Hotels in Nafplio
Nafplio is small enough that the choice is about streets rather than districts. The old town fills the peninsula under Akronafplia and Palamidi, with car-free lanes, neoclassical and Venetian-era houses and the evening walk from Syntagma Square to the harbour. That is where I would sleep on a first visit, on the flat streets if possible: Athena and Xenon Inn are on Syntagma Square itself, Aion and Impero a short walk away, and Agamemnon, Grande Bretagne and Hotel Ippoliti look over the harbour. Higher up, Aetoma, Grand Sarai, Byron and Ilion cluster around Agios Spyridon church and Kapodistriou Street, on the slope towards Palamidi, so expect stepped lanes with your luggage; Kastello sits between Syntagma Square and the Palamidi path. Navria by Aetoma, adults only, is on Kapodistriou Street too, but has a lift once you are inside. Drivers do better in the newer town east of the walls: Nafsimedon faces Kolokotronis Park, Nafplia is 100 m from the port, and Rex has public parking on site. Amalia lies about 3 km out on the road from Argos, with gardens and a large pool, and PALELIA sits outside town among olive trees, with private parking and the best guest score on this page, 9.9: from both, dinner in the old town means driving. Nafplio is a working town that stays open all year, and Athenians fill it on Friday and Saturday nights and at Orthodox Easter, so those dates book first.
For a first stay in Nafplio, sleep in the old town, ideally on the flat streets between Syntagma Square and the harbour: the Bourtzi view, the Akronafplia promenade and the Palamidi stairs all start on foot, and the car stays parked all evening. Travellers who want a hotel pool, or who drive and dread hunting for a space on a Saturday night, are better served by the newer town east of the walls, or by Amalia, about 3 km out on the road from Argos.
Nafplio in numbers

PALELIA living in the olive garden
Elegant accommodation with sea views and a peaceful olive garden
Why guests love itPALELIA living in the olive garden is a calm family base near Nafplio, close to Karathona Beach and within reach of the Bourtzi fortress in the harbour. Family rooms are air-conditioned with private balconies and sea views, and the garden and sun terrace give children room outdoors. Free private parking on site makes day trips around the Argolida easy with a car full of beach gear, and the concierge service can help plan outings to the beach or the old town.

Aetoma Hotel
An 18th-century mansion in Nafplion's Old Town with spa facilities
Why guests love itAetoma Hotel is a four-star hotel in an 18th-century neoclassical mansion in Nafplio's Old Town. The air-conditioned rooms are decorated with artworks and handmade carpets and have hydro-massage showers. Breakfast features homemade jams and traditional pastries, a good way to start a day in the old streets. There are spa and wellness facilities for parents. With a 9.8 rating from 748 reviews, I recommend it to couples and families with older children who want a historic stay in the Old Town.

Navria by Aetoma
Adults-only rooms with city views and modern comforts near Nafplio's attractions
Why guests love itNavria by Aetoma is an adults-only property in Nafplio, so it is not an option for families with children, and I would say that plainly before anything else. For adult family groups, such as grown-up children travelling with parents, it works well: rooms are air-conditioned, there is a lift, daily housekeeping and room service, and some rooms have balconies over the town. Arvanitia Beach and Palamidi are close. A 9.8 score from 680 reviews is exceptional.

Ennea Muses Rooms and Suites
Comfortable rooms with spa facilities, a pool, and scenic views
Why guests love itEnnea Muses Rooms and Suites is a family-friendly stay in Nafplio where every room has its own kitchen. Rooms are air-conditioned, with a balcony, a private bathroom, a tea and coffee maker and free WiFi, so families can handle breakfasts and snacks themselves. The garden, terrace, hot tub and a pool with a view give children and parents room to relax, and massage services are available. Rated 9.6 from 484 reviews, I would choose it for space, the pool and the kitchens.

Capital Luxury Suites
Luxury aparthotel with pool, spa, and family-friendly amenities in Nafplio
Why guests love itCapital Luxury Suites in Nafplio offers aparthotel-style accommodation with air conditioning, private bathrooms and balconies. The outdoor swimming pool is open year-round, which is rare and useful for families travelling outside high summer, and the lush garden and sun terrace give children space to play. There is a bar, an outdoor seating area and free WiFi. Rated 9.5 from 348 reviews, I would book it for the year-round pool and the suite-style space.

