Whenever I tell people I live in Greece, they get excited and start talking about their bucket list. Of course, I follow up with, "Where do you want to go in Greece?!"
They quickly respond, "What’s that island called... Mykonos?"
I roll my eyes and say, "Ugh, it’s beautiful, but overpriced, overcrowded, and a tourist trap."
Greece is a geographically diverse country. One minute you’re in one of the most unique lush mountains, and the next you’re on a beach with cool pristine waters. You’ve got rugged, rocky hills, then miles of green landscapes. And everything is within a 5-hour drive from Athens.
Recently, I took a solo trip to two beach towns that locals often visit, and a mountain town that even the most avid travelers would enjoy.
- Nafplio
Nafplio is a beach town just two and a half hours by car from Athens. I walked along the coast for a long stretch, enjoying the views of the blue sea, just an arm's length away. Nafplio was the original capital of Greece. The town has two fortresses. The fortress of Akronauplia is small, with views of the sea and the town above. The second, the Palamidis fortress, which is 857 steps high, is a real sight and a playground for adventurers. If you survive the entire staircase, find your way through the fortress, navigate tunnels, hike stone paths, and cross bridges all the way to the back of the fortress.
The town below features typical Greek streets, providing a delightful experience as you weave through them and discover many charming shops that are sure to put a hole in your pocket.