Nafplio is a town of fortresses and marble streets rather than a beach resort, but the coast around it offers everything from a pebble cove a step from the old town to long sandy bays a short drive away. Arvanitia sits beneath the walls of Palamidi, Karathona stretches sandy and shallow beyond the headland, Tolo is a full beach resort down the coast, and quieter beaches line the road towards Iria and Vivari. Between them the beaches of Nafplio suit every kind of swimmer, from the visitor wanting a quick dip to the family after a full day by the sea.
This guide covers the beaches of Nafplio in full: Arvanitia, Karathona, Tolo, Kondyli and the coast beyond, the promenade walk between them, the blue-flag beaches, which suit families, how to reach each, the best time to swim and the facilities. Read it beside the full Nafplio travel guide, the guide to the best things to do in Nafplio and the guide on where to stay in Nafplio.
What are the best beaches in Nafplio?
The best beaches in Nafplio are Arvanitia, a pebble cove beneath Palamidi reached on foot from the old town, Karathona, a long sandy bay beyond the headland, and Tolo, a full beach resort eleven kilometres down the coast. Kondyli and the beaches towards Iria and Vivari offer quieter swimming.
Arvanitia is the town beach. Tucked under the Acronafplia and Palamidi rocks just beyond the old town, Arvanitia is a small pebble cove reached in minutes on foot by the seafront promenade, so it is the beach for a quick swim between sightseeing, with clear water and a dramatic backdrop of fortress walls.
Karathona is the nearest sandy beach. A long bay of sand and shallow water lies beyond the Palamidi headland, a short drive or a scenic coastal walk from the town, so Karathona is the choice for a proper beach day close to Nafplio, popular with families and locals alike.
Tolo and the coast add resort and quiet. Down the coast the resort of Tolo offers a long sandy beach with watersports and family hotels, while the quieter beaches of Kondyli and the shore towards Iria and Vivari give calmer, less crowded swimming, so the beaches of the area range from lively resort to secluded cove.
What is Arvanitia beach like?
Arvanitia is a small pebble beach directly below the old town of Nafplio, tucked beneath the Acronafplia and Palamidi rocks. Reached on foot by the seafront promenade in a few minutes, it has clear deep water, sunbeds and seasonal cafes, and it is the closest place to swim from the town.
It is the town’s own swimming spot. Arvanitia lies just beyond the edge of the old town, under the great rocks of Acronafplia and Palamidi, so it is reached on foot in a few minutes and needs no car, making it the natural place for a swim between climbing the fortress and wandering the streets.
The water is clear and deep. Arvanitia is a pebble beach where the sea drops away quickly to deep, clear water, so it suits confident swimmers and snorkellers more than small children who want shallows, and the clarity of the water and the rocky setting give it a striking character close to the town.
It has the essentials. Sunbeds and umbrellas are set out in season, and a couple of small cafes serve the beach, so Arvanitia offers a comfortable swim with refreshments, and its position at the end of the promenade, beneath the fortress walls, makes it one of the most scenic town beaches in Greece.
What is the Arvanitia promenade walk?
The Arvanitia promenade is a paved seafront path round the base of the Acronafplia rock from the old town to Arvanitia beach, and a longer coastal path continues from Arvanitia to Karathona in about forty-five minutes. Both are level, scenic walks with the Argolic Gulf alongside.
The promenade links town and cove. The paved Arvanitia promenade runs from the edge of the old town round the foot of the Acronafplia, just above the sea, to the cove of Arvanitia, a level walk of ten to fifteen minutes that is one of the great strolls of Nafplio, busy with locals at sunset.
The coastal path reaches Karathona. Beyond Arvanitia a path continues round the headland through pine woods to the long beach of Karathona, a flat and easy walk of about forty-five minutes with views over the gulf the whole way, so the two beaches are joined by a scenic route on foot.
It is a pleasure in itself. Whether taken as a short walk to Arvanitia for a swim or the longer route to Karathona, the seafront path is a highlight of a stay in Nafplio, combining exercise, sea views and swimming, and it is at its finest in the soft light of the early morning or evening.
What is Karathona beach like?
Karathona is a long sandy beach in a sheltered bay about three kilometres south of Nafplio, beyond the Palamidi headland. With shallow, calm water, sunbeds, cafes and open sand, it is the nearest proper beach to the town and a favourite of families and locals, reached by car, bus or the coastal path.
