Photo by Kaymaria Daskarolis

Nafplio, a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Athens, is hands-down one of Greece’s most charming towns. It is also home to Karonis Wine Shop (Amalias Street 5, Nafplio, +30-27520-24446.) The shop was established in 1882, although Karonis has actually been producing ouzo, brandy, wine, and other spirits since 1869. Recently, the family-owned company has taken a lead in developing innovative wine-tasting experiences for connoisseurs and amateurs alike.

Open Monday through Saturday from 8.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 6 p.m. through 9:30 p.m., Karonis also happens to produce our favorite ouzo, which even ouzo-skeptical visitors tend to find palatable. A .70 ml bottle of 80-proof ouzo goes for €5.75, while the .70 ml bottle of 88-proof “Special” ouzo costs €7. Souvenir-size .20 ml bottles can be had for as little as €1.95.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Photograph by Kaymaria Daskarolis

When in Nafplio—about two and a half hours from Athens by bus—do as the Italians do. Yes, Nafplio is in Greece, but given the heavy Venetian influence, consider functioning like an Italian and getting yourself some gelato.

Antica Gelateria di Roma (Farmakopoulon 3 and Komninou, tel: +30-27520-23520), a traditional Italian ice cream shop, is open every day of the week from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 a.m. or 2 a.m., keeping with Greek tradition of closing whenever the shop’s proprietors decide to shut the doors. On Fridays and Saturdays, it is open until around 3 a.m. The owners, Italian transplants to Greece, speak Greek, Italian, and English, and offer yummy ice cream and a welcoming atmosphere.

Our favorite flavors here are coconut, caramel, hazelnut, and chocolate. The coconut ice cream is refreshing and palate-cleansing. Caramel is mouth-watering, smooth, and creamy. Hazelnut is like cold Nutella, but with a slightly less intense flavor. Bitter chocolate is not quite as bitter as we would have liked, but it’s still a delight for chocoholics. The chocolate with grappa is rich and flavorful. A small cup of this culinary bliss costs only €1.50. We recommend the slightly larger cup, which will set you back €3.50.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Many call Nafplio “the most charming city in Greece”— and for good reason. The Peloponnesian city boasts noticeable Venetian influences, recently renovated pedestrian streets, three formidable fortresses, and a charming seaside location. Together, these features create a city atmosphere unlike any other in Greece.

There are three main ways to get to Nafplio from Athens and most other parts of Greece: on a tour bus, in a rental car, and by train. We recommend the third option. From Athens, a round-trip ticket comes in under €10.

Besides being the least expensive and most environmentally-friendly travel option between Athens and Nafplio, the train offers a scenic, peaceful ride, not to mention requisite Grade A eavesdropping and people-watching opportunities.

Popularity: 4% [?]