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

Should you visit Nafplio or Hvar?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Hvar? 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 beautiful, picturesque, and romantic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Hvar

Hvar is a party-oriented, historic, and beautiful island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Nafplio and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Hvar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hvar. Although Nafplio and Hvar are both popular with visitors, Hvar has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hvar is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Nafplio is known for its museums and historical sights. Hvar is more touristy than Nafplio and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also home to Hvar Fort. Nafplio is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles.

How is Nafplio different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Nafplio. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Both Nafplio and Hvar offer a number of excellent 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, Hvar makes for a great culinary experience. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

Is Nafplio or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Hvar is a world class party destination. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

The people in Nafplio know how to have a good time. 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.

Is Nafplio or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Hvar has a few good snorkeling spots. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Nafplio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nafplio or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Hvar is considered a top beach destination. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

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 Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio is notable for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Nafplio is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Nafplio or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

Hvar is a good destination for hiking. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Hvar?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Nafplio and Hvar.

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.

Hvar is a great destination for shopping. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Nafplio or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar 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 Hvar. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

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 Hvar Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nafplio and Hvar make for a excellent 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 Hvar frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Nafplio or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Hvar, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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 Hvar Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Nafplio and Hvar.

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 Hvar, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Nafplio or Hvar a more walkable city?

Nafplio is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Nafplio 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.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Hvar?

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

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

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

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

One day in Nafplio or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Nafplio. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Hvar, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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 Hvar?

Nafplio is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Hvar, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hvar has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the picturesque destination of Nafplio. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hvar is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Hvar?

The beautiful city of Nafplio offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hvar. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Hvar. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Nafplio and Hvar, 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 Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Hvar?

Nafplio has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nafplio or Hvar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Hvar. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 25°C (76°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the summer, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Hvar. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hvar because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Hvar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In October, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Hvar. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nafplio or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Nafplio during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In the winter, Nafplio is a little warmer than Hvar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nafplio in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Hvar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Hvar. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Hvar. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 15°C (58°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar 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 Hvar during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Hvar. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Nafplio