The Greek city of Nafplio is located in the eastern Peloponnese peninsula on the Argolic Gulf. The city is considered one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in Greece. It offers historic buildings, picturesque old town streets, and a stunning coastal landscape.
Bay of Nafplio
History
Nafplio can look back on a very long history. A small settlement existed in ancient times, which, according to mythology, was founded by Nauplius, the son of Poseidon. The city gained increasing importance in the Middle Ages. Particularly from the 15th to the 19th century, under Venetian and later Ottoman rule, Nafplio developed into an important trading and military base.
After the Greek revolution against Ottoman rule in 1821-1829, Nafplio became the first capital of modern Greece until Athens took over this role in 1834.
Politically, Nafplio played a central role in the early stages of modern Greek state formation. It was here that Greece's first head of government, Ioannis Kapodistrias, was assassinated in 1831. The event shook the young nation.
Nafplio - Andrea Siggrou Square
Nafplio - Statue of Ionnis Kapodistrias
Living in Nafplio
Nafplio has a population of 14.500 (2021 census). Nafplio is the capital of the Argolis Prefecture within the Peloponnese region. Politically, the city is locally influenced, without playing a prominent role at the national level.
The old town of Nafplio lies on a peninsula below the castle hill with the Akronafplia Fortress. To the east, the Palamidi Fortress stands guard on a hill over 200 meters high. The entrance to the port of Nafplio is protected by the Bourtzi Fortress, which lies in the Saronic Gulf. With its winding streets and picturesque squares, Nafplio is considered the most beautiful town in the Peloponnese.
Nafplio - city center from a bird's eye view
Economy and tourism
Nafplio's economy is dominated by the service sector. Tourism is a key source of income, both in the form of traditional cultural tours and day trips. Many Athenians visit the city, which is just under two hours away by car, especially on weekends. Hotels, restaurants, cafés, craft shops, and small boutiques characterize the city center.
Nafplio - Old Town Street
Nafplio - Syntagma Square
Agriculture, especially the cultivation of olives and citrus fruits, plays a minor but not unimportant role.
Nafplio for cruise ship passengers
In recent years, cruise ships have increasingly included Nafplio as a destination. Since the harbor isn't deep enough for large ships, they usually anchor off the city, and passengers are brought ashore by tender boats.
Nafplio - berth of the tender boats
Cruise ship guests bring additional revenue to local shops, restaurants, and museums, but the economic impact is rather sporadic and not sustainable. Critical concerns are that the short-term flood of visitors could strain the infrastructure, overcrowd the old town, and thus jeopardize the city's charm in the long term.
We appreciate the privilege of visiting Nafplio on board the Vasco da Gama. We'll tell you more about what there is to see and do in Nafplio in our article. Nafplio Sights.
June 2025