Nafplio was the first capital of modern Greece and is one of the most elegant towns in the country. Set on a bay in the Argolid with two fortresses above it, it is a favourite weekend escape from Athens and the natural base for the great archaeological sites of the north-east Peloponnese, so coach groups come here year-round.
The town has no airport, so almost all group transport begins with a coach run from Athens. Once in the Argolid, the distances between Nafplio, Epidaurus, Mycenae, and Corinth are short, which makes the area ideal for a one-base touring itinerary by coach.
Getting to Nafplio
Nafplio has no airport. Athens Airport (ATH) is around 150 kilometres away, a coach run of about two hours by way of the Corinth Canal and the Peloponnese motorway. The town is a frequent first or last stop on Peloponnese tours, and coaches handle both the Athens transfer and the touring that follows.
The Old Town and Fortresses
Nafplio's old town is a compact grid of neoclassical streets below the Akronafplia and the huge Palamidi fortress. Coaches drop at the edge of the old town near the port, and the centre is walked on foot. The Palamidi is reached either by its long stairway or by road to the upper car park, and the small island fort of Bourtzi sits in the harbour, reached by boat. Syntagma Square and the waterfront are the main gathering points for groups.
Epidaurus, Mycenae and the Argolid
The Argolid holds two of the most famous ancient sites in Greece, both an easy coach trip from Nafplio. The theatre of Epidaurus, 30 kilometres east, is renowned for its acoustics and hosts a summer festival. Mycenae, 25 kilometres north with its Lion Gate and beehive tombs, pairs naturally with it for a full day. Ancient Corinth and the canal add a further half-day on the way to or from Athens.
Popular Day Trips from Nafplio
| Destination | Distance | Drive time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epidaurus theatre | 30 km | 35 min | Famous acoustics; summer festival |
| Mycenae | 25 km | 30 min | Lion Gate and Treasury of Atreus |
| Ancient Corinth and canal | 60 km | 50 min | On the Athens route |
| Argos | 12 km | 20 min | Ancient theatre and agora |
| Tiryns | 5 km | 10 min | Mycenaean citadel; UNESCO site |
| Athens | 150 km | 2 hrs | Via Corinth; airport connection |
What Bus Hire Costs in Nafplio
As a rough guide, a minibus (up to 19 seats) in Nafplio runs around 350 to 630 EUR per day, a midi-coach (around 35 seats) around 480 to 840 EUR per day, and a full-size coach (49 to 55 seats) around 630 to 1,160 EUR per day. The Argolid is busiest from spring through autumn, and the Epidaurus festival season adds evening coach demand in July and August. The final figure depends on your route, the date, and how long you need the vehicle and driver. We confirm a fixed price with no hidden charges, so send your exact details for a free quote.
Services Available in Nafplio
Athens Transfers
Coach transfers between Athens or its airport and Nafplio.
Airport transfer details →Argolid Site Tours
Coach hire for Epidaurus, Mycenae, Tiryns, and ancient Corinth.
Event transport details →Epidaurus Festival
Evening coach transport for performances at the ancient theatre.
Event transport details →Wedding Transport
Guest coaches for weddings in Nafplio and the surrounding coast.
Wedding transport details →How to Book Bus Hire in Nafplio
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Bus Hire in Nafplio: Common Questions
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