Nafplion is one of the most beautiful towns in the eastern Peloponnese. It sits on the Argolic Gulf with the formidable Palamidi fortress standing over it, keeping a watchful eye out towards the sea. According to mythology, Nafplios, the son of Poseidon, founded Nafplion. The legends continue—the area reputedly played a hand in the Trojan War as well as the Argonaut expedition. Over the years, Nafplion was taken over by Frankish, Venetian and Turkish forces, and these influences are evident everywhere—in the medieval castles, the Ottoman fountains and especially in the neoclassical architecture.
Much of the life in Nafplion centers on the medieval Old Town, with its cobblestone alleyways and Venetian homes. Numerous cafés and tavernas sprawl along the waterfront, facing a port that dates back to the Bronze Age. Turkish mosques sit alongside modern museums, bridging the gaps in culture and time. At sunset, there’s no better place to be than strolling along the promenade. From the right vantage point you can see the Venetian fortress (Bourtzi) sitting all alone on a rocky island known as Agioi Theodoroi.
