A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nafplio vs. Cannes for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Nafplio or Cannes?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Cannes? 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cannes

Cannes is a lavish, glitzy, and opulent resort city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Nafplio and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Cannes?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cannes. Although Nafplio and Cannes are popular destinations, Cannes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cannes is very popular for its food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Nafplio attracts visitors for its museums. Cannes is more touristy than Nafplio and is popular for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. It is also well known for Boulevard de la Croisette. Nafplio is famous for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles.

How is Nafplio different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes 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, Cannes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

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 Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Both Nafplio and Cannes have great 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 Cannes know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

Is Nafplio or Cannes Better for Music?

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

Cannes has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Nafplio is not a live music destination.

Is Nafplio or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Cannes is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Nafplio is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Cannes is a great choice. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Nafplio is not a resort destination.

Is Nafplio or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nafplio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cannes has a few good snorkeling spots. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

Nafplio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nafplio or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Cannes is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Cannes is considered a top beach destination. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.

Many people head to Nafplio to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Nafplio or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the great old towns in both Nafplio and Cannes.

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 Cannes. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Cannes?

Cannes 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 Cannes specifically to go shopping. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

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 Cannes Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Cannes.

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 Cannes. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.

Is Nafplio or Cannes Better for Couples?

Cannes is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Cannes makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.

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.

Is Nafplio or Cannes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio is very good for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Cannes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's more famous for it's celebrity jetsetters than young budget travelers, but there are still several hostels and budget accommodation options tucked away in town.

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

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

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 Cannes, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel around the city.

Is Nafplio or Cannes a more walkable city?

Nafplio is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its 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.

Cannes is very walkable. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

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

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Cannes?

It's fun to spend time in either Nafplio or Cannes. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cannes due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 2-4 days is enough time in Cannes.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nafplio than Cannes 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 Cannes?

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 Cannes, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort 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 Cannes?

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

Five days in Nafplio or Cannes?

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.

Cannes is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Cannes?

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 Cannes. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Cannes. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Cannes?

Cannes has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Cannes, 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 Cannes?

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 Cannes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Cannes. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cannes for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Cannes in the summer. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Cannes fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Cannes. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Cannes in the Autumn?

Both Cannes and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Cannes in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nafplio is a little warmer than Cannes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nafplio in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Cannes averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cannes. It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In October, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Cannes. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nafplio or Cannes in the Winter?

Both Cannes and Nafplio during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 10°C (51°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Cannes. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Cannes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Cannes. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Cannes because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In April, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Cannes. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cannes and Nafplio