Getting from Santorini to Nafplio

If you are heading to Nafplio from Santorini you are making one of the finest moves in Greek travel. Nafplio sits on a promontory on the Argolic Gulf in the Peloponnese, a neoclassical town of narrow lanes, elegant mansions and waterfront cafes that served as the first capital of modern Greece. The Venetian fortress of Palamidi rises above the town on a rocky hill, the small castle of Bourtzi sits on an islet in the bay and the old town below is one of the most beautiful in the country. The Argolis region around it is one of the richest archaeological landscapes in the world, with Mycenae, Epidaurus and Tiryns all within easy reach.

Take the ferry

There is no ferry to Nafplio. The town sits on the Argolic Gulf and is accessible only by road. Getting there from Santorini means taking the ferry to Piraeus and then travelling south through the Peloponnese by bus or car, which takes around 2 to 2.5 hours from Athens. KTEL buses run regularly between Athens and Nafplio from the Kifissos terminal.

What about flying?

Nafplio has no airport. The nearest airport is Athens, around 140 kilometres to the north. Flying from Santorini to Athens and then travelling by road to Nafplio gives a total journey time of around 4 to 5 hours door to door.

Your best option

Fly to Athens and take the KTEL bus to Nafplio, or rent a car if you want the flexibility to explore the Argolis region around it. Mycenae is 30 minutes away, Epidaurus is 40 minutes and the drive through the Peloponnese is a good one.