At an iconic spot in the city, within an exceptional setting with a panoramic sea view and the Bourtzi castle at its center, Dimitris Paliouras offers Greek flavors based on traditional Peloponnesian and Central Greek cuisine, dressed with modern touches.
It may not be the most famous spot in Nafplio, but it is one of its most iconic. With the characteristic fortress walls that rest on the edge of the Acronauplia hill, the «Baths» are a place of particular significance for the city's residents. Created in the 1950s as a place for sea baths for the people of Nafplio, and although the facilities remained inactive for over ten years, the area remained alive in the collective memory.
While not particularly crowded – which makes it even more charming – in recent years it has stood out for two main reasons. The first is the postcard-perfect view of the sea, with Bourtzi dominating the center of the image. The second is the presence, for the last few years, of a restaurant that qualitatively upgrades the area, making «Banjeres» a reference point for visitors and a favorite refuge for locals.
The soul of the restaurant is Dimitris Paliouras, a now naturalized resident of Nafplio, who keeps alive the memories of his Central Greek origin. Hence the name «Valaora,» as a reference to his village and, indirectly, to the great writer Aristotelis Valaoritis.
Valaora fully respects the environment and the history of the area that hosts it. The dominant material is stone, while the aesthetic of the space follows distinctly urban lines, with meticulous details that enhance the overall experience. It is a place where one can stay for hours, enjoying the ambiance without any sense of fatigue.
Valaora's culinary proposal is centered on Greekness, but not in the expected tavern version or a one-dimensional approach to tradition. Dimitris Paliouras works with Greek products, many of which come from his own estate, while the rest are selected from local producers with whom he maintains close cooperation.
The dishes maintain the vibrant Greek culinary identity without shying away from modern approaches. On the contrary, they creatively incorporate elements that bring them closer to the present day, without losing their comprehensible and familiar character. Of particular interest is the coexistence of flavor influences from Sterea Hellas and the Peloponnese, two «schools» that the chef handles with balance, creating harmonious compositions that unabatedly capture the visitor's interest, whether for lunch or dinner.
The particularly well-curated wine list, with over 200 labels, also plays an important role in the overall experience, allowing visitors to move with ease, choosing according to their personal taste preferences.
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