save this for later 📌

Hello friends! Looking to spend some time in Nafplio with your little ones this year? This post comes fresh after a 2-day break in Nafplio with kids and I’m breaking down everything for you for a stress-free and family-friendly time in this beautiful town. Keep reading for tips, highlights, hidden gems and what NOT to do while visiting the fortresses!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). I only recommend products and services I love.

Should you go to Nafplio with kids?

Nafplio is a picturesque coastal town in the Argolis region of the Peloponnese, Greece, set around a natural harbour and backed by dramatic hillsides. It was founded in ancient times and it served as Greece’s first modern capital from 1828 to 1834. Nafplio still wears its Venetian and Ottoman heritage in the form of not one but three fortresses, neoclassical mansions and winding cobblestone lanes.

Today, Nafplio charms visitors with its safe, walkable old town, seaside promenade, lively squares and easy access from Athens. For all the above plus access to shallow beaches, yes, Nafplio is an ideal stop for families visiting Greece.

Driving from Athens to Nafplio

Toll Booths & Costs

From Athens you’ll pass four main toll stations: Attiki Odos Paiania (€2.80), Eleusina (€2.10), Isthmus (€1.80) and Spathovouni (€2.50), totalling about €9.20 one-way. Add a couple more on the Peloponnese motorway for roughly €15 total each direction.

Recommended Pit Stops

Nafplio is only a quick 2-hour drive from Athens, however with 2 under 4 and to keep tantrums at bay we made a pit-stop at the seaside town of Kineta at around the 1 hour mark. A quick dip in the cool blue waters and seaside lunch at the nearby taverna definitely broke up the trip nicely. This was all meticulously planned so we’d set off again at Maya’s nap time, and she was supposed to nap nicely in the car for the remaining trip. Unfortunately she opted for looking out of the window and pointing at gulls, getting increasingly cranky by the minute. By the time we arrived at the house she had been up for 8 hours straight and she looked like the Night King from Game of Thrones. This will teach us to plan things. Anyway.

If you’re looking to break up your journey from Athens, a few nice stops along the way include:

Kineta Beach

Kineta Beach sits right on the Old National Road (57th km marker) about 53 km west of Athens, so stopping here adds virtually no extra driving time – simply pull off the highway and you’re there in seconds.

The shoreline is beautiful but it does have some pebbly patches, so make sure you’re bringing your water shoes.

Facilities at the adjacent Kineta Beach Resort & Spa include sun loungers and umbrellas, two outdoor pools, an indoor heated pool, a children’s playground and a kids’ club as well as a beachfront kiosk.

Because Kineta is right on your route, you can be back on your way to Nafplio within ten minutes, all refreshed and refueled.

Corinth Canal Viewing Platform

The Corinth Canal is a roughly 6.3 km-long artificial waterway slicing through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth to link the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. After nearly a decade of excavation, it was completed in 1893 and it spares vessels a 700 km journey around the Peloponnese – although at just over 24 m wide it’s now mostly used by small boats and tourist excursions.

Travellers often pause at the roadside viewing platform to watch tugs guide yachts through the towering 80 m limestone cliffs. It’s a quite cool and dramatic photo op and it would only add a few minutes to your Athens-Nafplio road trip.

You can take a little break for takeaway coffees and refreshments at Isthmia Bridge Café or Corinth Canal Kiosk. If you’d rather stop properly for a sit-down lunch, Kavos fish tavern in the nearby village of Isthmia is a popular choice (yes, this one is called Kavos too, it’s a frequent name for nautical-themed establishments, meaning cape’/headland).

Loutra Elenis Thermal Springs

Just off the old National Road 70 between Corinth and Epidaurus lies Loutra Elenis, a tiny coastal village famed for its white pebble beach and natural thermal springs. Legend says that Helen of Troy used to bathe here. Could that be the secret of her legendary beauty? You tell me.

A quick 6 km detour from the Corinth Canal adds only about 10–15 minutes to your drive, yet rewards you with warm, mineral-rich waters the kids can splash in while parents unwind in the therapeutic pools.

