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

Should you visit Nafplio or Granada?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Granada? 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 romantic, beautiful, and picturesque city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Granada

Granada is a beautiful, charming, and cultural city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Nafplio and Granada: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Granada?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Granada than Nafplio, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Granada is better known for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Nafplio is more popular for its food and beaches. Nafplio is well known for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. Granada is well known for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. Also, Granada is famous for The Alhambra.

How is Nafplio different from Granada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Granada is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Granada has many famous sights for visitors. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

Many visitors head to Nafplio specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

Nafplio is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Nafplio. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Nafplio or Granada Better for Nightlife?

Both Nafplio and Granada 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 Granada know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

Is Nafplio or Granada Better for Beaches?

Nafplio is a popular place for its beaches. However, Granada is not a beach destination.

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.

Granada is not a beach destination.

Is Nafplio or Granada Better for its Old Town?

Granada 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 Granada can be explored in its historical center. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great 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 Granada Better for Hiking?

Granada 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 Granada. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Granada?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Nafplio and Granada.

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.

Granada is a great destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Nafplio or Granada Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Granada.

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 Granada. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Nafplio or Granada Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nafplio and Granada make for a high quality 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 Granada frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

Is Nafplio or Granada Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada 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 Granada. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

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 Granada Better for Students?

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

Granada is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Nafplio is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Nafplio and Granada.

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 Granada, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

Is Nafplio or Granada a more walkable city?

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

Granada is a very walkable city. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

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

Should I spend more time in Granada or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Granada?

It's fun to spend time in either Nafplio or Granada. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Granada 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 Granada.

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

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

One day in Nafplio or Granada?

In Nafplio, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Granada, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This 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 Granada?

In Nafplio, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Nafplio has to offer.

In Granada, you'll find food and shopping. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Granada has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Granada?

Nafplio is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Granada is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Granada?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nafplio. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nafplio. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Granada. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Granada. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona.

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

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Granada?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Granada, 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 Granada?

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 Granada in the Summer?

Both Granada and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Granada this time of year.

In the summer, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Granada. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nafplio in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Granada averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Granada. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Granada during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Granada receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Granada in the Autumn?

Both Granada and Nafplio during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Granada for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Granada. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 19°C (66°F), and Granada fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the autumn, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Granada. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 213 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets more rain in October than Granada. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Granada receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Granada in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Granada. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Granada in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nafplio is cooler than Granada in the winter. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Granada fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Nafplio usually receives less sunshine than Granada during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Granada receives 171 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 Granada. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Granada receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nafplio or Granada in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Granada. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Granada for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Granada. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nafplio in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Granada averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. 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 Granada. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 220 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets more rain in April than Granada. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Granada receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Granada and Nafplio