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

Should you visit Nafplio or Caltagirone?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Caltagirone? 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Caltagirone

Caltagirone is a friendly, charming, and quaint city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Nafplio and Caltagirone: 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
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Nafplio or Caltagirone?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nafplio. Although Nafplio and Caltagirone are popular destinations, Nafplio has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nafplio is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Caltagirone attracts visitors for its shopping. Nafplio is more touristy than Caltagirone and is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. It is also well known for Palamidi Castle. Caltagirone is famous for its pottery and ceramic industry as well as the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase.

How is Nafplio different from Caltagirone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio
Caltagirone

Nafplio is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Nafplio. 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.

Caltagirone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many visitors come to see the famed Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte, which is a 142 step staircase that connects the upper and lower parts of the city. The staircase highlights the city's ceramic and pottery industry, as every step is decorated with tiles.


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

Nafplio
Caltagirone

Nafplio is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Nafplio is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Caltagirone. There are some great local restaurants that serve seafood and other local specialties.

Is Nafplio or Caltagirone Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio
Caltagirone

Nafplio is well known for its evening party scene. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known for nightlife.

Nafplio is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Caltagirone doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Many people visit as a day trip and the town isn't known for its nightlife scene.

Is Nafplio or Caltagirone Better for Beaches?

Nafplio
Caltagirone

Nafplio is a city with good options for the beach. However, Caltagirone is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Nafplio. 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.

Caltagirone is not a beach destination.


Is Nafplio or Caltagirone Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio
Caltagirone

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

Nafplio is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Caltagirone is a good destination for visiting its old town. It is known for its pottery and ceramics, which have been incorporated into many of the architectural elements around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Caltagirone?

Nafplio
Caltagirone

Caltagirone 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 Caltagirone. Pottery and ceramic shopping is a highlight of a visit to 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 Caltagirone Better for Families?

Nafplio
Caltagirone

Nafplio is a city with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Caltagirone is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy running up and down the famous Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase. The town also hosts some fun festivals throughout the year, and if you're traveling with kids, these would be the times to visit.


Is Nafplio or Caltagirone Better for Couples?

Nafplio
Caltagirone

Nafplio is well known for couples. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Caltagirone is a nice destination for couples. Pottery shopping and exploring the town make this a nice option for a day trip or overnight visit.

Is Nafplio or Caltagirone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio
Caltagirone

Nafplio is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Nafplio is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are pensions and other affordable accommodation options around town, if you decide to spend a night here.

Caltagirone is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Many people pass in and out of the town on a day trip or stopover, so you won't find many hostels.

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

Nafplio
Caltagirone

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

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 Caltagirone, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses travel in and out of town.


Is Nafplio or Caltagirone a more walkable city?

Nafplio
Caltagirone

Nafplio is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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.

Caltagirone is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are steep, but many people choose to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Caltagirone or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Caltagirone?

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

Families should spend more time in Nafplio than Caltagirone. 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 Caltagirone. 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 Caltagirone 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 Caltagirone? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nafplio 2-3 
    Caltagirone 1-2

One day in Nafplio or Caltagirone?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the picturesque city of Nafplio. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Caltagirone, you'll find museums and food. This 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 Caltagirone?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Nafplio. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Caltagirone, you'll find food 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 Caltagirone has to offer.


Five days in Nafplio or Caltagirone?

The picturesque city of Nafplio offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Caltagirone 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 Caltagirone?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nafplio. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Caltagirone. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Caltagirone. 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 Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Caltagirone 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 Caltagirone is €95. 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 Caltagirone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nafplio 50
    Caltagirone 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nafplio 100
    Caltagirone 118
Compare Hotels in Nafplio and Caltagirone

Looking for a hotel in Nafplio or Caltagirone? 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 Caltagirone


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 Caltagirone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nafplio 46
    Caltagirone 8.57

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 Caltagirone

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Caltagirone:

  • Transfer from Taormina and sourrounding villages to Catania Airport: $153
  • Transfer from Syracuse to Catania with driver private: $98
  • Transfer from Palermo airport to solve the expected problem: $58
  • Transfer from Catania airport to Ragusa: $87
  • Transfer from Catania airport to Catania Center: $60
  • Transfer from Catania Ragusa with private driver with car or van: $83
  • Transfer from Catania Airport to Catania city center or vice versa: $41
  • Transfer from Catania / Catania city center to Taormina or vice versa: $99
  • Transfer from Catania (everywhere) to Caltagirone (or viceversa): $95
  • Transfer da aeroporto Trapani a San Vito Lo Capo: $68
  • Transfer Tour from Taormina to Palermo with a stop in Cefalù: $290
  • Transfer Syracuse to Palermo with to visit Agrigento with Van: $168

Is it cheaper to fly into Nafplio or Caltagirone?

Prices for flights to both Caltagirone 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
    Caltagirone 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Caltagirone

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Caltagirone.

