Greece's first capital beneath a hilltop fortress
Nafplio was the first capital of modern Greece and is one of the country's most attractive towns, with neoclassical mansions, balconies spilling bougainvillea and a harbour watched over by fortresses. Climb the steps to the Palamidi fortress for views across the Argolic Gulf, and take a boat to the tiny Bourtzi castle in the bay. The town is a perfect base for the ancient sites of Mycenae and the theatre of Epidaurus.