Athens, Hydra, Nafplio Itinerary Help

Many experienced travellers to Greece often suggest you get to your first destination the day you arrive in Athens, Leave Athens to the end of your trip so you are in Athens the night before your return flight. It takes the worry out of making that flight.

Frankly I would exclude Hydra. Nafplio feels like it is an island so make it your island location. Your trip is short and every island hop takes up half a day. So you lose half a day going to Hydra and another half getting to Nafplio.

There is lots to see in and around Nafplio, so you can use this extra time to bus or taxi to the nearby sites.
Nafplio https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157632094108982

Skip Hydra, go to Napflio.

I would split my time between Athens and Nafplio as it's one of Greece's prettiest towns and a perfect base to explore nearby world class archeological/historic sites and so much more.

There's more than enough to do there to keep you occupied for the time you have.

If you want to see Hydra you can do a day cruise with Pegasus Travel.

You'll have to rely on the bus to get around so you'll need to be flexible and deal with schedules that may not be suitable but it's doable if you plan ahead.

If possible I would recommend a car as it will give you freedom to go where you want and when you want.

Check out Staikos Car rental in Nafplio.

Driving in that area is relatively easy.

I would recommend getting back to Athens at least one day before your flight so save Athens for the end of your trip.

Check out the best website for Nafplio and you'll find more than enough to do even some down time:

https://visitnafplio.com/

NEVER skip Hydra! Our favourite place in all of Greece (tied with Meteora). Plus its just so convenient from Athens (metro to Piraeus, ferry to Hydra). And definitely stay at least one night (we stayed two); the evenings are when it really becomes magic.

Thank you for the feedback!
I think I am convinced to rent a car at the airport and head to Nafplio. I looked at directions it does not seem that difficult to get there. We will probably arrive at 6pm on a Sunday. So how many days do you suggest for Nemea, Mycenea, Epidaurus, a beach day and time to wonder the town and relax?
Can you park at the beaches? We will be there in October so I am thinking crowds won't be too much of an issue?
The last time I rented a car was in Ireland in 2007, do you suggest getting the GPS or use our phones?

I am still hooked on Hydra and will do a day trip from Athens!

Arriving at 6 p.m. and with a rental car you will probably not be in Nafplio before 9:30 p.m. But don't worry, the road is easy (mainly highway with a few tolls) and the Greeks dine late (around 9 p.m. or later).

Google Maps works fine to go to Nafplio.

A large part of the old town of Nafplio is pedestrian or has access reserved for locals, there are parking lots nearby.

I don't know which beaches you are talking about but I don't see any particular difficulty in parking near the beaches in general.

Thank you! Our flight gets in at 2:45, that is why I am estimating 6pm to Napflio

Even better!