Nafpaktos is a seaside city on the north shore of the Gulf of Corinth. It’s a type of Greek gems that boasts a long-standing historical past, mixing superbly into its modern-day life. Nafpaktos is a fort city that has been repeatedly inhabited since antiquity.
I visited Nafpaktos in 2016, which I wrote about in my earlier put up right here. Nevertheless, what’s distinctive about this coastal city is that it surprises you each time you go to.
Just some hours from Athens, it’s the right weekend vacation spot. Many guests cease right here on their option to Delphi, however I truthfully consider that this entire area deserves greater than a brief stopover. It’s a city the place Venetian partitions meet Ottoman fountains, and the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in scrumptious home-cooked meals underneath the shade of aircraft timber whereas gazing on the Rio–Antirrio bridge.
Not too long ago, I used to be invited to discover the cultural routes of Nafpaktos with the invitation of Bioeffect Greece, and on this put up, I’ll take you thru the highlights of my keep: issues to do, the place to eat, one of the best seashores, and the place to remain.
Issues to Do in Nafpaktos
Discover Nafpaktos Fort
While you’re in Nafpakos, one of many issues that you will need to completely do is go to its fort. This fort is a part of the locals’ historical past, and it’s value contemplating that, till a number of many years in the past, it was open to the general public, the place native youngsters would spend their Sunday afternoons, roaming freely across the ruins.
The fort is the city’s crown jewel, perched on a hill above town; it is among the best-preserved in Greece. It spreads over 5 tiers, from the citadel on the very prime to storerooms and cisterns on the decrease ranges, all the way in which right down to the center of the city itself. The views from listed below are spectacular — stretching throughout the Gulf of Corinth to the Rio–Antirrio bridge.
What’s new right here since I final visited is the info corridor, which was inaugurated only a 12 months in the past. Right here, you’ll be able to study in regards to the fort’s many phases of building, from historic fortifications to Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman additions.
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On the prime tier, a brand new small museum has been open to the general public for less than a 12 months. It showcases on a regular basis objects, icons, ceramics, and even a exceptional shard of Seventeenth-century Venetian pottery often called the Harlequin of Montelupo, which was a key middle of pottery manufacturing in Tuscany. Locals found these artifacts whereas constructing their houses and are thus a residing a part of the city’s historical past.
On the prime tier of the fort, there may be additionally a small church devoted to Profitis Elias, serving as a reminder of the Byzantine presence. Actually, touring round Greece, you’ll come to note that small chapels and monasteries devoted to Profitis Elias are at all times discovered on the very best factors of hills and summits.
When visiting the fort, make sure that to put on sturdy sneakers because the cobblestone pathways could be slippery.
Stroll the Cultural Routes of Nafpaktos
From the fort, we walked down the cobblestone paths into the decrease tiers of the city. Within the late 1600s, the Ottoman traveler Evliya Çelebi described Nafpaktos as probably the most vital city facilities of central Greece. He famous greater than 3,000 homes, many two storeys excessive with balconies, colourful wood particulars, and courtyards that opened south towards the gulf and the mountains past. At this time, you’ll nonetheless see the stays of a few of these homes. He additionally wrote about broad, clear streets and loads of water.
Actually, Nafpaktos was well-known for its fountains. There have been 45 public ones, and greater than 245 pure springs fed each houses and neighborhoods. A few dozen of those Ottoman fountains stay in existence in the present day. Constructed within the sixteenth century onwards, they had been thought of charitable items to the group, usually positioned close to mosques or at busy intersections.
They weren’t simply sensible — they had been constructed to endure, with shallow ogive arches, marble plaques inscribed with the founder’s title, and durable stone benches the place neighbors as soon as sat, exchanged information, and crammed their pitchers. Even now, many nonetheless run with cool mountain water, connecting in the present day’s guests with centuries of native life. We handed the Kolettis Fountain and the one subsequent to the Vezir Mosque, situated within the historic middle of the Higher City, on the fourth tier of the Nafpaktos Fort.
Additional down, we reached the Tzavellas mansion, a high quality late Ottoman stone home that was later given to the Souliote Tzavellas household after the Greek Battle of Independence. At this time it homes the Ephorate of Antiquities, however standing earlier than its strong partitions and tall gates, you’ll be able to nonetheless sense the load of its historical past.
Just a bit additional alongside stands the Clocktower, in-built 1914. Although comparatively trendy in comparison with the remainder of Nafpaktos’ landmarks, it has change into one of many city’s defining options. From right here, the views open broad — the Venetian harbor cradled by its partitions, the gulf stretching into the horizon, and the Rio–Antirrio bridge gleaming within the distance. It’s an ideal spot to pause and take within the surroundings earlier than persevering with downhill.
As you comply with the trail from the clock tower, you’ll attain the Iron Gate — the Sideroporta. This was the one passage from the decrease city into the principle physique of the fort. The design was ingenious: the gate is ready at an indirect angle, so from beneath it stays nearly hidden. To the left rises a sq. defensive tower, and to the precise a tall, tapering tower that adheres to the slope, making the doorway seem practically invisible. Even centuries later, the stonework stays imposing, as if it nonetheless guards the city.
Go to the Venetian Harbor & Cervantes Statue
The Venetian harbor is small however placing, enclosed by fort partitions that when guarded the city from naval assaults. Right here stands the statue of Miguel de Cervantes, the Spanish writer of Don Quixote, who fought and was wounded within the Battle of Lepanto (1571).
That conflict between the Holy League and the Ottomans was probably the most decisive naval victories in European historical past. Cervantes later known as it “essentially the most noble and memorable occasion that previous centuries have ever seen.” His statue is a robust reminder that this little port performed a job in shaping world historical past.
