Nafplio's Waterfront: Walking Akti Miaouli

The most popular walk in Nafplio isn't inside a castle — it's the harbourfront itself. Akti Miaouli is the coastal road that wraps around the old town on the seaward side, with views of Bourtzi, yachts anchored in the marina, and dozens of cafés and restaurants in a row. It's the walk every visitor takes, often without even knowing its name.

What You'll See Along the Way

The harbour and lighthouse: The walk naturally starts near the harbour, marked by the lighthouse at the entrance to the bay. The port turns cosmopolitan in summer, filled with sailboats and yachts — every spring it even hosts the Mediterranean Yacht Show, organised by the Greek Marine Tourism Association with support from the Municipality of Nafplio.

Views of Bourtzi: For almost the entire walk, the sea fortress of Bourtzi sits right in front of you, between the harbour and the open gulf — one of the best photo spots in Nafplio.

The Customs House: Along the waterfront road stands the historic Customs House building — attributed, most likely, to architect Stamatis Kleanthis, though its exact origin remains a matter of debate among historians, with some researchers disputing this attribution.

Cafés and restaurants: The entire stretch is lined with cafés and restaurants overlooking the sea — an ideal spot for a sunset drink.

Filellinon Square: The walk ends (or begins, depending which way you're headed) at Filellinon Square, on the site of the old Teresa bastion. Here stands the Philhellenes Monument (1903), dedicated to the foreign volunteers who fought in the Greek War of Independence. This is also where the boats to Bourtzi depart from.

How It Connects to the Rest of the Sights

If you continue past the harbour, toward the lighthouse and beyond, you'll join what locals call the "Arvanitia loop" — a more natural path through the cliffs, passing the small chapel of Panagitsa, ending at Arvanitia beach about 1 kilometre further on. Read more about that stretch here →

Heading the other way, the waterfront brings you close to Syntagma Square and the Old Town.

Practical Information

Best time to go: Late afternoon/sunset — best light for photos, and the time locals themselves prefer for a walk.How long it takes: A relaxed walk along the harbourfront section takes 20-30 minutes. Combined with the Arvanitia loop, budget 1-1.5 hours total.Accessibility: Paved, flat road, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs on this stretch (unlike the natural path toward Arvanitia).Cost: Free — the walk costs nothing beyond whatever you choose to order at the cafés and restaurants along the way.

See Also

• Bourtzi — the sea castle visible throughout the walk
• Arvanitia Promenade — the continuation toward the beach
• Filellinon Square
• Syntagma Square

  FAQ

How long does the Nafplio waterfront walk take?
The harbourfront stretch takes 20-30 minutes at a relaxed pace. If you continue to Arvanitia via the natural path, budget 1-1.5 hours total.
When is the best time to walk Akti Miaouli?
Late afternoon, toward sunset — the best light for photos and a cooler time of day in summer.
Is the waterfront walk free?
Yes, completely free — it's a public street/pedestrian path.
Where does the Akti Miaouli walk start?
Near Nafplio's harbour, close to the lighthouse, extending to Filellinon Square in one direction and toward Arvanitia beach in the other.