Tips on where to stay

(budget)

999 Luxury Hotel

The Venetian building housing 999 Luxury Hotel resembles of a film set and thus, is a wonderful addition to the growing family of Greek boutique hotels in the region. What makes it stand out from the others is apart from the great location, its historical value as it used to be the mayor’s office once. From its balconies you can enjoy great views to the busy paved Staikopoulou street, but also to the famous hill of Palamidi. Throughout the building you will come across an array of special antique items, small pieces of the hotel’s history. Finally, from its breakfast terrace you can gaze atop the city of Nafplio, while at the same time having your morning coffee.

999 Luxury Hotel, 13 Kokkinou Str., Nafplio, 2752 027075, https://999nafplio.gr/

(pricey)

Μelissaki Villas 

Thanasis Karachalios, the manager of Melissaki Villas, is a genuine lover of the aura of Nafplio. Ten years ago he finally committed to his effort to combine work with pleasure by creating a chic resort. Melissaki Villas, located in a quiet and green area, are to be found just a breath away from Nafplio at the village of Pirgiotika. One of these four villas will become your personal vacation house during the days of your stay.  Each villa provides from heated floor to a special delivery service by a number of taverns around the area. However, what is really eye-catching is the form displaying how you can enjoy your morning breakfast. Sure enough Melissaki Villas are luxurious, but what will make your stay more memorable is the friendly personnel and the excellent service they offer to you. Also, the rates of the villas can be adjusted according the number of people sleeping, as well as the season of your visit.

Melissaki Villas, Pyrgiotika, Nafplio, 2752 096414, https://www.melissaki.gr/

Best tips on where to eat and drink

Nestled in a picturesque lane at the heart of Naplio an easygoing rustic restaurant is serving humongous inspiring homemade dishes with creative names like 999 spicy steps (spicy tenderloin) that will caught your eye. Omorfo tavernaki is indeed a literally beautiful small tavern – referring to its brand name in Greek. This traditional home-style Greek tavern run by the Tsiolis family has been serving hungry people since 1997. With its generous portions perfect for sharing, it has become a favorite local-hangout, where young and old contentedly intermingle. It gets pretty packed especially on weekends and holidays, when reservations are recommended. However, the food is always hearty and delicious despite the crush in the kitchen, and if lucky enough, you will also get the chance to enjoy an impromptu feast. Choose between outdoor tables or the convivial interior to enjoy the impeccable service of the two brother-owners!

omorfo tavernaki

Why Go:

• For the food is carefully crafted from natural and raw materials.

• To taste the turkey patty, «bogana» (roasted lamb leg) and pork shank braised in beer.

What’s more:

Nafplio is your best bet if you crave Italian ice cream (you can find an array of gelati and sorbetti pretty much in every corner of the city, apart of course from the unbeatable ice-cream at the maestros, aka the Raffo familia at the Antica Gelateria di Roma). Then register at the gym. For two years.

If you are up for seafood, avoid Nafplio’s harborfront and drive to Nea Kios – with the best fish joints in the region. Psaropoula (2751 051162) is worth considering if you want fresh fish and great views at the charming port of the village.

What if you want to escape the crowds? We have got you covered.

Alonia (in Pyrgiotika, 2752 024610) is a tourist-free family-run tavern serving all the Greek classics. Located less than five minutes from downtown Nafplio, feels like a world away because its food flavors bring you straight to the Greek county. A popular option with locals (they line up especially on Sundays), it's just far away enough to avoid the unaware tourists. Everything on the menu is organic and grown on the owner’s backyard. Apart from the superb food, the service will make you feel more like being a guest in someone’s house. Try one of their ample dishes – and our personal favorite - like the pork and leek stir (available during wintertime) or «goges» (the handmade celebrated pasta of the region).

Fancy all things arty?

Nafplio, the city of timeless history, symbolic sites and landmarks, has also places that serve the local’s new needs, transforming the urban form of the landscape and feeding the masses soul with fancy art and/or food … Fougaro (the Greek word for funnel) used to be an abandoned canning factory, which was privately revamped in 2012 to a leisure space, and has lately become a cultural centrifuge for the whole region. Apart from carrying out the challenging task of keeping the city enlightened by triggering the mind as well as the senses of its habitants, offers also a café - with both indoor and outdoor seating - of an all-inclusive flavor experience that includes from satisfactory snacks to a great variety of home based wines, with the hill of Palamidi on the background. (Asklipiou 98, Nafplio +30 27520.47347, https://www.fougaro.gr)