Nafplio with kids: how to visit this picture perfect coastal town in Peloponnese, Greece
All you need to know to plan a visit to Naflpio with kids: Our practical guide for visiting Nafplio with kids: what to expect, whre to park, where to find a playground, what your kids will love.
When planning our family road trip in and around the Peoloponnese, Greece, we knew we wanted to mix visits to archaeological sites and relaxing stops in pretty coastal towns.
We were looking for a pretty village with a family friendly vibe, nice lunch options and beautiful sea views and our choice fell on now place that ticked all these boxes and more: Nafplio!
Nafplio is a small town on the Eastern coast of the Peloponnese.
Easy to reach from Athens with a short drive, Nafplio was the first capital of modern Greece and is famous for its pretty streets, an imposing castle and for being one of the most romantic cities in the country.
Romantic might make you thunk Nafplio is for honeymooners rather than kids; however, Napflio is super family friendly too!
We loved our stop on Nafplio and the children had a wonderful time on the town’s cute seafront playground.
I recommend you plan a stop while driving in this area: I’m sure you’ll love visiting pretty Nafplio with kids!
If you want to see more of our family photos from Nafplio, you can see them on our instagram here.
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Why visit Nafplio with kids
There are many reasons why we loved Nafplio with kids.
- Nafplio is a small, relaxed town with a family friendly vibes and car free area
- We found a lovely playground with views over the sea and nice benches for parents
- Nafplio is safe and relaxed with all you expect from a pretty Greek towns: colorful doors, flowers, pretty shops, tons of restaurants, delicious food and wonderful people
- Nafplio has a stunning castle
- Naflio is close to lovely beaches you can easily reach by car
How to visit Nafplio with kids and where to park
The best way to visit Nafplio with kids is on foot but with access to a car.
The car will be essential for getting to Nafplio and exploring the surrounding area, while the town is easy to explore on food and largely car free – perfect for kids!
Parking the car in Nafplio is easy as there is a very large car part near the port: we easily left the car here and were able to reach the town center with a short walk.
Most people, like us, reach Nafplio from Athens and the drive here couldn’t be easier: the road is mostly motorway and well indicated.
From Athens, you follow the signs from Corinth and then south to Nafplio: the distance is about 160 Km.
It is also possible to reach Nafplio by bus or take a day tour from Athens. I have added links to tours we have been recommended below but please note we haven’t got personal experience of these with the kids as we drove to Nafplio instead:
Day tour by bus from Athens to Nafplio, with stop in Epidaurus and Mycenae
Nafplio and ancient Epidaurus day trip from Athens
Good to know! When choosing a day trip, I highly recommend you pick those that include at least also a stop in Epidaurus: have a look at our >>> photos and guide to Epidaurus <<< to see why!
What to do in Nafplio with kids
Nafplio is a lovely, small town with several things to see:
Wander around Nafplio car-free center.
The prettiest thing to see in Naplfio is Nafplio itself.
As you enter the car free part of the town, you find yourself immerse in delightful streets with light walls, colorful doors, cascading flowers and blooming bougainvillea bushes.
The whole place looks like a canvas with strokes of pink and blue, with colors so vibrants, you cannot help but feeling giddy and happy, their energy being so contagious!
In the center of Nafplio you have tabernas, shops and toirist accommodation, yet also a local and relaxed feel that doesn’t make it overwhelming or excessively touristy.
As you explore Nafplio city center, ensure you get to central Syntagma Square, where you also find Nafplio archaeological museum.
Play in Nafplio playgrounds
I don’t know your kids but no matter how old they get, my two aways love a playground and Nafplio has pretty ones!
The most scenic we found it along the seafront, with a stunning view over the Bourtzi fortress, the glorious Aegean Sea and the pretty Nafplio port.
however, trier are additional play areas in Nafplio town center – one of the reasons why Nafplio is so family friendly is that you can explore and stumble upon playgrounds without having to plan play-stops in advance!
Take a walk along the Nafplio sea front
Nafplio has beautiful sea front, offering views over the bluest sea you can imagine!
As well as the stunning water, walking along Nafplio waterfront you can spot the Bourtzi fortress:
And your children are sure to spot the mighty Nafplio cannons!
Explore Palamidi fortress
Nafplio has a stunning ancient castle that overlooks the town, a Venetian fortress dating from the XVII century.
Palamidi is perched on top of a tall hill overlooking the city and it is famous for having served as a formidable fortess and dreaded prison.
To get there form the town you want to drive but hoping back on the car to the castle is worth it as the views from there are wonderful and the inside of the fort really exciting for kids and adults alike!
Good to know: if visiting with very young kids especially, keep a very close eye on them as there are some sheer drops. Palamidi castle is not stroller friendly.
At the time of writing, kids enter free; adult tickets are 8 Euro.
Discover Nafplio by Little Train or Bus Tour
A fun way to learn about Nafplio with kids is by hopping on to the little city train or a tourist bus, perfect especially for small kids who may enjoy the ride, even if not yet of the right age to appreciate the full history of the city!
You find info about the little train of Nafplio here; while you can buy bus tickets here.
Discover Nafplio by FunBike
If you are in Nafplio on a mild day, then you can also consider ecplreing the town by bike!
We saw bike rental options at the port and while the scorching heat meant we didn’t take the, Nafplio is large enough and flat enough to seem perfect to visit by bike, so this is something we’d definitely consider next time!
How long to stay in Nafplio with kids
How long to say in Nafplion with kids depends on your plans.
If passing by, you want to spend about half a day here: this would give you the time to visit the city center, have a nice meal, let the kids play and explore the fortress and/or the archaeological museum.
If you want to make Nafplio your base for a few days, then you can easily spend several days mixing time in the town and nearby beaches, Epidaurus and Mycenae, both worth seeing.
Where to stay in Nafplio with kids
Nafplio is well equipped with family friendly hotels. Have a look in particular at:
Anthemion Suites and Villas – a beautiful property with lovely gardens, pool, family rooms and on-site restaurant (please check seasonal opening dates of facilities)
Amalia Hotel Nafplio – a little outside of the town, in a quiet locations, this is a beautiful property with a luxury feel offering gardens, pool and restaurant onsite. They offer family rooms and interconnecting suites suitable also for larger families.
Where to eat in Nafplio with kids
All tabernas in Nafplio are welcoming to children. The one we liked most was Mitato, which had colorful decor and a lovely gyros, including a vegetarian option!
I hope you enjoyed this quick account of our visit to Nafplion with kids and it helped you plan your own adventure. Safe travels!
Visiting Nafplio with kids – practical travel guide: pin this!
