The seaside town of Nafplio was the first capital of the new Greek state when it was formed from 1823 – 1834. Greek mythology tells us that Nafplios, the son of Poseidon - God of the Sea, founded the town.

It has a very ‘Game of Thrones’ atmosphere with its narrow cobbled streets of the Old Town, bourgainvillia flowers growing over arches and its Fortress of Palamidi sitting on top of a small hill, guarding the town.

Built by the Venetians in the early 19th Century, the Fortress has a chapel inside, yet during Turkish occupation of Greece in general, Christians were forbidden inside. It was also used as a political prison–in 1833 one of the leaders of the Greek Revolution was imprisoned here and prisoners had to undertake hard labour. There are 999 steps up to the castle, all built by the prisoners. Be sure you to take a break when walking up to visit it! It’s well worth it for the views.