Palamidi Fortress
Nafplio, Greece
A Venetian fortress from the early 18th century above Nafplio, reached by a long stairway or a road to the car park at the top. The views over the Argolic Gulf are best in the late afternoon.
Palamidi Fortress stands on a 216 m hill above the old town of Nafplio in the Peloponnese, Greece. The Venetians built it during their second period of rule, between 1711 and 1714, to plans by the engineer Antonio Giancix. The Ottomans took the fortress in 1715, and Greek forces under Staikos Staikopoulos captured it in November 1822.
The complex has eight bastions. Theodoros Kolokotronis, one of the leaders of the War of Independence, was imprisoned here for high treason in 1834. From the top you have wide views over Nafplio and the Argolic Gulf.
For road-trippers there are two ways up: the main entrance at the Epaminondas bastion next to the car park, which you can reach by car, or the staircase rebuilt in the 19th century, which starts in town near Staikopoulos Park. It is known as the 999 steps, but there are actually 857. It is best to check opening times in advance.
- Nearest town
- Nafplio, Greece
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 37.5621, 22.8095
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and December. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Greece: Motorway tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- SunsetCampsite6 km from Palamidi FortressWi-Fi
- Camping AstrosCampsite15 km from Palamidi FortressTentsCaravans
- Camping ScalaCampsite15 km from Palamidi FortressTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Κάμπιγκ ΠοσειδώνCampsite17 km from Palamidi FortressTentsCaravansShowersToilets
- Iria Beach CampingCampsite18 km from Palamidi FortressTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- ThireaCampsite19 km from Palamidi FortressTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWi-Fi
All campsites in Greece · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Palamidi Fortress?
Palamidi Fortress is in Nafplio, Greece, at GPS 37.5621, 22.8095. It is about 4 km from Tiryntha.
Can you camp near Palamidi Fortress?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Sunset, about 6 km away; within 25 km there are 17 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Palamidi Fortress?
Palamidi Fortress is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Sounion and the Argolid: Corinth, Mycenae and Epidaurus.
What is there to see near Palamidi Fortress?
Places worth a stop nearby: Nafplio Old Town (1 km), Mycenae (19 km), Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus (24 km) and Ancient Nemea (29 km).
When is the best time to visit Palamidi Fortress?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)