The Venetian harbor is lined with cafes and eating places, making it a really perfect spot to take pleasure in a drink or a meal whereas taking within the lovely views of the harbor.
Botsaris Tower Museum
Only a brief stroll from the harbor, you’ll attain the Botsaris Tower. Initially it was constructed for the Ottoman governor within the Fifteenth–sixteenth century, and was later gifted to a Souliote hero, Notis Botsaris. At this time, it homes a museum devoted to the Battle of Lepanto, with reproductions and displays that carry this dramatic chapter to life. To expertise the grandeur and solitude of this place, you should definitely stroll across the walled backyard, that includes citrus timber and neoclassical fragments introduced in by the household from Athens.
Fetihe Tzami
The Fetihe Tzami, or Victory Mosque, was constructed by Sultan Bayezid II after his victory over the Venetians in 1499. At this time, it features as a cultural area.
Throughout my go to, I noticed a transferring exhibition by up to date Greek artist Christos Bokoros, whose works use mild and shadow to create a contemplative temper. Experiencing trendy artwork inside a Fifteenth-century mosque was a placing reminder of how Nafpaktos layers previous and current.
Seashores in Nafpaktos
Gribovo Seaside
On the jap aspect of the Venetian harbor lies Gribovo Seaside, its title of Slavic origin that means “a spot with numerous water.” This seaside is shaded by previous aircraft timber, with vigorous cafés and tavernas simply steps from the shore.
Gribovo is particularly in style with households because of its playground and small pond the place geese and swans have change into pleasant locals. The seaside is well-organized, that includes sunbeds, parasols, showers, and lifeguards in the course of the excessive season.
Psani Seaside
Positioned simply west of the Venetian harbor, Psani Seaside is a household favourite. In summer time, automobiles are banned alongside the waterfront, leaving loads of area for pedestrians and cyclists to walk safely. The seaside is well-organized, with a lifeguard on responsibility and even a particular Seatrac ramp for individuals with disabilities, making it totally accessible.
Psani has a pebbled shoreline with shallow waters, which is ideal for kids. There may be additionally a playground right here. The promenade is lined with accommodations, eating places, cafés, tavernas, and pastry outlets.
Visiting Native Companies in Nafpaktos
One of many issues that makes Nafpaktos so particular is its genuine native character. Past its monuments and seashores, it’s a city the place household companies thrive, persevering with traditions with care and fervour. As a part of our weekend program, we visited two of those native companies.
Douros Meat Processing
For 3 generations, the Douros household has been operating a revered meat processing enterprise in Nafpaktos. Their philosophy is constructed not solely on high quality and freshness, but in addition on respect — for the humane therapy of animals, the setting, and their group. The ability is maintained to the very best requirements of hygiene, guaranteeing that its merchandise are of the very best high quality.
Their store, situated near the middle of city, is a should for meals lovers. You’ll discover every thing from marinated meats and souvlakia to burgers and ready-to-cook specialties. It’s the right place to select up one thing native to take pleasure in throughout your keep in case you are staying in an house.
🔗 Be taught extra at dourosmeat.gr
Ploumis Wines & Beers
On the sting of city, you’ll discover Ploumis Wines, a small however heart-filled household enterprise began in 1996 by Konstantinos Ploumis. Whereas Nafpaktos as soon as had its personal vineyards, in the present day Ploumis sources grapes from different areas in Greece, together with the Peloponnese. Their labels embody Malagouzia (a nod to the native custom), Chardonnay, Agiorgitiko, and Syrah.
Since 2019, the household has additionally been brewing craft beers. The Ploumis Blond is ideal with meals, whereas the unfiltered Lepanto Pils and Ploumis Wheat (a basic Weizenbier) are glorious selections to take pleasure in on their very own. With charming labels and a pleasant tasting room, it’s a cheerful cease for anybody concerned about native flavors.
🔗 Extra data at ploumisnafpaktos.gr
The place to Eat in Nafpaktos
Listed here are a few of the locations the place we ate throughout our weekend journey to Nafpaktos
Zografos – Proper on Gribovo Seaside, shaded by the aircraft timber. Dwelling-cooked dishes, similar to pies, salads, and hearty moussaka, make it really feel like a meal at Mother’s desk.
Manaraki – A comfy taverna within the coronary heart of city with out of doors seating alongside a quiet lane. Their cheese bread, recent salads, and meat platter are easy, beneficiant, and scrumptious. That is the right place to take pleasure in a hearty meal paired with tsipouro.
Centro Porto – Positioned on the harbor, with out of doors tables overlooking the water. Their artistic menu, which we tried, included pinsa with prosciutto, Greek and rooster salads, spaghetti aglio e olio with shrimp tartare, and a wealthy beef ragu risotto.
The place to Keep in Nafpaktos
We stayed at Lodge Akti, a cushty three-star resort proper on Gribovo Seaside. The double room had a sea view — waking as much as the Gulf of Corinth was an actual deal with. Downstairs, the resort has a small however lovely artwork assortment, and the situation is good, only a brief stroll from the harbor and chateau.
Remaining Ideas
Nafpaktos positively deserves greater than a stopover. From its Venetian harbor and five-tiered fort to Ottoman fountains, hamams, and cultural areas, it appears like strolling by means of a residing museum. And but, it’s additionally a city energetic, with relaxed tavernas, pleasant locals, and an authenticity that makes you need to return.
I used to be invited to go to Nafpaktos, together with Journey Bloggers Greece, by BioEffect Greece. As at all times, all opinions expressed are my very own.
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