Beauty around us / Nafplio
HANG MY HAT TO NAFPLIO
I am a traveller, there is no doubt about that. Home is where I hang my hat. So, it carries a certain weight for me when I say that I would comfortably live in a city like Nafplio.
(In Greece the other two would be Ioannina and Thessaloniki.)
THE CITY OF EVERYTHING
First of all, the city is beautiful. For many, it is the most beautiful and romantic city in the country. Clean, well-kept, with its magnificent buildings and fortresses, the history that has soaked every corner and every street, all sorts of small museums and shops with local delicacies and many many sights, you will never get bored here, no matter how many times you come.
Nafplio had 14,532 inhabitants (in 2021). Due to the city's important role in the Greek Revolution, after its liberation it was designated the capital of the country during the period 1827 - 1834.
The First Governor of Greece and one of the greatest Greek politicians, Ioannis Kapodistrias, was assassinated here on 9 October 1831, in front of the church of Agios Spyridon in the centre of Nafplio. Today, inside the church there is a glass case with the bullet that took his life.
Nafplio is very close to Athens and it serves as a base for countless nearby excursions.
Good food and drink will spoil you for sure. This is an ideal destination all year round.
“As long as my personal income is enough to live on, I refuse to touch even one cent of public money while we are in the midst of ruins and people sunk in absolute poverty.”
WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN NAFPLIO
What I recommend to do and see:
Bicycle. The ideal way to tour the historic city of Nafplio is the bike. I would especially recommend cycling in the afternoon on the famous Arvanitia roundabout. Arvanitia is a pedestrian walkway over the sea and under the rock of Akronafplia, leading from the pier to Arvanitia beach at the back of the city. A favourite walk for all the residents of Nafplio. From there you can climb up to the clocktower, to see the city from another beautiful point.
If you can bear it, make the climb to Palamidi with its 999 steps. The view is rewarding, but it's probably hard to do, knowing that you can easily drive up. Still, it's a must to come to Nafplio and be able to say you climbed them and counted them (you'll probably find fewer).
Take a boat across to Bourtzi and take in the beauty of the city from there as well.
Do yoga under the castle if you're into that.
Tour the abandoned hotel "Xenia" if you are an urbex fan.
Buy a rosary or make your own at the Museum of Rosary, unique of its kind in the world.
Have a coffee at the historic and vibrant Syntagma Square.
Visit the Nafplio Archaeological Museum if you want to admire what is probably the most complete armour in the world, from the 15th century BC to the 15th century AD.
For some strange reason, which I haven't understood, somehow the ice cream of Nafplio is also famous.
For artistic events go to Fugaro
The Fugaro is the famous cultural multi-purpose venue in Nafplio, which occasionally hosts everything from exhibitions to theatre performances and concerts.
Excursion to Tolo, with the aura of the 80's.
Drink a nice wine, accompanied by fine dishes.
Go horseback riding in Nea Kios.
While in Nea Kios, grab your chance to eat delicious, fresh fish with a view of Nafplio.
Choose a nice, small hotel for your stay in the city.
Visit the Ethnological Museum of Nafplion. I must confess that I love all museums, except folk art museums. I get kind of bored of them. However, this one has some very interesting exhibits, in a beautiful building, and with very kind staff.
Of course, Nafplio is much more than that.
Looking around, you'll find everything; from a replica of LDV's Last Supper to a huge stone lion!
Many of the photos were taken during an assignment for Kathimerini’s “Taxidia” magazine.
RELATED CONTENT
