A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nafplio vs. Arles for Attractions, Old Town, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Nafplio or Arles?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Nafplio or Arles? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Nafplio

Nafplio is a picturesque, romantic, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Arles

Arles is a charming, compact, and quaint town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nafplio and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Arles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nafplio. Although Nafplio and Arles are popular destinations, Nafplio has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nafplio is very popular for its nightlife and beaches, while Arles attracts visitors for its museums and historical sights. Nafplio is more touristy than Arles and is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. It is also well known for Palamidi Castle. Arles is famous for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Nafplio different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Arles and Nafplio. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nafplio or Arles?

Arles is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Arles has many famous sights for visitors. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

Many visitors head to Nafplio specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a number of historic sights that are accessible from the town. One of the most iconic sights is the Palamidi Castle. You'll also find several fortresses in the area. There's also an archeological museum in town as well as the Folklore Museum.

Is the Food Better in Nafplio or Arles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Nafplio and Arles offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Nafplio has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local restaurants serve up traditional Greek dishes that are local to the region and country. You'll find fresh seafood on most menus as well as moussaka, souvlaki, the famous Greek salad.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Arles makes for a great culinary experience. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Is Nafplio or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Nafplio is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. You'll find a good concentration of bars and clubs along the waterfront. There are also a number of smaller bars and cafes near Syntagma Square and the nearby streets. In the later hours, many bars turn up the music and turn into dance clubs.

If you're looking for night time activities Arles has a few options to choose from. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is Nafplio or Arles Better for Beaches?

Nafplio is very good for the beach. However, Arles is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Nafplio to enjoy the beach. If you head outside of the city, you'll find some nice beaches where you can spend a day. The most notable beaches in the area are Tolo, Kandia, and Nea Kios.

Arles is not a beach destination.

Is Nafplio or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

The rich history of Arles can be explored in its historical center. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Nafplio. The charming old town spreads out from Syntagma Square. It's a great place to start your day with many cafes spilling into the streets.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Arles?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Nafplio and Arles.

Nafplio has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping in the old town is charming, but for the best retail options, you'll actually want to visit the new town. There are a variety of clothing and fashion outlets, with some of the best shopping streets being Sidiras Merarchias, Argous, and Asklipiou.

Arles is a great destination for shopping. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Is Nafplio or Arles Better for Families?

Nafplio is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nafplio. The charming, car-free center is fun to explore for all ages. There are several archeological sights around town as well as playgrounds and a great castle.

For families, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Nafplio or Arles Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nafplio and Arles make for a great place to visit.

Nafplio makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many people consider this to be one of the most romantic towns in Greece. You can explore the quaint village center and sample the cuisine at one of the many restaurants. It's easy to reach from Athens and the seaside setting is perfect any time of the year.

Couples visit Arles frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Is Nafplio or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio is very good for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Nafplio is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are pensions and other affordable accommodation options around town, if you decide to spend a night here.

Arles is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and apartments in the area.

Is Nafplio or Arles Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Nafplio and Arles.

Nafplio has some public transit options. There are buses through the region that are operated by KTEL Argolidas. Most routes leave from the central bus station.

You'll find some public transit in Arles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Is Nafplio or Arles a more walkable city?

Nafplio is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Nafplio on foot is easy. There are parts of the center of town that are car-free and there are many great areas that you can explore on foot.

Arles is very walkable. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Nafplio Worth Visiting? and Is Arles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arles or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nafplio or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nafplio than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

Families should spend more time in Nafplio than Arles. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Nafplio, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Nafplio than Arles. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nafplio that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nafplio than Arles if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Nafplio.

One day in Nafplio or Arles?

In Nafplio, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this romantic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Arles, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Nafplio or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nafplio. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Arles, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Arles has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Arles?

Nafplio is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Nafplio. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Arles is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Nafplio or Arles?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Nafplio. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Arles. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nafplio and Arles, we can see that Arles is more expensive. And not only is Nafplio much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nafplio would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nafplio and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Arles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arles than you might in Nafplio.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nafplio Expensive? and Is Arles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Arles?

Arles has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Arles, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Nafplio or Arles?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nafplio or Arles in the Summer?

Both Arles and Nafplio during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Arles for the family-friendly experiences.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Arles in the summer. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Arles, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the summer, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Arles. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Arles. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Arles. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Arles in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nafplio is a little warmer than Arles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nafplio in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Arles averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Arles during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Arles receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nafplio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Arles. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nafplio or Arles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Arles. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Nafplio is generally much warmer than Arles. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 10°C (51°F), and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets less sunshine than Arles. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.

Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Arles. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Arles because of the natural beauty.

Nafplio is a little warmer than Arles in the spring. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Arles. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arles during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Arles. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Arles and Nafplio