last.

1.  Byzantine Museum

Located on the main square in Zakynthos Town, the Byzantine Museum showcases frescoes, religious icons, and sculptures dating from the 12th century that belonged to monasteries and churches. 

You'll find Byzantine icons etched into wood and two entire rooms housing 18th-century oil paintings. Also, there's a small scale of the town from about 1950 that provides an idea of how it appeared prior to the destructive 1953 earthquake.

2.  Roma Mansion

Constructed in the 1660s, this mansion happens to be one of the lucky old structures to have endured the 1953 earthquake that ended up destroying the majority of Zakynthos Town. It's under the Roma family's ownership, who chose to renovate it as well as make the building available to the general public in 2007.

Inside, you'll see period paintings, furniture, and books, and you'll leave having some inkling of how the island's aristocrats must have lived centuries ago.

3.  Blue Caves

At Cape Skinari, you'll run across the extraordinary Blue Caves. Inside, there's a mesmerizing play of mirrors as the bright blue sea amazingly reflects the sky's color that is mirrored off the cave's walls creating an unusually magical sapphire and azure light design.

You may come by to the Blue Caves in a little glass-bottom boat that leaves from Agios Nikolaos, situated on the northeast coast, about 32 kilometers from Zakynthos Town.

4.  Keri Caves

Situated on the southwest coast, only 14 kilometers from Zakynthos Town, near the Village of Keri, a series of stunning caves open onto a transparent turquoise sea. 

Visitors must explore these amazing caves whether snorkeling or scuba diving, for it's one of the most popular things to do in Zakynthos. 

Imagine, the lighting effects from the sun's reflection traveling through the water and striking the cave walls; the result is an astonishing sight worthy of photos and video. 

Today, you could visit Keri Caves by renting a boat and going independently, or as part of an organized tour.

5.  Zakynthos National Marine Park

Located about 8 kilometers south of Zakynthos town, the broad bay of Laganas hosts many heavenly stretches of sandy beach. From the 1980s, it has become Zakynthos' top resort spot, along with its affordable accommodation luring tourists searching for sun, sea, and fun.

Moreover, the area is the breeding ground for the interesting but very shy loggerhead sea turtle, now an endangered species. Around 1,300 loggerhead turtles reside in Laganas Bay. Zakynthos National Marine Park was established in 1999 to both protect them and to restrict certain sections of the beach throughout the nesting season. To find out more, stop by the park's display center in Dafni, situated at the east side of Laganas Bay.

6.  Navagio Beach: The Renowned Shipwreck Cove

Your experience on Zakynthos wouldn't be complete without visiting the island's most popular and photographed site. The famed Navagio Beach is an entire other experience to live through in person and one of Europe's top places to visit. You'll surely admire the surreal vistas of breathtaking white sandy beaches.

The beach houses the rustic ruins of the MV Panagiotis, a vessel which got trapped in the cove during the 1980s and has its own intriguing history. It's situated in the northeast of Zakynthos.

7.  Zakynthos Venetian Castle

Located on the hill of Bohali over Zakynthos Town, the Venetian Castle was built on the site of the island's ancient acropolis as well as on the site of a previous Byzantine castle.

The Venetians completed the castle in 1646 AD and Saint Mark's Winged Lion, a symbol of the Venetian empire, sits over the central entrance. In those ancient times the castle served as the home and power base of the Venetian Proveditor, the island's administrator, and of additional officials. Because of factors such as time, attacks from wars, and earthquakes, the castle didn't survive without some damage.

Several churches were discovered in its inner walls like the Byzantine Church of the Savior which dates from the 12th century; the church of Virgin Mary Laurentena; the church of Saint John the Baptist; and the church of Santa Barbara.

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