Where to Stay in Nafplio Greece: Best Areas and Best Places to Stay

Where to stay in Nafplio, Greece? Let’s discover the best areas and the best places to stay in this beautiful coastal town in mainland Greece.

Modern-day Nafplio retains the medieval charm and magical ambiance of earlier centuries, befitting the first capital of newly independent Greece in 1829.

Yet Nafplio has always wielded importance and influence from the ancient past to the present. Three fortresses from the Venetian and Ottoman eras attest to its strategic location on the Gulf of Argolis in the Peloponnese region.

Now, elegant and affluent Nafplio is an easy two-hour drive from Athens, where King Otto made the Greek capital in 1834.

It’s a popular day trip from Athens, of course, but even better when enjoyed longer.

So, let’s dive into the best location and finest accommodation in Nafplio to plan and book when you visit Greece.

As always, you’ll find a custom interactive map – including need-to-know parking lots in Nafplio – firsthand observations, and our own honest hotel reviews from meaningful travel experiences.

Ready? Let’s go!

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Notes on Greek Names

To clarify, one single Greek word can often be spelled in several ways. Because there’s no one single way to transliterate between the Greek alphabet and English.

Additionally, various translations differ from Greek to English. And, of course, linguistic transitions from Classical Greek to Byzantine Greek to Modern Greek over thousands of years.

Nafplio (Ναύπλιο) is also called Nauplia (Ναυπλία) and Nafplion (Ναύπλιον). All these names are correct; however, Nafplio is presently in common use.

Similarly, the ancient fortification Acronauplia (Ακροναυπλία) is also spelled Akronafplia and Acronafplia.

Nafplio’s main square is Plateia Syntagma (Πλατεία Συντάγματος) which means “Constitution Square” in Greek. Syntagma Square is also known as Syntagmatos Square.

Best Places to Stay in Nafplio Greece

Old Town Nafplio

Old Town Nafplio is the enchanting and historic city center of Nafplio. And its original and authentic heart is Syntagma Square.

Syntagma Square means “Constitution Square” in Greek. Ancient marble paves the spacious plateia, a favorite place for children to play, and a hub for tourists and locals.

Centuries-old mansions and other buildings flank the town square – upscale boutique hotels, shops, restaurants, cafes for coffee and ice cream.

Syntagma Square also hosts the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio. Other fascinating museums, such as the Komboloi Museum, the War Museum, and the National Gallery are also nearby.

Old Town Nafplio cobblestone streets take you exploring:

• Along intriguing alleys and around curious corners.
• Up steep hillsides crowned by Palamidi Fortress and Acronauplia.
• Down to the waterfront promenade and port guarded by Bourtzi Fortress.
• Over to Arvanitia Beach, the main beach and closest of nearby beaches.
• In the path of history, following the footsteps of long-ago warriors and statesmen like Count Ioannis Kapodistrias and Prime Minister Charilaos Trikoupis.

So, Old Town Nafplio is considered the best location for first-time visitors. With easy access to all the amazing things to do in Nafplio.

New Town Nafplio

Borders blend seamlessly and smoothly between Old Town Nafplio and New Town Nafplio – whether you’re walking along the seafront or strolling inner streets.

New Town Nafplio encompasses Old Town Nafplio with a certain magical grace and also many modern services.

Supermarkets, shops, restaurants, and cafes, including some excellent specialty coffee houses, abound in this area.

Homes, schools, playgrounds, and small businesses proliferate in its residential neighborhoods and business districts.

So, New Town Nafplio is where the locals live. And where savvy visitors stay.

Acronauplia

Fortified since archaic times, Acronauplia is the original high city and castle above Nafplio.

For millennia, Ancient Greeks, Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans, Modern Greeks, and modern-day tourists have inhabited Acronauplia.

Like Palamidi Fortress, Acronauplia’s lofty location provides spectacular sea views over Bourtzi Castle and the Argolic Gulf.

