Nafplio: Sea Kayak Medieval Castles Tour & Fortress Views

Summary

Kayak past Bourtzi Island castle and beneath Palamidi’s cliffs with local stories

You’ll paddle along Nafplio’s coastline with a small group, circling Bourtzi Island Castle and gliding beneath ancient fortresses while your local guide shares stories from Greek and Venetian times. Expect salty air, simple snacks under a tarp, laughter over tricky Greek words, and time to float quietly with views you won’t forget soon.

What’s the experience like?

We slid our kayaks into the water just below Nafplio’s old town, paddles clinking a little as we got used to the rhythm. Our guide, Dimitris, had this habit of pausing mid-story to point out a detail on the fortress walls — like a cannon port or a weird bit of stonework. The sea was calm but tasted sharp, salty on my lips. I could smell sunscreen and that faint tang of seaweed as we drifted closer to Bourtzi Island Castle. It looks tiny from shore but up close it’s all thick walls and odd angles. I tried to imagine being stuck out there guarding the port in winter — not for me.

Paddling around Acronafplia Fortress was quieter than I expected; you just hear your own breathing and the slap of water against stone. Dimitris asked if we wanted to try saying “Acronafplia” in Greek — Li laughed when I tried (probably butchered it). The cliffs looked almost golden in the late morning sun, and sometimes you’d catch a whiff of wild thyme drifting down from above. We stopped for snacks under a makeshift shade tarp stretched between two kayaks — nothing fancy, but after paddling it tasted perfect.

The craziest part for me was gliding right under Palamidi Fortress. You look up and it’s just sheer rock with this crown of walls on top, 280 meters above you. It made me feel small in a good way. Dimitris told us about how soldiers used to run up those steps — I can barely climb them now without stopping for breath. On the way back, we floated quietly for a while; nobody talked much, just watching gulls circle over the water. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck at my desk.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sea kayak tour of Nafplio fortresses

• See Bourtzi Island Castle from lighthouse
• Discuss port defenses and take photos
• Paddle around Acronafplia Fortress walls
• View headland and watchtower from below
• Paddle below Palamidi Fortress cliffs
• Admire Palamidi Fortress architecture

Top questions

How long does the sea kayak tour in Nafplio last?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but expect several hours including stops at key castles and snack breaks.

Is this Nafplio kayak tour suitable for families?

Yes, it’s designed for families interested in history and adventure together.

Do I need kayaking experience for this tour?

No prior experience is needed; there’s a safety briefing before starting.

What landmarks do we see during the sea kayak tour?

You’ll see Bourtzi Island Castle, Acronafplia Fortress up close, and paddle below Palamidi Fortress.

Are snacks or drinks included?

Yes, snacks and bottled water are provided during relaxing breaks on the tour.

Is hotel pickup included in the price?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; transfer back to Nafplio is included if it’s a one-way route.

Can young children join this kayaking tour?

Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for poor cardiovascular health.

Are photos provided after the tour?

Yes, guides take photos and videos which are sent to you later.

What’s included

Your day includes all kayak safety gear plus first aid equipment carried by guides, use of snorkels and masks if you want to swim or float near shore, bottled water and simple snacks under shade tarps during breaks, use of a camera for your own snaps (with photos sent afterward), personal insurance coverage throughout the trip, plus transfer back to Nafplio if your route finishes away from town so you don’t have to worry about logistics.