Alongside the springs, Paralia Loutra Oreas Elenis even though it’s not sandy, it offers shallow, clear waters ideal for little swimmers. Picnic under the olive trees or grab cooling drinks at the beachfront café before heading back on the road. This hidden gem combines wellness, seaside fun and minimal extra driving time.

Ampelos Vohaikou Rescue Farm (weekends only)

Just a 12 km detour (about 10–15 minutes extra) off the Athens–Nafplio route brings you to Ampelos Vochaikou, a family-run organic farm in Vohhaiko full of friendly rescued animals. This farm is actually my number 1 recommended pit-stop between Athens and Nafplio (even though we opted for a quick dive in the sea this time) and this is why:

• Hands-on petting: Kids can feed goats, stroke llamas and watch playful pheasants wander the grounds.
• Tire them out more: A play area lets little ones burn off energy safely while parents relax.
• Café & snack menu: Not a life-changing menu or anything, but you can enjoy hot and cold drinks, fresh fruit juices and a selection of light bites overlooking the farm.
• Picnic spots: Spread out under olive trees for a quick family picnic with farm-fresh cheese, bread and spreads you can buy on-site.

Open weekends from 10:00 to 18:00 (booking recommended for groups).

Sofiko Village

Wander the peaceful lanes of the village to discover rustic stone chapels – many with beautifully preserved frescoes – and pop into local markets for resin products, honey and handmade crafts. Enjoy a short refreshing forest trail right outside town. (The gorgeous pine trees of this area have been both a blessing and a curse, providing beauty, shade and oxygen but at the same time being so unbelievable flammable and prone to wildfires.) Before you head back to the main road, stop at a family-run coffee house near the village square to grab a drink for the rest of your trip!

Sanctuary of Hera, Perachora

Off the beaten track by Perachora, the ruins of the Sanctuary of Hera sit beside a turquoise bay, complete with a scenic lighthouse and shallow swimming spots. Strabo records that this remote seaside sanctuary once hosted an oracle of Hera, offering divine counsel to Corinthian sailors before they braved the Gulf. It’s a short walk from the parking lot down to the stones – great for adventurous kids who love a bit of archaeology and a beach dip.

Alternatively, only 6 km further on you’ll find the crystal-clear, brackish waters of Lake Vouliagmeni (Not to be confused with Lake Vouliagmeni in the Athens Riviera), where a narrow channel connects the lagoon to the Corinthian Gulf. According to ancient legends, the lake was said to have healing powers, and it was believed that swimming in its waters could cure various ailments. Ideal for a refreshing, warm-water swim (22-29 degrees Celsius year-round) before looping back to the main road.

Both versions of this detour would just add an extra total 30-40 minutes to your trip to Napflio.

Accommodation in Nafplio

We chose a self-catering holiday home with a private garden full of toys, just a 15-minute walk from the historic centre. This gave us the flexibility to cook breakfast, let the kids run free before sightseeing, and pop back mid-afternoon for lunch and naps.

Self-catering? Is it even a holiday if you have to shop for groceries?

OK, if self-catering doesn’t appeal, I’ve got a few great options for you. The thing with Nafplio is most guest rooms in the old town are great for couples but not as well-suited to families.

I have gathered a few top family hotel accommodation options with family-rooms offered:

• Nafplia Palace Hotel and Villas: Offers both rooms and private villas (including a family villa with a spa bath). Continental breakfast, 2 restaurants, 2 swimming pools.
• Amphitryon Hotel: Right by the water with dreamy castle views. American breakfast, à la carte restaurant, and babysitters upon request!
• Kyveli Suites: A gorgeous listed mansion at the very centre of the old town. Massages offered 💆
• Hotel Ippoliti: Delicious homemade breakfast, stylish décor, a choice of family suites and swimming pool.

Kid-Friendly Things To Do in Nafplio

1. Stroll the Historic Centre

The best thing about the old town of Nafplio is that it’s an absolute joy to explore on foot. The little ones can dash around the pedestrian streets and squares and we counted at least three lovely playgrounds (one right by the water at the harbour, with views of the floating caste!).

