How to Travel with Multiple Sclerosis : Nafplio, Greece

Travel with Multiple Sclerosis

Travel is not easy. Even more so when you’re battling an invisible disease.

It becomes not so invisible when you use a walking aid. This is something I’m struggling with. Everyone can see something is wrong when I walk with a cane. Usually people are nicer and more willing to help me. It’s more of a battle with myself that I’m fighting. Using a walking aid makes me admit to myself that I have an incurable disease. Something that I have to live with the rest of my life. The struggle is real. On a more positive note, it helps me walk and people can see that something is wrong and so they don’t assume I’m drunk when I stumble or fall.

But I had to do my best traveling around Greece for my honeymoon with my husband. So, I made sure to get plenty of rest and used my walking stick everywhere I went. Resting is key when you’re traveling with Multiple Sclerosis. And I’m not just talking about sleeping. But making sure you sit often throughout the day.

Travel from Athens to Nafplio

Luckily,  with my disability I can still drive. So, we rented a car to go from Athens to Nafplio.

We stopped at the Corinth Canal, which makes the Pelopponese an island. Construction of this canal started under the Roman Emporor, Nero in 67 AD. Construction stopped after his death and recommenced in 1881. It was completed in 1893, but due to it’s size and frequent landslides, it is now mostly just a tourist attraction. At only 80.7 feet wide, it is too narrow for most modern ships. But it is still nice to see. When we were there, a man was bungee jumping off the bridge !!

You can also visit the ancient town of Corinth, Acrocorinth. We did not go here this trip, but if you feel up for it, give it a visit ! We were already stopping in Mycenae and I know my limitations. So even though I wanted to go, me and my husband decided against it.

Mycenae

Our next stop on our way from Athens to Nafplio was to Mycenae, an ancient town, one of the main attractions being the Lion’s Gate. This archaeological site was once the center of the Mycenaen culture. A lot of what was discovered here by Heinrich Schliemann can be found at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. They also have a small, on-site museum that you can visit which is included in your ticket to the archaeological site. Get your ticket here.

Once my husband and I ‘did’ Athens, it was more time to relax. Knowing this helped me get through all that we did in Athens. Read the blog about Athens here. It is not a far drive from Athens to Nafplio, but we stopped along the way which was nice.

If you don’t want to rent a car, you can do a day-trip from Athens to Mycenae and the theater of Epidaurus here.

Travel to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

The next day, we went to Epidaurus from Nafplio, where we stayed the night, to see the ancient theater of Epidaurus. Find your entry ticket here.

Even though this theater is ancient, constructed in the 4th century BC, the stairs are in good condition. I was able to walk halfway up with my cane with no problem. After this, the stairs looked a little iffy, and even though we have insurance in Europe, I did not want to risk falling. I wasn’t so much worried about going up as I was coming down. I know my limitations because of Multiple Sclerosis, so I did not go any further.

While it is forbidden to sing here, unless you get special permission, you can clap. Try clapping when standing on the center mark. The acoustics are incredible.

Travel to Palamidi Fortress

We then drove to Palamidi fortress from the theater of Epidaurus. Yes, you can drive there. No need to walk up the 999 steps. I did that in 2010, I’m not so sure about doing myself it nowadays. Driving to the top is a much better option for me these days. I was already tired after seeing the ancient theater, and the fortress is located in Nafplio.

This fortress was built by the Venetians between 1711 and 1715. After the Venetians, this fortress fell to the Ottoman Turks, and finally to the Greeks in 1822 when the Greeks won their independence from the Turks. Nafplio became the first capital of Greece after the Greeks won their independence.

Final Thoughts

Driving to Epidarus and then to Palamidi Fortress is very do-able in one day, even if you suffer from Multiple Sclerosis. Since Palamidi Fortess is in Nafplio, we were back in town to enjoy an apéro and watch the sunset.

There is a lot to do and see around Nafplio. So while you can take day trips from Athens, if you have the time, I recommend staying in Nafplio. It is a calm town with beautiful views of the water and mountains. While there, we stayed at Agamemnon Hotel which was not too expensive and had great water views. And, if you ate at the restaurant just in front, you receive a 10% discount.

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