Nafplio or Nafplion was the first capital of the newly formed Greece, so it is full of history. There are 2 ways to get to Nafplio, by car or by water taxi (ask the concierge at your hotel where to get a water taxi from Porto Cheli, they aren’t really advertised online). Some interesting places to visit in Nafplio;
- Palamidi Castle. It is a medieval castle that was primarily used as a fortress and a prison in the 18th century. You can visit by car, or if you have the courage, walk the 999 steps. (if you do that, then do it early in the morning, by 8 a.m.)
- Bourtzi. This is a little remote island with a castle on it by the gulf in Nafplio that is worth visiting.
- Archaeological Museum. This museum is the Syntagma square by the old town of Nafplio.
- Old Town of Nafplio. Perfect for a midday or night walk, full of old preserved homes, and local taverns
- Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation. It is nearby the archeological museum and in the old town of Nafplio.
- Arvanitia beach. It is very near the city of Nafplio, and very easy to get to for a quick swim.
- Village of Nemea (Νεμέα)
The village of Nemea is more mainland and the only way to get to is via car. It is a village with numerous notable domaines, and wine producers.
- Ancient Nemea and the Temple of Zeus
- Archeological museum of Nemea (5 minutes’ drive from Temple of Zeus)
- Ancient Stadium. All the archeological sites are close to each other.
- Bairaktaris Winery (Ktima Bairaktaris). It is one of the most notable wineries in Greece. Private wine tours, wine tasting, and a wine shop.
- Virgin of the Rock (Panagia tou Vrachou) Right across from the winery, there is a mountain, with an abandoned monastery. If you search on google maps “virgin of the rock Nemea” it will provide you with directions, or ask the people at the winery. **When we went it wasn’t really preserved, enter with a little caution.
- Palace of Mycenae. This palace is 25 minutes away from Nemea. IT IS A MUST. The ruins of the palace are one of the most famous sites after the Parthenon, the Knossos Palace in Crete, the theatre of Epidaurus (see below for more).
- Epidavrus (Επίδαυρος)
It is the epicenter of Peloponnese, Greece, and the world of acting. In this area lies the Ancient Theatre at the Asclepieion of Epidaurus with more sites around the theatre.
The island of Spetses is one of the most unique islands to visit. There are no cars allowed on the island, except from some taxis and a lot of carriages with horses. The island is so beautiful that a night or two will be recommended to walk around and relax. The island offers quite a few beach bars to lounge, local taverns, high-end restaurants, and informative museums. Keep in mind the Port is a total tourist trap.
- Cielo Mar. Beautiful bar and restaurant by the water, with a beautiful view.
- Museum of Spetses or Mpoumpoulina’s Museum. One of the main figures of the Greek revolution resided in the island, and her home is currently a museum run by her descendants.
Wherever you decide to travel, be careful of the Sun, always carry water with you, take care of the stray dogs (if you see more than two dogs together, keep your distance, they are a gang😂) Most people in Greece are super friendly, and are willing to help you. If you are to withdraw cash, use your debit or ATM card in a bank ATM but most places accept cards. Driving in Greece is relatively easy, although some roads tend to be very narrow (driving in Southern Nafplio can be a touch tricky, there are no street lamps, so go slowly). HAVE FUN!
- Crete (Κρήτη) (By Airplane)
Minimum 4-5 days. It’s HUGE. Pick a city (Heraklion or Chania) and really explore. Crete offers its own spin on Greek culture and cuisine.
- Santorini (Σαντορίνη) (By Airplane)
Food & Drinks - 1800– really nice restaurant with beautiful views
- Ammoudi – for octopus
- The Cave of Nikolas, Akrotiri-greek meze by the sea
- To Psaraki, Vlychada – really nice fish taverna
- Metaxi Mas, Exo Gonia – Cretan food, lots of meatt coffee and outdoor seating
Wine Tasting
- Venetsanos Winery, Megalochori,
- Boutari Winery (old traditional winery)
- Santo Wines, Pirgos, wine tasting and market of traditional Santorini products
- Sigalas Winery, Oia, famous wines & food platters
Museums & Archaeological Sites
- Akrotiri Prehistoric Town, Akrotiri Archeological site
- Ancient Thera, Kamari
- Archaeological Musuem of Fira—SKIP this one
- The tomato museum is WONDERFUL, thats south of Emporio
“Other”
- sunset in Amudi beach
- atlantis bookstore**
- galini for breakfast
- kantuni beach
- Kamari Cine, Kamari–Open air cinemas, looked so fun but they weren’t showing anything sith subtitles when we were there
- Emporio village-this is where we stayed, the streets are beautiful and there are a lot of small churches in the winding narrow paths (we took a lot of photos near Panagia Mesiani church)
- Eat all of the tomato paste!
- Sunset Oia (partially private boat ride)
- Skip the donkey ride and museum in Fira
The beaches in Santorini are a little bit difficult to get to, we booked a Catamaran for a whole day and it was a tremendous experience!!
Milos (By Airplane)
Things to do and see
Cities
- Tripiti-ancient theatre, catacombs
- Plaka – church and city view, shopping, best sunset picture
- Adamantas – port, shopping, bars, boats for Kleftiko
- Pollonia – bar and good restaurants and boat to Kimolo if you wish to go there.
- Klima– pictures and seaside food
- Mandrakia
Beaches
- Sarakiniko
- Ag. Sosti
- Kleftiko
- Provatas
- Achivadolimni
- Paliochori
- Firiplaka
- Alogomandra
- Tsigrado
- Agia kyriaki
- Firopotamos
- Papafragas
Bars with stellar views
- Vipera Libertina – Adamas
- Utopia Caffe – Plaka
Restaurants
- Gyros ‘tis Milo– for the best gyro in Island
- Navagio– seafood
- Aggeliki – for great dessert
- Milors– great salty crepes and ask for Vaflaki.
- Yankos – your go to if all else fails
- Yialos– traditional island specialties
- Hanabi– sushi
- Akrotiri– good wine with food
- Madrakia
- Medusa – mezedes to die for (must call in advance)
- Astakas– great seafood (must call in advance)
**PLAKA – We do not recommend food places in Plaka primarily because it is too touristy, and the food is frozen from the day before.
They have a great bakery called Palaios that is fresh daily.
Hotels