Pension 2Be
Family-friendly pension with a sun terrace near Nafplio's attractions
Why guests love itPension 2Be in Nafplio offers family-friendly accommodation with air-conditioned rooms, private bathrooms and free WiFi. Guests have a sun terrace, a bar and a buffet breakfast, and the Archaeological Museum and Arvanitia Beach are within walking distance. Guests rate it 9.4 from 279 reviews. I would choose it for families who want a central, simple base in Nafplio from which both the museum and a beach are within a walk.

Grand Sarai Nafplio
Historic charm in Nafplio's old town with harbor and city views
Why guests love itGrand Sarai Nafplio occupies a 17th-century building in the old town and welcomes families, a good choice for parents who want to explore Nafplio on foot. Rooms have COCO-MAT beds and look over the Argolic Gulf, the Old Town or Palamidi. Syntagma Square is a few minutes away for evening walks around the old town, and the churches of Agios Spyridon and the Catholic church are right nearby. I would ask for a gulf-view room.

Xenon Inn
Historic guesthouse in Nafplion's main square with spa facilities
Why guests love itXenon Inn is a historic guesthouse on Syntagma Square, the main square of Nafplion. Rooms are soundproofed and come with free WiFi, a flat-screen TV and a DVD player, and some look toward Palamidi Castle. The property is family-friendly and has spa and wellness facilities. Guests rate it 9.3 across 243 reviews. I would pick it for families who want to explore the old town on foot from a central address.

Kastello Hotel
Elegant accommodation in a traditional mansion in the heart of Nafplio
Why guests love itKastello Hotel occupies a traditional mansion on a scenic alley in Nafplio, between Syntagma Square and the path up to Palamidi Castle. Rooms have a romantic decor with air conditioning and wooden floors. That position keeps the main sights within a short walk while the alley itself stays away from the square. Guests rate it 9.3 from 306 reviews. I would choose it for couples and for families who enjoy historic buildings.

Origami Boutique Residences
Comfortable aparthotel rooms with balconies, a saltwater pool, and fitness centre
Why guests love itOrigami Boutique Residences is an aparthotel in Nafplio with a saltwater pool, a gentle choice for children who find chlorine harsh on their eyes. Rooms are air-conditioned and each opens onto a balcony or terrace over the garden or the pool. The lush garden and spacious terrace give kids room to move, the fitness centre suits parents keeping a routine, and a choice of breakfast options helps fussy eaters. An electric vehicle charging station is handy for families touring the Peloponnese by car.

Impero Nafplio Hotel & Suites
Historic charm with modern comforts and a delicious breakfast
Why guests love itImpero Nafplio Hotel & Suites is set in a restored historic building in Nafplio. The air-conditioned rooms have private bathrooms, free WiFi and streaming services, and some come with balconies with views. A continental buffet breakfast with local specialties, warm dishes, fresh juice, cheese and fruit is served daily, and there is a sun terrace with outdoor seating. Private check-in and daily housekeeping make arrivals easy. Rated 9.3 from 855 reviews, I recommend it to families who want a characterful base in town.

999 Luxury Hotel
Elegant accommodation in Nafplio with castle views and a charming garden
Why guests love it999 Luxury Hotel is a restored building in central Nafplio, so families can reach the old town's shops and cafés on foot. Rooms and suites are air-conditioned with town views, and some have a balcony or patio, which gives a little outdoor space. Breakfast is served in the garden, looking up at Palamidi Castle, a good way to plan the climb for the day. I would suit it to families with older children who enjoy walking around a historic town.

Nafsimedon Hotel
Neoclassical elegance with a charming garden and park views
Why guests love itNafsimedon Hotel occupies a mid-19th-century neoclassical mansion in Nafplio, with a quiet garden of palm trees and views over Kolokotronis Park. For families, the best detail is the children's playground just across the street, perfect before or after breakfast. Rooms have chandeliers, marble-topped tables and comfortable beds, and the buffet breakfast is served in the bar area or the courtyard. I would recommend it to families who want character and a place for children to play.

Naus Hotel
Family-friendly comfort with sea views and Greek dining in Nafplio
Why guests love itNaus Hotel sits in Nafplio about 200 metres from the Archaeological Museum, with Arvanitia Beach a short walk away, so a family can mix the old town and a swim in the same day. Family rooms have sea views, balconies, air-conditioning and free WiFi. The restaurant serves Greek dishes with vegan and gluten-free options, handy for children with dietary needs. A sun terrace and a bar complete the picture. I would book it as a walkable family base in Nafplio.

