Along with this “Un-map”* of the cultural delights of Nafplio, here are excerpts from one of our more delighted Greek Untourists on the joys of eating in Nafplio, Kaye Norman. To read more of her Nafplio adventures, click here.
from Kay Norman’s UnTours Cafe Blog: Nafplio Greece, October 2010
“The town of Nafplio – a wonderful home base for two weeks. Our apartment was about 2 blocks from the water, with shops and tavernas all around. The post office, bus station, internet cafe, small convenience store and market (2 days a week) are all places you will want to locate. Plus so close to so many beautiful and ancient sites. Hard to imagine a better locale for a two week trip to Greece.
When you ask each of the four of us, “What did you like the most about Greece?” I think we would say “The food.” We particularly loved the Tavernas in Nafplio, and most of all “The Old Mansion”, which was right outside our front door. The tavernas are small family run restaurants with simple and inexpensive food, well prepared. The Old Mansion featured nightly music which we could hear from our balcony. Other tavernas we enjoyed – Epi Skinnis on Amalia, The Byzantine, Ta Fanaria. There was another place around the corner from our apartment that Christos took us to for dinner, but I did not make a note of the name. The taverna foods we loved – the stuffed peppers and tomatoes, calamari, tzatziki, meatballs, gigante beans in tomato sauce, dolmades “vine leaves”, wonderful salads with the feta. Wine in the carafes.
Our other most favorite “restaurant” was the little souvlaki shop “Kotetol” on Staikopoulou Street (in the shopping area). It is basically a little sandwich stand. We fell in love with the pork gyros and ate those every chance we could. At only 2.20 Euros it was quite a good deal too and very filling. Don’t miss! Having a major food craving as I write!
And we can’t forget the wonderful Loukoumades shop. I don’t know the name, but it is right beside the Antica Gelateria di Roma (yum) at Farmakoupoulon & Komninou street, near the square and toward the water at the far end. You will have to try both places – the friendliest people and the best desserts at both of these fine establishments. Please try the fresh hot loukoumades – fried “donut” holes with cinnamon, ground nuts, and sweet honey drizzled all over. These fine folks also have some absolutely awesome fruit preserves – cherries, oranges, etc. that you will want to take home for gifts (if they last that long).
Another delight in Nafplio was the wine shop on Amalia – a fifth generation owner. We made many purchases there and he invited us to a private wine tasting just for us! Of course, we all made purchases, so it worked out well for him too.
A warning on food/restaurants – we had very poor service at one of the big places (Italian) on Syntagma square. ..The small tavernas have better food, wonderful atmosphere, and very reasonably priced. That being said, we found that almost EVERY restaurant offered us something extra – some wine, a dessert, an after dinner drink – just a little something special.
Over all, we think our trip to Nafplio was probably one of our best, if not the best, adventure we have had in our European travels – the people were very warm and friendly, the food and restaurants were fantastic, the scenery was just unforgettable. We all give this our highest recommendation to Nafplio and to UnTours! Opa!” read more…
* we put heart symbols on the approximate spots of Kay’s favorites (in bold text)