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

Should you visit Nafplio or Avignon?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Avignon? 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 food, beaches, and shopping.

Avignon

Avignon is a charming, scenic, and picturesque town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Nafplio and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Nafplio or Avignon?

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

How is Nafplio different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio
Avignon

Avignon 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, Avignon has many famous sights for visitors. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

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 Avignon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nafplio
Avignon

Avignon is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Avignon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Nafplio makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Nafplio or Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio
Avignon

Nafplio is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Nafplio has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Nafplio or Avignon Better for Beaches?

Nafplio
Avignon

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

Nafplio offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Avignon is not a beach destination.


Is Nafplio or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio
Avignon

Avignon 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 Avignon can be explored in its historical center. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

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 Avignon?

Nafplio
Avignon

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

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.

Avignon is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Nafplio or Avignon Better for Families?

Nafplio
Avignon

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Avignon.

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 Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.


Is Nafplio or Avignon Better for Couples?

Nafplio
Avignon

With fun activities for couples, both Nafplio and Avignon make for a superb 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 Avignon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Is Nafplio or Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio
Avignon

Nafplio and Avignon are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nafplio. There are pensions and other affordable accommodation options around town, if you decide to spend a night here.

Avignon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

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

Nafplio
Avignon

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

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 Avignon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.


Is Nafplio or Avignon a more walkable city?

Nafplio
Avignon

Nafplio and Avignon are amazing when it comes to walkability.

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

Getting around Avignon on foot is easy. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Avignon?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Avignon than Nafplio 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 Avignon.


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

One day in Nafplio or Avignon?

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.

Avignon is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Avignon?

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.

Avignon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Avignon has to offer.


Five days in Nafplio or Avignon?

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.

Avignon 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 Avignon?

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 Avignon. Since Avignon is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Avignon 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 Avignon is €700. 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 Avignon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nafplio 50
    Avignon 647
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nafplio 100
    Avignon 1,294
Compare Hotels in Nafplio and Avignon

Looking for a hotel in Nafplio or Avignon? 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 Avignon


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 Avignon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nafplio 46
    Avignon 21

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Avignon

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

  • Transfert Avignon Marseille : $273
  • Transfer Vaison la Romaine and surroundings to Avignon: $164
  • Transfer Avignon to Vaison la Romaine and surroundings: $164
  • Private transfer Marseille - Avignon: $428
  • Private Departure Transfer from Avignon to Marseille Airport MRS: $117
  • Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) to Avignon - Round-Trip Transfer: $233
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Van: $132
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Minibus: $241
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Business Car: $91
  • Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Minibus: $241
  • Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Business Car: $91
  • Arrival Priate Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Van: $132

Is it cheaper to fly into Nafplio or Avignon?

Prices for flights to both Avignon 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
    Avignon 33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Avignon

For Avignon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Avignon Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $98
  • Cooking workshop with an exceptional chef in Avignon: $207
  • Cooking lessons: $213
  • Cooking Class and Lunch with a Local Chef: $403

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nafplio 22
    Avignon 15

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 Avignon

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

  • A Tour in Provence in a typical French motorized bike : the Solex: $46
  • Aix en Provence and Avignon city of Popes Private Tour: $1,486
  • Arles and Camargue Small-Group Half-Day Tour from Avignon: $98
  • Avignon : Half-Day Walking Tour with Private Guide: $160
  • Avignon Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.84
  • Avignon Walking Tour including Pope's Palace: $75
  • Avignon private guided tour: $273
  • All About Avignon Tour: $21
  • Around The Palace Tour: $31
  • City Walking Tour with Popes Palace Entry: $74
  • Emblematic Squares Tour: $267
  • Historic District Guided Food & Wine Walking Tour: $91

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nafplio 6.86
    Avignon 16

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 Avignon

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

  • Wine tasting in Sablet: $3.26
  • THE CUBE: Private Tour Of Semi-Gravity Cubist Cellar with Wine Tasting: $11
  • Provence and Wine Tasting by E-Bike from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: $65
  • E-bike tour and wine tasting from Vaison la Romaine: $65
  • Half-Day Provence Pont du Gard and Wine Tasting Tour from Avignon: $87
  • From Morning Wine Tour to Châteauneuf du Pape: $95
  • Morning Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $97
  • From Afternoon Wine Tour Châteauneuf du Pape: $102
  • Afternoon Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $104
  • Roman heritages and Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour from Avignon: $131
  • Chateauneuf-du-Pape Prestige Wine Tour from Avignon: $152
  • 8 Hours Private Wine Tour in Châteauneuf du Pape: $164


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nafplio and Avignon, we can see that Avignon 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 Avignon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avignon 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 Avignon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Avignon?

Avignon has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Avignon, 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 Avignon?

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 Avignon in the Summer?

Both Avignon and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Avignon because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Avignon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Avignon. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nafplio 25°C (76°F) 
    Avignon 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Avignon in the Autumn?

Both Avignon and Nafplio during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the autumn, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Avignon. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun.

Avignon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets less rain in October than Avignon. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nafplio 19°C (66°F) 
    Avignon 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Avignon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Avignon. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Avignon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Nafplio usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nafplio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Avignon. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nafplio 10°C (51°F) 
    Avignon 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Avignon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Avignon. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Avignon in the spring for the small town charm.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Avignon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the spring, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in April than Avignon. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nafplio 15°C (58°F) 
    Avignon 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Avignon and Nafplio

Nafplio Avignon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)