When the weather gets higher, many people are looking for slices of Greek paradise. Crowds flock to popular places like Santorini and Mykonos, but another breathtaking town is still flying under the radar.
Nafplio, a charming seaside spot in Peloponneso, is welcomed as Greece's finest secret. With stunning views, cobblestone streets and romantic harbors, it offers all the beauty of the Greek islands.
Once the capital of modern Greece, this elegant city has attracted travelers looking for something a little more relaxed.
And according to a delighted visitor on TripAdvisor, that's exactly what makes it so special. “It's definitely magical,” wrote a five-star reviewer. “We visited in July and it felt like we had our own place.”
Another addition: “It's the most romantic Greece. The sunset, the food, the charm, it's like something in the movie.”
Just two hours' drive from Athens, Nafplio offers a mix of Venetian architecture, neoclassical mansions, flower-filled balconies, boutique shops and winding alleyways packed with traditional Zaberna.
Towering above the city, Fort Paramidi is a magnificent 18th century hub reached by 999 stone steps.
From above, visitors are rewarded with a wide view of the sparkling Argolic Bay, the red tiled rooftop below, and the surrounding hillside dotted with olive trees.
At the port is Burtsi, a small fortress island that once protected the city from invaders. Today, it's a favorite for boat trips and photography.
However, it's not just the sights that visitors are passionate about. The atmosphere at Nafplio is delighted and relaxed.
There are no elbows in the pictures of the sunset. Just a packed beach bar pumping music until dawn, quiet cutlery for dinner, occasional church bells, and gentle ham of Greek conversation drifts down the streets.
For beach enthusiasts, Albanitia Beach is a short walk from the old town and offers calm, clear water, perfect for cooling. A little further afield, Karatona Beach, with long stretches of the sandy coast surrounded by nature, offering space even at the height of summer.
Nafplio quickly gains a reputation as Greece's finest secret thanks to its unique blend of culture, seaside beauty and authentic warmth. However, despite growing interest, it has been able to avoid the overdevelopment seen at more famous destinations.
And for many visitors, that really makes them feel special. “I didn't hear any hen parties or nightclubs until 3am. Just the waves and the sounds of locals enjoying life,” the British holiday maker said. “It's like Greece before it overruns.”
So, if you're trying to exchange Santorini stress for a stunning place somewhere, and if you have far more space to breathe, Nafplio might be your dream destination. But if you go, don't be surprised if you want to keep it all to yourself.