Hotel Ippoliti
Charming mansion hotel with harbor views and a small pool in Nafplion
Why guests love itHotel Ippoliti is a four-star boutique hotel in a restored traditional mansion in Nafplio. Rooms are individually styled with Tuscan furniture and jet shower cabins, some with a spa bath or a fireplace and others with balconies over the harbour. A small outdoor pool with hydromassage gives children a place to swim, and the traditional breakfast is served by the pool. There is also a fitness room and a lounge with a fireplace. Rated 9.1 from 926 reviews, I recommend it for a characterful stay in town.

Grande Bretagne - Nafplio
Neoclassical elegance on Nafplio promenade with gulf views
Why guests love itGrande Bretagne - Nafplio is a neoclassical hotel on the promenade, looking over the Argolic Gulf, a pleasant setting for families who like evening strolls by the water. Rooms and suites are air-conditioned and richly decorated, with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and a minibar, and a suite gives a family more space. The American buffet breakfast offers plenty of choice for different appetites, and the lounge bar has a hand-painted ceiling worth a look. I would ask for a gulf-view room.

Ilion Hotel
Historic elegance in Nafplion's Old Town with themed rooms and a hammam
Why guests love itIlion Hotel occupies a former 19th-century mayoral residence in Nafplio's Old Town, near Syntagma Square and the promenade, so families can walk everywhere. Themed rooms with classical furnishings and antiques feel like staying in a small museum, which older children often enjoy. Air-conditioned suites give a family more room, breakfast is served in the bistro or the garden, and the hammam offers parents a quiet hour. I would suggest it to families with older children rather than toddlers, given the antiques.

Agamemnon Hotel
Sea-view balconies and a prime spot opposite Bourtzi in Nafplio
Why guests love itAgamemnon Hotel puts families in Nafplio's old city, directly opposite the Bourtzi fortress. Many rooms have private balconies, either facing the sea or overlooking scenic alleys, so parents can sit outside while children rest. Rooms have air conditioning and satellite TV, and a breakfast room and a cafe with views of Bourtzi keep the day simple. The alleys lead to local shops and eateries on foot. Choose a sea-view room when booking, since not every room faces the water.

Byron Traditional Hotel
Two old houses at the top of Nafplio's old town, opposite Agios Spyridon
Why guests love itByron suits families whose children can climb stairs on their own. The hotel sits at the top of the old town, so every outing starts on stepped lanes, which rules out pushchairs and makes life hard with toddlers. In return, the upper lanes are quiet at night, and the old town is easy to explore on foot with older children, down to Syntagma Square and the harbour. School-age children can take on the Palamidi stairway, about 1 km away, which leads to a fortress 216 m above the town. There is no pool, so a beach day means leaving the old town.

Amalia Hotel Nafplio
Neoclassical luxury with a large pool and views of Palamidi or the sea
Why guests love itAmalia Hotel Nafplio stands on the outskirts of the town in a neoclassical building, with rooms whose balconies look over Palamidi fortress, the sea or the gardens. For families, the large swimming pool is the main draw after a morning in the old town, and the restaurant serves Mediterranean food on site. Rooms have satellite LCD TVs and Wi-Fi. I would pick it for families who want space and a pool, with a short drive into Nafplio for the sights.

Avra Nafpliou
Family-friendly hotel with a seasonal pool and comfortable rooms near Nafplio's attractions
Why guests love itAvra Nafpliou is one of the more family-ready three-star options in Nafplio. It has dedicated family rooms, a seasonal outdoor pool with a pool bar on the terrace, and free private parking, which counts in a town where central parking is tight. Rooms are air-conditioned and come with balconies, and the buffet breakfast keeps mornings easy. Arvanitia Beach and the Archaeological Museum are within easy reach. Remember that the pool is seasonal, so I would check the dates for spring or autumn trips.

Athena hotel
Elegant rooms with Coco-Mat beds, opposite Nafplio's Archaeological Museum
Why guests love itAthena Hotel puts families in the middle of Nafplio, facing Syntagma Square and the Archaeological Museum. Many rooms have balconies looking over the square, Palamidi or Akronafplia, so parents can sit outside once children sleep. Coco-Mat beds and linens help everyone rest, and the traditional Greek breakfast with handmade pies and cakes sets up the day. Shops, restaurants and bars are a short stroll away, so evenings need no car or taxi.

