8Nafplio, Greece

While Athens and Santorini draw most of the attention, Nafplio quietly shines as one of Greece’s most romantic cities. 

Once the country’s capital, this seaside town combines Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences. Its old town is filled with neoclassical mansions, winding alleys, and flower-draped balconies. The Palamidi Fortress overlooks the city, offering breathtaking views of the Argolic Gulf. With fewer crowds than Greece’s famous islands, Nafplio is a secret worth keeping.