Nafplion for a weekend out of Athens
I really must apologize for my absence this month. I was traveling about the planet and therefore have abandoned you. But alas, I am back and with more enthusiasm to share than ever! Easter has passed, the sun is shinning, I’m finally in flip-flops and I feel good.
So, I shall take you today to the spring/summer playground of the weekend adventurer from Athens to a place merely one and a half hours from the bustling city called “Nafplion”. This is an ancient Greek port once occupied by Venetians and the aura of which still lingers behind in the architectural style of the old town. Drive over for the day and enjoy an iced coffee (frappe) with friends, hike up to the castle (it’s on a hill; you can’t miss it) and revel in the ancient times, or just stroll around town with an ice cream cone from “Pagotomania” to work up an appetite for dinner. There is a great little place called “The Koutouki” which has great traditional Greek food, or you can just pop into one of the many taverns for fish or meat.
To check out the fabulous view, go to the Nafplion Palace, which is up the opposite hill from the castle. This is a glamorous hotel built in the wake of the 1960’s and even has an elevator system to take you up so you can arrive in style. Have a drink on the patio and watch the sunset.
Don’t forget the great shopping around town and check out “The Art Shop” for Modern Greek art and the National Gallery Alexandros Soutzos Museum or the Nafplion Art Gallery for all types of art.
So, step out of Athens for the weekend on the road to Corinth and enjoy the drive.
