Brits looking for a city break with gorgeous beaches, amazing food and budget-friendly accommodation may want to check out one underrated gem that travel experts love
Greece is a firm favourite with Brits looking for sun-soaked holidays including gorgeous beaches, swim-friendly waters and amazing food; but its popularity can mean that getaways can be crowded and expensive.
However, there’s one lesser-known spot on the mainland that travel insiders have praised for offering all the above, “without tourist price hikes” that you’d find at hotspots like Athens, or islands like Rhodes, Crete and Mykonos.
The experts at Ski Vertigo have named Nafplio as one of their go-to underrated spots, adding that while most tourists will miss it, it remains a firm favourite with locals thanks to its beautiful coastal views and lack of larger crowds.
“Often overshadowed by island resorts, Nafplio on the mainland is a favourite among Greeks themselves,” they explained. “Expect great food, romantic alleyways, and sea views – without tourist price hikes”.
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Nafplio has everything you could want for a mix of city break and beach holiday. The city’s cobbled streets are home to heaps of shops, hotels and of course restaurants where you can tuck into some of that world-famous Greek cuisine. (In fact, you can also find some brilliant bakeries serving up some classic Greek pastries that are sure to appeal to anyone with a sweet tooth!).
It’s also worth a stroll to the marina and harbour from which you can take in some gorgeous coastal views, or you can go exploring thanks to the plethora of historic castles, churches and neoclassical architecture, as well as a range of museums where you can learn more about Greece’s fascinating history.
Meanwhile, sun-seekers who’d like to spend a day on the beach won’t be disappointed. For a start there’s Nafplio’s city beach, a small pebbled bay right on the edge of the city, and by the crystalline waters. However if it’s sand you’re after, then you may want to head over to Karathona beach which is always a hit with visitors thanks to its eucalyptus tree-lined sandy shores and amenities including watersports facilities.
It’s also worth leaving space on the itinerary to visit the nearby fishing village of Tolo, which boasts a postcard-worthy golden sandy beach that’s ideal for families thanks to the swim-friendly waters, and a few eateries where you can pick up a snack or use the loos. Tolo also has plenty of hotels and campsites right by the beach for those wanting to spend a bit more time exploring the area.
Although there are no direct flights to Nafplio from the UK, it’s still fairly easy for Brits to visit. One of the easiest routes is to fly to Athens – for which there are plenty of direct flights with the likes of Jet2, easyJet, British Airways and Ryanair – and then to get the ferry across, which takes just over two hours. The ferry between the two cities runs multiple times a day, so there’s plenty of opportunity to either explore Athens and travel on a later day, or grab an early flight and be at Nafplio in time for some sunset cocktails overlooking the harbour!
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