It is the nearest sandy beach to the town. Karathona lies in a bay just beyond the Palamidi headland, about three kilometres from the old town, and unlike the pebble cove of Arvanitia it is a long stretch of sand, so it is the choice for a full beach day within easy reach of Nafplio.
The water suits families. The bay at Karathona is sheltered, and the water is shallow and calm for a good way out, so it is safe and comfortable for children, and the beach combines organised sections with sunbeds and cafes and long stretches of open sand for those who prefer a natural setting.
It is easy to reach. Karathona is a short drive from Nafplio with a car park behind the beach, a local bus runs in season, and the coastal path from Arvanitia reaches it on foot in about forty-five minutes, so it is accessible whether or not you have a car, the busiest and most popular beach near the town.
What is Tolo beach like?
Tolo is a lively beach resort about eleven kilometres south of Nafplio, built around a long sandy beach in a sheltered bay. With calm, shallow water, sunbeds, watersports and seafront hotels and tavernas, it is the main beach resort of the area and the best base for a family beach holiday near the town.
It is the resort of the area. Tolo is a seaside village on a long sandy bay a short drive down the coast from Nafplio, lined with hotels, apartments and beachfront tavernas, so it offers the full beach-resort holiday that the town itself, with its small coves, does not, and it draws visitors for the sea rather than the sights.
The bay is calm and family-friendly. Because Tolo sits in an enclosed bay sheltered by islets, its water is calm, shallow and clear, so the beach is a terrific and safe place for children to swim, and it is regularly among the blue-flag beaches of the region for its clean water and facilities.
Watersports are the draw. Tolo has the most complete range of watersports near Nafplio, from jet skis and pedalos to parasailing and boat trips to the islets in the bay, so it suits active beach days as well as lazy ones, and the resort stays lively through the summer season.
What is Kondyli beach like?
Kondyli is a quieter pebble beach between Nafplio and Tolo, backed by hills and known for clean water and calm surroundings. A blue-flag beach with some sunbeds and a taverna, it suits swimmers who want a peaceful spot away from the crowds of Karathona and Tolo, reached by car.
It is the calm alternative. Kondyli, sometimes written Kondili, lies on the coast between Nafplio and Tolo, a pebble beach backed by green hills, and it is far quieter than the busy sands of Karathona and Tolo, so it is the choice for swimmers who want clear water and calm rather than watersports and crowds.
The water earns the blue flag. Kondyli is among the blue-flag beaches of the area, an award for clean water and good management, so the sea here is clear and well kept, and the pebble shore and mountain backdrop give the beach an attractive, natural feel.
It is reached by car. Without the bus links of Karathona or the resort setting of Tolo, Kondyli is best reached by car, with parking near the shore, so it rewards those touring the coast by road who want to find a quieter beach for a peaceful swim away from the main crowds.
Are there other beaches near Nafplio?
Beyond the main beaches, the coast south and east of Nafplio has quieter options: Plaka and Neraki near Tolo, the long shore at Nea Kios on the gulf, and the beaches towards Iria and Vivari further round the coast. These reward travellers with a car looking to escape the busier sands.
The Tolo area has more than one beach. Around Tolo the smaller beaches of Plaka and Neraki offer alternatives to the main resort strand, quieter stretches of sand and pebble within the same sheltered coast, so a base at Tolo gives a choice of beaches within a short distance.
Nea Kios lies on the gulf. West of Nafplio, the fishing town of Nea Kios has a long, open shore on the Argolic Gulf, less scenic than the southern beaches but close to the town and quiet, so it is an easy option for a simple swim away from the tourist beaches.
Iria and Vivari reward a drive. Further round the coast to the east, the beaches near Iria and the pretty inlet of Vivari offer clear water and a peaceful setting among fishing boats and tavernas, so travellers with a car and time can find quieter and more local beaches beyond the main spots.
Which Nafplio beaches are blue-flag?
Several beaches near Nafplio hold the blue flag, the international award for clean water and good facilities, including Karathona, Kondyli and Tolo. The blue flag marks beaches with excellent water quality, safety and environmental management, so these are the best choices for clean and well-run swimming.
The blue flag is a mark of quality. Awarded each year to beaches that meet strict standards of water quality, cleanliness, safety and environmental management, the blue flag is a reliable sign of a well-kept beach, so choosing a blue-flag beach near Nafplio means clean water and good facilities.
Karathona, Kondyli and Tolo qualify. Among the beaches of the area, the long sandy bay of Karathona, the quiet pebbles of Kondyli and the resort beach of Tolo have carried the blue flag, so these three combine clear, clean water with sunbeds, safety and services, the strongest all-round choices for a swim.
