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

Should you visit Nafplio or Genoa?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Genoa? 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.

Genoa

Genoa is a vibrant, colorful, and energetic port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nafplio and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Genoa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nafplio. Although Nafplio and Genoa are popular destinations, Nafplio has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nafplio is famous for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. It is also well known for Palamidi Castle. Genoa is famous for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

How is Nafplio different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Genoa 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 Genoa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.

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

Both Nafplio and Genoa offer a number of very good 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, Genoa makes for a great culinary experience. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

Is Nafplio or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio is great for its evening party scene. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

Many people head to Nafplio for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

Is Nafplio or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Nafplio is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Genoa is not a good destination for its beaches.

Nafplio has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Genoa is a good spot to see the beach. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Is Nafplio or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio is great for its historic old town charm. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Nafplio to see the historical old town. 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.

Many visitors go to Genoa to see the historical old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Genoa?

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

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.

Genoa is a great destination for shopping. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Is Nafplio or Genoa Better for Families?

Genoa 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 Genoa. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

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 Genoa Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nafplio and Genoa make for a very good place to visit.

Nafplio makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Genoa frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

Is Nafplio or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Genoa 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 Genoa. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

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 Genoa Better for Students?

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

Genoa is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

Nafplio is not popular with students.

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

Genoa 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.

Genoa offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

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 Genoa a more walkable city?

Nafplio is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

Nafplio is a very easy city to get around 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.

Genoa is very walkable. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Nafplio or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Genoa due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

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

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

One day in Nafplio or Genoa?

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 Genoa, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city 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 Genoa?

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 Genoa, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Genoa has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Genoa?

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.

Genoa is a great place to explore. 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 Genoa?

You'll find food and shopping around the romantic 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 Genoa. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Genoa. 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 Genoa, we can see that Genoa 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 Genoa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Genoa 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 Genoa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Genoa?

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

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 Genoa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Genoa. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Genoa in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Genoa this time of the year. In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Genoa during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Genoa. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nafplio or Genoa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Genoa. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Genoa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Genoa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nafplio in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Genoa averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the autumn, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Genoa. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nafplio usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Genoa. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Genoa in the Winter?

Both Genoa 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Genoa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Genoa. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 10°C (51°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Genoa during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In January, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Genoa. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nafplio or Genoa in the Spring?

Both Genoa 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. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Genoa this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the spring, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Genoa. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in April than Genoa. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Nafplio