Marine Ecology & Sustainability

Take an overnight trip to Nafplio, one of the most beautiful seaside towns in Greece, set along a calm, deep-blue bay of the Aegean Sea known as the Argolic Gulf. Arrive at a coastal scene of narrow streets lined with stone buildings in soft pastel colors—yellows, pinks, and creams—with balconies full of flowers and views of boats bobbing in the water. 

Nafplio’s look comes from its history; it was ruled by the Venetians (from Italy) in the 1600s, and you can see that influence everywhere, blending Italian and Greek styles into something entirely unique. Above the town, the Palamidi Fortress rises high on a hill. It’s a challenging climb (more than 800 stone steps!) but well worth it for the incredible views over the entire town, the curved coastline, and the open sea. Grab some ice cream, wander the streets with your friends, and enjoy a slower, coastal side of Greece that feels completely different from Athens.

Spend an afternoon at Vouliagmeni Beach, one of the most popular stretches of coastline along the Athens Riviera, about 18–20 km south of central Athens. This Blue Flag beach—an international designation for excellent water quality, safety, and environmental standards—curves around a wide bay with sandy shores, tiny inlets, rocky coves, limestone cliffs, and calm, crystal-clear water. The water is so clear that you can easily spot fish, sea urchins, shells, and seagrass below the surface.

Swim, sunbathe, and explore the shoreline with your fellow Global Navigators as you search for marine life hidden among the rocks and tucked into the coves. You may even spot Posidonia oceanica, one of the Mediterranean’s most important marine plants, which forms underwater meadows that shelter fish and help keep the water clear. Later, stretched out on the sand together, you find yourselves laughing about inside jokes, talking excitedly about everything you have learned, and dreaming about future travels, college plans, and all the places this experience might take you next.