Which place is cheaper, Lagos or Nafplio?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Nafplio or Lagos? 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 is a romantic, beautiful, and picturesque city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.
Lagos is a beautiful, scenic, and adventure-filled resort town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.
Visitors will usually find more to do in Lagos than Nafplio, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lagos is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Nafplio is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Lagos is more touristy than Nafplio and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Also, Lagos is famous for Ponta da Piedade. Nafplio is well known for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lagos and Nafplio. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Nafplio is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.
Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.
Both Nafplio and Lagos offer a number of superb 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, Lagos makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.
Both Nafplio and Lagos have superb vibes after the sun sets.
Nafplio has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.
The people in Lagos know how to have a good time. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.
Lagos is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Nafplio is not a resort destination.
For the ultimate resort vacation, Lagos is a great choice. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.
Nafplio is not a resort destination.
Lagos is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nafplio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.
Nafplio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Lagos 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 Lagos. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.
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.
Nafplio is well known for its historic old town. However, Lagos does not have a historic old town.
There are many historical things to see in the old town of 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.
Lagos does not have a historic old town.
Lagos 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 Lagos. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.
Nafplio is not a hiking destination.
Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Nafplio and Lagos.
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.
Lagos is a great destination for shopping. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.
Lagos is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.
As it has a large number of activities for kids, Lagos is a very family-friendly destination. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.
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.
Lagos is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.
Lagos makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.
Couples visit Nafplio frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.
Lagos 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 Lagos, as it is a very popular resort town for budget travelers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.
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.
Nafplio is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.
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.
Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.
Nafplio is a must-visit destination for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.
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.
Lagos is not a very walkable city. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.
For even more information, also check out Is Nafplio Worth Visiting? and Is Lagos Worth Visiting?.
In either Nafplio or Lagos, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lagos than Nafplio because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 3-5 days is enough time in Lagos.
Families should spend more time in Lagos than Nafplio. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lagos, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Lagos than Nafplio. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lagos that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lagos 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 Lagos.
In Nafplio, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this romantic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
In Lagos, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This resort town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nafplio. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
In Lagos, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
Nafplio is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Nafplio. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
Lagos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lagos has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Nafplio. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lagos. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Lagos. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.
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 Lagos is €118. 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 Lagos in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Nafplio or Lagos? 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.
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.
Also for Nafplio, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lagos:
Prices for flights to both Lagos 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lagos.
For Nafplio, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Here are a few actual costs in Lagos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nafplio:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lagos:
When comparing the travel costs between Nafplio and Lagos, we can see that Lagos 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 Lagos Expensive?.
Lagos has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Lagos, 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.
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.
Both Lagos 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. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Lagos. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nafplio in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Lagos averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Lagos. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Lagos. The autumn months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lagos this time of year.
In October, Nafplio is generally cooler than Lagos. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 19°C (66°F), and Lagos fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Lagos receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nafplio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Lagos. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Lagos. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Lagos for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Nafplio is much colder than Lagos in the winter. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Lagos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Lagos. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Lagos 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. Also, many visitors come to Lagos in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Nafplio is much colder than Lagos. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nafplio in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Lagos averages at about 28°C (82°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. In April, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Lagos. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Nafplio | Lagos | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
May | 18°C (65°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 316 mm (12.4 in) |
Jul | 25°C (76°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 243 mm (9.6 in) |
Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |