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

Should you visit Nafplio or Bilbao?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Bilbao? 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 beautiful, picturesque, and romantic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a authentic, colorful, and friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Nafplio and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Bilbao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bilbao. Although Nafplio and Bilbao are both popular with visitors, Bilbao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bilbao is more popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Nafplio is known for its food, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Nafplio is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also home to The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Nafplio different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Bilbao 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 Bilbao specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.

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

Nafplio is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Nafplio. 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.

Bilbao is not a culinary destination. The food scene is among the best in Spain. The city has several world renowned restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also smaller eateries that cater to the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the pintxos, which are small dishes that are the Basque region's answer to tapas. Many include seafood and are cooked with olive oil and garlic.

Is Nafplio or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Both Nafplio and Bilbao 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 Bilbao know how to have a good time. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the town.

Is Nafplio or Bilbao Better for Beaches?

Nafplio is a good destination for the beache. However, Bilbao 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.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Nafplio or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio is well known for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Bilbao has an old town worth visiting. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Bilbao?

Bilbao is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

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 Bilbao Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Bilbao.

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 Bilbao. The city offers some great museums such as the Guggenheim Museum. Families will also enjoy taking a ride of the Artxander Funicular, and exploring Mercado de la Ribera. You can also enjoy walking around Park Abandoibarra and exploring the creative sculptures.

Is Nafplio or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Nafplio is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Nafplio frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Bilbao is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with a vibrant enjoy with parks and outdoor strolls that couples will enjoy. There are also many great museums and romantic restaurants as well as some great shopping streets.

Is Nafplio or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio and Bilbao are both good 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.

Bilbao is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Is Nafplio or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nafplio is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Bilbao. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

Nafplio is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao 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.

Bilbao offers a very effecient public transportation network. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

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 Bilbao a more walkable city?

Nafplio is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Bilbao is a somewhat walkable city. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nafplio and Bilbao. In our opinion, Nafplio has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nafplio than Bilbao. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Nafplio than Bilbao. 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 Bilbao. 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 Bilbao 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 Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nafplio. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Bilbao, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Bilbao?

Nafplio is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Bilbao, you'll find nightlife and shopping. 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 Bilbao has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nafplio. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bilbao 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 Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the picturesque destination of Nafplio. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bilbao. 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Bilbao?

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

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 Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Nafplio during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 25°C (76°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the summer, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Bilbao. The autumn months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

Nafplio is a little warmer than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bilbao 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 Bilbao. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nafplio or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Bilbao. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene.

In the winter, Nafplio is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nafplio in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nafplio usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 15°C (58°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In April, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Nafplio