When I first visited the Peloponnese, I didn’t know much about Nafplio beyond the instagram photos and a few YouTube videos — pastel buildings, narrow streets, and a fortress on the hill. It’s one of those places people speak about fondly, and rightly so. But what surprised me most, after spending more time here, is how alive it feels all year round.
Nafplio isn’t just a pretty stop on a weekend trip; it’s a functioning city where people work, raise families, and enjoy life at a slower but steady rhythm. It has that rare balance of Greek tradition and everyday practicality that makes living here genuinely comfortable.
I often come here to work from one of my favourite cafés overlooking Kolokotronis Park. You see people meeting for business, students passing by, retirees reading the newspaper — and it all fits together naturally. There’s an authenticity that you don’t always find in the more touristic parts of Greece.
Why People Choose to Live in Nafplio
Nafplio appeals to a wide mix of people — families, professionals who can work remotely, and those looking to retire in a place that still feels connected to real life. It’s charing, safe, and well maintained, yet never pretentious.
Beyond its charm and practical amenities, Nafplio is also extremely well connected. Athens is less than two hours away by car, which makes weekend trips or business travel easy while still enjoying a slower, more relaxed lifestyle in the Peloponnese.
For someone considering living in Nafplio, the city offers a wide mix: restaurants and cafés that stay open year-round, supermarkets, healthcare, schools, and a community accustomed to welcoming foreigners. Most people speak English well enough to get by, though learning a little Greek helps to feel part of things.
It’s a place where you can slow down, but not disconnect entirely — and that’s what makes it so appealing for long-term living.
What Kind of Properties You’ll Find in Nafplio
Inside the city, most properties are apartments — some modern, some older but full of character. The Old Town is beautiful, full of neoclassical homes with balconies and shutters, but it’s also quite busy, so not everyone finds it ideal for permanent living.
• Modern apartments: €250,000–€300,000 for a two-bedroom.
• Detached three-bedroom houses: from €350,000 upwards, usually in newer areas just outside the centre.
• Old Town properties: limited availability; buyers often purchase older buildings for renovation.
If you’re looking for something special — a property with land, privacy, and refined finishes — a budget of €500,000 and above opens up more options in Nafplio and surrounding villages for high-quality homes or to build your dream house.
Nearby Villages to Nafplio Worth Exploring
Several villages nearby combine beautiful settings with easy access to the city:
Tolo
A lively seaside town with a long sandy beach and a bright, energetic summer vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can stroll along the promenade in the morning, have a coffee at a café overlooking the sea, and enjoy fresh seafood in the evening. Perfect if you want regular sea views but also a short drive to Nafplio’s restaurants, shops, and everyday conveniences.
Vivari
A small, quiet fishing village tucked around a sheltered bay. Even in August, it retains a sense of calm, making it ideal for those who value privacy and natural scenery. The village is intimate, with a few family-run tavernas and a pace that encourages slowing down. For groceries, cafés, or a casual lunch, Drepano is just five minutes away, offering everything you need without losing that tranquil feeling.
Xiropigados
On the opposite side of the gulf, this area features hillside homes with open views over the coast and a handful of properties with private beach access through small complexes. The drive from Nafplio is scenic, following the coastline most of the way, with plenty of olive groves and small coves along the route. Xiropigados is also very close to Paralio Astros, a charming marina town with a long sandy beach, lively summer scene, and restaurants by the water — perfect if you want both tranquility at home and the option for a bit of summer buzz nearby.
Outskirts of Nafplio
Lefkakia, Asini, Aria, and Exostis – These small residential communities sit on Nafplio’s outskirts and offer modern homes surrounded by olive groves, low hills, and country views. They feel peaceful and private, yet you’re never far from daily amenities, local cafés, or a quick drive into the city. For anyone seeking a balance between countryside serenity and city convenience, these villages are ideal.
New Developments and What’s Included
In the Peloponnese, new developments are generally delivered ready to move in. Typical inclusions:
• Heating and cooling systems
• Kitchens with appliances
• Bathrooms
• Fitted wardrobes and closets
• Double-glazed apertures
• Solar water heaters
Essentially, the only thing left for you to do is furnish and decorate the property.
Buying Property in Nafplio: The Process
If you’re considering buying property in Nafplio, the process usually works like this:
1. Research online and locally to understand prices, locations, and property types.
2. Find a local agent, ideally an English speaker. Aside from Remax and Keller Williams, most offices are smaller and specialised in the area.
3. Identify a property and engage a lawyer to check ownership, planning permissions, and legalities.
4. Sign a preliminary agreement, paying a deposit (typically 5–10%). This allows time to complete all checks.
5. Once everything is cleared, or when the property is fully finished, sign the final deed and pay the remaining balance.
Expect the full process to take a minimum of two months for a ready property. You will also need a Greek Tax Number (AFM) to complete the purchase.
Yearly Fees and What to Be Aware Of
Owning property comes with recurring costs:
• Property tax (ENFIA)
• Home insurance
• Maintenance and utilities
• Communal fees (if part of a complex)
Other practical tips:
• Always verify the exact location; rural listings can sometimes be listed incorrectly on different portals.
• The same property may appear with multiple agents, but legally you must proceed with the agent who first introduced it.
• Developers may use photos of the best unit to advertise a complex; confirm the specific property and its status.
• Expect delays — things in Greece often take longer than advertised.
• Bank loans for foreigners exist but are not always easy to obtain. Mediterra Premium can connect you with trusted partners if needed.
Final Thoughts
Nafplio and its surroundings offer a rare combination: culture, natural beauty, privacy, and a lifestyle that feels real. For anyone considering living in Nafplio or looking to buy property in Nafplio, it’s a place where the practical and the beautiful meet.
I often remind myself why I moved to Greece: the balance of work, calm, and the freedom to enjoy life at your own pace. Nafplio makes that not just possible, but genuinely enjoyable.
If you’re considering living in Nafplio or looking to buy property here, connecting with the right local professionals can make all the difference. From trusted real estate agents to English-speaking lawyers and developers, having the right guidance helps the process feel smooth and secure. Get in touch with us at Mediterra Premium, and we can introduce you to experienced partners who understand the area and can support your journey.