Bourtzi Fortress was on our to-do list for our 2026 trip to Nafplio, Greece, after missing it during our 2024 Greek trip. Bourtzi Fortress is one of three fortresses in Nafplio. It is also part of the iconic view as you look out to sea from the harbor, as it sits on a tiny inlet in the sea.
Location
The Bourtzi Fortress sits in the middle of the harbor on an Islet in the Argolic Gulf right off of the shores of Nafplio, Greece.
About Bourtzi Fortress
This 15th-century Venetian castle was built between 1471 and 1473 and was originally called Castel Pasqualigo, after the commander who completed it. The term Bourtzi came later; it’s derived from the Turkish word burc, meaning “tower.” It was built for defensive purposes and, together with the Acronafplia fortress on the mainland, it allowed them to fully secure the harbor.
A large chain was secured at Bourtzi Fortress and extended just under the water to Acronafplia Fortress on the mainland. Guards operated the chain, using winches to raise it at night or during times of threat. If an enemy approached, they would smash into the chain stopping their momentum. As the enemy tried to find another route, the cannons from both fortresses would open fire.
On the other hand, if merchants or friendly ships wanted to dock, or sail out to sea, the guards lowered the chain so the boats could sail through. What a great strategic defensive system! I would love to see this in action!
Getting To Bourtzi Fortress
These days, getting to Bourtzi Fortress in Nafplio is quite easy, like many places in Greece, you take a boat taxi. You can find the boat taxi at the harbor, just after the harbor parking lot and along the promenade. The ride is only about 10 minutes and you also enjoy a nice view of the harbor. Boats leave approximately every 30 minutes. Tickets for the boat are under 10 euros covering the way there and back. In addition, there is an additional charge for fortress admission which is also under 10 euros.
Bourtzi Fortress
We hopped on one of the first boats in the morning with just a few people aboard. This was nice for uncrowded touring once we arrived at the fortress. The fortress was a self tour although when we entered the gentleman taking the money was very informative. I must add, Bourtzi Fortress was a lot of fun to wander through. When we were here, there were few people visiting, so it felt almost like we had the place to ourselves.
Bourtzi Fortress was a very easy fortress to get around plus it was also fun to roam through the rooms and passageways. Surprisingly, once inside, it wasn’t as large as it seemed from the outside. I immediately noticed the central tower as it dominates the fortress. Bourtzi was obviously built for defense as evidenced by the thick stone walls and only two points of entry. At one time there was a drawbridge as well.
Entryways
Both of the entrances, one on the north side and one on the south, were narrow and low on purpose. This forced foes into a bottleneck which not only prevented them from storming through the doors but also made the enemies easy targets.
Access to the Upper Floors
One fact I found interesting is that the fortress was purposely built without permanent access to the upper floors. Back in medieval times, the inhabitants used moveable ladders to reach different hatches in the upper floors. This was actually a great defensive move if the enemy breached the entry doors. If this happened, the inhabitants could climb up and pull the ladders up through the hatch for safety. At some point in time, stairways were added which are now used to access the upper levels.
Hotel Suite
To make Bourtzi even more interesting, it is fun to know that in the 1930’s this fortress was one of the sought after hotels in Nafplio, Greece! One of the rooms has been restored to this era so you can see what the hotel rooms looked like. Can you imagine staying here? I bet it was amazing!
Restaurant
There is also a small cafe and coffee shop inside the fortress. It offers small plates, coffee and drinks with a fantastic view.
Views From the Fortress
After exploring the fortress, one of its best features is the view of Nafplio, the Argolic Sea, and also the surrounding area of Greece.
Conclusion
Bourtzi Fortress is a definite must see while in Nafplio, Greece. It doesn’t take long to wander through here but it is unique and interesting. The short little boat ride there and back was fun and a great way to escape the heat. We spent about an hour and a half from leaving the shore to returning to the port.
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The Gen-X Travels recommendations for hotels, restaurants, activities or tour companies are based on our own experiences unless noted. We are not sponsored by any business or company and all trips are at our expense. All photos are by myself or my husband unless otherwise noted. We are affiliates of some companies such as Amazon,Viator, and others which we do receive a small commission from, at no cost to you if you buy or book through one of our links.
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Each time I read one of your Greece posts, I think (to quote Tina Fey’s daughter), “I want to go to there!”
You should go! I’m not sure what it is but both my husband and I are drawn to Greece. The food, the culture, the landscape, the history….. I could go on and on. There’s just something about the country that we can’t enough! (and neither of us are even Greek!).
gorgeous
I was impressed.
Looks like a great fortress, too bad it’s no longer a hotel.
I know! I would book a couple nights there!!
Wow! A fortress-turned-hotel? Must be super cool to stay inside such a historic site! The walls may look formidable, but the interior looks well-furnished and inviting. Thanks for sharing!
I bet it was an amazing spot to stay!