We started from Syntagma (meaning Constitution) Square for a morning coffee. It was once called Platanus Square, after the large plane tree still standing there. It is said the tree was a secret meeting point for local chieftains as they plotted the revolution against the Ottomans.

The square is surrounded by more historical gems. The Vouleftiko was the building which housed the first ever Greek parliament. The Trianon is an old mosque and the oldest surviving Ottoman building. And the National Bank building used to be the home of Kalliopi Papalexopoulou, a leading figure in the uprising against King Otto.

You shall get side-tracked by ice cream

We carried on weaving through charming neoclassical buildings covered in gorgeous bougainvillea, we spotted ornate Venetian balconies and Ottoman-era fountains. We cried over not buying a handmade toy car for 64 euros but we made up for it with artisan ice cream.

Kids a little older than mine will appreciate the original Land Gate which used to be the only entrance to the city in Venetian times. Surrounded by a water canal, the gate locked strictly at sunset and if you arrived after that then tough.

Walk through the cobbled pedestrianised Staikopoulou Street to discover traditional tavernas and browse through boutiques with hand-crafted olive wood creations. For a couple of euros you can have a snoop at the Komboloi Museum and pick up some worry beads from its quirky little museum shop. If you are into ceramics, do check Genesis Ceramic workshop (our cupboards are full but why can’t I resist pretty tat ceramics?).

2. Happy Train to Rest Little Legs

Like most touristic towns Nafplio also offers a happy train ride around the historic centre and I do recommend it if you’re visiting with kids (unlike the Athens one, which I’d say avoid). This gentle open-air “train” loops the old town, giving kids a break from walking and parents a chance to get their bearings. The tour starts at the harbour, circles the old centre through the lanes and carries on into the newer part of town before reemerging by the seafront. You get views of Palamidi castle along the way.

3. Boat Trip to Bourtzi Floating Castle

A short launch from the harbour takes you to Bourtzi, the islet fortress built in the 15th century by the Venetians to guard the port. Ferry boats leave every 30 minutes and the fort itself has recently opened for visitors too. Kids will love the boat ride, and once on the island, you can wander the tiny battlements and take gorgeous pictures by the purple bougainvillea on top.

Obligatory: browse the cute museum shop for gifts and books (available in many languages). Take in the sea views through the windows by the checkout area – you will get the illusion you’re on a boat!

4. Palamidi Castle Adventure

Perched on a hilltop and built in 1714–19, Palamidi Castle offers panoramic views over Nafplio and the Argolic Gulf.

There’s this whole thing about climbing the 999 steps to the top but if you’re visiting with kids you can go ahead and skip all that. The car park is adjacent to the Bastion of Epameinondas which also serves as the main entrance to the fortress. Mind you, there will still be steps and hills for you to climb once inside, so wear sturdy shoes (not sandals), avoid floaty and long clothing and strap on your baby carrier.

You can visit the chapel of St. Andrew in the main bastion, walk the vaulted corridors, have fun with the echo and take in the panorama.

If you’re not terribly claustrophobic you can also visit the dungeon used as Theodoros Kolokotronis’ prison. Kolokotronis was a great hero of the Greek Revolution against the Ottomans, still a hugely popular figure with statues and streets named after him all over Greece. Why, you ask was he thrown in a bleeping dungeon by his own people? After the victory of the Greek Revolution things got volatile: shifts in power dynamics, competing factions, slanders, betrayals, a whole big mess. Anyway, I will keep this article light-hearted but If you’re curious do look it up.

The café terrace sits on the very top. The coffee is good but on the expensive side, as expected. Not many snack choices or anything suitable for toddlers really, only sugary soft drinks and packaged sweets. But overall a great place to catch your breath and take pictures.

