Walking Paths in Nafplio
In Nafplio, this magical city of Argolis (in Peloponnese), know that walking is always a unique experience! Whatever rhythm you follow, in any time you have, regardless of your physical condition, the various routes you have before you are several and there is always an ideal one for you!
For instance, if you do not have much time at your disposal or if you want a simple stroll, walk along the harbor towards the lighthouse or take a promenade through the "Kolokotroni" and "Kapodistria" parks, reaching Syntagma Square. If you might want to add a degree of difficulty, put "Dromoskales" on your route (the alleyways with stairs, typical in the old town) and explore the alleys of "Psaromachala"! Admire the houses and local architecture and take unique photos! Furthermore, you can walk towards the other side of the harbor, where the larger ships moor, and reach the rocky edge of the jetty. How close from here also the Bourtzi can be seen! You reach out and you almost seem to grasp it!...
The two, however, best known routes and favorite walking paths for locals and visitors, are the famous "Tour of Arvanitia" and the path Arvanitia - Karathona, which have even been included in the "Natura" network program. The magic of these routes diffuses all around, the changes of the landscape are unique, the view is remarkable, the colors of the sky and the sea are indescribable every hour of the day until nightfall!...
The famous walking path named "Tour of Arvanitia" starts right after the end of the port and the last cafeteria towards the lighthouse, and ends in the square of Arvanitia, at a total distance of about one kilometer. Throughout the route you gaze uninterruptedly at the sea and the Argolic bay, while looking up, vertical rocks and the imposing walls of Akronafplia dominate.
Following the path, you soon meet a small chapel hooked on to the cliffs; a favorite pilgrimage of both residents and visitors of the city. This is the "Panagitsa" or the Virgin of the Cave, the "Santa Maria della Grotta" of the Venetians. The view to the Argolic Gulf from there is unique.
The tour ends in Arvanitia square. According to a local tradition, the area was named Arvanitia because from its rocks, in the year 1779, it is said that Gazi Hassan Pasha deceitfully guided and threw five thousand Turkish-Albanian mercenaries and "Arvanites", who were ravaging the area. There is also another version of the name's origin, according to which in this area, which was located outside the walls, on the east side of the Land Gate, a large number (thousands probably) of "Arvanites" (christian Albanians) actually lived, since the years of the first Venetian rule.
Below the Arvanitia square, you can see the nearest organized beach of the city, where you can enjoy your swim gazing up at the walls of Akronafplia and the castle of Palamidi (absolutely amazing!).
Crossing the square of Arvanitia, the really fantastic Arvanitia - Karathona walking path stretches ahead. You can, therefore, continue your walk east, at the foot of the rock of Palamidi, ending at a distance of about 2.7 km on the sandy Karathona Beach. If one then wishes to return to the old town, he can descend the Arvanitia square towards Staikopoulos Park and the Land Gate.
In this second unique route, in addition to the unsurpassed view of the sea from various heights, one can observe the huge variety of rare flora with endemic plants of the Peloponnese (such as Campanula Andrewsii Daphne, Erysimum Corinthium, Stachys Chrysantha, Stachys Swainsonii Argolica, brushwood, the Mediterranean macchia etc.), that are gathered along! Among them, there is an important fauna of vertebrates and invertebrates, such as the Peloponnesian lizard (Algyroides Moreoticus), the Hemidactylus Turcicus small lizard, the Coluber Gemonensis, the coluber najadum dahlii serpant, the Eryx Jaculus Turcicus, the Podarcis Peloponnesiaca Lais, the Mauremys Caspica rivulata turtle, the Testudo Marginata turtle, the Testudo Hermanii turtle and the Ophiomorus Punctatissimus. All these species are protected by the Berne Convention (Treaty).
Colors and scents mingle and alternate, while seagulls flying around accompany your steps. Some walk with their dog, others with friends, couples walk hand by hand and others enjoy a coffee and the company of a book sitting on the benches or on the rocks along the way. But, also, the geology of this fantastic route is very interesting (the area belongs to the sub-pelagic zone and has rocks such as slate, sandstone-silica and marl keratoliths), attracting numerous climbers, in all kinds of marked routes. You see them hanging on the rocks and you hold your breath!...
If you still have the time and mood, consider adding another 415 meters at the end, from Karathona Beach to the secluded chapel of St. Nickolas, on a narrower and less busy path. I promise you, that in the end you will be compensated in full! Think of a nice dive from the rock, a refreshing swim or a small picnic there...
In the end, do not forget: the ultimate experience of physical activity in Nafplio and the most "must try" route, for exercise, for romance, for exploration or for the most incredible photographs, is to follow the path of the ascent to Palamidi castle with the -according tradition- 999 steps! So, put on your sportswear and you're off! Experience Nafplio differently!...
