Getting from Mykonos to Nafplio

Nafplio is one of the most beautiful towns in Greece and one of the most overlooked by international visitors who stick to the islands. It sits on a promontory on the Argolic Gulf in the Peloponnese, with a Venetian fortress above the town, a castle on a rocky islet in the bay and a neoclassical old town of narrow streets and elegant mansions that served as the first capital of modern Greece. It is a town that rewards simply walking around, eating well and sitting at a cafe watching the evening light change on the water. The Argolis region around it is also one of the richest archaeological areas in the world, with Mycenae, Epidaurus and Tiryns all within easy reach.

Take the ferry

There is no passenger ferry from Mykonos to Nafplio. The practical route by sea is to take the ferry from Mykonos to Piraeus and then travel by road to Nafplio from Athens. The drive from Athens takes around 2 to 2.5 hours heading south through the Peloponnese on the E65 motorway. KTEL buses also run regularly between Athens and Nafplio from the Kifissos terminal.

What about flying?

Nafplio does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Athens, around 140 kilometres to the north. Flying from Mykonos to Athens and then travelling by road to Nafplio is the fastest overall option, with total travel time around 4 to 5 hours depending on your Athens connection and how you cover the final leg.

Your best option

Fly to Athens and drive to Nafplio. Renting a car in Athens is worth doing for this trip because the Argolis region around Nafplio is best explored with your own transport. Mycenae is 30 minutes away, Epidaurus is 40 minutes, and there are beaches along the Argolic coast that you would miss entirely without a car. Give yourself at least two nights in Nafplio itself.