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

Should you visit Nafplio or Bari?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Bari? 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.

Bari

Bari is a cultural, authentic, and local port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Nafplio and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Bari?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bari. Although Nafplio and Bari are popular destinations, Bari has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bari is very popular for its food and big city activities, while Nafplio attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Nafplio is more touristy than Bari and is known for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. Bari is famous for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also well known for San Nicola.

How is Nafplio different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Bari 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 Bari specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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

Bari 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, Bari is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

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 Bari Better for Nightlife?

Both Nafplio and Bari have superb vibes after the sun sets.

Nafplio has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

The people in Bari know how to have a good time. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Is Nafplio or Bari Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Nafplio and Bari are nice 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 Bari to enjoy the beach. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Is Nafplio or Bari Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the superb old towns in both Nafplio and Bari.

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 Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Bari?

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

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.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Nafplio or Bari Better for Families?

Bari is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bari. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

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.

Is Nafplio or Bari Better for Couples?

Nafplio is a great city for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Nafplio or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

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 Bari Better for Students?

Bari is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Nafplio is not popular with students.

Bari is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Nafplio is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Bari, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Nafplio or Bari a more walkable city?

Nafplio is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nafplio and Bari. In our opinion, Bari has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bari than Nafplio. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

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

Couples should spend more time in Nafplio than Bari. 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 Bari 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 Bari.

One day in Nafplio or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Nafplio. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Bari, 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 food. This port city 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 Bari?

Nafplio is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Five days in Nafplio or Bari?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the romantic destination of Nafplio. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bari 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 Bari?

The picturesque city of Nafplio offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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's hard to know how much time to spend in Bari. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bari. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Nafplio and Bari, we can see that Bari 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 Bari Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Bari in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Bari. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bari because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari 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 Bari during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Bari. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nafplio or Bari in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Bari. The autumn months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In the autumn, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Bari. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nafplio in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Bari averages at about 18°C (65°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 Bari. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nafplio usually gets more rain in October than Bari. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Bari in the Winter?

Both Bari and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Bari. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 10°C (51°F), and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Bari during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In January, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Bari. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nafplio or Bari in the Spring?

Both Bari and Nafplio during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bari in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Bari in the spring. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the spring, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Nafplio