A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Nafplio vs. Crete for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Nafplio or Crete?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Crete? 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Crete

Crete is a breathtaking, world-renowned, and scenic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Nafplio and Crete: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Nafplio or Crete?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Crete. Although Nafplio and Crete are popular destinations, Crete has more sights and attractions for tourists. Crete is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Nafplio attracts visitors for its historical sights. Crete is more touristy than Nafplio and is popular for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins. It is also well known for the Palace of Knossos. Nafplio is famous for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles.

How is Nafplio different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio
Crete

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Crete and Nafplio.

Nafplio offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to Crete specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The island is filled with archeological sites including the famous Palace of Knossos. While most people come to Crete for the natural beauty, in the cities you'll find some great museums and landmarks.


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

Nafplio
Crete

Crete 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, Crete is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Local cuisine is influenced by the island's fertile environment and excellent agriculture. You'll find olive oil in most dishes and seafood is a major staple. You'll also find a lot of stews and recipes that incorporate local ingredients.

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 Crete Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio
Crete

Both Nafplio and Crete have high quality 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 Crete know how to have a good time. The island has excellent nightlife with clubs and bars found in Chania, Malia and Stalis to Elounda. The area is popular with British tourists and you'll find many bars open until 2 or 3 in the morning.

Is Nafplio or Crete Better for Resorts?

Nafplio
Crete

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Crete is a great choice. The island has world class resorts that include pools and buffet meals. There are many beachfront resorts that range in style from romantic to family-friendly.

Nafplio is not a resort destination.


Is Nafplio or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nafplio
Crete

Crete is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nafplio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Crete. The island is surrounded by clear waters that make for great snorkeling and diving. There's a number of beautiful fish and other sea life that you can see. Be on the lookout for crabs, sea stars, sponges, and even octopi.

Nafplio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nafplio or Crete Better for Beaches?

Nafplio
Crete

Crete is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Crete. There are some of the best beaches in the world on Crete. The areas around Chania have some of the island's best beaches, with one of the most beautiful being Balos. On the northern side of the island, be on the lookout for strong winds, particularly in August, which can make for larger waves. The island is large, so you'll find everything from secluded and quiet beaches to more active and lively places.

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 Crete Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio
Crete

Nafplio is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Crete does not have a historic old town.

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.

Crete does not have a historic old town.


Is Nafplio or Crete Better for Hiking?

Nafplio
Crete

Crete 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 Crete. The island is filled with beautiful hikes that run along the shoreline or head inland through the island's beautiful landscapes. There are hikes for every ability level that offer spectacular views and an incredible experience.

Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Crete?

Nafplio
Crete

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Nafplio and Crete.

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.

Crete is a great destination for shopping. The island has many markets that sell local foods and handicrafts. There are also shops and boutiques where you can buy anything from souvenirs to homemade artwork.

Is Nafplio or Crete Better for Families?

Nafplio
Crete

Crete is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Crete is a very family-friendly destination. The island is large and filled with countless family-friendly activities. You can spend several days at the beach, explore Lake Kournas, visit a water park, or even take a pirate themed boat cruise. There's also the amusement park, ​​Labyrinth Park, aquariums and more.

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 Crete Better for Couples?

Nafplio
Crete

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

Crete makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

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 Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio
Crete

Crete 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 Crete. It's a large island with a great social scene and no shortage of hostels for backpackers to choose from.

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 Crete Better for Students?

Nafplio
Crete

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

Crete is a very popular island for students and younger travelers. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.

Nafplio is not popular with students.


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

Nafplio
Crete

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

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 Crete, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.

Is Nafplio or Crete a more walkable city?

Nafplio
Crete

Nafplio is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known 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.

Crete is generally not a very walkable city. The island is large and requires a vehicle to get around, but there are short strolls that let you enjoy the stunning landscapes.

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

Should I spend more time in Crete or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Crete?

Both Nafplio and Crete have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Crete than in Nafplio. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Crete 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 Crete.


  • How many days in Nafplio or Crete? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nafplio 2-3 
    Crete 5-7

One day in Nafplio or Crete?

In Nafplio, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Crete, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island 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 Crete?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nafplio. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Crete, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Nafplio or Crete?

Nafplio is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Nafplio. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Crete is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Crete has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Nafplio or Crete?

