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

Should you visit Nafplio or Korcula?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Korcula? 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 nightlife, food, and beaches.

Korcula

Korcula is a laid back, historic, and scenic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Nafplio and Korcula: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Nafplio or Korcula?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Korcula. Although Nafplio and Korcula are both popular with visitors, Korcula has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Korcula is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Nafplio is known for its museums and nightlife. Nafplio is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. Korcula is popular for its small old town and its beautiful natural setting. It is also home to St Mark's Cathedral.

How is Nafplio different from Korcula?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio
Korcula

Nafplio is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Nafplio. 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 Korcula. Most of the sights are concentrated in Korcula Town, which has a charming old town that is filled with stone houses. In the center of the old town is St Mark's Cathedral. Other points of interest include Abbey Treasury and Marco Polo's House.


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

Nafplio
Korcula

Both Nafplio and Korcula offer a number of excellent 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, Korcula makes for a great culinary experience. Food is a way of life on the island, and you'll likely enjoy bread, salad, soup, and grilled meat or seafood at most meals. The ingredients are locally produced and fresh.

Is Nafplio or Korcula Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio
Korcula

Nafplio is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Korcula is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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.

Korcula doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The party scene is lacking in the old town, so this isn't the place to visit for nightlife. Many of the restaurants become cocktail bars at night, and there is a club or two that has opened in recent years.

Is Nafplio or Korcula Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nafplio
Korcula

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

Korcula has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a few snorkeling tours that leave from the island.

Nafplio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Nafplio or Korcula Better for Beaches?

Nafplio
Korcula

Korcula is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Korcula is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beautiful beaches around the island. Head south for the sandier beaches and north for the pebbly, shallower beaches. Many people think that Lumbarda has the best beaches on the island.

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 Korcula Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio
Korcula

It's fun to wander around the excellent old towns in both Nafplio and Korcula.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Korcula. The charming old town is filled with interesting buildings and historic streets that you can explore.

Is Nafplio or Korcula Better for Hiking?

Nafplio
Korcula

Korcula is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Korcula. There are many natural and hiking areas on the island so you can enjoy a full day hike or a shorter stroll through the area.

Nafplio is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Korcula?

Nafplio
Korcula

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

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.

Korcula is a great destination for shopping. You'll find boutiques, small retail shops, or stores selling knick knacks around town.

Is Nafplio or Korcula Better for Families?

Nafplio
Korcula

Korcula is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Korcula. The island has many great hikes that are appropriate for all ages. There are also pebbly beaches where the kids can play in the water and explore.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nafplio. 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.

Is Nafplio or Korcula Better for Couples?

Nafplio
Korcula

With fun activities for couples, both Nafplio and Korcula make for a excellent 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 Korcula frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful old town, striking coastline, and wonderful natural beauty make for a great honeymoon or romantic escape. There are many nice hikes in the area and the beaches are nice for cooling off.


Is Nafplio or Korcula Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio
Korcula

Nafplio and Korcula are both good 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.

Korcula is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find enough hostels around the island to choose from and there are usually plenty of backpackers hanging out.

Is Nafplio or Korcula Better for Students?

Nafplio
Korcula

Korcula is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nafplio is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Korcula. More students have been moving to the island, and you'll find a growing student population.

Nafplio is not popular with students.

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

Nafplio
Korcula

Visitors will find good public transit in both Nafplio and Korcula.

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 Korcula, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around the island but not all routes are very frequent.


Is Nafplio or Korcula a more walkable city?

Nafplio
Korcula

Nafplio is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Nafplio on foot is easy. There are parts of the center of town that are car-free and there are many great areas that you can explore on foot.

Korcula is a somewhat walkable city. There are foot paths and trails all over the island but you'll want to rent a bike if you're going long distances.

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

Should I spend more time in Korcula or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Korcula?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nafplio and Korcula. In our opinion, Korcula has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Korcula than Nafplio. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Korcula than Nafplio. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Korcula, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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


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

One day in Nafplio or Korcula?

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 Korcula, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Nafplio or Korcula?

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 Korcula, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Korcula has to offer.


Five days in Nafplio or Korcula?

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.

Korcula is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Korcula?

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 Korcula. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Korcula. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Korcula 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 Korcula is €90. 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 Korcula in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nafplio 50
    Korcula 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nafplio 100
    Korcula 116
Compare Hotels in Nafplio and Korcula

Looking for a hotel in Nafplio or Korcula? 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 Korcula


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 Korcula Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nafplio 46
    Korcula 1.40

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 Korcula

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Korcula:

  • Private One Way Transfer from Orebić to Dubrovnik: $205
  • Island Stupe / Moro Beach Transfer: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Nafplio or Korcula?

Prices for flights to both Korcula 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
    Korcula 28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Korcula

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Korcula.

  • Private Half-Day Cooking Workshop Gastronomy in Korcula: $87
  • Korcula walking tour and dinner for Food Lovers: $227
  • Korčula: Island Yacht Cruise with Wine Tasting and Dinner: $321

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nafplio 22
    Korcula 11

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 Korcula

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

  • 1 Hour Private Walking Tour in Korcula : $75
  • 3 Islands Tour - HopOnHopOff - Daily Ticket : $33
  • Bits of History - Half day kayak Tour: $65
  • City tour Korćula - private walking tour: $116
  • Croatia Korcula Island Buggy Safari Tour: $120
  • Dubrovnik Republic Guided Tour From Korcula and Orebic: $104
  • From Dubrovnik Private tour to Korčula Island: $342
  • From Dubrovnik Old Town Private yacht cruise: $3,743
  • Half Day Original Buggy Adventure and Safari Tour in Korcula: $109
  • Half day Lago di Korcula Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour: $64
  • Jeanneau Prestige 440 Fly Private Boat Tour: $1,497
  • Korcula Island Mountain E Bike Tour: $185

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nafplio 6.86
    Korcula 9.69

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 Korcula

Also in Korcula, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting at Black Island Winery: $30
  • Slurp of Grk Wine Tour: $91
  • Day Tour from Dubrovnik - Korčula and Pelješac Wine Tasting: $92
  • Wine Tour Korcula: $98
  • Half-Day Bike Tour in Lumbarda with Wine Tasting: $104
  • Korcula Buggy Safari With Wine Tasting: $107
  • Korcula Bike & Wine Tour: $110
  • Private Korcula wine tour and tasting : $130
  • Wine tour Korčula - private tour: $145
  • Enchanted Forest Hike and Wine Tasting Private Tour: $158
  • Korcula Island Sightseeing Tour Including Wine Tasting: $229


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Korcula?

Nafplio has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Korcula. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Korcula, 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 Korcula?

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 Korcula in the Summer?

Both Korcula and Nafplio during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Korcula for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Korcula. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 25°C (76°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Korcula, 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 Korcula. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 345 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Korcula. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nafplio 25°C (76°F) 
    Korcula 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Korcula in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Korcula. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Korcula because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Korcula in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Korcula fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Korcula this time of the year. In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Korcula during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 200 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 Korcula. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nafplio 19°C (66°F) 
    Korcula 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Korcula in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Korcula. The winter months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Korcula this time of year.

In the winter, Nafplio is a little warmer than Korcula. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nafplio in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Korcula averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Korcula. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 128 hours of full sun.

Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Korcula. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nafplio 10°C (51°F) 
    Korcula 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Korcula in the Spring?

Both Korcula and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Korcula for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Korcula. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 15°C (58°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Korcula. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Korcula during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Korcula. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nafplio 15°C (58°F) 
    Korcula 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Korcula and Nafplio

Nafplio Korcula
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)