Nafplio was the first capital of Greece after the country’s War of Independence in the 1820s against Turkish rule. As a result, it is a town steeped in history, an element that is present in every corner of the old town center, with its grand neoclassical buildings and the magnificent Venetian fortress, Palamidi, that dominates the town’s skyline with its unparalleled charm. Not to forget, of course, the picturesque waterfront. The tiny fortress of Bourtzi, set in the water like a jewel and a silent sentinel, is an idyllic landmark that visitors love to marvel at from the multitude of cafes and restaurants lining the port.
Thought I’d share today some photos from a special weekend break in this magnificent town, which took place a few years back. It was the weekend of the annual Nafplio Marathon race, plus it was in March, very close to Independence Day (March 25). The Greek flags decorating the picturesque lanes of Nafplio added to their inherent charm a touch of national pride.
During our weekend break, my husband and I made sure to walk around the town a lot, to take in the incredible energy of it all, and to fill our minds with the serenity of the setting.
Saturday was a quiet day, but Sunday was a celebration! The town came alive with big crowds that stood expectant and music blaring from massive speakers. The annual Marathon race of Nafplio, a highly successful event, took place that morning, sending both runners and cyclists on a series of races around town and its outskirts to be cheered by excited spectators.
As opposed to the Athens marathon that’s regarded one of the most difficult to participate in (because its last stretch is a continuous climb uphill), the Nafplio marathon proved to be much easier for my husband, who ran the race, seeing that the ground was flat throughout.
Strolling around Nafplio is a unique experience. Magnificent squares, such as Syntagma (Constitution) and Trion Navarchon (Three Admirals), picturesque lanes, cafes and tavernas, curio shops and smart boutiques attract the eye in every corner. Surely, a photographer’s paradise.
For the enthusiasts of history, there is a lot to see and explore. Other than the Archeological museum and the Mosque (that housed the first parliament of Greece after the War of Independence), there are three historical forts around town.
Palamidi is, by far, the most magnificent, set atop a high peak that overlooks Nafplio. On a lower peak beside it, stands the fort of Akronafplia, and last but not least, the tiny fort of Bourtzi is, hands down, the most enchanting, seeing that it’s built on a tiny island at a short distance from the seafront. On a peaceful, sunny day, it’s a mesmerizing sight, seemingly floating on the water like a peaceful, off-white bird.
To me, it is no surprise that my great love for Nafplio, coupled with the delightful experience of that Marathon weekend there, in time inspired to write a novel – my romantic comedy, Running Haunted. And, in it, I unfold the allure of Nafplio in all its glory.
The book tells the story of Kelly Mellios, a marathon runner, who visits Nafplio to run the race and winds up getting hired to run a house. With a ghost in it!
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The stunning and athletic Kelly Mellios runs a marathon in the alluring Greek town of Nafplio and winds up getting hired as a housekeeper by Alex Sarakis, a charming hotelier. Alex lives with his three underage children and a quirky pug, but no one knows there’s an extra inhabitant in the house… It’s the ghost of Alex’s late wife that lingers on with a secret plan.
When Kelly finds out the house is haunted, she freaks out at first, but then finds herself itching to help the ghost settle its unfinished business. It is evident there’s room for improvement in this family… Plus, her growing attraction towards Alex is overpowering…
Will Kelly do the ghost’s bidding? How will it affect her? And just how strange is this pug?
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