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Banieres Nauplio
There is one different place for swimming in Nauplio. It is not a beach, but rather a part of its history. The so called Bathtubs ("Banieres" in Greek) are located under the Akronafplia at the western end of Arvanita walking path. Back in the day they were really popular among residents. Today it is visited in the morning by locals who do not have time during the day. Later on, just few curious visitors or those with really no time to go anywhere else come here. I really understand them.
Albeit different in nature, the water is crystal clear, the view is astonishing and the feeling is like nothing else.
Forget about getting here by a car. Banieres are accessible only by foot or a bicycle. Few people get here from Arvanitia after taking the walking path around the cliffs. However, most visitors come from the old town. You may arrive from the port promenade, which is nice, but taking the street above the port promenade (Spiliadi St.) will give You a better view. Banieres are located under the Akronafplia and share with it the brick walls. The view from Banieres is astonishing, whether You look at Bourtzi or at the fortress walls embroidered with bronze cannons and mortars. Do not forget to take a picture while passing through the gates. "Just Married" couples like to take pictures here.
Banieres is an artificial swimming area made of partially Akronafplia bricked walls and partially concrete walking platforms. In the past there used to be a Nauplio Yacht Club, later it was rented by town and used as a luxury bar or even empty, when nobody paid the starting auction price for rental.
The place is divided into three sections. On the picture you can see the outermost closed area of the yacht club and the middle section, which is an open water swimming area. Both are equipped with steel step-ladders.
Today the outermost section of Banieres hosts once more the Nauplio Yacht Club, which exists from 1950 as the blue welcome table proudly states in Greek. Swimming in this part is officially allowed for club members only. Do not get sad. The middle open water section is open for public use without restriction and especially in the morning You can find locals swimming here. There are steel step ladders for entrance to water. Be carefull when stepping on the sea bottom inside the water. Despite being close to the harbor, the water is crystal clear and clean. Sea urchins know that and they reproduce here in quantities.
The section closest to the old town of Nauplio is also the smallest. It is a swimming pool protected from waves at all sides. This pool is close to a bar which is currently operating this section and they placed here some tables for guests. Swimming here will be quite difficult, because it is simply not deep enough. One could only use it as a children swimming pool.
Rather than that, come by in the evening, when the sun sets down and they light candles at the tables. A romantic glass of wine with Your partner will be rewarding.
For more pictures of Banieres look at our gallery.
Notice at the end, please do not throw cigarettes, plastic cups and other waste into the sea nor on the beach. Banieres is an organised and regularly cleaned area with trash bins around. If You do not find one, take the waste with you. We are proud of our nature and Vila Vivari participates in the program of a sustainable tourism.
Protect the beauty around you, so that Your children may one day see it as well.
written by Michal Kohlmann
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