A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nafplio vs. Izmir for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nafplio or Izmir?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Izmir? 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.

Where Should I go: Nafplio or Izmir?

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.

Izmir

Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul.


Which place is cheaper, Izmir 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 Izmir is €98. 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 Izmir in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nafplio 50
    Izmir 57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nafplio 100
    Izmir 114
Compare Hotels in Nafplio and Izmir

Looking for a hotel in Nafplio or Izmir? 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 Izmir


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 Izmir Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nafplio 46
    Izmir 28

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • izmir kusadasi transfer: $82
  • Vip Airport Transfer: $98
  • VIP Private Transfer | Izmir Airport to Kusadasi or Selcuk: $46
  • Transfer İzmir Airport to/from Kusadasi City Center Area: $75
  • Transfer to Kusadasi from Izmir Airport: $75
  • Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $153
  • Transfer From izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Selcuk Ephesus: $82
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
  • Private Transfer: Izmir to Izmir Airport (ADB) : $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Nafplio or Izmir?

Prices for flights to both Izmir 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
    Izmir 23

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nafplio 22
    Izmir 19

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 Izmir

Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Highlights of Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port : $131
  • Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $100
  • Small Group Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $126
  • "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
  • 1 Day Ephesus And Pamukkale Tour From Izmir By A Local Expert: $300
  • 2-Day Small-Group Tour Highlights of Ephesus from Izmir: $169
  • 5 Days Seven Churches Tour Turkey: $1,068
  • Ancient Pergamon Tour From Izmir: $282
  • Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour from Izmir: $280
  • Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70
  • Biblical Ephesus, Mother Mary House, St John Basilica and Temple of Artemis Tour from Izmir with Private Guide: $272
  • Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $174

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nafplio 6.86
    Izmir 8.31

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $98
  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $114
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152


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


Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Izmir?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Izmir, 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 Izmir?

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 Izmir in the Summer?

Both Izmir and Nafplio during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Nafplio is cooler than Izmir. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nafplio in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Izmir averages at about 28°C (82°F).

In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the summer, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 378 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets more rain in July than Izmir. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nafplio 25°C (76°F) 
    Izmir 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Izmir in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Izmir. The autumn months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives less sunshine than Izmir during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 232 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nafplio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Izmir. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nafplio 19°C (66°F) 
    Izmir 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Izmir in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Izmir. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year.

Nafplio is a little warmer than Izmir in the winter. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Izmir fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 131 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Izmir. Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nafplio usually gets less rain in January than Izmir. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nafplio 10°C (51°F) 
    Izmir 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Izmir in the Spring?

Both Izmir and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nafplio is cooler than Izmir. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nafplio in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Izmir averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Izmir. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of rain as Izmir. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nafplio 15°C (58°F) 
    Izmir 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Izmir and Nafplio

Nafplio Izmir
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in) 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in)