  • Palermo Street Food Tour including Market and City Centre: $21
  • Palermo Street Food tour: art, history and ancient markets: $49
  • Walking Tour and street food Tour Palermo: $49
  • Gastronomic Street Food Tour of Catania: $53
  • Catania Patisserie Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $60
  • Classic Palermo Street Food Tour: $60
  • Dinner in the Madonie Mountains : $65
  • Catania Street Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $67
  • Palermo Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $69
  • Vegan Street Food Tour: $71
  • Street Food Tour in Ortigia Syracuse: $75
  • Italian Bread and Pizza Making Experience in Palermo: $76

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nafplio 22
    Caltagirone 5.71

Tours and Activities in Nafplio

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

  • Nafplio Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: $11
  • Highlights Walking Tour: $59
  • City Walking Tour: $86
  • Mycenae-Nafplio-Epidaurus Private Full Day Tour with Sedan: $91
  • From Nafplion: Mycenae, Corinth Canal and Epidavros Day Tour: $182
  • Visit Ancient Corinth Mycenae Nafplio Canal Private Tour 8H: $188
  • Mycenae Epidavrous Nafplio Isthmus Canal Full Day Tour 8 H: $199
  • From Hydra Island Private-Tour to Nafplio, Epidaurus&Mycenae: $385
  • Argolis: Full-Day Private Peloponnese Tour from Athens: $427
  • From Athens: Peloponnese Full Day Private Tour & Audio Tour: $503
  • Peloponnese: Mycenae Nafplio Epidaurus Private Tour & Audio: $503
  • Athens: Corinth, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplio Day Tour: $524

Tours and Activities in Caltagirone

Here are a few actual costs in Caltagirone for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Boat Tour in Syracuse with Aperitif 1 hour and a half: $55
  • Daily Boat Tour to the Egadi Islands: $76
  • Guided tour of Villa Romana del Casale with skip the line: $43
  • Taormina Sunset Tour with Aperitif on Roof-Top Terrace: $153
  • 1 hour Calessino Tour in Syracuse: $131
  • 2 Hour Private Tour to Agrigento Valley of the Temples: $206
  • 2 Hour Walking Tour in Ortigia: $22
  • 2 Hours Guided Group Tour in Catania: $37
  • 2 Hours and a Half Private Guided Tour of Catania: $27
  • 2-hour private tour of Ortigia by bike: $115
  • 3 Hours Guided Tour of the Archaeological Park of Neàpolis and Ortigia: $136
  • 3 hours in Syracuse Boat Tour and Tuk tuk Tourist Tour: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nafplio 6.86
    Caltagirone 13

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 Caltagirone

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

  • Organic wine tasting at our historic cantina: $33
  • Etna DOC & Organic Wine tasting and tour of the 1815 historic winery: $35
  • Di Giovanna Winery Tour & 3 Wine Tasting: $37
  • Marsala wine tasting in historic winery: $38
  • Wine Tasting in a group with other travelers: $41
  • Wine Tasting Experience Etna Nord: $41
  • Wine Tasting in Panoramic Winery on Mount Etna: $41
  • From Marzamemi: 2-Hour Authentic Wine Tasting in Val di Noto: $48
  • Natural wine tasting in Palermo: $49
  • Wine tasting of the Mazara del Vallo nature reserve: $49
  • Wine tasting on the southern slope of Etna: $51
  • Di Giovanna Winery Tour & 5 Wine Tasting: $52


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nafplio and Caltagirone, we can see that Nafplio is more expensive. And not only is Caltagirone much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Caltagirone would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Caltagirone 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 Nafplio would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nafplio than you might in Caltagirone.

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


Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Caltagirone?

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

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 Caltagirone in the Summer?

Both Caltagirone and Nafplio during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Caltagirone for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Caltagirone in the summer. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Caltagirone fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Caltagirone, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the summer, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Caltagirone. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caltagirone receives 325 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets more rain in July than Caltagirone. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nafplio 25°C (76°F) 
    Caltagirone 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Caltagirone in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Caltagirone. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Caltagirone because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Caltagirone. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nafplio in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Caltagirone averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Caltagirone during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Caltagirone receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nafplio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Caltagirone. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nafplio 19°C (66°F) 
    Caltagirone 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Caltagirone in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Caltagirone. The winter months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Caltagirone this time of year.

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

In the winter, Nafplio often gets less sunshine than Caltagirone. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caltagirone receives 153 hours of full sun.

Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Caltagirone. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nafplio 10°C (51°F) 
    Caltagirone 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Caltagirone in the Spring?

Both Caltagirone and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caltagirone for the natural beauty.

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

It's quite sunny in Caltagirone. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Caltagirone during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Caltagirone receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Caltagirone. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nafplio 15°C (58°F) 
    Caltagirone 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Caltagirone and Nafplio

Nafplio Caltagirone
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)


Related Articles for Nafplio
Related Articles for Caltagirone