Nafplio

This is one of the most beautiful spots I've seen. It is a charming harbor town that just comes alive at night. There is a fortress ruin on the hill overlooking the city and a large wall that continues around one side. We had a view of the fortress from our room and walked down to the city center once we arrived in town, about a fifteen minute walk. We were afraid we wouldn't find anything to eat at ten o'clock. What a laugh! The town square consists of blocks of shops and restaurants a crowds of people. We stopped at the gelato shop and asked how late they'd be open, hoping to get some after dinner...they closed at 3 a.m.! It was delicious, by the way.

By the way, did you know there are many, many stray dogs and cats throughout Greece? We made a friend with one dog and he found us again the next night. The kids want to take each dog home. I think it's because we all miss our dog, Ringo. These dogs and cats seem very well cared for. People put out water and food for them, and they seem to know where to go and what to do.

 The fortress on the hill.

The next morning we decided to walk, rather than drive to the fortress. The only way up is to climb hundreds of stairs the meander their way up the side of the hill. We decided to try to count the stairs. We got to 912 before just entering the site. Inside was a labyrinth of walls, rooms and passageways to explore. Every where you turned was another place. You thought you were done, and then there would be another secret room. What's so cool is you can go in and check them out. There aren't ropes keeping you out, although on some spots, you wish there was something there to keep you from going over the edge!

 

Only PART of the steps.

Inside the fortress.

A little room.

 

The view of the beach below.

 Going back down.

The view of the city was amazing. You could see the sea below and one of the beaches in town, where we decided to go cool off after our adventure. The beach was rocky, which hurt, but the water was so refreshing and so salty that you could float with very little effort-something I can't do at home!