You'll find food and shopping 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. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Crete. In Crete, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, and The Best Contiki Tours to Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Crete 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 Crete is €102. 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 Crete in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nafplio 50
    Crete 48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nafplio 100
    Crete 96
Compare Hotels in Nafplio and Crete

Looking for a hotel in Nafplio or Crete? 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 Crete


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 Crete Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nafplio 46
    Crete 23

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
  • To Hydra Island from Athens: A Sightseeing Tour & Transfer: $391

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Crete

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Crete:

  • Wine Tasting Experience @ Lyrarakis Winery (Transfer Included) : $109
  • Wine Tasting Experience @ Lyrarakis Winery (Transfer Included): $109
  • VIP Private Transfer: Heraklion - Analipsi Hotels & Villas: $62
  • Transfer from Chania airport to Stalos up to 3 or vise versa: $68
  • Transfer from Chania airport to Paleochora up to 3 or vise versa: $202
  • Transfer from Chania airport to Elafonisi up to 3 or vise versa: $226
  • Transfer Services From Heraklion To Rethymno Hotels: $98
  • Transfer Service in Crete - Starts from Heraklion Prefecture: $33
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to RETHIMNO CITY area up to 7 : $159
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to Panormos area up to 7 customers: $133
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to MATALA area up to 7 customers: $151
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to MALIA area up to 7 customers: $81

Is it cheaper to fly into Nafplio or Crete?

Prices for flights to both Crete 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
    Crete 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Crete

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

  • Troy Dinner-Show: $33
  • Olive Oil Factory Tour, Dinner & Traditional Dancing: $60
  • Chania: Cretan Folklore Dance Show with Dinner and Pickup: $76
  • Cook with Locals | Cretan cooking Class at Archanes (transfer - lunch included): $87
  • The Delicious Chania PRIVATE Street Food Tour : $88
  • Sightseeing Day Trip with Cooking Lesson and Lunch: $97
  • Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $98
  • Chania Cooking Class in Crete with rustic, delicious and homely Cretan food!: $101
  • Authentic and Traditional Cooking Class in Chania Crete: $101
  • E-bike Food Tour Tasting in Heraklion : $114
  • Heraklion: Cretan Cooking Lesson with Lunch in Arolithos: $119
  • Chania: Authentic Cooking Class in the White Mountains: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nafplio 22
    Crete 26

Tours and Activities in Nafplio

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

  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $11
  • Nafplio Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: $11
  • Highlights Walking Tour: $60
  • City Walking Tour: $87
  • Mycenae-Nafplio-Epidaurus Private Full Day Tour with Sedan: $92
  • Ancient Corinth Canal - Nafplio Private Tour From Athens 6H: $155
  • Visit Ancient Corinth Mycenae Nafplio Canal Private Tour 8H: $182
  • From Nafplion: Mycenae, Corinth Canal and Epidavros Day Tour: $185
  • Mycenae Epidavrous Nafplio Isthmus Canal Full Day Tour 8 H: $192
  • Private tour of Peloponnese with a Pickup: $239
  • From Hydra Island Private-Tour to Nafplio, Epidaurus&Mycenae: $391
  • Argolis: Full-Day Private Peloponnese Tour from Athens: $433

Tours and Activities in Crete

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

  • 4x4 Safari tour Southern Crete Tripitis Gorge: $109
  • Adventure Safari Tour Secrets of the southern Crete : $102
  • Seitan Limania - Marathi tour with SUP & lunch: $166
  • 4-Hour Giouchtas Trekking Hiking Experience from Heraklion: $91
  • 4x4 self drive adventure: $88
  • Agia Pelagia: Quad Safari-Family Tour: $87
  • Agios Nikolaos: Private Sailing Cruise in Mirabello Bay: $2,172
  • All Inclusive Full-day Private Tour of Crete Villages from Chania: $282
  • An Unexpected Journey: Chania Trikke City Tour: $30
  • Archaeological Museum & Knossos Palace Guided Tour Half Day: $111
  • Archaeological Museum Guided Tour Half Day: $63
  • Archaeological Museum of Heraklion Tour: $87

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nafplio 6.86
    Crete 20

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: $174

Sample the Local Flavors in Crete

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

  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour From Chania: $42
  • Chania: Off-Road Tour at Sunset with Wine Tasting: $97
  • Jeep Safari Wine Tour and South sea swimming: $98
  • Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $104
  • Wine Tasting-Olive Oil Factory-Traditional Villages- Small Group : $133
  • The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $166
  • Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $179
  • Private-Knossos Palace and Wine tasting in Heraklion countryside: $221
  • From Elounda Private Heraklion Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $232
  • Ecobike Tour • All in One • Historical Tour-Food Tasting-Wine Tasting: $234
  • Heraklion SUV Private Guided Wine Tour with Lunch : $243
  • Heraklion: Private Knossos & Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $250


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


Which has a larger population, Nafplio or Crete?

Crete has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Crete, 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.