Nafpoli is rough.. Rethink the recommendation

We were there in 2018. We have very fond memories. I hope it hasn't changed that much. At the time the old town was very touristed but mostly by Greek tourists. It wasn't that easy to find someone who spoke English, compared to the islands where it was easy. It did have things geared for tourists. My son stumbled upon a little convenience store in the old town where he bought some beer and other things. He took us there when we were running out of toilet paper. The older woman who ran the place greeted him warmly and found us toilet paper in the back. He visited almost every day and liked her so much that he went back to say good bye when we were leaving.

But it is a real town too. I went to a grocery store at the edge of old town. I got there before it opened as it turned out and sat on the curb and watched the children arrive at the school across the street. The people in the grocery store were locals. I stood out, that was for sure.

I probably went to the same grocery store! I brought up a tomato, and the clerk said a bunch of stuff in Greek and I gave the old deer in the headlights look! She switched to english and laughed my apology off.

It is looking real Venice beach.. Like too many souvenir shops and English taverns now. Compared to picture perfect little greek towns of Assos, Kephalonia or near Olympia. It looks worn down. There is a cruise ship in port now too.

I think a lot probably depends on the time of year you go. In May 2018, it was perfectly pleasant.

Nafplio may have had a few rough years since 2018. I think it looks like Venice Beach, dirty, touristy, and kinda scary. I think plenty of other towns are much better looking and worth more of your time.

It's unfortunate that you didn't like Nafplio.

Very surprising as most people agree that it's one of Greece nicest towns and a wonderful place to explore the region.

Apparently your tastes are vastly different from many other people who visit Greece on a regular basis.

We had a totally opposite experience. Loved Nafplio. It had a touch of faded elegance, recalling its days as modern Greece's first capital, but we really enjoyed the Old Town with its neoclassical buildings and narrow lanes, the Venetian Fortress, the waterfront, outdoor restaurants and tavernas, and shops. And it was a good base to visit Mycenae and Epidaurus. No place is right for everyone, but we would highly recommend for most folks.

This is what Nafplio looks like. The old town and fortresses are amazing. Judge for yourselves if this city is not impressive.
Nafplio https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157632094108982

You can take cool pictures and cut a nice trailer for just about anything.

Nafplio was the end of my trip, compared to Assos, Monemvasia, Sami... it's just not that picturesque. It is very par for the course. And it is a well known tourist spot, that looks looks that way (English, tourist shops, etc.)

If it was a "well known tourist spot" why did you go?

Because I am a tourist, and I thought it had something to offer. It does not, you are better off spending your time elsewhere in Greece. That is why I am posting my opinion, so others can make an informed decision.

If you are a tourist you should have done research to see if Nafplio was your type of place to visit.

If it isn't what other towns/villages did you go to that you felt were better or not as touristy as Nafplio?

While you are entitled to your opinion it seems the majority of people who have gone there have a vastly difference opinion of Nafplio than you do.

I did do my research, in fact it is recommended in the Rick Steve's guidebook. Hence I am saying, that advice might be wrong. I certainly would advise people to avoid it and spend time and money elsewhere, hence the post.

Steves hypes Nafplio so I would have looked at other guide books or online websites.

Relying on one source may or may not give you the best advice.

I can only go by my experience in Nafplio back in 2011. It was early October and the town was lovely. Pleasantly busy but not hordes of tourists.

Was it "touristy", yes and no but not over the top touristy. Just enough "buzz" to make it enjoyable without having to side step lots of tourists.

The Old Town is truly one of Greece's nicest. Are there others that are as good or maybe better? Yes, but not by much.

I have been to Greece 9 times since 2010 and have fond memories of our times in Nafplio.

I would recommend it if you like a more upscale Greece but it's certainly not over-the-top like Santorini.

However, everyone has there own opinion but I wish you wouldn't make it sound like Nafplio is a place to avoid, because it really isn't.

Thank you for you comments on the quality of my photos.

On our first visit to Nafplio we ended up in a hotel in the new city and we were as unimpressed as you appear to be. In fact one well known Greek expert Matt Barrett has been quoted as being totally unimpressed with Nafplio until he got up the next morning and discovered the old town area.
That is the area that impresses people. It is full of wonderful sites, old buildings, Venetian era mansions, and lots of people including many locals. The main square is full of Greeks with their families including the kids until late every night. That is where social interaction takes place. Nafplio is also known as a preferred location for a week end get away for many Athenians.

Wandering around all the streets in the back alleys, suggests what the past may have been like.
Your experience seems to be quite different. Is it possible that you did not find the old town area?

Any way, I posted my pictures so people can see Nafplio old town as I experienced it and can draw their own conclusions based on images of what it is truly like.

@stanbr - thank you for sharing your excellent photos! I too enjoyed Nafplio (earlier this month).

Lanai Thank you for your kind words.

Stanbr's photos are always a joy to view. He has submitted many photos of his visits all over Greece and of course taking photos will be of photogenic areas not garbage dumps, trash, run down areas, etc. You'll find those just about anywhere one goes, even in your own town or city.

There is a big difference between the New Town and Old Town.

The New Town is just that: "new". It's where most locals do their every day shopping.

We strolled around New Town and it was fine. Lots of small shops with a wide variety of goods, tavernas, markets, butcher shop, laundry and some semi-upscale shops. Perfectly fine for every day shopping.

It's not why people go to Nafplio for. It's the Old Town and it's architecture is beautiful, narrow streets, and yes, touristy but not in your face touristy.

The square is lovely, very wide and surrounded by many nice businesses. Palimidi Castle is a marvel and the views are outstanding. Nice waterfront will be very crowded, especially on weekends but the back streets are a lot quieter.

Not sure how anyone can not find Old Town Nafplio "it isn't pretty".

To each their own I guess!

I think fans of Nafplio have demonstrated here why we love and appreciate the place (and I might add, the Greek public as a whole, as voiced in books, publications, broadcasts, videos etc, have always voted Nafplio's as the most beautiful Old Town in Greece) ... and let's just close this topic -- because otherwise we'll just stimulate Cranky Chris to express his opinions one more time! Let's move on!

Chris,
No one is trying to convince you that your experience was different. It's just many more on this forum have had a completely different experience, and these are just as valid. Those who haven't visited and are considering whether or not to go should understand all the views. But after all your posts, we get it. You didn't like it. Some of the rest of us did. Let's all move on.