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

Should you visit Nafplio or Karlovy Vary?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Karlovy Vary? 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 Karlovy Vary?

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.

Karlovy Vary

Founded in 1370, Karlovy Vary translates to "Charles' Bath" for its founder Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, as well as its famous hot springs. It is located in Bohemia in the western Czech Republic and is also known as Karlsbad (German) or Carlsbad (English). Another highlight is the International Film Festival in July with draws celebrities and other film enthusiasts worldwide.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary is €76. 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 Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nafplio 50
    Karlovy Vary 36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nafplio 100
    Karlovy Vary 72
Compare Hotels in Nafplio and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Nafplio or Karlovy Vary? 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 Karlovy Vary


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 Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nafplio 46
    Karlovy Vary 24

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 Karlovy Vary

Also for Karlovy Vary, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $128
  • Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $120
  • Private Transfer Karlovy Vary to Prague Vaclav Havel Airport : $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Nafplio or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary 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
    Karlovy Vary 25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nafplio 22
    Karlovy Vary 11

Tours and Activities in Nafplio

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

  • Argolis: Full-Day Private Peloponnese Tour from Athens: $427
  • Athens: Corinth, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplio Day Tour: $524
  • From Athens: Peloponnese Full Day Private Tour & Audio Tour: $503
  • From Hydra Island Private-Tour to Nafplio, Epidaurus&Mycenae: $385
  • From Nafplion: Mycenae, Corinth Canal and Epidavros Day Tour: $182
  • Mycenae Epidavrous Nafplio Isthmus Canal Full Day Tour 8 H: $199
  • Mycenae-Nafplio-Epidaurus Private Full Day Tour with Sedan: $91
  • Nafplio Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: $11
  • City Walking Tour: $86
  • Highlights Walking Tour: $59
  • Peloponnese Tour 2-Day Itinerary: $1,444
  • Peloponnese: Mycenae Nafplio Epidaurus Private Tour & Audio: $503

Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Karlovy Vary.

  • A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $223
  • Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $298
  • Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $112
  • Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $209
  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $35
  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $32
  • Private Walking Tour: $227
  • LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $255
  • Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $77
  • Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $353
  • Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $167
  • Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $168

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nafplio 6.86
    Karlovy Vary 6.13

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nafplio and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Nafplio is more expensive. And not only is Karlovy Vary much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Karlovy Vary would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary.

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


Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Karlovy Vary?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nafplio or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Karlovy Vary. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year.

In the summer, Nafplio is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nafplio in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Karlovy Vary this time of the year. In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nafplio 25°C (76°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Karlovy Vary. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nafplio is generally much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 19°C (66°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the autumn, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun.

Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nafplio usually gets more rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nafplio 19°C (66°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

Both Karlovy Vary and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Karlovy Vary can be very cold during winter. Nafplio is much warmer than Karlovy Vary in the winter. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In January, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nafplio 10°C (51°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

Both Karlovy Vary and Nafplio during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Nafplio is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nafplio in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the spring, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nafplio 15°C (58°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Nafplio

Nafplio Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)