A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nafplio vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Nafplio or Cinque Terre?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Cinque Terre? 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a quaint, seaside, and stunning coastal region. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Nafplio and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Cinque Terre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Nafplio and Cinque Terre are popular destinations, Cinque Terre has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cinque Terre is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Nafplio attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Nafplio and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also well known for Vernazza Harbor. Nafplio is famous for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Nafplio different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Nafplio can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre 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, Cinque Terre is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Nafplio or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Nafplio is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Cinque Terre offers a few options. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Nafplio is not a resort destination.

Is Nafplio or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Cinque Terre has a few good snorkeling spots. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Nafplio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nafplio or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Nafplio and Cinque Terre are nice 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 Cinque Terre to enjoy the beach. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Is Nafplio or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

The rich history of Cinque Terre can be explored in its historical center. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

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.

Is Nafplio or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

People visit Cinque Terre specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Cinque Terre?

Nafplio is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

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.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Nafplio or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Cinque Terre.

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 Cinque Terre. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Nafplio or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

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

Cinque Terre makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio and Cinque Terre are both nice 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.

Cinque Terre is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Nafplio and Cinque Terre.

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 Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Nafplio or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Nafplio and Cinque Terre are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

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.

Getting around Cinque Terre on foot is easy. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Cinque Terre?

In either Nafplio or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Nafplio because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre.

One day in Nafplio or Cinque Terre?

In Nafplio, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal region 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 Cinque Terre?

Nafplio is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre 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. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Nafplio. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Cinque Terre is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Nafplio or Cinque Terre?

Nafplio is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. Since Cinque Terre is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Cinque Terre?

Nafplio has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Cinque Terre, 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 Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Cinque Terre. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nafplio or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Nafplio during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the autumn, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Cinque Terre. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 10°C (51°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nafplio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nafplio or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Cinque Terre. The spring months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the spring, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Nafplio