A Journey Through Time: Visiting Ancient Corinth and Nafplio for the perfect weekend itinerary
What a view! An aerial shot of Nafplio Old Town from Fort Palamidi.
Welcome to my travel blog, where I embark on a captivating journey through two of Greece's most enchanting destinations: Nafplio and Ancient Corinth at the end of my trip to Greece.
Nestled in the heart of the Peloponnese, these historical gems offer a perfect blend of picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and fascinating ancient ruins. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of scenic beauty, or simply seeking a memorable getaway, Nafplio and Ancient Corinth have something to enchant every traveler.
In this blog, I’ll guide you through the must-see attractions, hidden gems, and best experiences in both Nafplio and Ancient Corinth.
From the romantic charm of Nafplio’s old town, with its narrow cobblestone streets and Venetian architecture, to the awe-inspiring ruins of Ancient Corinth, steeped in myth and history, we'll provide all the tips and insights you need to make the most of your visit.
Join me as we explore the historical treasures, savor the local cuisine, and immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of these remarkable destinations.
Whether you're planning a trip or simply dreaming of one, let me inspire your journey through the wonders of Nafplio and Ancient Corinth.
When returning to Athens from Karpathos Island, I went to Athens Airport to hire a car and drive west to the Peloponnese.
My first stop is Ancient Corinth, which is an hour away. Then, I decided to drive south another hour to the historic city of Napflio.
Let’s get stuck into Ancient Corinth first!
Top Attractions in Ancient Corinth
Ancient Corinth is situated about five kilometres from modern-day Corinth, so it is accessible for a day trip from there and even from Athens, which is an hour away.
I decided to stay in Ancient Corinth, so I was within walking distance of the main archaeological site of Ancient Corinth.
This was December, so the town was quiet, and a few places were closed, but I still had a great time. Check out the main attractions below.
1. Temple of Apollo
One of the most iconic landmarks, the Temple of Apollo, dates back to the 6th century BC. Its imposing Doric columns are a testament to the grandeur of ancient Greek architecture.
Tip: Be sure to walk around the whole temple to see it from every angle, the views are breathtaking especially on a clear blue day like I had, magical!
Thoughts: Wow! Once inside the main archaeological site, this temple is the first thing you see past the welcome center. It is breathtaking! Do you have an image of the classic old Greek-style temples? If so, this would be it! It's an absolute marvel. Remember it is cordoned off around the edges to protect it, but you can still get close enough to get that content!
2. Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth
Located within the archaeological site, this museum houses a rich collection of artifacts, including statues, mosaics, pottery, and inscriptions that provide insight into the city's history. Entry is 8 Euros, and the site is about a ten-minute walk from the center of Ancient Corinth town.
Tip: Don’t plan to visit on a Tuesday, as the whole site is closed, as I discovered to my disappointment on my day designated day of exploration (see my video for more details).
Thoughts: This is a classic Greek museum with an abundance of finds from the site and lots of placards explaining the history. It can get overwhelming. I would say spend more time outside seeing the Temple of Apollo and the other sites within the grounds.
3. Acrocorinth
This impressive acropolis offers stunning views of the surrounding region. The fortress dates back to antiquity and was used throughout the Byzantine, Frankish, Venetian, and Ottoman periods.
Tip: This site is a must if you have a car, as it offers free entry and parking. Otherwise, it is a fair hike up to the Acropolis, but even if you do make it to the site, bring your hiking boots, as the trails can get slippy with gravel to the top.
Thoughts: I was shocked that the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth is closed on Tuesdays, so I needed a plan B. A ten-minute drive uphill is the Acrocorinth, and what a find! Amazing views at the top of the Peloponnese region, including modern-day Corinth. The castle is impressive, and many placards explain the different rooms. It was well worth the trip, and I survived the strong winds!
4. Ancient Agora of Corinth
The heart of ancient Corinthian social and commercial life, the Agora was a bustling marketplace and public square. Explore the ruins of shops, fountains, and public buildings.
Tip: Minutes from the Temple of Apollo, you will not miss it! Read the placards and let your imagination run wild as you try to imagine what this place was like back in the day.
