Should you visit Nafplio or Hydra?
Should I visit Nafplio or Hydra? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
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.
Hydra
The island of Hydra is located in the Aegean Sea between the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs. Named for its natural springs, the island now has most of its freshwater imported from the mainland. The real gem of the place is the absence of motorized vehicles. Car and scooters are nowhere to be seen by the narrow marble-cobbled lanes, rocks, and sea. Such vehicles have been outlawed and so the way to navigate the island is by donkey, water taxi, or on foot.
Which city is cheaper, Hydra or Nafplio?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Nafplio is €89, while the average daily cost in Hydra is €78. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Nafplio and Hydra in more detail.
Accommodation
An average hotel room with basic furnishings costs about €80 in Nafplio For the most convenient locations and nicer amenities you can expect to pay a bit more.
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around €41. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Hydra the cost is €82 on average.
Local Transportation
Nafplio's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend €37 per person, per day on transportation in Nafplio.
The cost of a taxi ride in Hydra is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent €21 per person, per day, on local transportation in Hydra.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nafplio
Also for Nafplio, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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3-Hours Private Transfer from Nafplio to Athens:
$666
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Nafplio to Athens International Airport Private Transfer:
$672
Is it cheaper to fly into Nafplio or Hydra?
Prices for flights to both Hydra 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
Nafplio food costs typically run travelers around €27 per day. Eating every meal in a nicer restaurant will drive the cost up, and grabbing fast food or casual meals will help you save money.
The average traveler spends about €24 per day in Hydra for food, but obviously this is dependent on the type of restaurant and the amount of food ordered. To save money you can grab a lighter lunch or dinner, or you can try fast food or street food.
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Food
Meals for one day
Nafplio €27
Hydra €24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nafplio
For Nafplio, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Nafplio Walking Food Tour:
$121
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Nauplio Food Tour:
$124
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Cooking Class in Nafplio:
$189
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Nafplio can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around €18 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Entertainment and activities in Hydra typically cost an average of €9.14 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Tours and Activities in Nafplio
For Nafplio, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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Nafplio Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour:
$9.08
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Nafplio Train Tour:
$13
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Nafplio City Tour:
$13
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Nafplio City Tour:
$52
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Tour Nafplio with an e-bike!:
$64
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Horse Riding Experience in Nafplio:
$70
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Hiking Tour in Nafplio:
$77
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Nafplio Private Gastronomy Tour:
$100
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Argolis: Full-Day Tour in Mycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplio:
$100
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Olive Oil Tour close to Nafplio:
$108
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Cycling Tour at Nafplio:
$114
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Half day tour in Mycenae and Epidaurus from Nafplio:
$128
Tours and Activities in Hydra
Here are a few actual costs in Hydra for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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Full-day Tour of the Saronic Islands from Athens:
$118
Alcohol
Typically, people visiting Nafplio spend on average €5.49 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Hydra may vary from person to person, on average a person spends €9.14 per day on alcoholic beverages.
Sample the Local Flavors in Nafplio
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nafplio:
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Wine tour at the footsteps of Hercules in Nemea from Nafplio:
$188
When comparing the travel costs between Nafplio and Hydra, 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.
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