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

Should you visit Nafplio or Catania?

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

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

Catania

Catania is a lively, youthful, and fun 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Nafplio and Catania: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Catania?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Catania. Although Nafplio and Catania are both popular with visitors, Catania has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Catania is more popular for its food, hiking, and big city activities, while Nafplio is known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Nafplio is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. Catania is popular for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. It is also home to Mount Etna.

How is Nafplio different from Catania?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Catania. There are many examples of beautiful architecture around town including Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata and Monastero dei Benedettini. You can also visit Castello Ursino. The main square in town is Piazza del Duomo.

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

Catania 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, Catania is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's food scene is excellent. Dishes are influenced by both the sea and the land, and you'll find a large and popular street food setting. If you're sampling the street food, make sure you try the arancino (rice balls). Pasta dishes are also popular and many use a variety of cheeses. You'll also find plenty of fresh vegetables incorporated into many dishes.

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 Catania Better for Nightlife?

Both Nafplio and Catania 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 Catania know how to have a good time. The city has a reputation for its great nightlife scene that spreads beyond Sicily. The large student population and popularity with tourists mean you can find a party most nights of the week. There are many bars and clubs to check out, many of which are found in the old town center.

Is Nafplio or Catania Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Nafplio and Catania are good 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 Catania to enjoy the beach. The best time to visit the beach is between April and October. There are sandy beaches to the south of town that span a few kilometers and beaches to the north tend to be rocky. Many beaches are also accessible by public transit.

Is Nafplio or Catania Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio is notable for its old town. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Catania has an old town worth visiting. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Is Nafplio or Catania Better for Hiking?

Catania is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Catania. Many people visit Mt. Etna as a day trip. You can take the bus to Sapienza Refuge to begin your climb. While it's a doable hike for many people, it can be steep and requires some determination. Unless you're a very experienced hiker, a guide is a must as the trail disappears for large sections. There are also buses and cable cars that take people up sections of the mountain.

Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Catania?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Nafplio and Catania.

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.

Catania is a great destination for shopping. The city has a number of shopping malls where you can pick up anything you may need or might have forgotten. Check out Catania Shopping Center or Etnapolis.

Is Nafplio or Catania Better for Families?

Catania 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 Catania. There's a toy museum as well as the Polo Tactile Multimedia Museum which kids and adults alike will enjoy. A highlight of a visit to the city is a trip up Mt. Etna, which can be done either by hiking, bus, or cable car. The city also has many plazas, gardens, and parks that kids will enjoy exploring. Another fun activity is to spend the day at the beach.

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 Catania Better for Couples?

Nafplio is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

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.

Catania is a good city for couples to visit. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Is Nafplio or Catania Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Catania 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 Catania. There's a large number of hostels around town and the city is generally affordable, so backpackers often enjoy spending some time here. There's also a great social scene.

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 Catania Better for Students?

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

Catania is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. This is a university town with a very social atmosphere. Students love the wide variety of activities around town as well as the frequent night time parties.

Nafplio is not popular with students.

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

Catania 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.

Catania offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are many buses around town that offer access to most places. If you drove you can park and take Line 504M to the historic center. You can also take a bus from Piazza Giovanni XXIII to Rifugio Sapienza if you're going to Mt. Etna. It leaves every morning at 8:15 and returns at 4:30 in the afternoon. The city also has a metro, which has one line and ten stops.

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 Catania a more walkable city?

Nafplio is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Catania is a very walkable destination. Many of the city's main sights are close together in the center of town, making them easy to access on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Catania or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Catania?

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

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

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

One day in Nafplio or Catania?

In Nafplio, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

In Catania, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Catania?

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

In Catania, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Catania has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Catania?

Nafplio 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.

Catania is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Catania?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nafplio. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nafplio. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Catania. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Catania. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Catania?

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

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 Catania in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Catania. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Catania for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Catania. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 25°C (76°F), and Catania fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Catania. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the summer, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Catania. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 325 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Catania. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Catania receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Catania in the Autumn?

Both Catania 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 Catania in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Catania in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Catania fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Catania during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Catania. It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In October, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Catania. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Catania receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nafplio or Catania in the Winter?

Both Catania 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. Also, most visitors come to Catania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Catania. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nafplio in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Catania averages at about 10°C (51°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Catania. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Catania receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Catania in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Catania. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Catania because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Catania. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 15°C (58°F), and Catania fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Catania 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 Catania during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Catania. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Catania receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Catania and Nafplio