NafplioOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

A City Forged by Empires

Nafplio's history begins in antiquity, with mythological origins linking its founding to Nafplius, son of Poseidon. The city became a significant seaport in the Middle Ages. In 1212, French Crusaders of the Principality of Achaea captured Nafplio. It later came under the control of the Republic of Venice in 1388. During this first Venetian period, lasting until 1540, the city was transformed. The Venetians reinforced the walls of Acronafplia, upgraded the port, and built the Bourtzi fort on a rocky islet at the harbor entrance. They also expanded the city against the sea, forming what is now the Old Town.

The First Capital of Modern Greece

After falling to the Ottoman Empire in 1540, Nafplio was retaken by the Venetians in 1686. The Palamidi Fortress was constructed between 1687 and 1715, a Venetian fortification. However, the Ottomans recaptured it in 1715. Nafplio played a role in the Greek War of Independence, being liberated from the Turks in 1822 under Theodoros Kolokotronis. Due to its fortifications, it became the seat of the provisional government. In 1829, it was declared the first capital of the newly liberated Greek state by its first governor, Ioannis Kapodistrias. This period, from 1823 to 1834, saw the establishment of the first Greek printing house, the first parliament (housed in a former mosque), and the Evelpidon Military School. The capital was moved to Athens in 1834 by King Otto.

• —Palamidi Fortress — This Venetian fortress, built between 1687 and 1715, can be reached by climbing nearly 1,000 steps or driving. Its bastions, named after ancient Greek heroes like Miltiades and Leonidas, offer views of the Argolic Gulf and the city.
• —Bourtzi Castle — This fortified islet in the harbor was fortified during the first Venetian occupation (1389-1540). It once had a chain connecting it to Acronafplia to protect the city from enemy ships. Boat trips are available to visit it.
• —Acronafplia — The oldest part of the city is this rocky peninsula above the Old Town. It features remains of three castles with walls dating back to the 4th century BC. Venetian additions, such as the Castello dei Greci, are visible.
• —Syntagma Square — The center of the Old Town, this square is surrounded by historic buildings. Here you will find the Trianon, originally a mosque and later the first school, and the three-story Archaeological Museum.
• —Church of Agios Spyridon — Located on Kapodistriou Street, this church, rebuilt in 1702, is where Ioannis Kapodistrias, Greece's first governor, was assassinated on September 27, 1831. A bullet mark from the event is visible on the external wall near the entrance.
• —Vouleftiko (Old Parliament House) — Originally a mosque built during the first Ottoman period, this building later housed the First Greek Parliament from late 1825 to spring 1826. Today, it serves as a conference hall and houses the Municipal Gallery on its ground floor.

Nafplio has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The best times to visit for outdoor activities are late April to mid-June and early September to mid-October. During these shoulder seasons, temperatures are 22-28°C, crowds are smaller, and the light is clear for sightseeing and hiking. May has blooming wildflowers, and in September, the sea is still warm for swimming. Avoid July and August if you prefer to avoid crowds and intense heat, as daily highs can reach 32-35°C, and the town is busiest with Greek domestic tourism. Winter (December-February) is mild (8-15°C) and quieter, with frequent rain, especially in December and January, but offers a local atmosphere and lower prices.

Nafplio is approximately 140-150 km from Athens, a drive of about 1.5 to 2 hours. There is no direct train; intercity buses (KTEL) connect Nafplio with Athens and other major cities in the Peloponnese. The Old Town of Nafplio is largely pedestrianized. Parking is available at the port or just outside the Old Town walls; free parking is available near the bus station. Many shops and businesses observe a siesta in the afternoon, typically between 2 PM and 5 PM, especially outside of peak tourist season. Local produce and goods can be found in smaller shops around the city. Nafplio is a compact town, and taxis are available for longer distances or trips to nearby beaches and archaeological sites.