Arvanitia Beach is Nafplio’s pretty town beach. Legend states that the beach takes it from Albanian mercenaries who were thrown from the nearby Fortress of Palamidi. Arvanitia is a Greek word for Albanians.
Arvanitia Beach sits in a small cove and is a beach made up of white pebbles and rocks. Its close proximity to the centre of Nafplio makes it popular with tourists and locals alike. You can rent beach lounge chairs and parasols and there are public changing facilities. Bring a picnic or have lunch at the café situated on the rocks above the east side of the beach.
Sit back and enjoy the views across the Argolic Gulf and toward the mountains of Arcadia. Alternatively, cool off with an energizing swim in the warm and perfectly clear water. Lifeguards patrol the beach, thus making it a safe swimming spot for children.
Leading from the beach are two scenic walks. One is the Arvanitia Promenade, a seafront walk that starts at the beach before winding around the base of Acronafplia castle to the Port of Nafplio. The walk only takes about 20 minutes but there are plenty of things to see on the way. Look up at the canons that point out toward the bay from the castle’s bastions. At various points, steps lead down to the sea and to uninterrupted views. Watch as the sun drifts down behind the mountains on the opposite side of the bay.
A longer walk will take you to Karathona Beach. Follow the coastal path for about 2 miles (3 kilometres) to discover a long, sandy beach lined with palm trees. If you are feeling active then rent watersports equipment such as kayaks and snorkeling gear. Enjoy fresh fish and seafood at one of the traditional taverns that overlook the beach.
Arvanitia Beach is just a 10-minute walk from Syntagma Square, in the centre of Nafplio. Parking is available at Arvanitia Square, situated above the entrance to the beach.
