Nauplie (Greece)

Nauplie or Nafplio, located 12kilometres southeast of Argos on the Argolic Gulf, is one of Greece’s prettiest and most romantic towns. It is a seaport town in the Peloponnese in Greece that has expanded up the hillsides near the north end of the Argolic Gulf.

Nauplie was the first capital of the First Hellenic Republic and of the Kingdom of Greece, from the start of the Greek Revolution in 1821 until 1834. Nafplio is now the capital of the regional unit of Argolis and has been a major port since the Bronze Age. So strategic was its position that it had three fortresses – the massive principal fortress of Palamidi, the smaller Akronafplia and the diminutive Bourtzi on an islet west of the old town.

It occupies a knockout location on a small port beneath the towering Palamidi fortress and is graced with attractive narrow streets, elegant Venetian houses, neoclassical mansions and interesting museums.

Both overseas visitors and weekending Athenians flock to this lively, upwardly mobile place. It’s full of quayside cafes, upper market boutiques and many comfortable hotels and guesthouses - even if it does get somewhat overcrowded in high season and holidays. It has good bus connections and services and is an ideal base from which to explore many nearby ancient sites.

While cruises are available year round the main season is from March to October to take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather. Weather during the cruise season is warm to hot and the days are long and generally sunny. Most rain in the region falls in the winter months.

General Information:

Population: 33,356
Language: Greek
Currency: Euro, Drachma
Time zone: EET/EEST (UTC+2/3)
Postal code: 211 00
Telephone: 2752