Nafplion is a beautiful city, the capital of Argolis and was also the first capital of Greece, It is definitely worth a stop for a walk in a ‘different’ atmosphere, although for the night is probably best to move to the close by beach of Karathona. Tolo? No Thanks!
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You can take a boat to Bourtzi, 4,00€ / person
The marina and Acronafplia walls on the background
We are 60 km south of Corinth, 28 km east of Epidaurus. Nafplio is a good stop if you are close, I’m not convinced that it deserve to be included in an itinerary at all costs, but if you are already in the area, it would be a shame not to visit it.
As I said above, Nafplio is a city. Small, with a beautiful old center, with its beautiful castle, with its characteristic Bourtzi island opposite the marina and yes it has its tourists, but it remains first and foremost a real city. A place that not only lives on tourism, where bars and restaurants are also open in winter and are also frequented by locals, because they can eat well. A place where super market and shops have normal prices. In short, a place where it’s not all staged for the tourist season, as often happens in Greece. And that’s why Nafplion is also very popular with Greeks, who never miss a chance to visit it.
Costitution Square (Sindagma) and one of central streets
In contrast with the historic atmosphere of Nafplion, walking around you will meet many venues with very modern design.
For those of you who whould like a real Italian ice cream, Marcello and Claudia’s shop is a must-stop, which has become one of the attractions of the city.
The huge parking lot at the port.
We stopped to sleep in the huge parking lot next to the marina. Well lighted and convenient for sightseeing. The only small problem is the noise by coming and going cars, chatter, laughter, doors slamming … The day after we found a much better place to spend the night and not only … only 6 km south, just around the castle hill, the beach of Karathona is a small paradise, shadow, sea and the company of other campers.
Karathona Beach
A separate chapter is Tolo, 10 km south of Nafplion, recommended as a beach destination by tourist agencies, and that to me, is has to be avoided like the plague. OK, maybe I exaggerate, but what I saw is precisely what I hate about the tourism industry. Ugly buildings built to accommodate the hordes of sheep dispatched by agencies, mediocre and crowded beaches, which have nothing to do with what Greece has to offer, everything over-priced and mediocre food at best. One gets the distinct impression that the ‘tourist-customer’ is regarded as an idiot …
Can you have fun? Yes, if you are in your twenties you will probably find here what you’re looking for clubs, music, companionship, alcohol … but that’s all.
Along the sea road there are one after the other a series of campsites, which are actually parking spaces with a little ‘more abundant slots, almost all paved, or even better a beautiful ground of artificial grass … But what about? As long as there are people who pay to go in such places, they will continue to exist and multiply and I’m sure that there are many that may also like them … not me!A small gem: a little further east, on the beach of Asini you will find Kastraki campsite wich i was too lazy to photograph! But even if I’m not a big fan of camping grounds, I find it a bit absurd to have a motor home and pay the price of a room to park and sleep, well, if I had to stop at a camp, this would be a good candidate. If it was a little less expensive, say half the price, it would be perfect! 🙂
GPS Coordinates:
Nafplion, Docks Parking: N 37 34.106, E 22 48.131
Karathona, Parking Area: N 37 32.858, E 22 49.081
Asini, Camping Kastraki: N 37 31.706, E 22 52.484
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