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

Should you visit Nafplio or Naples?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Naples? 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Naples

Naples is a gritty, colorful, and fascinating city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nafplio and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Naples?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples. Although Nafplio and Naples are popular destinations, Naples has more sights and attractions for tourists. Naples is very popular for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Nafplio attracts visitors for its beaches and impressive beauty. Nafplio is more touristy than Naples and is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. Naples is famous for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also well known for Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Nafplio different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Naples 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 Naples specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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

Naples 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, Naples is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

Both Nafplio and Naples 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 Naples know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Is Nafplio or Naples Better for Beaches?

Nafplio is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a beach destination.

Is Nafplio or Naples Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the very good old towns in both Nafplio and Naples.

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 Naples. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Naples?

Naples 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 Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

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 Naples Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Naples.

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 Naples. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Nafplio or Naples Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nafplio and Naples 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 Naples frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Nafplio or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples 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 Naples. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

Nafplio is not popular with students.

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

Naples 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.

Naples offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

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 Naples a more walkable city?

Nafplio is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Naples 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.

Naples is very walkable. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Naples?

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

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

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

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

One day in Nafplio or Naples?

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.

Because Naples is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Naples?

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.

Because Naples is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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. 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 Naples has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Naples?

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.

Naples 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.

A week in Nafplio or Naples?

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 Naples. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Naples. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

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 Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Naples, 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 Naples?

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 Naples in the Summer?

Both Naples and Nafplio during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Naples in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Naples in the summer. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Naples fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Naples, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the summer, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Naples. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Naples. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Naples. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Naples for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Nafplio is a little warmer than Naples. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nafplio in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Naples averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Naples during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Naples 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 Naples. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nafplio or Naples in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Naples. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Naples because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Naples. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 10°C (51°F), and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Naples. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Naples. Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nafplio usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Naples. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Naples this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Naples during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Naples. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Naples and Nafplio