But unlike Palamidi Fortress – one of Greece’s cultural and archaeological sites – you can actually stay in Acronauplia.

Athena Hotel Nafplio Greece: Our Honest Hotel Review

The charming Athena Hotel Nafplio is an award-winning boutique hotel in the best location. It’s a casual, cozy, fun, and friendly place to stay.

Location

The Athena Hotel Nafplio commands a superb central location on Syntagma Square, the very heart of Old Town Nafplio.

Ancient marble flagstones lead you straight across Syntagma Square to the front door. of Hotel Athena Nafplio

First Impressions

The 19th-century building presents a distinguished exterior of cream, grey, and white.

A small shady verandah, set with a few tables and chairs, is an intimate outdoor space. It seems the perfect place to watch the hustle and bustle of Syntagma Square.

Entering the front door, you promptly see the vibrant sign with the word “welcome” in different languages.

The hotel reception desk and adjacent lounge are bright and cheerful spaces on the ground floor.

So the first impression is indeed a warm welcome, literally and figuratively.

Accessibility

In short, there is neither step-free access nor an elevator at Athena Hotel Nafplio. All guest rooms are on the upper floors, only accessible by the staircase.

Guest Rooms

All guest rooms feature premier Coco-Mat bedding, sustainable and comfortable.

We booked the Deluxe Triple Room. The contemporary yet quaint bedroom includes a king bed and a small upholstered easy chair that extends into a twin bed.

The updated bathroom features double sinks and a walk-in shower with a glass enclosure. The upscale bath amenities are from Zealots of Nature, a high-quality Greek boutique line.

The small balcony offers a peek-a-boo view of Acronauplia above and happy throngs below.

Balconies are available in some rooms with views of Syntagma Square or Palamidi Castle.

Air conditioning and heating make the hotel comfortable in all four seasons.

The new Penthouse Suite is the showpiece of Hotel Athena Nafplio. This petite apartment and phenomenal private terrace command the entire top floor.

Vibrant yellow chairs and outdoor lighting furnish the verandah. This high perch overlooks impressive panoramas of Syntagma Square and Palamidi Fortress.

Dining

The staff of Athena Hotel Nafplio prepare delicious breakfasts from scratch. Breakfast in the lounge offers a daily plated hot dish, plus a display of local treats, house-made pies, and fresh-from-the-oven cakes.

Mmm, that delectable baking aroma subtly wafts through the air and surely makes mouths water!

WiFi and Work Space:

The free WiFi is steady, with an Ookla speed rating of 12 Mbps.

Since we work while traveling, ample electrical outlets and workspace are key.

The Deluxe Triple Room provides those outlets and three optional areas: the desk, the upholstered easy chair, and the small bistro table on the balcony.

Furthermore, the WiFi works well in the lounge and in the Penthouse Suite.

Special Notes

“This is our little house,” said Kyria M with a smile. “And you are our guests.”

And indeed, she and her team certainly make Athena Hotel Nafplio a happy and hospitable place to stay.

Address: Athena Hotel Nafplio | 11 Staikopoulou and Koletti Streets, Syntagmatos Square | 21100 Nafplio Greece

Check the availability of dates and best prices and book HERE.

Best Hotels in Nafplio Greece

Nafplio makes a great home base for travelers exploring Greek landmarks off the beaten path in Peloponnese Argolida, such as the oldest bridge in Europe.

It’s also a holiday destination for Greeks, especially from April to October, and a quick weekend getaway for well-to-do Athenians.

Accordingly, Nafplio hotels and other accommodations offer a wide range of styles, prices, and features.

The best hotels in Nafplio, Greece, combine convenient locations, quality design, sea views over the Argolic Gulf, or landmark views such as Acronauplia and Palamidi Fortress. Oh yes, and true philoxenia – i.e., Greek hospitality.

It’s important to realize the following special considerations for hotels and other buildings, not only specifically for historic towns like Nafplio but also equally important throughout Greece.

