What to do · Nafplio
Karathona beach and the path from Arvanitia
Information
- Price
- On your own · free
- Season
- June to September for swimming
- Who it's for
- Families, beach day
What it is
Karathona is Nafplio's long beach: about three kilometres of sand behind the rock of Palamidi, in a bay open to the Argolic Gulf. Along with Arvanitia it is a local favourite, and the one they choose when they want space and proper sand. It has palm trees and shady eucalyptus, a small islet off the shore and a Blue Flag. It is a few minutes from the centre, but feels like something else: you go from the city to a holiday beach.
Getting there
On foot, along the coastal path. The prettiest way. It starts at Arvanitia square, at the end of the Arvanitia promenade, and skirts the coast at the foot of Palamidi to the beach. It is a well-known path, much used by locals for walking and running.
- Start: Arvanitia square and beach, where you can leave the car for free.
- Coastal stretch: the path follows the shore beneath the slope of Palamidi, with the gulf beside you.
- Arrival: Karathona beach, behind the rock.
Bring water and a hat: it is a stretch exposed to the sun. To return, go back the same way.
By car. You can also reach the beach by road. In summer, with the beach full, arrive early to park.
What there is
In summer the beach changes: it fills with sunbeds and umbrellas, there are beach bars with drinks and fish tavernas facing the sand. In August it can be very busy, especially at weekends. Outside high season it is a quiet beach, the kind you walk from end to end.
The natural shade of the eucalyptus is what sets it apart from other beaches in the area: if you go with children, find a spot under the trees.
Swimming and safety
It is a sandy beach with a Blue Flag, which means clean water and controlled services in season. In wind and swell, swim with care and watch the children. Outside the swimming season, October to May, do not count on any services.
When to go
For swimming, June to September. If you want calm, go on a weekday or first thing. At the end of the afternoon, when the families leave, it is a good moment for a long swim. In spring and autumn, the path from Arvanitia is a very pleasant walk even if you do not swim.
With children or a dog
With small children it works: sand, tree shade and beach bars nearby. With a pushchair, better go by car. With a dog, in swimming season avoid the sunbed area.
Combine it
A morning of ruins at Mycenae or Epidaurus and the afternoon at Karathona makes a perfect summer day. If you are staying in the old town, the path saves you the car. For shallow-water beaches further afield, Tolo, about 12 km away, has campsites beside the sand such as Sunset Camping.
Tips
- Walk from Arvanitia The coastal path is part of the plan. Park free at Arvanitia and walk.
- Look for the eucalyptus trees They give the shade that other beaches in the area lack. In summer they are taken early.
- Early in August On summer weekends it fills up. Arrive first thing or at the end of the afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Karathona from Nafplio?
On foot along the coastal path leaving Arvanitia square, or by car on the road.
Does it have shade?
Yes. Palm trees and eucalyptus give natural shade on part of the beach, as well as umbrellas for hire in summer.
Does it have a Blue Flag?
Yes. Karathona has a Blue Flag, like Arvanitia.
With young childrenAs a familyWith teenagers
