My parents, daughter and I said goodbye to Naxos and got on the huge ferry to Athens at 6pm. We grabbed dinner and a couple drinks and arrived comfortably enough close to midnight. The ferry was around €40 per person and there was a cinema on board and even a kids play room
When we arrived that night at Athens Port, Piraeus, we went straight to the Phidias Piraeus Hotel. I had booked us the Junior Suite there but it was tiny and way too cosy for €115 a night. We would have been better off with an Airbnb but considering the time of night and length of stay it seemed better to just stay at at a hotel in the port for that one night.
We set off by bus from Piraeus to Napflio the next day. It’s easy to take a bus from Athens to Nafplio with KTEL direct for around €14 per person, but there’s not a direct bus every day. The bus stops right in the centre of Napflio and it is a very picturesque town. It was like stepping out into a quaint french village.
We had booked a villa on the outskirts of Napflio that was only a ten-minute walk from the old town. It was a big villa with sea views and many rooms, and it was nice to have space from each other after being in cramped quarters on our island-hopping adventure beforehand.
The villa was near a beach, a pebble one with reeds so you wouldn’t really swim in it. It was convenient as it was near a well supplied supermarket so we got to buy local products and eat at home on the balcony while looking over the sea. My daughter of course loved the playground next to the supermarket and made some Greek friends. We ended up buying food for a stray dog that looked poorly, and then running inside when nightfall came in order to escape the mosquitoes. The mosquitoes came in droves the moment the sun set, and were vicious, large ones that left big bites so we discovered very quickly that in this season it was better to stay indoors after night fall.
The next morning we walked to the town centre, passing an old unused train station on the way and of course feeding some stray cats we saw on the way. We ended up back where the bus had come in and from there wandered to the old town. The old town was full of beautiful little restaurants and corner cafes and shops. Compared to Naxos where we had just come from Napflio is a very elegant, and stylish town.
After a morning of wandering we ate at a place called Goody’s Burger House. The vegetarian burgers were so good that we went back there every day. Apparently, it’s a very popular chain in Greece, and I really loved it.
That afternoon we got a bus up to Palamidi Fortress, which sits above the city, and is a very big part of the town vista. The Fortress is three separate fortresses walled together built by the Venetians in 1714. There are amazing views of the town and sea below from the top and it’s an interesting historical fortress to wander around.
The next day we negotiated with the taxi drivers who were sat outside the bus station to take us on a trip to see the ruins of the Mycenaean Acropolis and Citadel of Tirynsare. We paid €160 for a half day tour to see the 3,000 years old Mycenaean archaeological site. To my surprise my daughter enjoyed the museum there and didn’t mind the wander in and out of old artefacts. The peak of the Acropolis was hot in the midday sun but we made it to the famous lions gate before heading back to get some ice cream. Overall she withstood the entire day of archaeological exploring very well considering she was only four.
After the day tour we had pretty much seen the main sights we had wanted too although the area is full of historical relics and artefacts to see.
Our taxi driver took us to where we could pick some oranges in a local place which felt kind of naughty but he assured us they needed to be picked. We loved the countryside there and the whole three days was extremely relaxing just enjoying the town and its vicinity. After three days it was time to pack up again and head by bus to Kalamata.
Frequently Asked Questions about Napflio with Kids
Is Napfilo, Greece worth visiting?
Oh, definitely. Nafplio is one of those places where you’ll feel like life slows down in the best way possible. It’s small, safe, and full of charm. The cobblestone streets, cosy tavernas, and historical vibes make it an easy win for a family trip. Plus, the locals love kids, so if yours are running circles around the square, no one bats an eye.
What are some must-see attractions to do in Nafplio?
Loads! Take them up all the steps (999, supposedly — don’t count) to Palamidi Castle for epic views and a little adventure. Hop on a short boat ride to Bourtzi Fortress — castles on tiny islands are always a hit. Spend the day at Karathona Beach, where they can splash around in calm water and dig in the sand forever. Don’t forget the Archaeological Museum for just enough history to spark their curiosity. And seriously, the Komboloi Museum? A gold mine if your kids like quirky trinkets.