Thoughts: It was not as impressive as Athens’s Agora, but it was still awesome. I love the placards illustrating what this would have looked like in its heyday. Much of the structure is still there and well worth exploring.
The Temple of Apollo
Where to stay in Ancient Corinth?
Pegasus House
Situated in the heart of the town, this delightful hotel offered me a room for 90 Euros for two nights, including breakfast and free parking. The room was super comfortable and had all the amenities you could imagine. The bonus tip of having the dining room upstairs is getting a great view with your breakfast!
Book here with Booking.com
My favourite cafe in Ancient Corinth?
I hung out at To Tavepnaki, which served great coffee and local Greek food. I became a regular there during my stay. Thanks, guys, for entertaining the only tourist in town!
Greek food at To Tavepnaki
Summary of Ancient Corinth
My two days at Ancient Corinth were busy and full of exploration. My surprise at the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth being closed on Tuesdays required me to adapt and change my plans.
The views at the top of Acrocorinth made up for it, as I hadn’t planned to visit! For free, this is a gem to visit!
I loved having a local cafe in town where I got to know the locals who were working there. It felt like I had some company for a few days as I was travelling solo. The food was to die for, and the coffee tasted great at cheap prices at To Tavepnaki.
The Temple of Apollo was a highlight, the morning was basking in sunshine and the backdrop to this monument is what I dreamed about when planning this trip to Greece.
It's a small town that can get very busy in the summer, so book ahead!
The view at the top of Acrocorinth
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Top Attractions in Nafplio
Nafplio is a short one-hour drive south of Ancient Corinth, and I plan to spend one night and two days there.
My hotel of choice is Park Hotel, which is within walking distance of the old town, has free parking along the front and is relatively cheap, outside the main tourist area.
Here are some of the attractions that I checked out that you should consider for your trip.
1. Palamidi Fortress
This impressive fortress sits atop a hill, offering breathtaking views of Nafplio and the Argolic Gulf. Built by the Venetians in the early 18th century, it features a series of well-preserved bastions and a steep staircase with 999 steps.
Tip: If you don’t fancy walking the 999 steps you can drive there from the center of Nafplio which takes ten minutes with free parking at the top. I would advise getting there early or during the off-season as coaches come in with tourists and take up many spaces.
Thoughts: This place is huge! Be sure to leave some time to explore, as there are so many viewpoints you can look out of and parts of the fort you can climb on. You can see for miles in each direction; on a clear day, it is breathtaking. Entry is 8 Euros, which is excellent value.
2. Old Town of Nafplio
Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of Nafplio’s Old Town, lined with neoclassical buildings, vibrant bougainvillea, and charming cafes. The area is perfect for leisurely strolls and discovering hidden gems.
Tip: Do not use Google Maps on your phone; just wander and make random turns down random streets. You will love it! The colourful buildings, historic architecture, trendy cafes, bustling restaurants, viewpoints, and boardwalks will leave you enchanted.
Thoughts: It's probably the highlight of my trip! Even though it was December, it was still bustling as a place where locals hang out outside of the tourist season. The vibe is great, the locals welcoming, and the town is a feast for the eyes. There were so many options for coffee or food; I picked one and had one of the best breakfasts on my trip to Greece. Make sure you check out the boardwalk along the water; locals run there, hang out and enjoy refreshments along the walk. A gem!
3. Syntagma Square
The central square of Nafplio, Syntagma Square is surrounded by historic buildings, museums, and cafes. It’s a lively hub for locals and visitors alike, and a great place to relax and people-watch.
Tip: Kentrikon is a cafe and restaurant on the square. They make fantastic coffee, breakfast, and lunch! It is trendy inside, too, but you can sit outside and people-watch with your coffee.
Thoughts: This is the hub of Old Town, so it is where tourists and cruise ship people hang out. Don’t let that deter you from checking it out, but proceed cautiously, as it could get extremely busy in the summer. There are many options for buildings to admire, cafes to have coffee in or bars to have a few drinks. I enjoyed the hub of the town but the real magic is in the little streets away from this square.
