Which place is cheaper, Ephesus or Nafplio?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nafplio or Ephesus?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nafplio or Ephesus? 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.
Where Should I go: Nafplio or Ephesus?
Nafplio
The destination of Nafplio exists as a historic seaport town on the Peloponnese peninsula. From prevailing as a major port under royal succession in the Middle Ages to standing under the Republic of Venice, Ottoman Empire, and finally becoming capital of the First Hellenic Republic and then the Kingdom of Greece, this place has seen it all. Nafplio is now the capital of the region of Argolis.
Ephesus
The ancient city of Ephesus was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC). It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple was destroyed in 401 AD and rebuilt by Emperor Constantine I along with new public baths. The town was again partially destroyed by an earthquake in 614 AD. The city's importance as a commercial center declined as the harbor was slowly silted up by the Cayster River (Kucuk Menderes).
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNafplio €112Ephesus €134
The average daily cost (per person) in Nafplio is €112, while the average daily cost in Ephesus is €134. 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 Ephesus in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNafplio €50Ephesus €65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNafplio €100Ephesus €130
Compare Hotels in Nafplio and Ephesus
Looking for a hotel in Nafplio or Ephesus? 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.
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 Ephesus Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nafplio €46Ephesus €48
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus
Also for Ephesus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- VIP Transfer Kusadasi From/To Bodrum Airport: $128
- Transfer izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Davutlar: $98
- Scuba Diving Experience in Kusadasi with Instructor and Transfer: $60
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Town: $131
- Private Transfers İzmir City Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Selçuk, Ephesus, Şirince: $131
- Private Transfers From Kusadasi: $173
- Private Transfer | KUSADASI - IZMIR Airport: $120
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $22
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $24
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi hotels: $24
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi Hotels: $22
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Nafplio or Ephesus?
Prices for flights to both Ephesus 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
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Food Meals for one dayNafplio €34Ephesus €31
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:
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Sandwiches€0.14
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Dessert€0.16
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Lunch at Beach (for 2)€0.55
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Snacks€0.23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ephesus
For Ephesus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class in Kusadasi Ephesus: $110
- Ephesus Tour with Cooking Class in the Village: $149
- Taste of Traditional Turkish Cuisine | Small Group Kusadasi Food Tour: $211
- Cooking Class in Ephesus Selcuk Town: $228
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nafplio €22Ephesus €55
Tours and Activities in Nafplio
For Nafplio, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Argolis: Full-Day Private Peloponnese Tour from Athens: $427
- Athens: Corinth, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplio Day Tour: $524
- From Athens: Peloponnese Full Day Private Tour & Audio Tour: $503
- From Hydra Island Private-Tour to Nafplio, Epidaurus&Mycenae: $385
- From Nafplion: Mycenae, Corinth Canal and Epidavros Day Tour: $182
- Mycenae Epidavrous Nafplio Isthmus Canal Full Day Tour 8 H: $199
- Mycenae-Nafplio-Epidaurus Private Full Day Tour with Sedan: $91
- Nafplio Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: $11
- City Walking Tour: $86
- Highlights Walking Tour: $59
- Peloponnese Tour 2-Day Itinerary: $1,444
- Peloponnese: Mycenae Nafplio Epidaurus Private Tour & Audio: $503
Tours and Activities in Ephesus
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ephesus.
- Ephesus Half Day Small Group Tour: $40
- Ephesus Shared Tour from Kuşadası Port: $130
- Ephesus Tour With Small Group From Kusadasi: $76
- Ephesus Tour from Kusadası Port: $44
- Ephesus small groups Tour For Cruisers (skip the line): $100
- Ephesus tours Sirince Village from Kusadasi Port with lunch: $63
- Ephesus tours and Virgin Mary's House Temple Artemis tours : $67
- Private Tour Ephesus for Cruise Guests : $250
- Private Tour to Ephesus, Virgin Mary, and Artemis Temple From Cruise Ship/Hotel: $120
- Small Group Pamukkale Day Tour from Selcuk or Kusadası : $93
- "Ephesus Tours" Port Kusadasi lunch guide bus shopping Caravanserai artemis : $58
- "No Better Way to Explore History - Affordable Ephesus Tour": $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNafplio €6.86Ephesus €14
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: $171
- "Wine tasting Tour in Nemea and Visit tour in Nafplio": $295
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:
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Beer€0.12
Sample the Local Flavors in Ephesus
Also in Ephesus, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Skip-the-line Ephesus & Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi Port: $53
- Ephesus port tours and Wine Tasting Tours : $70
- Ephesus&Sirince Village with Wine Tasting Shore Ex: $100
- Ephesus and Sirince with Wine tasting Private Half Day Shore Excursion: $100
- Ancient Ephesus tour with Wine Tasting in the village and visit to Mother's Mary House: $130
- Private Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting: $134
- Virgin Mary Bread and Wine Tour included Lunch: $300
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nafplio and Ephesus, we can see that Ephesus 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 Ephesus would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ephesus 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 Ephesus Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Ephesus?
Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Ephesus, 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 Ephesus?
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 Ephesus in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Ephesus. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Nafplio is generally cooler than Ephesus. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 25°C (76°F), and Ephesus fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus 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 Ephesus during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Ephesus receives 378 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Ephesus. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNafplio 25°C (76°F)Ephesus 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Nafplio or Ephesus in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Ephesus. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Nafplio is around the same temperature as Ephesus in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Ephesus fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the autumn, Nafplio often gets less sunshine than Ephesus. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ephesus receives 232 hours of full sun.
Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nafplio usually gets more rain in October than Ephesus. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNafplio 19°C (66°F)Ephesus 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Nafplio or Ephesus in the Winter?
Both Ephesus and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Ephesus. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nafplio in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Ephesus averages at about 10°C (50°F).
Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ephesus during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Ephesus receives 131 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In January, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Ephesus. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNafplio 10°C (51°F)Ephesus 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Nafplio or Ephesus in the Spring?
Both Ephesus and Nafplio during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Ephesus. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 15°C (58°F), and Ephesus fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the spring, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ephesus. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ephesus receives 231 hours of full sun.
Nafplio usually gets more rain in April than Ephesus. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNafplio 15°C (58°F)Ephesus 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Ephesus and Nafplio
| Nafplio | Ephesus | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (76°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.