Alexa & Matt
Things To Do
Syntagma Square Nafplio
Nafplio was the first capital of Greece in modern times and was later moved to Athens. In this square you will see the first parliament of Athens, but also a great view of the culture of Greece with the square being an area that all gather in throughout the year. Off the square are several great restaurants and nearby is the best Gelato in Greece at Antica Gelateria di Roma.
Fortress of Palamidi
Palamidi is central to Nafplio and is the fortress that overlooks the entire city. It is said there are 999 steps to get to the top, but actually there are 913. Don't worry - you don't have to climb them to get to the top, but it is always encouraged. It is best known for acting as a prison for Theodoros Kolokotronis, a hero during the Greek Revolution against the Ottoman Empire.
Bourtzi Castle
Bourtzi is off the port of Nafplio and was built as another Venetian fortress in the area that was utilized heavily during the Greek Revolution. Tours via boat are available to reach the castle
Arvanitias Beach
This is a smaller beach located in Nafplio proper that sits just below Palamidi Castle
Tolo Beach
One of the best beaches in the area with a mix of sand and rock and is about 10 minutes away by car.
Archaeological site of Mycenae
Mycenae was one of the major centers of Greek Civilization in the second millennium. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list and is known for its Lion's Gate entrance and honeycomb style tombs. Mycenae is about 20 minutes by car from Nafplio and several tours are offered for the site.
Ancient Theater of Epidaurus
The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and was constructed in the 4th century BC. It is known for its great acoustics where even without Mics you can hear a pin drop in the top seats. The theatre still operates and has shows throughout the main travel season. Epidaurus is about 25 minutes from Nafplio by car.
Kapsia Cave
Kapsia Cave has stalagmite crystals with rare colours throughout. The cave continues to be under excavation and bones, utensils and other items are consistently found within. Kapsia Cave is about a one hour drive from Nafplio.
Corinth Canal
The Corinth Canal is an artificial canal in Greece that connects the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, separating the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland and making the peninsula an island. Tours and cruises are available throughout the canal and is about a one hour drive by car from Nafplio.
Athens
Athens is the current capital of Greece and where you should fly into for the Wedding. Athens will not look like what you see in movies about Greece, but has a great history with so many things to see. We've included our highlights below and recommend 2 days in Athens to explore. - Parthenon and Acropolis: An absolute must see for anyone - Acropolis Museum: If you are more interested in History this is a great museum - Mount Lycabettus: The highest point in Athens with stunning views of the city and best seen at sunrise or sunset. - Kalimarmaro or Panathenaic Stadium: The site of the first modern game of the Olympics - Syntagma: Parliament where the famous changing of the Guards occurs every hour - Plaka: The picturesque area under the Acropolis -Monastiraki Flea Market: The most vendors in the area with the best place to find souvenirs. There are also several bars in the area that have rooftop views of the Acropolis. - The National Gardens: A stunning garden area
Idra
Hydra is one of the closer islands to Athens that boasts beautiful views and is car free.
Delphi Greece
If you are fascinated by ancient history and mythology, Delphi is a must-see destination in Greece. Delphi was the home of the oracle, a priestess who delivered cryptic messages from the god Apollo to kings, warriors, and philosophers. You can explore the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, the Theatre, and the Stadium, where the Pythian Games were held. You can also admire the stunning sculptures and artifacts in the Delphi Archaeological Museum, such as the bronze Charioteer and the Sphinx of Naxos.
Meteora
Meteora is a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area has several monasteries that are open to the public that sit atop of breathtaking cliffs.
The Cycladic islands
The Cycladic Islands boast what you would typically see of Greece in films and pictures. The most famous of these islands are Mykonos and Santorini, but get fairly crowded during the summer season. We would personally recommend against Mykonos unless you are big on nightlife. The other islands in this group share similar scenery and their own special claims to fame. More specifically; Tinos is known as a very religious area with the church of Panagia, Antiparos is known for its archaeological digs, and Andros has a fortified city within it. The ferry available to travel these islands is recommended, but some are reachable by airplane as well.
Corfu
Corfu is also known as Kerkyra by the Greeks. The island is boasts an area called Old Town, Sandy beaches, and incredible views. Some of the best sunsets can be seen in this area.
Crete
Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, the 88th largest island in the world and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Crete has it's own culture and is often joked to be the "Texas of Greece". Due to its size there is more to do on the island when compared to others, but the most famous sites include The Palace of Knossos, The Red Sand Beach and Imbros Gorge
Rhodes
Rhodes is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World which is the Colossus of Rhodes. It is a statue built to commemorate the Greek sun god, Helios. Aside from this, the Island remains to contain several historical sites and whitewashed towns. In the center of Rhodes is Old Town which remains a Venetian style city.