It guides a safe choice. For families and anyone who values clean, well-managed water, the blue-flag beaches are the safest bet, so travellers who want the best swimming near Nafplio can use the award as a simple guide to the cleanest and best-run beaches of the coast.
Which Nafplio beaches are best for families?
The best beaches for families near Nafplio are Karathona and Tolo, both long, sandy and shallow with calm water, sunbeds and cafes. Tolo adds watersports and a resort setting, while Karathona is closer to the town, so both suit children far better than the deep pebble cove of Arvanitia.
Karathona is close and shallow. The long sandy bay of Karathona, only three kilometres from the town, has shallow, calm water and open sand, so it is safe and comfortable for children, and its mix of organised sunbeds and free space suits a family day, with cafes for lunch and shade.
Tolo is the family resort. With its sheltered, shallow bay, soft sand and full range of facilities and watersports, Tolo is built for family beach holidays, so families basing themselves there or driving down for the day find the most complete beach experience near Nafplio, safe for children and full of activities.
Arvanitia suits stronger swimmers. Because the town cove of Arvanitia is pebbly and the water deepens quickly, it is less suited to small children than the sandy bays, so families with young ones are better at Karathona or Tolo, keeping Arvanitia for a quick dip with older children and adults.
How do you get to the Nafplio beaches?
Arvanitia is reached on foot from the old town by the promenade, Karathona by car, bus or the coastal path, and Tolo by car or a frequent bus down the coast. A hire car reaches the quieter beaches at Kondyli, Iria and Vivari, so the nearest beaches need no car but the others are easier with one.
Arvanitia needs only your feet. The town cove of Arvanitia is reached in a few minutes on foot from the old town by the seafront promenade, so no transport is needed, making it the easiest beach of all to reach for anyone staying in or near the centre of Nafplio.
Karathona and Tolo have bus links. A local bus runs to Karathona in season, and frequent buses connect Nafplio with the resort of Tolo down the coast, so the two main sandy beaches are reachable without a car, though a car and the coastal path give more flexibility for Karathona.
A car opens the quieter coast. The smaller and quieter beaches of Kondyli, Plaka, Iria and Vivari lie away from the bus routes, so a hire car is the way to reach them, giving travellers the freedom to explore the whole coast and find a peaceful beach for the day, as the guide on where to stay in Nafplio notes for drivers.
When is the best time to swim in Nafplio?
The best time to swim in Nafplio is from June to October, when the sea is warm, with the water at its warmest in August and September. July and August are hot and busy, while June and September offer warm water with fewer crowds, so early autumn is the ideal time for the beaches.
The swimming season runs summer to autumn. The sea around Nafplio is warm enough for comfortable swimming from June through to October, so the beach season is long, and even into October the water holds its warmth on fine days, making the shoulder of autumn a rewarding time for the coast.
The water is warmest in late summer. The sea reaches its warmest in August and September, after a summer of heat, so late summer and early autumn give the most comfortable swimming, and September in particular combines warm water with thinner crowds once the peak of August has passed.
June and September beat the crowds. While July and August are the hottest and busiest months, June and September offer warm water and sunshine with fewer people on the sand, so these shoulder months are the best time for the beaches of Nafplio, as the guide to the things to do in Nafplio also notes for the town.
What facilities do the Nafplio beaches have?
The main beaches near Nafplio have sunbeds, umbrellas and cafes or tavernas in season, and Tolo and Karathona add watersports and beach bars. Arvanitia has sunbeds and small cafes, the quieter beaches have fewer services, so the busier sandy beaches offer the fullest facilities for a day by the sea.
The main beaches are organised. Karathona, Tolo and Arvanitia all set out sunbeds and umbrellas in season and have cafes or tavernas at hand, so a beach day at any of them is comfortable, with shade, refreshments and somewhere to eat close to the sand.
Tolo has the most on offer. As a full resort, Tolo adds watersports, beach bars, hotels and a promenade of shops and restaurants, so it has the most complete facilities of any beach near Nafplio, suiting those who want everything on hand for a long day or a beach-based holiday.
The quieter beaches are simpler. Kondyli, Iria, Vivari and the smaller coves have fewer services, sometimes just a single taverna and a few sunbeds, so they trade facilities for peace, and visitors to them do well to bring water and supplies, as part of the appeal is their quiet and natural setting.
Can you take boat trips from Nafplio’s coast?
