This Mainland Greek Town Was Just Named One of the World’s Most Underrated—and It’s Not an Island

If you’re looking for a beach town that hasn’t become Insta-famous, providing quieter seaside charms with striking natural beauty and authenticity, without the massive crowds, International Living recently compiled a list that’s likely to inspire you to book. Provided with input from expats living across the globe who’ve stumbled upon these gems, the one that stood out the most to this writer was Nafplio.

While the Greek Islands have plenty to offer, Nafplio is the country’s first capital, located on the Peloponnese Peninsula and surrounded by Venetian hilltop fortresses. Having explored Greece extensively, it’s one of my favorite destinations, but travelers outside the general region often overlook it for bucket-list islands Mykonos and Santorini. They’re missing out, as it’s just a two-hour drive from Athens and one of the most photogenic towns you’ll find on the Greek mainland.

Directly behind Nafplio’s city center, below Palamidi Castle, Arvanitia Beach offers a pebbly stretch for easy access to a quick dip in crystal-clear blue waters. There’s also a beach bar with loungers and umbrellas, perfect for unwinding with spectacular views of the Argolic Gulf and surrounding cliffs. Neraki is another convenient option between the city promenade and Karathona. 

If you’re willing to venture a bit further away, you’ll find more serenity and soft sands at beaches like Karathona, Tolo Psili Ammos, and Kandia.

What makes Nafplio one of the most picturesque towns in the region is its combination of scenic natural beauty and history. Dating back to prehistoric times, you’ll notice influence from many eras of its past, including Roman, Byzantine, Frankish, Venetian, and Ottoman, in everything from the majestic neoclassical mansions to medieval castles and ancient stone walls.  Climb to the top of Palamidi Fortress for a panoramic view of the Gulf and learn more about the town and its surrounds in the Nafplio Archaeological Museum, which displays artifacts that trace the development of Argolis to the Mycenaean era.

Nafplio makes a great base for exploring many impressive historic sites nearby as well. That includes Epidaurus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, widely regarded as the birthplace of medicine. It’s best known for its ancient theater. The most well-preserved in Greece, it was once used to help heal patients through dramatic shows that were believed to support both physical and mental health. Less than 30 minutes north of Nafplio, the ancient ruins of Mycenae provide a glimpse at what was once the country’s most powerful kingdom. 

Nafplio’s gastronomic scene is impressive too. It’s the most varied on the peninsula, with everything from classic family-run tavernas to Mediterranean fine dining, with intimate, hidden venues along the narrow streets and spots near the harbor. Dishes often feature locally sourced ingredients, including handmade pastas, slow-cooked meats, and fresh grilled fish, best complemented by local Nemean wines.