Accommodations in Old Town Nafplio generally date from the 18th century and 19th century. As such, renovations fall under government regulations for heritage buildings.

So stairs are the rule, not the exception. Stairs may mean a few steps to the front door or may require one or more flights of stairs to your guest room.

Additionally, there’s no parking in Old Town Nafplio. Nafplio Port provides a free municipal parking lot, a walk of roughly 1,148 feet (350 m) or more to Syntagma Square.

If barrier-free accessibility and/or immediately adjacent parking are critical concerns, then we highly recommend reading, checking, and double-checking the specific information before booking.

Historic Luxury Hotels in Nafplio

Xenon Inn is a romantic 19th-century mansion right on Syntagma Square. Its lively bar and restaurant are often packed with hotel guests – and obviously, everyone else.

Soft neutral palettes and hardwood floors enhance the nicely renovated Xenon Inn guest rooms.

The Xenon Inn Suite is especially elegant with exposed brick walls and a spa bath. Best of all, the Suite opens to an exclusive balcony, overlooking Syntagma Square below and Palamidi Fortress above.

Built circa 1685, the Grand Sarai Nafplio is undeniably eye-catching due to its rather distinctive bougainvillea pink exterior paint.

This family-run boutique hotel features airy rooms and chic decor. Besides the curving wooden stairs, the 17th-century Grand Sarai boasts a new elevator.

Aetoma Hotel offers a traditional ambiance in an elegant 18th-century mansion. It’s located next to Agios Spyridon, the significantly historic Church of Saint Spyridon.

The classic decor at Aetoma Hotel conveys a gracious atmosphere from an earlier era. In the same way, the kind and attentive service at this family-owned guesthouse feels like a more genteel age.

Modern Luxury Hotels in Nafplio

3 Sixty Hotel and Suites, a glamorous 4-star luxury hotel, brings upscale urban style to Old Town Nafplio.

Arriving at 3Sixty Hotel and stepping into the dramatic foyer, you notice the sexy and swanky mood set with a stunning crystal chandelier and circular staircase.

Cosmopolitan vibes continue in the 3Sixty Grill Dining Restaurant. Dinner reservations are recommended at this local hot spot.

Hotel Ippoliti delights guests with touches of Tuscany throughout this 19th-century mansion.

Warm hues, comfortable beds, and modern bathrooms invite relaxation in the guest rooms and suites. Some rooms and suites feature a fireplace and balcony.

Hotel Ippoliti guests enjoy the additional delight of a small swimming pool in the private garden courtyard.

Gambello Luxury Rooms features modern interior design in a neoclassical mansion. And also beautiful views of Bourtzi Fortress.

Indeed, the hotel’s full name – The Antonio Gambello Luxury Rooms – honors Signor Antonio Gambello, the 15th-century Italian-born architect of Bourtzi Castle.

The breakfast room, garden courtyard, and some guest rooms are available on the ground floor. Guest rooms and suites on the upper floors, accessible by stairs, feature prime views.

Opened in 2021, Origami Boutique Residences unfolds tranquility and hospitality in quality and comfort.

Serenity and sophistication infuse the luxury suites and lofts at this top-rated property. Its quiet location in New Town is a short walk to shopping and sightseeing.

The spa-inspired bathrooms are a special highlight of Origami Boutique Residences. As an added bonus, three luxury suites each boast a private pool.

Nafplio Hotels 5 Stars

Atop ancient Acronauplia, Nafplia Palace Hotel is a famous destination for resort vacations and special events like baptisms and weddings.

With its ultimate location high above Nafplio, Nafplia Palace showcases panoramic views over the city below and the Bay of Argolis beyond.

This 5-star hotel is a large resort complex with guest rooms, suites, on-site restaurants, concierge, and free WiFi throughout the property.

Resort amenities include conference facilities, meeting and banquet rooms, a fitness center, and tennis courts.