To sum up, things NOT to do when visiting Palamidi castle include:

• Don’t bother climbing up the almost thousand steps – little legs will tire pretty soon and there’s even more walking once you’ve reached the entrance.
• Don’t wear long dresses, wide-legged trousers and sandals.
• Don’t rely on the café on top for your or the kids’ lunch.

5. Karathona Beach

Just 3 km from Nafplio town centre lies the shallow, sandy Karathona Beach. We loved the clear waters in Kineta on the way down to Nafplio, but this beach was ideal for paddling and sandcastle building – a much better option for younger kids. Parking is comfortable and there are several beach bars, restaurants and facilities. We were there in May and it was nice and quiet. However it is very popular with families and I am told it can be quite rammed during the summer.

6. Family rides in a quadricycle

Rent one of them from the stands at the harbour and go up and down the sea prom and wide pedestrians streets of the old centre. Good times!

Your Cheat Sheet: Best Restaurants in Nafplio

• Pidalio: Traditional yet creative menu, off the roof ratings, winner of hospitality awards for many years in a run. Your useless fact: The word pidalio (πηδάλιο) is greek for a boat’s helm.
• Stavlos (Stable): Your best bet for all things meat and barbecue.
• Bounos: The best one for fish and seafood. Located right by the harbour, of course.
• The Nest: A great all-rounder Greek taverna close to the seafront. Delicious dishes, comfortable and family-friendly dining area.
• Aiolos: Dine al-fresco right on the cobbled street and enjoy some people-watching while trying some traditional flavours of the Peloponnese. Go early because it can get quite busy at peak times.
• An absolute bucketload of pizza and Italian places for your little picky eaters.

And, if your kids are well-behaved in posh settings (mine aren’t):

• Valaora Resto: Fine dining with idyllic views of the gulf, fortress and the floating castle. On the expensive side, but at a premium location for beautiful sunsets. Lots of fresh seafood and meat dishes. Probably better for couples rather than families but I’m leaving it here because the spot is truly unique.

Your Cheat Sheet: Souvenirs & Boutiques in Nafplio

• Nectar & Ambrosia: A honey boutique with products from the owners’ own family bee farm.
• Maska: A boutique offering an array of handcrafted treasures, including jewellery, ceramics, and unique decorative pieces, all made by local artists.
• To Kombologaki t’ Anapliou: Don’t try to pronounce this, just move on 😂. Get your traditional worry beads from here, or the Komboloi Museum Shop.
• Agnythes: Handmade textiles from master-weaver Maria.
• Archaeological Museum Shop: After a good hour of telling your kids not to touch things, get some lovely souvenirs for them to fondle from this cute Museum shop.
• Genesis Ceramic Workshop: Handmade ceramic creations with bright and colourful glazes.

Beyond Nafplio: Day-Trip Gems

Are you staying in Nafplio for more than 3 nights? Then you will probably have time to sneak in a day trip to these close-by gems.

• Mycenae & Epidaurus: Visit two important archaeological sites: Mycenae, a major centre of ancient Greek civilisation, and Epidaurus, known for its remarkably preserved theatre and the Sanctuary of Asclepius, a major healing centre of the ancient world. Under 30 minutes away.
• Ancient Corinth & Acrocorinth: Explore the ruins of Ancient Corinth and the nearby Acrocorinth, a strategic hilltop fortress with panoramic views. You can do this en route back to Athens.
• Tolo beach: A quiet coastal village with a long sandy beach, calm waters, and good access to nearby historical sites.

Conclusion

Nafplio is safe, supremely walkable and endlessly photogenic. A perfect choice for a family escape in the Peloponnese. In just two days, you’ll balance castle-climbing with beach time, gelato breaks with local shopping, create lots of memories in a Venetian and Byzantine backdrop and take gorgeous photos to send to the grandparents / uncles and aunties / friends from work.

There you have it! Nafplio in 2 days with kids for your next adventure in Greece.

Save me for later! 💙⤵️

Until next time,

M.

PS1. Have you been to Nafplio and what did you think?

PS2. Do you think NOT climbing the 900-odd steps is cheating???

save this for later 📌