Nafplion is a favourite weekend getaway destination for hot and
bothered Athenians, and no wonder because it is not only a lovely
city, but exudes a cool and relaxed atmosphere soothing to busy
locals and foreign tourists alike. It was capital of the Greek
state from 1828 to 1834 after the war of independence, although its
history is modern compared to the rest of Greece, and particularly
the Peloponnese, it is a popular holiday spot for its charm alone.
Nafplion gets by without any classical ruins. The town does sport
picturesque streets overhung with wooden balconies cascading with
flowers. Some lively outdoor cafes and fascinating mosques add to
the atmosphere. Energetic visitors can climb the 857 steps to the
Venetian Fortress of Palamidi that overlooks the city, but most
prefer to just enjoy the tavernas on the waterfront, the open-air
cinemas and the beaches, while using the town as a refreshing and
comfortable base from which to explore the archaeological sites of
the Peloponnese.
