Bourtzi Castle

Island Small fortress on harbor islet protecting Nafplio

Small islet fortress off Nafplio harbour, built by the Venetians and reachable by short boat ride; photographed for its waterfront position and explored for fortress history.

Bourtzi Castle is a small islet fortress positioned in the harbour entrance of Nafplio in the Peloponnese. The castle was built by the Venetians and dominates the harbour mouth, forming an important visual landmark for the town.

The fortification comprises a compact series of defensive walls and battery positions adapted to its islet site and historically controlled access to the harbour. Today it is a frequent short-boat excursion from Nafplio and a common photographic subject for visitors.

Construction was undertaken under Venetian rule to strengthen harbour defences; the structure has been altered over subsequent centuries under different rulers and has served defensive, administrative and tourist functions.

Geographically the islet sits just off the waterfront of Nafplio in the Argolic Gulf, directly opposite the old town and castle ramparts on the mainland.

Access: Reached by a short boat trip from Nafplio's harbour; the islet sits in the harbour channel and is visually prominent from the town waterfront.

How to Get to Bourtzi Castle #

Bourtzi is the small islet fortress in the harbour of Nafplio. From Nafplio’s old town/waterfront (Syntagma Square and the small harbour) walk 5-10 minutes to the quay and take one of the frequent water-taxi/short ferry services to the islet (crossing about 5-10 minutes). By car, Nafplio is roughly 130-150 km from Athens (about 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic) via the national roads from Corinth/Argos; regular KTEL intercity buses run from Athens (Kifissos) to Nafplio as well.

Tips for Visiting Bourtzi Castle #

Take the first morning boat from Nafplio harbour to Bourtzi to enjoy the islet with fewer tour-boat crowds and better light for photos; return trips are frequent in season, but schedules thin out off-season.
If you don't go ashore, the best vistas are from the Arvanitia promenade or from the walls of Palamidi Castle - combining a climb of Palamidi with a short boat trip gives the trademark panorama of Nafplio and Bourtzi many visitors miss.
Check seasonal opening times before you travel - the islet's access and any on-site facilities can be seasonal, and local boat operators in Nafplio are the source of the most reliable schedules.