Nafplio, a charming coastal town in the Peloponnese region of Greece, is a hidden gem that has been capturing the hearts of visitors for centuries. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and picturesque scenery, Nafplio is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Greece's cultural heritage.
Nafplio's history dates back to the 17th century BC, when it was founded by the Mycenaeans. The city played a significant role in the ancient Greek world, serving as the capital of the Mycenaean kingdom. In the 13th century BC, Nafplio was conquered by the Spartans, who used it as a strategic base to launch attacks on their enemies. In the 15th century AD, the city was conquered by the Ottoman Empire, which ruled it for over 300 years. During this period, Nafplio became a major cultural and commercial center in Greece, with a rich tradition of art, literature, and music.
Nafplio's architecture is a testament to its rich history and cultural heritage. The city's old town is filled with beautiful buildings, many of which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The most impressive of these is the Palamidi Fortress, a massive Venetian castle that dominates the city's skyline. The fortress was built in the 17th century and took over 30 years to complete. It features stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
Nafplio is home to a wide range of attractions that are sure to delight visitors. Some of the most popular include:
Nafplio is famous for its delicious cuisine, which features many traditional Greek dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, and baklava. The city is also home to many excellent restaurants and cafes, where visitors can enjoy a delicious meal or a refreshing coffee. Some of the best places to try include:
Nafplio is easily accessible by car or bus from Athens, which is just over an hour away. Visitors can also take a train or ferry from Athens to Nafplio. The city has several parking lots and bus stations, making it easy to get around.
Welcome to Athens, the birthplace of democracy, arts, science and philosophy of Western civilisation. You’ll be captivated by the many ancient monuments all around: the Acropolis – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Stroll around and discover Plaka, the picturesque district located right below the Acropolis, with its narrow pedestrian streets, lovely neoclassical buildings, small cafes and traditional tavernas.
Athens is also known for its cultural scene and buzzing nightlife. Meander through the streets of Exarchia, a fascinating neighbourhood long famous as a center for students, intellectuals and political radicals. The neighbourhoods of Monastiraki and Psirri are known for their lively bars and tavernas as well as for graffiti and street art. The city has many outdoor markets, such as the Monastiraki Flea Market, where you’ll find a variety of unique and handmade items.
Athens is also a great base for exploring the rest of Greece, as it is well-connected to other destinations in the country, such as Delphi, the ancient sanctuary of Apollo, and the nearby islands of the Saronic Gulf.
Welcome to Thessaloniki, where history meets modern vibrance, Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest metropolis, stretching along the Thermaic Gulf in Macedonia. This dynamic hub is not just a gateway to northern Greece but a cultural hotspot bursting with energy, history, and a thriving nightlife.
This dynamic city, with a population exceeding a million, Thessaloniki is built on fertile land between Axios, Gallikos, and Loudias Rivers, bordered by Koroneia and Volvi Lakes. Its history stretches back to prehistoric times, enriched by layers of multicultural influences.Thessaloniki’s Byzantine churches, ancient ruins, and neoclassical buildings create a unique fusion with its modern urban flair.
From dawn to dusk, Thessaloniki buzzes with life, but when the sun sets, the city truly comes alive—its streets glowing with lights, music, and the unmistakable pulse of a city that never sleeps. Whether you’re here to explore, indulge, or simply take it all in, Thessaloniki welcomes you with open arms.
Halkidiki has long been one of Greece’s most captivating coastal regions, where landscapes unfold in quiet harmony between land and sea. Three peninsulas stretch gracefully into the Aegean, each offering its own character, yet all sharing the same sense of openness, clarity of light, and connection to nature that defines the region. Pine forests descend toward crystal waters, secluded coves appear between rocky cliffs, and the horizon feels wide and uninterrupted.
Life here moves at a measured rhythm. Mornings begin with the scent of the sea and the gentle sounds of village life. Afternoons are shaped by the warmth of the sun, long swims, and slow lunches overlooking the water. Evenings arrive softly, inviting unhurried walks through village squares, quiet conversations, and views of the Aegean turning shades of gold and deep blue.
Visitors come to Halkidiki for many reasons. Some are drawn by its beaches, often considered among the most beautiful in Greece, where turquoise waters meet untouched stretches of coastline. Others seek the authenticity of its villages, where stone houses, narrow lanes, and traditional tavernas preserve a way of life rooted in the region’s history. Nature plays a central role in the experience, offering opportunities for sailing, coastal walks, forest trails, and moments of stillness in landscapes that remain largely unspoiled.
Cultural discoveries also unfold throughout the peninsula. Local markets, Byzantine churches, and family run wineries offer glimpses into the traditions that continue to shape everyday life. Fresh Mediterranean cuisine, prepared with local olive oil, herbs, and seafood from nearby waters, reflects the simplicity and richness of the region.
Within this setting lies MERAVIA Leonardo Limited Edition , positioned above the Aegean near the historic village of Afytos. Here, the landscape becomes part of the experience. Sea and forest meet at the edge of a natural hillside, creating a setting that mirrors the spirit of Halkidiki itself. Calm, open, and quietly captivating, it offers a place from which to experience the peninsula in its most authentic form.
With three idyllic beach locations in Athens, the European Capital of Culture in 2017, Leonardo Hotels & Resorts put you close to some of the most celebrated tourist landmarks of the city. Your Cyprus island adventure begins with us. ...
Each of our four-star resorts offers elegant, modern accommodations and comfort with the traditional Cypriot hospitality that puts a smile on your face from the first hello and long after you go back home. When you vacation with Leonardo Hotels & Resorts, you have a front row to the dazzling waves of the Mediterranean, all kinds of in-house activities to keep you entertained, inspired spa treatments, luxury amenities, and restaurants serving both local and international fare to satisfy every palate
