Nafpaktos, A Surprise From Continental Greece!
/I know you would expect me to talk about Athens when I write about Greece, but my dear readers, I need to tell you about Nafpaktos, a beautiful surprise from Continental Greece.
This city, surprisingly, is not famous for tourism, but in my opinion, it has one of the most beautiful scenery you can see in Greece. The fusion of the sea, with a medieval castle and a fortress, where the city was built all around, is just perfect for a long city break not far from Athens. Take a walk up the hill to admire the views of the coast, from a beautiful Castle, well preserved, that was rebuilt by the Byzantines, Albanians, Venetians, and Ottomans.
The castle’s walls extend to the sea and around the port, with one of its oldest gates opens towards the beach. And most importantly, from the castle, you have a beautiful view over the Corinth and Patras bays.
The old Venetian name of the city of Nafpaktos was called Lepanto, this being the scene of the last great naval battle, which took place in 1571. The Turks lost the battle, but not Greeks! One of the famous wounded in this battle was the Spanish Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (1547-1616), the author of the novel “Don Quixote,” who lost his left hand here.
The historical center consists of white houses grouped around a port surrounded by walls.
What to see in Nafpaktos (Lepanto), places to visit on the coast of Greece
The city of Nafpaktos, formerly known as Lepanto, is a beautiful coastal town on the north coast of the strait that separates the Gulf of Patras from the Gulf of Corinth in Greece.
Formerly, this coastal town had the best port on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth. After the medieval wars, the city fell into the hands of the Athenians. The blue sea and Venetian fortifications are the main features of Nafpaktos.
It was destroyed by an earthquake in 553, rebuilt and destroyed by another earthquake in the eighteenth century, returning to be and rebuilt again, under Byzantine domination, under the name of Eplaklos.
In 1407 it was taken by Venice, which fortified it and changed its name to Lepanto. They resisted the 4-month siege of the Ottomans until, in 1499, it was conquered by Bayaceto II.
The battle of Lepanto
The port of Nafpaktos is one of the prettiest of the entire coast on a route through continental Greece. During my visit in October, I was a witness to the reaction of the famous battle, and oh boy, that was something spectacular! I couldn’t have picked a better period to visit!
What to see in Nafpaktos
Next to the sea is the beautiful walled port, and from there, the city stretches through a multitude of alleys, ascending a hill, until reaching the impregnable Venetian Castle at the top, with awe-inspiring views.
Nafpaktos Old Port
The port of Nafpaktos is small, walled, and really pretty. The entrance is flanked by walls, with its battlements and canyons. Around the harbor is full of flirtatious places and terraces to eat and drink. The port of Nafpaktos is charming, with the walls, small boats, and the intense blue of the water. It is undoubtedly a place that fits you, with postcard images.
Two statues of great heroes can be found in the small port, flanked by two Venetian towers that barely leave an opening to the sea. The sculptures are of Cervantes, right hand raised to the sky, and the other, of Giorgos Anemogiannis, who tried to burn the Turkish fleet in the War of Independence - much of the charm and essence of Nafpaktos is concentrated.
At the port, you have the option of walking through the old center, and you have shops and restaurants with fantastic cuisine. The city and its center are very well maintained. It really looks like you’ve taken a time journey. Amazing!
Nafpaktos Castle
At the top of the city is the Venetian Castle of Nafpaktos. There is little left of the castle, and it is not a great visit, but the views from above towards the city of Nafpaktos and the surrounding area, including the Patrás bridge and the Peloponnese coast, make it a must to visit in Nafpaktos.
Although there are an access road and a small parking lot, walking up allows a beautiful walk through the narrow cobbled streets - passing by the Clock Tower - which, although tired and steep, is well worth the effort. Definitely, walk up the Clock Tower, and from there, just take the car up the castle.
And in the background that blue of the sea that only seems possible in Greece.
It was suggested to walk up to the castle, but going with my mom, uphill for 5 km, would have meant I am trying to get rid of her. The castle is on top of the mountain, and when you look down towards the sea, the view is just breath-taking. All possible and imaginable blue shades we saw from the top. The castle has its preserved ruins and is worth visiting, but beware that it is open until 3 pm. Going at dawn and seeing the sunset will offer the most impressive overview of the city and the port.
The entrance to the Venetian Castle of Nafpaktos
You can walk up, but they are long slopes that will make you get quite tired up. If you walk up, don’t forget to bring the water well. We get in a rental car, very easy to reach, as indicated and above there is a small parking lot to park next to the castle. The entrance ticket to the castle is only € 2.
Cervantes Statue
In the area of the old port and next to the wall, is the statue of Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) commemorating his participation in the Battle of Lepanto, with victory over the Turks. Right next to the wall that separates the interior of the sea, this bronze statue stands in full Castilian sign.
Xiliadou Beach
Nafpaktos beach, next to the city, has crystal clear waters altogether. A lot of space, a kilometer long, and many bars on the road to eat and drink on the beach line.
The blue of the sea and the transparent water make the Nafpaktos beach a beautiful place ... and refreshing!
The Greek streets
From the seashore to the Venetian Castle in the heights, there are numerous fascinating alleys to walk around and discover different corners of Nafpaktos. There is trekking or trail that leaves very close to the port and ascends through the town to the castle through the city. Streets of Nafpaktos, always ascending from the sea to the mountain, with beautiful houses and cobbled streets. We had already gone to the castle by car, but we climbed these roads as you discover alleys, houses and incredible views, until you reach the old clock tower. You get there fast, and you have beautiful views. Then you can continue going up and up and up to the castle, but don’t do this mid-day, the sun will just “kill” every drop of energy you have.
