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

Should you visit Nafplio or Imperia?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Imperia? 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. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Imperia

Imperia is a undiscovered, authentic, and charming town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nafplio and Imperia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Nafplio or Imperia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nafplio. Although Nafplio and Imperia are popular destinations, Nafplio has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nafplio is more touristy than Imperia and is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. It is also well known for Palamidi Castle. Imperia is famous for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Nafplio different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio
Imperia

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

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.

Imperia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.


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

Nafplio
Imperia

Nafplio is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Nafplio is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Nafplio or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio
Imperia

Nafplio is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Nafplio has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Nafplio or Imperia Better for Beaches?

Nafplio
Imperia

Nafplio is a popular place for the beach. However, Imperia 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.

Imperia is not a beach destination.


Is Nafplio or Imperia Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio
Imperia

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Imperia?

Nafplio
Imperia

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

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.

Imperia is a great destination for shopping. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Nafplio or Imperia Better for Families?

Nafplio
Imperia

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Imperia.

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 Imperia. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.


Is Nafplio or Imperia Better for Couples?

Nafplio
Imperia

Nafplio is notable for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Nafplio is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

Is Nafplio or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio
Imperia

Nafplio and Imperia are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nafplio. There are pensions and other affordable accommodation options around town, if you decide to spend a night here.

Imperia is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

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

Nafplio
Imperia

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Nafplio and Imperia.

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 Imperia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.


Is Nafplio or Imperia a more walkable city?

Nafplio
Imperia

Nafplio is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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.

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

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

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Imperia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nafplio or Imperia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nafplio than Imperia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 1-2 days is enough time in Imperia.

Families should spend more time in Nafplio than Imperia. 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.

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


  • How many days in Nafplio or Imperia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nafplio 2-3 
    Imperia 1-2

One day in Nafplio or Imperia?

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 Imperia, you'll find nightlife and food. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Nafplio or Imperia?

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 Imperia, 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 Imperia has to offer.


Five days in Nafplio or Imperia?

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.

Imperia 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 Imperia?

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 Imperia. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Imperia. 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 Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Imperia or Nafplio?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nafplio is €112, while the average daily cost in Imperia is €108. 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 Imperia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nafplio 50
    Imperia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nafplio 100
    Imperia 102
Compare Hotels in Nafplio and Imperia

Looking for a hotel in Nafplio or Imperia? 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.

Hotels in Nafplio


Hotels in Imperia


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 Imperia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nafplio 46
    Imperia 36

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Nafplio or Imperia?

Prices for flights to both Imperia 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nafplio 34
    Imperia 35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nafplio 22
    Imperia 13

Tours and Activities in Nafplio

For Nafplio, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Nafplio Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: $11
  • Highlights Walking Tour: $59
  • City Walking Tour: $86
  • Mycenae-Nafplio-Epidaurus Private Full Day Tour with Sedan: $91
  • From Nafplion: Mycenae, Corinth Canal and Epidavros Day Tour: $182
  • Visit Ancient Corinth Mycenae Nafplio Canal Private Tour 8H: $188
  • Mycenae Epidavrous Nafplio Isthmus Canal Full Day Tour 8 H: $199
  • From Hydra Island Private-Tour to Nafplio, Epidaurus&Mycenae: $385
  • Argolis: Full-Day Private Peloponnese Tour from Athens: $427
  • From Athens: Peloponnese Full Day Private Tour & Audio Tour: $503
  • Peloponnese: Mycenae Nafplio Epidaurus Private Tour & Audio: $503
  • Athens: Corinth, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplio Day Tour: $524

Tours and Activities in Imperia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Imperia are as follows:

  • Imperia - Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour: $428

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nafplio 6.86
    Imperia 7.50

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


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


Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Imperia?

Imperia has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Imperia, 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 Imperia?

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 Imperia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Imperia. The summer months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Imperia this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Imperia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the summer, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Imperia. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Imperia. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nafplio 25°C (76°F) 
    Imperia 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Imperia in the Autumn?

Both Imperia and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Imperia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In October, Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of rain as Imperia. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nafplio 19°C (66°F) 
    Imperia 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Imperia in the Winter?

Both Imperia and Nafplio during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Imperia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 127 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Imperia. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nafplio 10°C (51°F) 
    Imperia 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Imperia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Imperia. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Imperia for the natural beauty during these months.

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

In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Imperia. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nafplio 15°C (58°F) 
    Imperia 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Imperia and Nafplio

Nafplio Imperia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)


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