Nafplio is an ideal stop on any Greek road trip. Located in the Peloponnese, it’s a quick two-hour drive from Athens, making it an easy weekend getaway for families. With its historic charm, pedestrian-friendly streets, and great beaches, it is incredibly family-friendly. Here are our top recommendations for planning a memorable Nafplio family vacation.
Where to Stay in Nafplio Old Town
We recommend staying in the Old Town city center to be close to shops, restaurants, and gelaterias.
Travel Tip: Rentals high up near Akronafplia Castle often require climbing many stairs. Avoid these if you have strollers or heavy luggage.
- Iole Boutique House: A renovated 1860 stone mansion ideal for large families. It features four bedrooms and a private patio with a jacuzzi. Family-friendly amenities include a baby cot, washing machine, and dishwasher. The host is very responsive. You can drive to the entrance for luggage drop-off, but note that the bedrooms are upstairs.
- Old Town Apartment next to Seafront Promenade: A modern building with a rare Old Town elevator. This simple two-bedroom apartment has a balcony overlooking the Church of Panagia. The central location is excellent, but street noise can occur at night (a white noise machine helps). Guests can easily drive up to drop off luggage.
- Adiandi Boutique Hotel & Amymone Suites: These sister properties offer ground-level rooms and large family suites with sofa beds. The renovated buildings are charming, offering excellent breakfasts and baby cots. You cannot drive up to drop off luggage, but the location is close to the harbor parking.
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Nafplio
Nafplio’s dining scene is high-quality and diverse. In the summer, dining at sunset is recommended to enjoy the outdoor seating while avoiding the midday heat.
| Restaurant | Style | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 3SIXTY | Modern/Steakhouse | High-quality meats in a historic mansion; great wine list; indoor/outdoor seating; reservations online. |
| La Gratella | Italian | Delicious pizza and pasta; renovated historic building; indoor/outdoor seating; call for reservations. |
| MITATO Grill | Greek Taverna | Casual spot for quick souvlaki and gyros; indoor/outdoor seating. |
| Kalimera | Breakfast | Excellent omelettes and French toast with Greek honey; indoor/outdoor seating. |
Don’t Miss the Best Gelato in Nafplio
- Gelarto: Wide selection near the promenade with indoor and outdoor seating.
- Antica Gelateria di Roma: A local classic; perfect for grabbing a cone to go.
- L’Amande: Excellent for gelato, handmade chocolates, and coffee.
Top Nafplio Beaches for Families
Blublanc Beach
- A 15-minute walk from the center.
- It is a pebble beach, so bring water shoes.
- Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent; call ahead for reservations.
- To avoid stairs, walk toward Kolokotronis Park then take Polizoidi to the beach. Be prepared for a hill.
- Parking at the beach is challenging.
Tolo Beach
- A 15-minute drive from Nafplio.
- Long, sandy beach with shallow, calm water—perfect for toddlers and young children.
- Several restaurants offer sunbed and umbrella rentals with food and drink service.
- Free parking is available around the area, but arrive early to secure a spot.
Things to Do in Nafplio with Kids
Nafplio is a charming city best explored on its pedestrian streets, which are lined with restaurants and great shops.
- Stroll and Shop: The streets are lined with bright pink Bougainvillea, making a picturesque backdrop for shopping for souvenirs, clothes, sandals, or komboloi (worry beads).
- Worry Beads (Komboloi): These are like a fidget toy used to pass the time or relieve stress. For a large selection, visit To Kompologaki T’Anapliou. They also sell worry bead bracelets.
- Kids’ Clothes/Gifts: We recommend Greek Aether for unique items, located close to Syntagma Square.
- Nectar and Ambrosia: Our favorite honey shop. Friendly staff will help you find your favorite flavor.
- Seaside Promenade & Playground: Explore the seaside promenade where you can see boats and the Bourtzi Fortress on a small island. There is a small playground, “Nafplio Waterfront Playground,” that kids enjoy. Continuing past the playground leads to a stone path with beautiful views of the sea and the Palamidi Fortress. It includes a cave to walk through.
- Palamidi Fortress: This 18th-century Venetian castle offers the best view of Nafplio.
- Explore the Ruins: You can explore the ruins and take in the beautiful views.
- Important: The ground is uneven and rocky, so wear sturdy shoes. Watch children closely due to steep drops. Bring sun hats and sunscreen, as shade is limited in the summer.
- Access: Tickets are easily purchased at the entrance. You can drive up to the entrance and park on the side of the road, or climb the 999 stairs from the city center.
Must-Do Day Trips from Nafplio
Nafplio is an excellent base because of its proximity to historical day trips. It’s a short 2-hour drive from Athens, making it perfect for a weekend trip year-round, and these stops can be easily added to your journey to and from Athens.
Ancient Mycenae: Visit the home of Agamemnon from the Trojan War. The city walls are made of massive boulders, featuring the distinctive Lion Gate entry.
Tip: Rick Steves offers an excellent self-guided tour in his Greece guide book.
Logistics: The site is not stroller friendly; a hiking backpack is recommended. Wear sturdy shoes. Bring hats and sunscreen due to little shade. Check out the Tholos dome tomb on your way out.
- Corinth Canal & Ancient Corinth: When driving from Athens, you will cross the famous Corinth Canal.
- Corinth Canal: Stop at the parking surrounding the canal to take photos. Before its completion in 1893, boats were hauled across the land; you can still view the ancient grooves and path at the Diolkos.
- Ancient City of Corinth: Tour the ancient city, walk the streets, and stand on the rock where Paul preached to the Corinthians. There is a nice shaded playground at the entrance, as well as a few shops and restaurants. We often stop for lunch at Marinos Restaurant, a traditional Greek Taverna.
- Ancient Epidaurus: Once a wellness town with the Sanctuary of Asclepius.
- Ancient Theater: Visit the archeological site and its famous theater, estimated to seat 12,300 visitors. The acoustics are amazing—try listening from the top while someone speaks at the stage level.
- Logistics: Not stroller friendly. It has a small cafe and a large free parking lot.
- Recommendation: After visiting, check out Stork restaurant for amazing Mediterranean Sea views.
- Skouras Winery: Offers some of the region’s best Greek wine.
- Tours & Tasting: They offer facility tours (in English), including their 1,000-barrel cellar, and have a modern tasting room overlooking the vineyard. Plenty of parking is available.
- Favorites: Synoro (red wine) and Peplo (rosé).
Final Thoughts on Your Nafplio Trip
Our family loves a Nafplio road trip getaway. The city offers delicious restaurants and family-friendly pedestrian streets to enjoy year-round. Being only two hours from Athens, it makes for an easy escape with many historical and scenic stops you can add to your drive. For more recommendations in the Peloponnese, check out our blog.