Are there any outdoor activities suitable for families with young children?
Yes, there are plenty of outdoor activities suitable for families with young children in Napfilo. You can take a boat tour around the bay, go horseback riding through the countryside, or even try your hand at kayaking or paddleboarding.
Can picky eaters survive on Greek food?
Oh, 100%. Greek food is the stuff of kid-friendly dreams. Think souvlaki (basically the Greek version of kebabs), cheese pies, fresh fish, and loads of fries that seem to come with everything. For dessert, you can’t miss the ice cream or sugary orange pie. Most taverns are super casual, and kids hopping between tables aren’t going to faze anyone.
What food is Nafplio known for?
Nafplio, Greece, is renowned for its rich culinary traditions that blend local produce with traditional Greek flavors. Here are some notable dishes and ingredients that define the region’s cuisine:
Gkiosa: This is a traditional dish made from elder ewe or goat meat, slow-baked in a stone wood stove and sealed with clay. It’s seasoned with salt and pepper and can be served warm or cold, often paired with local wine or beer.
Trachanas: A type of pasta made from sour milk and wheat, boiled together and then dried in the sun. It’s typically prepared as a soup and is a staple in the local diet.
Gkogkes: Handmade pasta that is often served with grated cheese, such as Trachia village gruyere or crumbled Argos feta cheese.
Mpogana: A succulent lamb dish cooked with potatoes in an earthen pot. The lamb is tender and the potatoes are infused with a hint of orange, creating a visually appealing and flavorful dish.
Artichokes: Although not native, artichokes are widely cultivated in the region and used in various dishes, including salads, stuffings, and soups. They are also made into unique dishes like artichoke meatballs and soufflés.
Local Sweets: Nafplio is also famous for its homemade sweets and pastries, which can be found in local pastry shops and waterfront taverns.
These dishes reflect the region’s emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods, offering a true taste of Greek culinary heritage.
What should I pack when traveling to Napfilo with kids?
When traveling to Napfilo with kids, be sure to pack essentials such as sunscreen, hats, insect repellent, swimsuits and comfortable shoes for walking tours.
Fun facts about Nafplio for Kids (and adults too!)
It Has a Castle You Can Only Get to by Boat! How cool is this? There’s a tiny fortress called Bourtzi right in the middle of the water. You grab a little boat from the harbor, and boom, you’re on a real-life island castle! What kid doesn’t want to be a pirate or a knight for the day?
There Are 999 Steps to the Top of Palamidi Castle
Okay, so people say it’s 999 steps, but you should totally count them yourself to see if that’s true. Palamidi Castle is like a giant playground with hidden rooms and amazing views. When you get to the top, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world (and also like you totally deserve some ice cream).
Nafplio Has a Museum for Worry Beads
Ever seen those colorful strings of beads people fiddle with in Greece? They’re called worry beads, or komboloi, and Nafplio has a whole museum about them! You can even make your own, which is like crafting and history all mashed into one.
It’s Full of Orange Trees Everywhere
You’ll see orange trees in random spots all over town. And here’s a fun challenge—try and spot the “sweet” orange trees vs. the “sour” ones (locals mostly use the sour oranges for marmalade). Plus, Nafplio has some of the tastiest orange desserts, like their famous orange pie.
A King Once Lived Here
Yep, Nafplio was the first capital of modern Greece, and there was even a king who lived here. Imagine walking through the same streets where royalty once strolled. Fun fact—some of the buildings in town are older than a lot of fairy tales!
Now, tell me that doesn’t make Nafplio sound like the coolest place to explore! Castles, crafts, and orange trees—what’s not to love?
When is the best time of year to visit Nafplio?
Spring and early fall are your magic windows. You’ll get sunshine without the aggressive heat (and fewer crowds). Summer is beautiful too — perfect for beach time — but it can be warm, so plan for early sightseeing and lazy afternoons.
Check out more of our Greece adventures:
Athens
Chalkido
Santoriini
Naxos
