A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Nafplio vs. Ios for Nightlife, Beaches, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Nafplio or Ios?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Ios? 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Ios

Ios is a striking, touristy, and backpacker-friendly island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Nafplio and Ios: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Ios?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ios. Although Nafplio and Ios are both popular with visitors, Ios has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ios is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Nafplio is known for its museums and historical sights. Nafplio is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. Ios is popular for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. It is also home to Skarkos Archeological Site.

How is Nafplio different from Ios?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ios. If you can pull yourself away from the beaches or parties, there are a number of archaeological and historic sights around the island. Churches like Panayia Gremiotissa Church and Evangelisimos Cathedral are worth visiting. Other attractions include Odysseas Elytis Theatre, Homer’s Tomb, and Skarkos Hill.

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

Both Nafplio and Ios offer a number of high quality 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, Ios makes for a great culinary experience. Most of the island's restaurants are found in the port area or in the town of Chora, but you'll also find several options near Mylopotas Beach. Most restaurants offer typical Greek dishes, but they often have a local twist. You'll often find local cheeses or a slightly different take on an old favorite. Popular ingredients include cheese, yogurt, fish, olives, honey, olive oil, and grains. Common meats include lamb, beef, and even rabbit, but seafood is obviously popular as well.

Is Nafplio or Ios Better for Nightlife?

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

Ios is a world class party destination. This is one of the quintessential party islands in Greece. Many young backpackers come here just to party, particularly during the summer months. You'll find many parties start around midnight or later and carry on well into the morning. Most of the clubs and bars are around the main square and nearby streets in Chora, but there are also clubs spread throughout the town. Outside of town, Mylopotas Beach is another popular party area.

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 Ios Better for Resorts?

Ios is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Nafplio is not a resort destination.

Ios is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of resort areas around the island with families preferring the areas around Yialos Beach and Manganari Beach. Partiers usually head to Chora and the great beaches near Mylopotas, but if you want to escape the crowds, head to Agia Theodoti.

Nafplio is not a resort destination.

Is Nafplio or Ios Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Ios has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Nafplio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nafplio or Ios Better for Beaches?

Ios is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Ios. The island has beautiful sandy beaches that range from family-friendly to party hard. There are popular and more developed beaches near Chora like Koumbara and Mylopotas as well as more relaxing beaches a little more removed like Kalamos and Manganari. Because of their striking beauty, the beaches around the island have been featured in a few films.

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 Ios Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio is notable for its old town. However, Ios 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.

Ios does not have a historic old town.

Is Nafplio or Ios Better for Hiking?

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

Ios is a good destination for hiking. The island has a barren and rocky landscape that offers spectacular views. Many of the hikes are quite challenging, but there are a few options for beginners as well. Many also pass by the spectacular ruins around the island.

Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Ios?

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

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.

Ios is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of local souvenirs that you can pick up. Many visitors prefer to take home unique items such as a tin of olives or olive oil. Jewelry, honey, and local ceramics also make good gifts.

Is Nafplio or Ios Better for Families?

Nafplio is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Ios is a mediocre island for its kid-friendly activities.

Nafplio is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Ios is not always a place people visit with their families. While the island is known as one of the top party destinations in Greece, it also has a more cultural side. There are impressive archaeological ruins and stunning beaches that kids will enjoy. The island also has snorkeling and plenty of kid-friendly food. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are in Manganari Bay and Yialos Beach is a nice family-friendly area.

Is Nafplio or Ios Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nafplio and Ios 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 Ios frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Because it's so close to Santorini, many people visit as a day trip. While the island is synonymous with partying, there are still many world-class archaeological sites and romantic beaches that make for an active and fun honeymoon. It's a bit quieter outside of the peak summer months.

Is Nafplio or Ios Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios 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 Ios, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. For many backpackers, partying in Ios is a quintessential European experience. Nights are spent at all night clubs or beach raves, while days are spent nursing a hangover on the beach. There are plenty of venues that cater to the budget crowd, with cheap food available at different places.

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

Ios 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.

Ios offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are public buses that travel to most of the tourist sights around the island including several of the more remote beaches like Manganari and Agia Theodoti.

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 Ios a more walkable city?

Nafplio is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Ios 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.

Ios is a somewhat walkable city. Chora is the most walkable part of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Ios or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Ios?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nafplio and Ios. In our opinion, Ios has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ios than Nafplio. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ios.

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

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

One day in Nafplio or Ios?

With nightlife and food around the picturesque destination of Nafplio, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

In Ios, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island 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 Ios?

Many people visit Nafplio for a weekend. With food and shopping around the romantic city of Nafplio, there's plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Ios, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ios has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Ios?

The destination of Nafplio offers shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Five days 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.

Ios is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Ios?

Nafplio, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ios. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Ios. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Tours for Seniors to Greece, and The Best Contiki Tours to Greece.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nafplio and Ios, we can see that Nafplio is more expensive. And not only is Ios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ios would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ios 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 Nafplio would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nafplio than you might in Ios.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nafplio Expensive? and Is Ios Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Ios?

Nafplio has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Ios, 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.