Nafplion or Nafplio is a nice harbour situated in a cove on the Gulf of Argolis in the northeastern region of the Peloponnese. It is a tourist attraction because of its beautiful architecture that shows the prosperity of the town. Like for example in the capital of the island of Syros, there are many streets lined with marble and the houses look elegant. Nafplio has around 12,500 inhabitants and is favoured by the Greeks as a weekend destination, and by other tourists that want to explore this small town and the sights in the area like Epidavros and Mycenae or the nearby beaches.
The area of Nafplion has been continuously inhabited from 3000 BC. According to legend, the city was named after King Nauplios, who unmasked Odysseus when he was dressed up as a woman, in order to not take part in the Trojan War. Byzantines, Franks, Venetians and Turks have owned Nafplion before November 30th 1822, when it became the first city that was retaken by the Greeks from the Turks. From 1829 to 1835 Nafplion was regarded as the first capital and seat of government of the Greek state.
In the town of Nafplio there are remains of the various rulers. Remarkable is the large Vouleftiko Tzami mosque which is centrally located on the Syntagmatos square, not far from the harbour. Here you will also find the Archaeological Museum which is open every day of the week except Mondays, from 8:00 to 15:00. The museum is located in the old Venetian barracks that date from 1713 and has an exhibition of various objects from different periods, that have been found near Nafplion. The oldest finds date from 3000 BC and are, for example, spearheads and stone tools found in the Franchthi cave. Furthermore you will find bronze statues, pottery from different periods, jewelery from the Kazarmas Tholos tomb, a bronze armor from the Mycenaean period and bronze helmets from different periods. Close to the Vouleftiko Tzami mosque there is a second mosque.
Another attraction of Nafplion is the Agios Spyridon church, which dates from 1702. At the entrance of the church on the right hand side of the door is a small brass frame where a bullet hole is visible. In 1831 the first Greek governor, Ioannis Kapodistrias, was shot to dead here with a bullet, while he was on his way to church. Inside the church are Byzantine icons and paintings.
The Agios Georgios church dates from the 15th century and is the most remarkable church in the town of Nafplion. It beholds many beautiful icons and murals of famous Italian painters. One of them is a copy of The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci. The church was built during the first occupation of the Venetians. Inside the church is the red throne of King Otto, the first king of Greece, who reigned from Nafplion between 1832 and 1834, and used it when he attended mass.
In the town of Nafplion several other interesting churches can be found. The oldest one is the Agia Sophia Church, which was built around 1400. This is a small church and and the only one that was left from the Byzantine time. It is situated in a narrow street close to the Chroma Design Hotel. The last 200 meter to the church you have to walk.
Above the town on a 216 meter high mountain stands the Palamidi fortress, which was completed by the Venetians in 1714. Already in 1715 it fell into the hands of the Turks, who had possession of it until their fall in 1822. The smaller Bourtzi fortress that stands on an island in the harbour of Nafplion dates from 1473 and was built by the Venetians to protect themselves against pirates. During the summer months there are small excursion boats that can take you to this small fortress island.
In the area of Nafplio there are several beautiful beaches.
The most popular are Tolo of Tolon beach (10 kilometers south of Nafplion) and Nea Kios. Both these beaches have tourist facilities, Tolo / Tolon is a little resort of its own. The beach here consists of fine sand and the sea is shallow, making it a perfect destination for families with small children. Once a small fishing village it has now turned into a place with plenty of accommodations along the its two kilometer long beach.
Off the coast of the village of Tolon there are three small islands, tiny Daskaleio and the slightly larger Romvi. Daskaleio lies behind the island Romvi and so from the coast you will see only two of them. On the two islands Daskaleio and Romvi there are remains of Venetian fortifications and on Daskaleio there is also a church that was built in 1688.
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Nea Kios lies north of Nafplio. It is a small fishing village with around 3500 inhabitants. The Erasinos River runs through the village. There is a large beach with fine and with coarse sand. The water is shallow, so it is perfect for families with small children. Nea Kios is famous for its fish restaurants. It is a favourite beach for people that like kite surfing.
Under the Palamidi fortress, south of the old town, and within walking distance, is the beach of Arvanitia. Further south, behind the rock of Palamidi, reachable by car or on foot (3.2 km), you find Karathona beach, which is just a little over one and a half kilometer long. There are palm and eucalyptus trees on the beach and you look out on a beautiful island, which is also called Mouse island (not to be confused with Mouse island in Corfu). On foot, the beach is accessible from the Avanitia square. During high season there is also a bus connection from Nafplion to this beach.
The Grand Sarai is located in the Old Town of Nafplion, right opposite the Catholic Church. Former first Court of the Modern Greek State, it currently houses a breakfast room, restaurant and bar. The Grand Sarai offers light rooms with panoramic views of the Gulf of Argolis, the Old Town and Palamidi. Each has a safe, LCD TV, minibar, internet connection and telephone line. Each includes a fully equipped private bathroom. Their outer window frames are characteristic of the local traditional architecture.
Breakfast is served in the spacious and light breakfast room, and includes hot and cold dishes, aromatic coffee and fresh juices. A lounge and a bar with atmospheric d�cor are also featured. Multilingual staff will be happy to offer you information about the city and surrounding attractions. They are at your disposal 24 hours a day. The historic Syntagma Square, the waterfront overlooking Bourtzi and the scenic bars and taverns are all within 5 minutes walk. Free, public parking can be found at 50 and 200 metres from Grand Sarai.
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Featuring an outdoor pool and sauna, Villa Dafnes is situated in Nafplio. It includes a garden, free WiFi and overlooks the Aegean Sea from its balcony. The castle of Akronafplia is 1 km away. The air-conditioned villa has a seating area with a fireplace, sofas and flat-screen TV. The kitchen is equipped with a stove and microwave. The bathroom comes with a shower. Villa Dafnes is 2 km from Arvanitia Beach, the town centre and Palamidi. Mycenae is at 20 km while Epidavros is at 30 km.
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Aetoma is an 18th century mansion with preserved and highlighted neoclassical elements. It is located right in the centre of the Old Town of Nafplion. The rooms of Aetoma Hotel are decorated according to the building's architectural style with works of art and handmade carpets. They are air-conditioned and feature flat screen TVs, refrigerators and free Wi-Fi. The private bathrooms offer hydro massage shower cabins.
Breakfast is served until noon on linen tablecloths in the breakfast room. It includes home-made jams and traditional pastries. The hotel is located next to the historic church of St Spyridon where the first governor of the modern Greek state, Kapodistrias, was assassinated.
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Just a few metres away from the central square of Nafplio, Angelina Pension offers traditionally furnished studios with views over the islet of Bourtzi. Within walking distance, you can reach the many taverns and charming cafes of the town. Following the local style, Angelina studios come with wooden or iron beds, and some also feature stone-built walls. They all include a kitchenette with seating area, air conditioning and a private balcony. The seaside village of Tolo is 12 km away, while the ancient theatre of Epidavros is at 35 km.
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Just 250 metres from the beach of Tolo, Skalidis Apartments is surrounded by a garden and features a swimming pool. It offers self-catered accommodation with free Wi-Fi and balcony with garden views. A kitchenette with cooking facilities, dining area and fridge is included in all the air-conditioned apartments at the Skalidis. Each has a satellite TV and a safety box. Guests can relax on the sun terrace that offers sun loungers and umbrellas. A children's pool is also provided.
The centre of Tolo with taverns and shops is just 200 metres away. The scenic town of Nafplio is within 10 km. The ancient sites of Epidavros and Mycenae is 35 km away. Staff can arrange car rental and limited, free private parking is possible on site.
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