Yes, boat trips run from Nafplio’s harbour and coast, from the short crossing to the Bourtzi castle to half-day and full-day cruises of the Argolic Gulf by catamaran and sailing boat. These trips reach quiet swimming spots and islets away from the beaches, combining a day on the water with a swim.
The harbour is the starting point. From the Nafplio waterfront small boats cross to the island castle of Bourtzi, and larger cruise and sailing boats set out into the Argolic Gulf, so the town’s own port is the base for trips that mix sightseeing from the water with swimming stops along the coast.
Catamaran and sailing cruises reach hidden coves. Half-day and full-day trips by catamaran or sailing boat leave the crowded beaches behind, anchoring in quiet bays and off islets for swimming and snorkelling in clear water, so a boat trip is the way to reach the coves that no road serves, with lunch and drinks aboard.
They suit a change from the sand. For visitors who want more than a beach day, a cruise of the gulf combines the pleasure of sailing with swimming in secluded water and views back to the fortresses of Nafplio, so it is among the most rewarding ways to enjoy the sea around the town.
Which Nafplio beach is best for a quiet day?
The best beaches for a quiet day near Nafplio are Kondyli, between the town and Tolo, and the coves towards Iria and Vivari to the east. Away from the busy sands of Karathona and Tolo, these beaches offer clear water and calm surroundings, best reached by car for a peaceful swim.
Kondyli is the nearest quiet beach. The pebble beach of Kondyli, on the coast between Nafplio and Tolo, is far calmer than the main resorts, backed by green hills and holding the blue flag for clean water, so it is the easiest quiet beach to reach for those who want to escape the crowds without a long drive.
The eastern coves are quieter still. Round the coast to the east, the beaches near Iria and the sheltered inlet of Vivari are quieter again, with clear water, fishing boats and a taverna or two, so they reward travellers with a car and time who want a local, peaceful beach away from the tourist strands.
Timing adds to the peace. Even the busier beaches are quiet early in the day and outside July and August, so a morning swim or a visit in June or September finds Karathona and Kondyli calm, and the quiet coves emptier still, giving the peaceful beach day that many visitors are after.
What is snorkelling like at the Nafplio beaches?
Snorkelling near Nafplio is best at the rocky, clear-watered spots of Arvanitia and Kondyli and on boat trips into the gulf. The pebble and rock shorelines drop into clear water with fish and seabed to explore, so the beaches with rock rather than open sand offer the best snorkelling close to the town.
Arvanitia rewards a mask. The town cove of Arvanitia, with its pebbles and rocks beneath the fortress walls, drops quickly into clear, deep water, so it is one of the best places to snorkel close to Nafplio, with rocky seabed and fish to see a short swim from the shore.
The rocky coves beat the sandy bays. Because sandy beaches like Karathona and Tolo have shallow, sandy seabeds with less to see, the best snorkelling is at the rockier spots such as Kondyli and the coves along the coast, where the clear water and rocky bottom hold more marine life.
Boat trips reach the clearest water. The half-day cruises into the Argolic Gulf anchor off islets and quiet coves where the water is clearest and the seabed richest, so a snorkeller who wants the best underwater views does well to join a boat trip as well as swimming from the shore.
Are the Nafplio beaches good for sunset?
The Nafplio beaches face the Argolic Gulf to the west and south, so several catch fine sunsets, with Arvanitia and the Karathona coastal path especially good as the sun drops over the water and the mountains. The Arvanitia promenade is the classic place to watch the light fade over the gulf.
Arvanitia and the promenade glow at dusk. The seafront promenade to Arvanitia, cut round the base of the Acronafplia above the water, faces the gulf, so it is a favourite place to watch the sunset, and the cove itself, beneath the fortress, takes on a warm light as the sun goes down over the sea.
The coastal path frames the light. The walk from Arvanitia round to Karathona, through pine woods above the shore, gives open views west over the gulf, so it is a fine route for a late-afternoon stroll ending with the sunset, combining a swim with the best light of the day.
The gulf setting helps. Because Nafplio sits at the head of the Argolic Gulf with mountains across the water, the sunsets over the sea are long and colourful, so an evening swim or walk at Arvanitia or along the coast is one of the simple pleasures of a stay, at its finest in the calm of the evening.
What to bring to a Nafplio beach?
For the Nafplio beaches bring water shoes for the pebble coves of Arvanitia and Kondyli, sun protection for the exposed sand of Karathona and Tolo, and your own water and supplies for the quieter beaches with few services. A hat, shade and plenty of water matter in the summer heat.
