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

Should you visit Nafplio or Cefalu?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Cefalu? 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. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Cefalu

Cefalu is a coastal, historic, and touristy fishing village. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Nafplio and Cefalu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Cefalu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nafplio. Although Nafplio and Cefalu are both popular with visitors, Nafplio has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nafplio is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Cefalu is known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Nafplio is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. It is also home to Palamidi Castle. Cefalu is popular for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Nafplio different from Cefalu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Cefalu offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time on the beach or getting lost in the town's charm, but if you're looking for specific sights and museums you can check out the Cathedral, Museo Mandralisca, or Tempio di Diana.

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

Both Nafplio and Cefalu offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Nafplio has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cefalu makes for a great culinary experience. Despite being a popular tourist hot spot, there are still charming restaurants around town that serve up local dishes made with local ingredients. Many seaside restaurants have a charming atmosphere and a unique Sicilian flare.

Is Nafplio or Cefalu Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Nafplio has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Cefalu is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The town is small and mellow without a huge party scene. There are some beach resorts with bars and clubs attached where you can enjoy a drink by the water.

Is Nafplio or Cefalu Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Nafplio is not a resort destination.

Cefalu is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

Nafplio is not a resort destination.

Is Nafplio or Cefalu Better for Beaches?

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

Cefalu is considered a top beach destination. The town has nice beaches with good swimming and kayaking opportunities. Some of the beaches can get quite crowded but the water is blue and the views are nice. Some of the best beaches near town include Cefalu Beach, Kalura Beach, and Lido Angeli Del Mare.

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 Cefalu Better for its Old Town?

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

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 Cefalu. The town is charming and small, making it a nice place to explore.

Is Nafplio or Cefalu Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

Cefalu is a good destination for hiking. There are a few walking trails outside of town but the most popular is hiking to the top of La Rocca. It's at least an hours walk to the top but from there you can enjoy one of the best views of the harbor.

Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Cefalu?

Nafplio is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nafplio. 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.

Cefalu has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. It's a small, touristy town, so shopping isn't the main attraction. There are some interesting shops that are fun to pop into though.

Is Nafplio or Cefalu Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Cefalu.

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 Cefalu. Kids will enjoy beach time or wandering down the promenade, Lungomare. You can swim or simply relax by the water. Another fun activity is to climb the nearby mountain of La Rocca. The kids might even spot a local animal.

Is Nafplio or Cefalu Better for Couples?

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

Cefalu makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's natural beauty and Italian atmosphere make this a perfect couples destination. There are water activities for the adventurous as well as beautiful beaches and great restaurants.

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 Cefalu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nafplio. There are pensions and other affordable accommodation options around town, if you decide to spend a night here.

Cefalu is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's not a big backpacker vibe to the town, and you won't find tons of hostels, but there are affordable places that budget travelers can stay.

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

Nafplio is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cefalu. Public transit is limited but taxis are a good alternative for getting out of town and into the surrounding areas.

Is Nafplio or Cefalu a more walkable city?

Nafplio is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Nafplio. There are parts of the center of town that are car-free and there are many great areas that you can explore on foot.

Cefalu is a very walkable destination. The town is small enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cefalu or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Cefalu?

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

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

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

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.

Cefalu is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This fishing village 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 Cefalu?

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.

Cefalu might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Cefalu has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Cefalu?

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.

Cefalu 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 Cefalu?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful 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 Cefalu. Since Cefalu is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Cefalu?

Nafplio has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Cefalu, 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 Cefalu?

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 Cefalu in the Summer?

Both Cefalu and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Cefalu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nafplio or Cefalu in the Autumn?

Both Cefalu and Nafplio during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the autumn, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets more rain in October than Cefalu. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Cefalu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Cefalu. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Nafplio usually receives less sunshine than Cefalu during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nafplio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nafplio or Cefalu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Cefalu. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Cefalu in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cefalu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the spring, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets more rain in April than Cefalu. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Nafplio