Arvanitia Beach: The Beach Inside the City
Arvanitia is Nafplio's closest beach — literally inside the city, just a 10-minute walk from anywhere in the old town. It sits right at the foot of Palamidi, which is why many visitors never even need to leave town for their first swim.
How to get there
Walk up the road next to the Land Gate, heading toward Acronafplia — the beach is right after it, with large free parking just before the entrance. You don't need a car if you're staying in the old town: it's a pleasant, slightly uphill walk of a few minutes.
What you&39;ll find there
The beach stretches about 200 meters, with coarse pebbles at its center and rocky edges where small metal ladders provide access to the water — some sections are even paved with concrete. The seabed is sandy, and its position within the Argolic Gulf shelters it from northern winds, keeping it calm even when it's blowing elsewhere.
It's Blue Flag certified and fully organized: during summer, cafés, a bar, and a restaurant operate here, along with changing rooms, showers, and restrooms. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent along the rocks, and the municipality has installed outdoor gym equipment right before the entrance. Swimming here, the view is unique: looking up, you see the rocks, prickly pear cacti, and the castles of Acronafplia and Palamidi towering above.
Something less known: Arvanitia stays popular even in winter, as a favorite spot for the city's winter swimming enthusiasts.
Where the name comes from
According to local legend, the name comes from a massacre of Albanian mercenaries in 1779 — the story goes that Kaptan Pasha deceitfully led them to Palamidi and threw them into the sea from there. The better-documented version, though, is simpler: Albanians lived in the area during the Venetian period, and the area took its name from them.
The Arvanitia promenade
From the left side of the parking lot, a dirt road leads toward Karathona — a beautiful seaside route through greenery. From the right side, a paved road leads toward the harbor shops — this whole route together is known as the "Arvanitia Promenade", one of locals' favorite walks in Nafplio.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Arvanitia from the old town?
It's inside the city — about a 10-minute walk from anywhere in the old town.Do I need a car to get there?
No, it's a pleasant walk if you're staying in the old town. There's also free parking if you'd rather drive.Is it sandy or rocky?
A mix: coarse pebbles at the center, rocky edges with metal access ladders, and a sandy seabed.Does it connect to other beaches?
Yes, via the dirt road starting at the parking lot, you can walk all the way to Karathona, following the well-known Arvanitia Promenade.
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