Bourtzi Castle is one of Nafplio’s most prominent attractions. Set on a small island just offshore, it is the first feature many visitors notice when they arrive. The fortress rises out of the water with stone walls that reflect the sunlight across the surrounding sea.
Visitors often pause along the seafront promenade to photograph it from a distance. The experience typically involves taking a small boat or tender from the harbor to reach the islet. This short ride across the water provides an opportunity to view the fortifications from a different perspective before docking.
Once you reach the islet, the environment is defined by the stone structure, the sea breeze, and the open sky. Bourtzi offers a break from the busier parts of the mainland, allowing visitors to explore the old stone walls at a slower pace. Looking back at Nafplio from this angle provides a distinct view of the city’s coastal architecture.
This islet is a frequent highlight for those on a Greece yacht charter looking for historical landmarks accessible by water. Visitors can currently enjoy the outdoor areas, and plans are underway to reopen indoor features like a small museum and a gift shop. Inside the southern tower, one room remains restored to show how the fortress once functioned as a hotel.
Before it became a tourist destination, Bourtzi served a defensive purpose. Built in 1473 by an Italian engineer, the fortress was designed to protect the harbor from naval attacks. It formed part of a larger network of defenses, which included a heavy chain that stretched across the water to the mainland.
This chain could be raised to prevent ships from entering the port, earning the area the name Porto Cadena. Such strategic history makes the site a significant point of interest during a Nafplio yacht charter. The Venetian name for the castle, Castello dello Soglio, reflects its original architectural grandeur.
Bourtzi’s history includes several different functional roles over the centuries. During the Greek War of Independence, it served as a prison for General Kolokotronis. Later, it housed executioners from the Palamidi fortress and even acted as a temporary seat for the Greek government.
In the 20th century, the fortress shifted toward a commercial role. It became a tourism center in the 1930s and operated as a luxury hotel until 1970. Exploring these diverse chapters is a common activity for those on a Mediterranean yacht charter visiting the Argolic Gulf.
Following several years of restoration work, Bourtzi reopened to the public in August 2023. These upgrades included improved access for people with disabilities, such as the installation of an elevator, and the preservation of original masonry.
Visitors exploring the charter routes of the East Mediterranean are encouraged to walk the grounds and examine the architecture from this offshore location. While some indoor spaces are still being prepared, the open areas provide sufficient space to observe the layout of the fort. These efforts ensure the fortress remains a viable cultural site for future generations.
Bourtzi is a practical stop for those exploring the Peloponnesian coast on a yacht charter. Its location makes it easy to include as part of a wider trip through the region. Many visitors combine the islet visit with a tour of the Palamidi Fortress or a walk through the narrow streets of the old town.
For those exploring by sea, Bourtzi offers an excellent destination to anchor nearby and take in a unique part of Greek history. Speak to a professional yacht charter broker to include this historic fortress in your itinerary and manage the logistics of your visit to the Argolic Gulf.
