The Best Bars in Nafplio, Greece

With terrace furniture hammered out of old crates, a grungy interior and bottles dangling from the rafters, Kontrabasso is a favourite post-climb stop for those who’ve done the precipitous climb to the Palamidi Fortress and back down. Besides the frosty Zeus brews and other regional beers, the non-alcoholic drinks here are as good as the booze, with the fresh-mint-and-ginger lemonade particularly standing out.

With rough stone walls and hundreds of wine glasses hanging from the ceiling, this bar looks every inch the wine aficionado’s heaven it is. Perch on a stool at one of the barrel tables, and have the sommelier recommend a variety of Greek wines to try. There are over 150 to choose from, covering all of the main wine regions in Greece. Local cheeses and sharing platters are paired with appropriate tipples, and extensive wine tastings can be arranged.

True to its name, this bright and contemporary space, with a centuries-old original stone arch peeking through, sells cheeses, cold cuts and other ingredients from all over the Mediterranean, as well as an impressive array of wines. Around 90 percent come from all over Greece (Santorini, Nemea, Florina and more), and many are available by the glass. Walk-in wine tastings are easily arranged, and sommeliers Dimitris and Katerina are happy to suggest snacks, such as local gruyère, smoked eel and ham, to accompany your choices.

A clean aesthetic, contemporary light fixtures, dark leather banquettes and a vast bar, well-stocked with top-shelf spirits, define this upscale grill restaurant that forms part of Nafplio’s boutique hotel of the same name. It doubles as a wine bar, and the menu showcases a respectable range of Greek glasses, as well as some international tipples. Bow-tied waiters are happy to mix you classic cocktails as well. One for a romantic date – until the DJs take over, that is.

Ideally located for people-watching on a pedestrian drag in the Old Town, this is one of those great all-rounder all-day cafe bars that are perpetually busy with a mixed crowd of locals and international visitors. There are only four stools at the bar, mind, so be prepared to stand while sipping your pornstar martini (vanilla vodka, passion-fruit liqueur, lime juice, vanilla syrup and sparkling wine) or a pink and bloody (rose port, blood-orange juice and sugarcane syrup).

As the only true beach bar in Nafplio, Blublanc sits on the pebbly Arvanitias Beach, just south of the Old Town. Whether you’re after a lazy, daiquiri-fuelled day beneath the thatched umbrellas or a spot of sunset-watching – peach bellini or cosmopolitan in hand – you’re likely to rub shoulders with weekending Athenians here. Blublanc serves good breakfasts and light bites as well, from sandwiches to salads and grilled fish.

A real-life mavros gatos (black cat) oversees the proceedings at this locally renowned cafe bar in the heart of the Old Town. During the day, join the locals on the small outdoor terrace for a Greek coffee and breakfast, or head inside the traditional stone house, decked out with vintage posters for a Greek craft beer, a cocktail and some live music in the evenings. Performances range from local rock bands to occasional DJ sets.

With its rough-hewn stone walls and whimsical paintings of dogs dressed as dandies and counts, this cheerful cafe/wine bar/bistro is open all day. Owner Giorgos Bounos knows his grapes and gives you the opportunity to sample hand-picked wines from all over the Peloponnese and Northern Greece. There’s a good range of craft beers, too, along with nibbles: mainly regional cheeses and sausages. Tuesday nights are dedicated to Greek contemporary music, while DJs take over on weekends.