4. Acronauplia
The oldest part of the city, Acronauplia, is a rocky peninsula that offers panoramic views and historical ruins. It has layers of fortifications from different periods, reflecting the town’s strategic importance over the centuries.
Tip: Follow the road up as I tried to find my way through random paths and trails but came to a dead end. After a coffee, I decided to walk up via the much easier road.
Thoughts: The best view of the Old Town! If you want an elevated view of the whole city, including the Old Town, this is the place to be! The other side is a great spot for a sunset. When I found my spot to sit and watch the sun go down, some locals came to hang out with friends beside me. The sun setting over the crisp blue sea is sensational!
The streets of Old Town Nafplio
Top attractions in the Peloponnese I wished I had visited.
Bourtzi Castle
Located on a small islet in Nafplio’s harbor, Bourtzi Castle is an iconic Venetian fortress. It once served as a defensive stronghold and later as a residence for executioners. A short boat trip takes you to this picturesque site.
2. Karathona Beach
A beautiful sandy beach located a few kilometers from the town center, Karathona Beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea.
3. Modern-day Corinth
Modern-day Corinth is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with contemporary life. Located on the Isthmus of Corinth, the city serves as a significant commercial and transportation hub, connecting mainland Greece with the Peloponnese.
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Some essential tips for navigating around the Peloponnese Region.
Transport
I rented a car using my Discovery Cars affiliate link here, which I picked up at Athens airport. The roads in Greece are great, mostly highways outside of the towns. One thing to note is the toll roads. I got refused when I tried to go through the e-gates, but as a tourist, you must go through the cash gates to pay your fee. The speed rules are great for getting to places in good time, traffic was heavy around Athens, and the cities have narrow streets. All in all, a pleasant experience.
Language
Greek is a notoriously hard language to learn, but a few words will go a long way, such as Geiá sou (Hello), efcharistó (Thank You) and Aftio (Goodbye). Copy and paste them into Google Translate to hear how they sound.
In both Ancient Corinth and Nafplio, you will likely get by speaking a little bit of English as they are places popular with tourists, but on some islands where tourism is less prevalent, you may need to improve your Greek language skills!
Food
Greeks are super friendly, so visit a local haunt to try local food, beer, or coffee. When in Ancient Corinth and Nafplio, I made sure to pick out restaurants run by locals. The food was great! Try something you have never had before, like deep-fried courgettes. They tasted so good!
The hotels I stayed with in Ancient Corinth and Nafplio had breakfast with the room rate; there were many options, such as eggs, Greek yogurt, fruit, bread, cake, and vegetables. The Pegasus Rooms had the best breakfast from any hotel I stayed in Greece.
Boardwalk in Nafplio
Summary of Ancient Corinth and Nafplio
I hope this has given you a taste of visiting the Peloponnese region. Be sure to check out my YouTube video earlier in this blog to get a visual of what I saw during my four days there.
Check out my Karpathos Island episode if you want more of Greece here.
Check out my Athens episode if you want more of Greece here.
Follow me on Instagram to see some more content on Greece here.
The Peloponnese, what a surprise!
This Greece trip was full of surprises and unknowns, especially for this trip to the region.
It is safe to say that I didn’t know much about it, but I was inspired by a previous guest on my Winging It Travel Podcast, Peter Fiennes, who told me I should visit these two places.
They are steeped in Greek history and very important to the culture of Greece.
I felt that when visiting! The Temple of Apollo did get the history juices flowing as I tried to imagine this bustling city in eras gone by.
Nafplio was a gem! I could walk around that city for days, checking out every cafe, every street, every inch of the forts, and chilling out with locals.
I can see why it is a popular route for cruise ships, which is unfortunate.
When I sat there for sunset at Acronauplia, I reflected on a trip that got me to the core. I love Greece and everything about it! There were a few countries in the mix for me to visit that December, but I chose to check out Greece for the first time.
You can always visit the obvious choices, but my advice is to see the less visited because the real magic happens there.
Thank you, Greece!