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

Should you visit Nafplio or Auxerre?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Auxerre? 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. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a undiscovered, authentic, and under-rated town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Nafplio and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Nafplio or Auxerre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nafplio. Although Nafplio and Auxerre are popular destinations, Nafplio has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nafplio is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Auxerre attracts visitors for its small town charm. Nafplio is more touristy than Auxerre and is known for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. It is also well known for Palamidi Castle. Auxerre is famous for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Nafplio different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Auxerre 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 Auxerre?

Nafplio
Auxerre

Nafplio is great for its historical sights. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Auxerre is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.


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

Nafplio
Auxerre

Nafplio is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Auxerre offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Is Nafplio or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio
Auxerre

Nafplio is great for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Nafplio for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is Nafplio or Auxerre Better for Beaches?

Nafplio
Auxerre

Nafplio is very good for the beach. However, Auxerre 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.

Auxerre is not a beach destination.


Is Nafplio or Auxerre Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio
Auxerre

Nafplio is great for its historic old town charm. However, Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

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.

Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Auxerre?

Nafplio
Auxerre

Nafplio is very good for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nafplio or Auxerre Better for Families?

Nafplio
Auxerre

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Auxerre.

Nafplio is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Auxerre. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.


Is Nafplio or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Nafplio
Auxerre

Nafplio is great for couples. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Nafplio is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Auxerre is a nice destination for couples. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

Is Nafplio or Auxerre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio
Auxerre

Nafplio is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Auxerre is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular stop off on the backpacker circuit, but you will find some affordable accommodation options.

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

Nafplio
Auxerre

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

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 Auxerre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town.


Is Nafplio or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Nafplio
Auxerre

Nafplio is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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

Auxerre is somewhat walkable. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Auxerre?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nafplio or Auxerre to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nafplio than Auxerre 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 Auxerre.

Families should spend more time in Nafplio than Auxerre. 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 Auxerre. 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 Auxerre 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.


  • How many days in Nafplio or Auxerre? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nafplio 2-3 
    Auxerre 1-2

One day in Nafplio or Auxerre?

In Nafplio, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Auxerre, you'll find food and 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 Auxerre?

In Nafplio, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nafplio has to offer.

In Auxerre, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Auxerre has to offer.


Five days in Nafplio or Auxerre?

Nafplio 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.

Auxerre is a great place to explore. 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 Auxerre?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nafplio. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nafplio. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auxerre. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Auxerre. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Auxerre or Nafplio?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nafplio is €112, while the average daily cost in Auxerre is €113. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Nafplio and Auxerre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nafplio 50
    Auxerre 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nafplio 100
    Auxerre 102
Compare Hotels in Nafplio and Auxerre

Looking for a hotel in Nafplio or Auxerre? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Nafplio


Hotels in Auxerre


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Nafplio Hotel Prices and Auxerre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nafplio 46
    Auxerre 46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nafplio

Also for Nafplio, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Athens: Bus Transfer to/from Nafplio: $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Nafplio or Auxerre?

Prices for flights to both Auxerre and Nafplio change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nafplio 34
    Auxerre 34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nafplio 22
    Auxerre 18

Tours and Activities in Nafplio

For Nafplio, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Argolis: Full-Day Private Peloponnese Tour from Athens: $427
  • Athens: Corinth, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplio Day Tour: $524
  • From Athens: Peloponnese Full Day Private Tour & Audio Tour: $503
  • From Hydra Island Private-Tour to Nafplio, Epidaurus&Mycenae: $385
  • From Nafplion: Mycenae, Corinth Canal and Epidavros Day Tour: $182
  • Mycenae Epidavrous Nafplio Isthmus Canal Full Day Tour 8 H: $199
  • Mycenae-Nafplio-Epidaurus Private Full Day Tour with Sedan: $91
  • Nafplio Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: $11
  • City Walking Tour: $86
  • Highlights Walking Tour: $59
  • Peloponnese Tour 2-Day Itinerary: $1,444
  • Peloponnese: Mycenae Nafplio Epidaurus Private Tour & Audio: $503

Tours and Activities in Auxerre

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Auxerre.

  • Chocolate Tour with Tasting: $16
  • Touristic highlights of Auxerre a Private half day tour (4 Hours) with a local: $112
  • e-Mehari Tour et dégustation Chablis Clotilde Davenne: $92

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nafplio 6.86
    Auxerre 6.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Nafplio

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nafplio:

  • Nafplion: Nemea Vineyards Wine Tour: $171
  • "Wine tasting Tour in Nemea and Visit tour in Nafplio": $295

Sample the Local Flavors in Auxerre

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Auxerre:

  • From Dutch Barge Full-Day Cruise with Wine Tasting: $85
  • Chablis & Northern Burgundy Wine Tour: $273


When comparing the travel costs between Nafplio and Auxerre, we can see that Auxerre is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Auxerre?

Auxerre has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Auxerre, 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 Auxerre?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nafplio or Auxerre in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Auxerre. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Auxerre for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Nafplio is a little warmer than Auxerre in the summer. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Auxerre fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Auxerre this time of the year. In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Auxerre during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Auxerre. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nafplio 25°C (76°F) 
    Auxerre 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Auxerre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Auxerre. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Auxerre in the autumn for the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Nafplio is a little warmer than Auxerre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nafplio in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Auxerre averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the autumn, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Auxerre. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun.

Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nafplio usually gets more rain in October than Auxerre. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nafplio 19°C (66°F) 
    Auxerre 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Auxerre in the Winter?

Both Auxerre and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Auxerre for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Auxerre can be very cold during winter. In January, Nafplio is generally much warmer than Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 10°C (51°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Auxerre during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In January, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nafplio 10°C (51°F) 
    Auxerre 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Auxerre in the Spring?

Both Auxerre and Nafplio during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the small town charm.

Nafplio is a little warmer than Auxerre in the spring. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Auxerre fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the spring, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Auxerre. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Auxerre. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nafplio 15°C (58°F) 
    Auxerre 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Nafplio

Nafplio Auxerre
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)


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