must-visit in NafplioCastle & Fortress
Bourtzi
📍 Bourtzi Castle, Nafplio Harbour, Greece
Introduction
Bourtzi is a circular Venetian castle perched on a tiny islet in the harbour of Nafplio, its name Bourtzion meaning 'islet'. It defended the port during the 1822 Greek War of Independence, later serving as a place of execution and even a luxury hotel. A few minutes by small boat brings you to its walls, and at sunset the fortress mirrored in the water is Nafplio's most iconic postcard view.
✨ Highlights
01
Islet fort
Bourtzi is a circular Venetian castle perched on a tiny islet in the harbour of Nafplio.
02
War of 1822
It defended the port during the 1822 Greek War of Independence.
03
Boat access
A few minutes by small boat brings you to its walls.
04
Sunset card
Sunset card adds a different flavour to Bourtzi Castle.
🛈 Practical Info
→Admission：~€5 w/ boat (reference).
→Hours：Daytime (reference).
→Duration：About 40 min.
→Getting there：Harbour ferry.
→Tip：Dusk is best.
→Note：Limited sailings.
💡 Tips
• Allow About 40 min for the visit and try to avoid peak hours.
• Opening Daytime (reference); do verify the latest schedule before you set out.
• Getting there: Nafplio harbour; pair with nearby sights.
• Bourtzi Castle rewards a slow visit—catch the signature view.
FAQ
Any practical tips for visiting Bourtzi?
Allow About 40 min for the visit and try to avoid peak hours. Opening Daytime (reference); do verify the latest schedule before you set out.
