A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nafplio vs. Montpellier for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Nafplio or Montpellier?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Montpellier? 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 picturesque, romantic, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a bustling, beautiful, and friendly city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Nafplio and Montpellier: 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
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Nafplio or Montpellier?

Both Montpellier and Nafplio have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Nafplio is very popular for its food and nightlife, while Montpellier attracts visitors for its beaches, historical sights, and shopping. Nafplio is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. Montpellier is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Nafplio different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio
Montpellier

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Montpellier and Nafplio.

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.

Many visitors head to Montpellier specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.


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

Nafplio
Montpellier

Nafplio is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Nafplio is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Nafplio or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio
Montpellier

Nafplio is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Nafplio or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Nafplio
Montpellier

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

Montpellier is considered a top beach destination. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

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 Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio
Montpellier

Montpellier is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

The rich history of Montpellier can be explored in its historical center. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Montpellier?

Nafplio
Montpellier

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Nafplio is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Is Nafplio or Montpellier Better for Families?

Nafplio
Montpellier

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Montpellier.

Nafplio is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Montpellier. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.


Is Nafplio or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Nafplio
Montpellier

With fun activities for couples, both Nafplio and Montpellier make for a superb 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 Montpellier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Nafplio or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio
Montpellier

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

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 Montpellier Better for Students?

Nafplio
Montpellier

Montpellier is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Nafplio is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Montpellier. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

Nafplio is not popular with students.


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

Nafplio
Montpellier

Montpellier 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.

Montpellier offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

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 Montpellier a more walkable city?

Nafplio
Montpellier

Nafplio is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Montpellier is very walkable. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Montpellier?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Nafplio or Montpellier? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nafplio 2-3 
    Montpellier 1-3

One day in Nafplio or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the romantic city of Nafplio. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Montpellier, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city 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 Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the picturesque destination of Nafplio. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Montpellier, 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 Montpellier has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Montpellier?

The beautiful city of Nafplio offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Montpellier 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 Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nafplio. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Montpellier. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Montpellier 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 Montpellier 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 Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nafplio 50
    Montpellier 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nafplio 100
    Montpellier 138
Compare Hotels in Nafplio and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Nafplio or Montpellier? 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 Montpellier


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 Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nafplio 46
    Montpellier 26

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 Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $131
  • Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $49
  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $131
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64
  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $74

Is it cheaper to fly into Nafplio or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier 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
    Montpellier 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montpellier

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

  • Guided Food Tour With Local Snacks and Wine: $91
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $93
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $102
  • Cooking workshop: $106
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $108
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $428

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nafplio 22
    Montpellier 12

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 Montpellier

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

  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Highlights of Sète : history, food and wine experience: $174
  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • Montpellier - Private Historic Walking tour: $428
  • Montpellier Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Montpellier Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $270
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • Personalized Day-Tour of the South of France: $1,059
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nafplio 6.86
    Montpellier 15

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 Montpellier

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montpellier:

  • The Châteaux of Grès de Montpellier & Wine Tasting: $80
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $84
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $84
  • Wine tour in Pic Saint-Loup area: $142
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $155
  • Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $159
  • Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $240
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $353


When comparing the travel costs between Nafplio and Montpellier, we can see that Montpellier 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 Montpellier Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Montpellier, 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 Montpellier?

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 Montpellier in the Summer?

Both Montpellier 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. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Montpellier in the summer. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Montpellier, 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 Montpellier. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Montpellier. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nafplio 25°C (76°F) 
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Montpellier. The autumn months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

In the autumn, Nafplio is a little warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nafplio in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Montpellier averages at about 15°C (60°F).

In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Montpellier during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Montpellier 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 Montpellier. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nafplio 19°C (66°F) 
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Montpellier in the Winter?

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

In January, Nafplio is generally much warmer than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 10°C (51°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Montpellier. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nafplio 10°C (51°F) 
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier 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 Montpellier in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Nafplio is a little warmer than Montpellier in the spring. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nafplio 15°C (58°F) 
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Nafplio

Nafplio Montpellier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)