The swimming pools with sun loungers are quite a big draw for hotel guests. Additionally, some luxury villas and bungalows at Nafplia Palace offer private pools.

Amphitryon Hotel is another 5-star hotel and the sister property of Nafplia Palace.

It’s a full-service modern hotel complex with meeting rooms, special event space, a restaurant, and a lounge.

Amphitryon Hotel doesn’t have a swimming pool. However, Amphitryon guests may freely use the main swimming pools at Nafplia Palace Hotel, its sister property.

With its seafront location on the corniche, Amphitryon Hotel takes ample advantage of Bay and Bourtzi vistas.

Notes on Hotel Star Ratings

As a reminder, the European hotel star rating system differs from North American star or diamond ratings.

In Greece, the hotel rating program is administered by Greek government entities.

The number of stars reflects the hotel category and quantity of physical facilities and specific services. A 5-star hotel must have, for instance, a 24-hour staffed reception desk.

Vida Residential Apartments Nafplio Greece: Our Honest Hotel Review

Vida Residential Apartments is the perfect blend of location, luxury, comfort, quality, and above all, hospitality.

It’s that rare and remarkable place: an ideal home base to become locals, not visitors.

Location

Vida Residential Apartments has a surprisingly versatile and desirable central location:

It’s a short walk to the supermarkets, parks, cafes, and coffee shops of New Town Nafplio.

And an easy walk to all the tourist attractions of Old Town Napflio.

In short, the location is the best of both worlds.

First Impressions

The first impression isn’t the building itself, a modern construction on a contemporary street.

Instead, the first impression is the smiling hosts, two brothers skilled in hospitality who develop, own, and operate Vida Hospitality.

The brothers and their staff genuinely express the spirit of philoxenia, traditional Greek hospitality.

Accessibility

Luggage loading is simple, thanks to our hosts who ensured a free adjacent parking spot during check-in and check-out.

Parking is easy, due to free street parking as well as the big free municipal parking lot nearby.

Built from the ground up, the new building offers step-free elevator access to two of the four suites.

Guest Rooms

We booked the Executive Suite. Although “suite” is an understatement – because at 1,087 square feet (101 m2), the Executive Suite is a full-size city apartment!

There’s sufficient space both for families with children and for couples who like to entertain.

The spacious kitchen, casual dining area and lounge open to the great room.

The great room features a formal dining area, an elegant living room, and a fabulous working fireplace.

Two balconies, both with a table and four chairs, capture sea views and Palamidi Fortress views.

The quiet bedroom invites deep sleep between smooth cotton sheets on the queen bed.

Spa vibes in the marble bathroom – lots of counter space, bright lighting, and a huge glass-enclosed walk-in shower with excellent water pressure.

Air conditioning and heating make Vida Residential Apartments a year-round four-season property.

Lastly, the fixtures, finishes, and interior design surpass typical vacation rentals. This apartment is built for long-term living.

Dining

A capacious welcome basket overflows with snacks and treats including local specialties, as well as bottled water, coffee, and tea.

The roomy and fully equipped kitchen includes all the essentials for meal prep and clean-up. Appliances include a full-size refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, and dishwasher.

Additionally, if laundry needs doing, there’s a washing machine, drying rack, iron, and ironing board provided to get the job done.

WiFi and Work Space

The free WiFi is solid, with an Ookla speed rating of 27.

As mentioned above, the Executive Suite is a spacious city apartment with ample space and seating to eat, play, relax – and yes, work.

For that reason, there’s no shortage of electrical outlets or work areas.

Special Notes

Vida Hospitality sets a new standard that rave reviews proclaim and, as shown above, our own experience proves.

Because Vida Residential Apartments is that rare and remarkable place:

A true home-away-from-home where we become locals, not visitors.

Address: Vida Residential Apartments | 37 Mpoumpoulinas | 21100 Nafplio Greece

Check the availability of dates and best rates and book HERE.

Map: Where to Stay in Nafplio Greece

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