Water shoes help on the pebbles. Because Arvanitia and Kondyli are pebble and rock beaches, water shoes make getting in and out far more comfortable, so they are worth packing for the coves, while the sandy bays of Karathona and Tolo need no special footwear for the shore.
Sun protection is essential. The beaches are exposed and the summer sun fierce, so a hat, high-factor sunscreen and a source of shade are important, especially on the open sand of Karathona where natural shade is limited, and plenty of water is needed through the hot middle of the day.
Supplies matter at the quiet beaches. While Karathona, Tolo and Arvanitia have cafes and tavernas, the quieter beaches at Kondyli, Iria and Vivari have few or no services, so bringing water, snacks and anything else needed for the day is wise when heading to the more secluded coves along the coast.
How do Nafplio’s beaches compare to the Greek islands?
Nafplio’s beaches are smaller and fewer than the famous island beaches, but they are quieter, uncrowded and paired with a historic town rather than a resort. The coast offers clear water and family sands without the crowds of the islands, so Nafplio suits those who want history and sea together.
They are a different kind of beach holiday. Nafplio is a historic mainland town, not an island resort, so its beaches are an addition to the fortresses, the old town and the ancient sites rather than the main event, which means visitors get culture and swimming in one place instead of a pure beach island.
They are far less crowded. Because the region draws fewer visitors than the famous islands, the beaches around Nafplio, even the popular Karathona and Tolo, are calmer than the packed sands of the Cyclades in high summer, so they offer clear water and space without the crowds and prices of the islands.
They reward a combined trip. For travellers who want the beauty of a Greek beach alongside the history of the Argolid, Nafplio is ideal, so the beaches are best seen as part of a wider stay taking in the town, the fortresses and the ancient sites, as the full Nafplio travel guide describes.
What is the coast towards Vivari and Kandia like?
The coast east of Nafplio towards Vivari, Kandia and Iria is a quiet stretch of fishing villages, sheltered inlets and clear-watered beaches, far from the resorts. Backed by hills and dotted with tavernas, it rewards travellers with a car who want local beaches and seafood away from the crowds.
Vivari is a sheltered inlet. The little fishing settlement of Vivari, round the coast to the east of Nafplio, sits on a calm, sheltered inlet with clear water and tavernas by the shore, so it is a peaceful spot for a swim and a seafood lunch, with a local rather than a touristy feel.
Kandia and Iria stretch the coast further. Beyond Vivari the beaches near Kandia and Iria continue the quiet coast, with open shores and clear water among fishing boats and small tavernas, so travellers willing to drive find a string of calm beaches with few other visitors along this eastern shore.
It suits a day of exploring by car. Because these beaches lie away from the bus routes and the main resorts, they are best reached by car, and a day driving the eastern coast, stopping to swim and eat at the villages, is a rewarding way to escape the busier beaches nearer the town.
What is the gulf shore towards Nea Kios like?
The gulf shore west of Nafplio towards Nea Kios is a long, open and quiet coast on the Argolic Gulf, less scenic than the southern beaches but close to the town and uncrowded. Backed by the fishing town of Nea Kios and its tavernas, it offers simple swimming and fresh seafood away from the resorts.
It is the open western shore. Unlike the sheltered coves and bays to the south, the coast towards Nea Kios runs long and open along the head of the Argolic Gulf, a few kilometres west of Nafplio, so it is a plainer stretch of shore but an easy and quiet option close to the town.
Nea Kios adds seafood and calm. The fishing town of Nea Kios sits on this shore, known for its tavernas and fresh fish, so a swim on the gulf coast pairs naturally with a seafood lunch by the water, giving a local, unhurried day away from the busier tourist beaches.
It suits a simple, quick swim. Because it is close to Nafplio and rarely crowded, the shore towards Nea Kios is a practical choice for a quick, quiet swim, especially for those staying on the west side of the town or wanting to combine a dip with a meal in the fishing town.
Is it safe to swim at Nafplio’s beaches?
The beaches near Nafplio are generally safe and calm for swimming, especially the sheltered, shallow bays of Karathona and Tolo that suit children. The town cove of Arvanitia deepens quickly and suits stronger swimmers, and the enclosed Argolic Gulf keeps the water calm with little in the way of strong currents.
The sheltered bays are safe for all. Karathona and Tolo sit in enclosed, sheltered bays where the water is shallow and calm for a good way out, so they are safe and comfortable for children and weaker swimmers, and the gentle conditions make them the most reassuring beaches for families near the town.
