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

Should you visit Nafplio or Nice?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Nice? 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.

Nice

Nice is a beautiful, opulent, and trendy seaside destination. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Nafplio and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Nice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nice. Although Nafplio and Nice are both popular with visitors, Nice has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nice is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Nafplio is known for its museums. Nice is more touristy than Nafplio and is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. It is also home to The Promenade des Anglais. Nafplio is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles.

How is Nafplio different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice 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, Nice is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

Nice is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Nice is a world class party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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.

Is Nafplio or Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Nafplio is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Nice is a great choice. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Nafplio is not a resort destination.

Is Nafplio or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Nice has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Nafplio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nafplio or Nice Better for Beaches?

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

Nice is considered a top beach destination. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

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 Nice Better for its Old Town?

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

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 Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Nice?

Nice 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 Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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 Nice Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Nice.

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 Nice. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Nafplio or Nice Better for Couples?

Nice is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Nice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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.

Is Nafplio or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio and Nice 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.

Nice is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

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

Nice 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.

Nice offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are both buses and trams.

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 Nice a more walkable city?

Nafplio and Nice are terrific when it comes to 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.

Getting around Nice on foot is easy. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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

Should I spend more time in Nice or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Nice?

In either Nafplio or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nice 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 Nice.

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

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

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

One day in Nafplio or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Nafplio. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Nice, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside destination 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 Nice?

Nafplio is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Nice, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Nafplio or Nice?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the picturesque destination of Nafplio. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nice 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 Nice has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Nafplio or Nice?

The beautiful city of Nafplio offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Nice. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nafplio and Nice, we can see that Nice is more expensive. And not only is Nafplio much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nafplio would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nafplio 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 Nice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nice than you might in Nafplio.

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

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Nice?

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

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 Nice in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Nice. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Nice. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 25°C (76°F), and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Nice. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Nice in the Autumn?

Both Nice and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Nice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Nafplio is a little warmer than Nice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nice. It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In October, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Nice. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nafplio or Nice in the Winter?

Both Nice and Nafplio during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In the winter, Nafplio is a little warmer than Nice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nafplio in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Nice averages at about 9°C (48°F).

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Nice in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Nice. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Nice. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 15°C (58°F), and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Nice. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nice and Nafplio