In this beautiful land that god Poseidon first saw Amymone, the lovely daughter of Danaos, and fell madly in love with her. From their unison Nafplios was born in one of Evia's shores, but when he grew up he sailed with his ship to the creek of the Argolic bay and founded there the ancient city of Nafplia, which took after his name.

The city holds a key position which enables sea communications, but is also protected bythe steep rock of Akronafplia, a combination which made Nafplio ever since the Neolithic era, one of the most desirable places of inhabitance but also of conquest. Indeed, Nafplio will be repeatedly invaded by Argians, Goths, Slavs and Albanians, Byzantines, Franks, Venetians and Turks. Until 1822 when the Greeks revolted against the Turks, fought and won back Palamidi and finally free Nafplio.

In January 1823, it became the seat of the temporary government of the Greek nation, which was at the time struggling for its independence. In January 1828, the first governor of Greece will come to the city, but a few years later in 1831 he will be assassinated near the church of Agios Spyridon.

A period of anarchy and upheaval will follow until King Othon, accompanied by 36 foreign vessels and a large retinue will arrive at Nafplio's bay in January 1833. The next year, the Greek capital will be transferred to the city of Athens.

From an architectural point of view, Nafplio is an amalgam of Prankish, Venetian and Turkish buildings both secular and neo-classic. Its broad streets and small alleys, its squares, Ottoman fountains, monuments, statues and beautiful parks

Paint the portrait of a most charming city which captivates its visitors. But apart from Nafplio's picturesque quality, one can take a journey back in time, unfolding the city's glorious history by visiting the Archaeological Museum and its abundance of archaeological findings, the Museum of the Peloponnesian Folklore Institute, the fortified Akronafplia and Palamidi with its magnificent Venetian castle and the endless hewn steps. After relaxing and enjoying a cup of coffee next to the Pili of Xiras, with its peculiar waterfall which looks as if it's springing out of Palamidi's soul, or opposite the old train station which brings back memories of the past, you can start your stroll around the city.

Inhabited ever since pre-historic times, the rock of Akronafplia offers the most breathtaking, panoramic view! From one "side lies the old city with its numerous tileroofs interrupted here and there by perennial trees' tops, the churches' belfries with the unique Bourdzi standing like a stationary ship amidst the waters of the serene harbor, and from the other which is full of fig trees hanging from the rocks- the stunningly beautiful view of the Nafplio Gulf and the beach of Arvanitia which hides under the dominant presence of Palamidi, which will be our next stop.

If its 990 steps sound like an intimidating number to climb, don't get discouraged. There's a paved street which takes you all the way up to the top and to one of the two entrances of the castle.

So, if you decide to go on foot, be certain that the impressive, well preserved Venetian fort and the wonderful view of the Argolic plain will be more than rewarding.

After a swim in Arvanitia, or the nearby Karathona , relax over a good meal in one of the many taverns of Nafplio and prepare yourselves because in the evening the city transforms into an endless promenade. As soon as the afternoon sun begins to set, the city looks like a colorful human beehive full of tourists, permanent residents, Greeks and foreigners who have settled here from all over the world, making beauty their country.

From the foot of Palamidi with the Staikopoulos park, the Pili of Xiras, the house of Armansberg, the courthouse, Kapodistria's statue and the Trion Navarhon square with the first pharmacy of Greece, the first gymnasium (today's Town Hall), the Army Cadet School, King Othon's statue and Platia Syntagmatos with the house of Kolokotronis, the old Vouleutiko, the Mosque, the prison of Leonardos, and the archaeological museum, which used to be an old Venetian warehouse the visitor takes a journey into a unique place of historical memory.

The numerous shops of the old city which sell mostly souvenirs, gifts jewelry, antiques, traditional pastries, and figurines of the folkloric Karagiozis all of high quality will lead you to the port with its famous fish taverns, its cafes and bars located opposite the illuminated Bourdzi. At the quay you will walk past families taking their stroll, young people, couples, artists and intellectuals who seek for inspiration... With the night flowers creating an exceptionally erotic atmosphere, Nafplio, all lit up, gives in to night life till the early morning hours.