Artemis
Comfortable guesthouse in Nafplio, close to the Old Town and beaches
Why guests love itArtemis is a simple guesthouse in central Nafplio, a short walk from the restaurants and shops of the Old Town. Rooms have air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, and some have balconies, so ask for one if you want a little outdoor space with children. Free public parking on site is useful in a town where parking near the centre can be hard. There is no pool or restaurant listed, so I would suggest it to families who plan to spend their days out exploring.

Rex Hotel
Family-friendly hotel in Nafplio with neo-classic design and central location
Why guests love itRex Hotel is a three-star in central Nafplio, close to the town's sights, so families can walk to the old streets and the waterfront. Rooms are air-conditioned, with a neoclassical style and carpeted floors that keep them quiet. The American buffet breakfast gives children plenty of choice, and parents can end the day at the bar. Free Wi-Fi and free public parking on site make arriving by car simple. I would choose it as a central, practical family base in Nafplio.

Aion Luxury Hotel
Luxury stay in Nafplion's Old Town with spa and family amenities
Why guests love itAion Luxury Hotel sits inside Nafplio's Old Town, close to the promenade, Syntagma Square and the harbour where boat trips leave, so a family can reach the main sights on foot. Rooms are individually decorated, each with a private bathroom. A spa and wellness area gives parents a quieter moment, and the lobby bar serves local wines in the evening. I would choose it for families who want a central, design-led base in Nafplio rather than a beach hotel.

Nafplia Hotel
Family-friendly rooms with balconies in the heart of Nafplio
Why guests love itNafplia Hotel is a two-star in central Nafplio, just 100 metres from the port and very close to a park where children can stretch their legs. Family rooms have balconies and free WiFi, and the all-day bar serves breakfast, coffee and drinks, so mornings are easy. It is a simple hotel without a pool, but an 8.5 score from over 1,400 reviews is very good for its category. I recommend it for families who want to explore Nafplio's old town on foot.

