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

Should you visit Nafplio or Nantes?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Nantes? 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nantes

Nantes is a vibrant, welcoming, and friendly city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nafplio and Nantes: 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
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nafplio or Nantes?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nafplio. Although Nafplio and Nantes are popular destinations, Nafplio has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nafplio is very popular for its beaches and historical sights, while Nantes attracts visitors for its food and shopping. Nafplio is more touristy than Nantes and is known for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. It is also well known for Palamidi Castle. Nantes is famous for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Nafplio different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio
Nantes

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Nantes 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 Nantes specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.


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

Nafplio
Nantes

Nantes is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Nantes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Nafplio makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Nafplio or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio
Nantes

Both Nafplio and Nantes have very good 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 Nantes know how to have a good time. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

Is Nafplio or Nantes Better for Beaches?

Nafplio
Nantes

Nafplio is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Nantes is not a beach destination.

Nafplio has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Nantes is not a beach destination.


Is Nafplio or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio
Nantes

Nafplio is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Nafplio to see the historical old town. 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.

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Nantes?

Nafplio
Nantes

Nantes 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 Nantes. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

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 Nantes Better for Families?

Nafplio
Nantes

Nantes 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 Nantes. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

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 Nantes Better for Couples?

Nafplio
Nantes

With fun activities for couples, both Nafplio and Nantes make for a very good 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 Nantes frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

Is Nafplio or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio
Nantes

Nafplio is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Nafplio. There are pensions and other affordable accommodation options around town, if you decide to spend a night here.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Nafplio or Nantes Better for Students?

Nafplio
Nantes

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

Plenty of students visit Nantes. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Nafplio is not popular with students.


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

Nafplio
Nantes

Nantes 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.

Nantes offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

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 Nantes a more walkable city?

Nafplio
Nantes

Nafplio is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Nafplio. There are parts of the center of town that are car-free and there are many great areas that you can explore on foot.

Nantes is very walkable. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Nantes?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nafplio than Nantes 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 Nafplio.


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

One day in Nafplio or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nafplio. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Nantes, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city 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 Nantes?

Nafplio is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Nantes, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nantes has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nafplio. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nantes is a great place to explore. 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 Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Nafplio. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Nantes. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nantes. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Nantes 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 Nantes is €108. 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 Nantes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nafplio 50
    Nantes 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nafplio 100
    Nantes 120
Compare Hotels in Nafplio and Nantes

Looking for a hotel in Nafplio or Nantes? 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 Nantes


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 Nantes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nafplio 46
    Nantes 36

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 Nantes

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

  • Private Transfer from Nantes Hotels to La Rochelle Cruise Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Atlantique Airport NTE to Puy du Fou Park: $174
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Airport (NTE) to La Rochelle Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Airports to Nantes: $33
  • Nantes to Nantes Airport (NTE) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes city centre to Nantes Airport: $65
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes Airport to City centre: $65
  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Nafplio or Nantes?

Prices for flights to both Nantes 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
    Nantes 27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nantes

For Nantes, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Nantes Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104
  • All Inclusive Food Tour of Nantes Old Town with Local Guide: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nafplio 22
    Nantes 13

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 Nantes

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

  • Exploring London's Natural Marvels: Museum Adventure: $83
  • Guided treetop adventure course in the heart of Nantes: $31
  • Half-Day Tour in Nantes: $291
  • Nantes : Must-see Attractions Walking Tour: $75
  • Nantes : Private Walking Tour With A Local : $51
  • Nantes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Nantes Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Nantes Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Nantes Traditional Food Group Walking Tour: $102
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Panoramic Tour by Electric Bike: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nafplio 6.86
    Nantes 6.43

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 Nantes

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

  • Château du Bois-Huaut: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting Class: $35


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


Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Nantes?

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

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 Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Nafplio is a little warmer than Nantes in the summer. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Nantes. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Nantes. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nafplio 25°C (76°F) 
    Nantes 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Nafplio during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Nafplio is a little warmer than Nantes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nafplio in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Nantes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the autumn, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets more rain in October than Nantes. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nafplio 19°C (66°F) 
    Nantes 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Nantes. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Nantes because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Nafplio is generally much warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 10°C (51°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nafplio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Nantes. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nafplio 10°C (51°F) 
    Nantes 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Nantes. The spring months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

Nafplio is a little warmer than Nantes in the spring. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the spring, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Nantes. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nafplio 15°C (58°F) 
    Nantes 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Nantes and Nafplio

Nafplio Nantes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in) 6°C (44°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)


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