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

Should you visit Nafplio or Barcelona?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Barcelona? 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 romantic, beautiful, and picturesque city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a cultural, friendly, and high energy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Nafplio and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Barcelona?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Barcelona than Nafplio, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Barcelona is more touristy than Nafplio and is popular for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. Also, Barcelona is famous for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Nafplio is well known for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles.

How is Nafplio different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Barcelona and Nafplio.

Nafplio offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to Barcelona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

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

Both Nafplio and Barcelona offer a number of excellent 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, Barcelona makes for a great culinary experience. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

Is Nafplio or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Barcelona is a world class party destination. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

The people in Nafplio know how to have a good time. 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.

Is Nafplio or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Nafplio is not a live music destination.

Barcelona has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Nafplio is not a live music destination.

Is Nafplio or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Nafplio and Barcelona are notable choices.

Nafplio is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Many people head to Barcelona to enjoy the beach. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Is Nafplio or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the excellent old towns in both Nafplio and Barcelona.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Barcelona. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Barcelona?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Barcelona specifically to go shopping. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Nafplio is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Is Nafplio or Barcelona Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Barcelona.

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 Barcelona. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

Is Nafplio or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Nafplio is a well-known place for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Nafplio is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Barcelona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Nafplio or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Barcelona, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

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.

Is Nafplio or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Nafplio is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Barcelona. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

Nafplio is not popular with students.

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

Barcelona is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Barcelona offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

You'll find some public transit in Nafplio, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses through the region that are operated by KTEL Argolidas. Most routes leave from the central bus station.

Is Nafplio or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Nafplio is renowned for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Nafplio 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.

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable city. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

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

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Barcelona?

Both Nafplio and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than in Nafplio. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

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

One day in Nafplio or Barcelona?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Nafplio. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Barcelona is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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.

A weekend in Nafplio or Barcelona?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the romantic destination of Nafplio. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Because Barcelona is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Nafplio or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the picturesque city of Nafplio. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Barcelona is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Barcelona has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Nafplio or Barcelona?

Nafplio is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. Because Barcelona is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Barcelona, 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 Barcelona?

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 Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Barcelona. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nafplio in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Barcelona averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the summer, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Barcelona. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Barcelona in the Autumn?

Both Barcelona and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 19°C (66°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In October, Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of rain as Barcelona. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nafplio or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Nafplio during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

Nafplio is a little warmer than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Barcelona. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Barcelona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Barcelona. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nafplio is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nafplio in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Barcelona during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of rain as Barcelona. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Nafplio