Vista Del Mare Rooms
Family rooms with sea or mountain views and kitchenettes
Why guests love itVista Del Mare Rooms is an aparthotel in Nafplio, close to Arvanitia Beach and the Bourtzi fortress. Its family rooms have air conditioning, a private bathroom, a balcony with sea or mountain views, a kitchenette and a sofa bed, so children can sleep in the same room and simple meals are easy. The rooms are soundproofed and WiFi is free. Rated 8.4 from 829 reviews, I recommend it to families who want space and self-catering within reach of the beach and the old town.
What to expect
- The famous 999 steps to Palamidi are lore: Visit Greece puts the real count at 857, climbing from the old town to a hill 216 m high, and a road reaches the upper gate if the stairs are too much.
- Across the 27 hotels on this page, guests give an average of 9.1 out of 10 over more than 22,800 reviews; PALELIA (9.9), Aetoma and Navria by Aetoma (9.8 each) score highest.
- Arvanitia, the town beach, is pebbles and fine gravel about 15 minutes' walk from the old town; Karathona, 3 km south and 10 to 15 minutes by car, is sand that stays shallow far out, the better pick for small children.
- A flat coastal path links Arvanitia to Karathona in roughly 45 minutes on foot, with benches along the way: the sandy beach without the car.
- Pools are rare inside the old walls: Hotel Ippoliti has a small outdoor pool with hydromassage, Capital Luxury Suites has a year-round pool, and Amalia, Avra Nafpliou, Ennea Muses and Origami Boutique Residences have theirs outside the old lanes.
Local tips
- Climb Palamidi early: the 857 stone steps face the sun, and by early afternoon in July the climb is punishing. If you are not walking, drive or take a taxi up the road to the upper entrance and walk down the stairs instead.
- If stairs are a problem, avoid the hotels around Agios Spyridon church and Kapodistriou Street (Aetoma, Grand Sarai, Byron, Ilion) and choose Syntagma Square or the harbour front, where Athena, Xenon Inn, Agamemnon and Grande Bretagne sit on flat ground.
- Most of the old town is closed to traffic, and its hotels have no car parks. Park at the port, where parking is free a few minutes' walk from Syntagma Square, or in the free car park above Arvanitia beach. Avra Nafpliou and PALELIA have private parking, Rex and Artemis public parking on site.
- Walk to Arvanitia along the promenade that wraps around the Akronafplia rock rather than through town: it follows the cliff above the sea, passes the little Panagitsa chapel, and turns the swim into a stroll.
- With small children, drive to Karathona rather than swim at Arvanitia: its sand stays shallow for a long way out and the car park is free. Arrive early on summer weekends, when families from Argos and Athens fill it.
- If your dates are flexible, come for Good Friday: the epitaph processions of the old town's churches meet in Syntagma Square, while the one at nearby Tolo ends in the sea. Orthodox Easter moves every year.
- For self-catering, Vista Del Mare Rooms and Ennea Muses Rooms and Suites have kitchens in the rooms, and Pension 2Be keeps both the Archaeological Museum and Arvanitia within walking distance.
Where to stay
FAQ
Where is the best area to stay in Nafplio?
The old town, for a first visit. Syntagma Square, the harbour, the Akronafplia promenade and the Palamidi stairs are all on foot, and most hotels occupy restored historic houses. Choose the flat streets around Syntagma Square or the harbour if you travel with heavy bags, and the newer town east of the walls if you drive a lot: parking is easier there, and Nafsimedon, Nafplia and Rex are a short walk from the old lanes.
Is it really 999 steps to Palamidi?
No. The 999 figure is local lore; Visit Greece puts the real count at 857, and walkers who count for themselves report anything up to about 900 depending on where they start. The stairs begin in the old town, and a road also climbs to the upper entrance, so you can drive up and walk down. The 999 Luxury Hotel borrows the legend for its name and serves breakfast in a garden facing the fortress.
Does Nafplio have a beach?
Yes, two worth knowing. Arvanitia, the town beach of pebbles and fine gravel, is about 15 minutes on foot from the old town along the promenade around Akronafplia, with a free car park above it. Karathona, a long sandy beach 3 km south, stays shallow far out and suits children; it is 10 to 15 minutes by car, with free parking, or roughly 45 minutes on the coastal path from Arvanitia.
How do you get from Athens to Nafplio?
By KTEL Argolida bus from the Kifissos terminal in Athens, a journey of about two hours, with fewer departures on Sundays and holidays. Kifissos is not in the centre, so allow time for a taxi or city bus to reach it. In Nafplio the bus stops at the edge of the old town, a short walk from most hotels on this page. By car, the town's tourism office gives about 140 km and two hours on the A8 and A7 motorways, leaving at the Nemea and Nafplio exit.
Which hotels in Nafplio have a pool?
Few in the old town. Hotel Ippoliti has a small outdoor pool with hydromassage, where breakfast is served. Capital Luxury Suites has a year-round pool. Amalia has a large pool in its gardens about 3 km out, Avra Nafpliou a seasonal outdoor pool, Ennea Muses a pool with a view and a hot tub, and Origami Boutique Residences a saltwater pool.
Are there 5-star hotels in Nafplio?
None of the 27 hotels on this page has five stars; eight have four: Aetoma, Grand Sarai, Ilion, Amalia, Grande Bretagne, Athena, Naus and Hotel Ippoliti. Luxury in Nafplio means a restored mansion in the old town rather than a resort, and guest scores say more than stars here: PALELIA scores 9.9, and Aetoma and Navria by Aetoma 9.8 each.
Which Nafplio hotel is best for couples?
Navria by Aetoma is adults only and scores 9.8; it is on Kapodistriou Street, the stepped upper part of the old town, so the walk up is part of the deal, though it has a lift inside. For a historic mansion I would book Aetoma (also 9.8) on Agios Spyridon square, or Kastello, between Syntagma Square and the Palamidi path. Couples who want a pool should look at Hotel Ippoliti.
Is Nafplio good for families?
Yes, if you choose the hotel for the beach and the car. Nafsimedon has a playground across the street in Kolokotronis Park, Naus has sea-view family rooms 200 m from the Archaeological Museum, and Avra Nafpliou combines family rooms, a seasonal pool and private parking. I would avoid the stepped upper lanes with a pushchair, and plan Karathona rather than Arvanitia for toddlers.
When is the best time to visit Nafplio?
Any time: Nafplio is a working town of more than 14,000 people, so unlike the islands it does not shut in winter, and weekdays then are quiet, with the Fougaro cultural centre running its winter programme. May, June and September suit swimming without the July heat on the Palamidi stairs. Book well ahead for Orthodox Easter and summer weekends.