After leaving Meteora, we made our way to the coastal town of Nafplio, with a population of just around 15,000 people. According to ancient myths, Nafplio was founded by the son of Poseidon. I’m not sure that is true, but it is a beautiful little town right on the water surrounded by orange trees. At only two hours from Athens, it is a very popular weekend retreat for Athenians.

There is a lovely promenade along the waterfront, jam packed full of bars and restaurants. Of course, the best food is found inside the town and not right on the waterfront.

Robert nearly ate his weight in taramosalata — a spread made with fish roe — while we were in town.

Across from the promenade is the Bourtzi Fortress. It was built by the Venetians in the 15th Century in order to protect the city from invaders (mainly pirates) and was originally known as Castello dello Soglio. The Ottoman Turks managed to capture the fortress in the 18th Century and renamed it the Bourtzi. The Greeks recaptured the city in 1822, but by then the Turkish name had stuck. Since then, it has served as the home to the executioners of the convicts held in Palamadi Castle (I mean, come on, who want their neighbor to be the town executioner?) and as a hotel. These days, it is the location of a music festival and a tourist attraction.

Above the town sits Palamidi Castle (also known as the Palamidi Fortress). This castle was built by the Venetians in 1711-1714.

Three years seems awfully quick, given there were no tractors or cranes back then. The castle was almost immediately captured by the Turks in 1715. If the internet is to be believed, the battle for Greek independence from the Turks started at the castle on November 29, 1882. Thereafter, the castle was used as a prison. These days, it seems to just be a tourist attraction. You can climb up to the castle from town, but it entails climbing over 900 steps. Yeah, I think not. So, instead, we drove.

But the absolute best part of Nafplio is all the day trips one can take from Nafplio. That is up next.