Arvanitia suits confident swimmers. Because the town cove of Arvanitia is pebbly and the sea deepens quickly close to the shore, it is better for adults and older children who swim well than for small children, so families with young ones are safer on the shallow sands of Karathona and Tolo.
The gulf keeps the water calm. Nafplio sits at the head of the enclosed Argolic Gulf, sheltered from open sea, so the water along its coast is usually calm with little in the way of strong currents or big waves, making the beaches safe on all but the windiest days, when the sea can pick up.
What are Plaka and Neraki beaches near Tolo like?
Plaka and Neraki are smaller beaches near the resort of Tolo, offering quieter alternatives to the main Tolo strand. With sand and pebble shores, clear sheltered water and a few tavernas, they suit visitors staying in Tolo who want a calmer swim within a short walk or drive of the resort.
They are Tolo’s quieter neighbours. Around the bay from the main beach of Tolo, the smaller beaches of Plaka and Neraki offer calmer, less crowded stretches of shore, so visitors based in the resort can escape the busiest sand and watersports for a quieter swim without going far.
The water is clear and sheltered. Like Tolo itself, Plaka and Neraki lie on the sheltered coast where the water is calm and clear, so they give the same safe, gentle swimming as the main beach in a more peaceful setting, with sand and pebble shores backed by the coast road and tavernas.
They extend a Tolo stay. For families and swimmers spending several days at Tolo, the choice of nearby beaches means a different spot each day, so Plaka and Neraki add variety to a beach holiday in the resort, all within a short walk or drive of the main strand, as the guide on where to stay in Nafplio notes for Tolo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nafplio have a beach in the town?
Nafplio itself does not have a large sandy town beach, but the pebble cove of Arvanitia sits just beyond the old town and serves as the town beach. It is reached in a few minutes on foot by the seafront promenade that runs round the base of the Acronafplia rock, so no car is needed. Arvanitia is a small pebble beach where the water deepens quickly to clear, deep sea, with sunbeds, umbrellas and a couple of seasonal cafes, set dramatically beneath the walls of Palamidi. It suits confident swimmers and snorkellers more than small children who want shallows. For a proper sandy beach, the long bay of Karathona lies about three kilometres beyond the headland, reached by car, bus or a scenic coastal path of around forty-five minutes, and the family resort of Tolo is eleven kilometres down the coast.
What is the best beach near Nafplio for families?
The best beaches for families near Nafplio are Karathona and Tolo, both long, sandy and shallow. Karathona, only three kilometres from the town, sits in a sheltered bay with calm, shallow water and a mix of sunbeds and open sand, plus cafes for lunch, so it is safe and comfortable for children and easy to reach by car, bus or the coastal path. Tolo, eleven kilometres down the coast, is a full beach resort in an enclosed, sheltered bay, with soft sand, calm shallow water and the most complete range of facilities and watersports near Nafplio, so it is ideal for a family beach holiday. Both carry the blue flag for clean water in some years. The town cove of Arvanitia, by contrast, is pebbly and the water deepens quickly, so it is less suited to young children and better kept for a quick dip with older swimmers.
When is the sea warm enough to swim in Nafplio?
The sea around Nafplio is warm enough for comfortable swimming from June through to October, with the water at its warmest in August and September after a long summer of heat. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, ideal for the beaches but crowded and very hot for sightseeing, while June and September offer warm water and sunshine with fewer people, making them the best months for the coast. Even into October the sea holds its warmth on fine days, so early autumn is a rewarding and quieter time to swim. Outside this window, from late autumn to spring, the water is too cool for most swimmers, though the mild climate keeps the beaches pleasant for walks. For the best combination of warm water and thinner crowds, September is the standout month for the beaches of Nafplio.
How do you get from Nafplio to Karathona and Tolo?
Karathona is about three kilometres south of Nafplio, beyond the Palamidi headland, and is reached by car in a few minutes with a car park behind the beach, by a local bus in season, or on foot by the coastal path from Arvanitia, a flat and scenic walk of around forty-five minutes. Tolo is eleven kilometres down the coast and is served by frequent buses from Nafplio as well as being a short drive by car, so both of the main sandy beaches are reachable without a car, though a car adds flexibility and is needed for the quieter beaches at Kondyli, Iria and Vivari. Many visitors staying in Nafplio walk or drive to Karathona for a beach day close to the town, and those wanting a full resort with watersports drive or take the bus to Tolo, which also makes a beach base in its own right.