Greece is on your travel radar for 2026, it’s time to put Nafplio at the very top of your list. One of the most romantic towns in the country and the first capital of modern Greece, Nafplio blends elegant Venetian architecture, turquoise water, history steeped into every stone, and a wonderfully relaxed Mediterranean vibe. It’s a destination that feels both timeless and undiscovered, even as more travelers seek out authentic alternatives to crowded hotspots.

A Walkable Old Town That Feels Like a Fairytale

Nafplio’s Old Town is pure charm: narrow alleys draped in bougainvillea, neoclassical mansions, little craft shops, gelaterias, and cafés that spill onto cobblestone squares. The town’s heart, Syntagma Square, is framed by Venetian and Ottoman buildings that glow gold at sunset. Nafplio is doubling down on its walkability, which is perfect, this is a city best savored slowly.
Climb the legendary 999 steps (or take a car/taxi to the top, no shame!) to Palamidi Fortress for sweeping views of the Argolic Gulf. The restored bastions, cannons, and stone corridors make it feel like an open-air museum suspended above the sea. The miniature Venetian castle, Bourtzi, floating in the
middle of the harbor, remains one of the most photographed landmarks in Greece. 
Nafplio also offers sun kissed, beautiful and easily reachable beaches:

 

  • Arvanitia Beach – Crystal clear water right next to the Old Town.
  • Karathona Beach – A long sandy stretch ideal for families and long swims.
  • Tolo Beach – A short drive away, perfect for water sports and island views.

 

Ideally it sits near some of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, making it a perfect base for culture lovers.

 

  • Epidaurus – The ancient theater with nearly perfect acoustics.
  • Mycenae – Home of Agamemnon and the Lion Gate.
  • Tiryns – A lesser-known Mycenaean gem.

 

This is a destination where romance meets history, where sea breezes fill centuries-old streets, and where Greek hospitality feels especially warm and personal. Standout, refined, welcoming, and endlessly photogenic.