A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nafplio vs. Palma de Mallorca for Nightlife, Beaches, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Nafplio or Palma de Mallorca?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Palma de Mallorca? 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 romantic, beautiful, and picturesque city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a stunning, cultural, and historic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Nafplio and Palma de Mallorca: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Palma de Mallorca?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Palma de Mallorca than Nafplio, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Palma de Mallorca is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Nafplio is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Nafplio and is known for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. Also, Palma de Mallorca is famous for the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Nafplio is well known for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Nafplio different from Palma de Mallorca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca?

Nafplio is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Nafplio can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Nafplio or Palma de Mallorca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Nafplio and Palma de Mallorca offer a number of very good 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, Palma de Mallorca makes for a great culinary experience. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Is Nafplio or Palma de Mallorca Better for Nightlife?

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

Palma de Mallorca is a world class party destination. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

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 Palma de Mallorca Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is an excellent place to visit for its music scene. However, Nafplio is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Palma de Mallorca has diverse options. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Nafplio is not a live music destination.

Is Nafplio or Palma de Mallorca Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Nafplio is not a resort destination.

Palma de Mallorca is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Nafplio is not a resort destination.

Is Nafplio or Palma de Mallorca Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Palma de Mallorca has a few good snorkeling spots. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Nafplio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nafplio or Palma de Mallorca Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

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 Palma de Mallorca Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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 people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Nafplio or Palma de Mallorca Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Palma de Mallorca?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Nafplio and Palma de Mallorca.

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.

Palma de Mallorca is a great destination for shopping. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Nafplio or Palma de Mallorca Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

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 Palma de Mallorca Better for Couples?

Nafplio is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Nafplio or Palma de Mallorca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

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 Palma de Mallorca Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Nafplio and Palma de Mallorca.

Nafplio has some public transit options. There are buses through the region that are operated by KTEL Argolidas. Most routes leave from the central bus station.

You'll find some public transit in Palma de Mallorca, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

Is Nafplio or Palma de Mallorca a more walkable city?

Nafplio is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Nafplio Worth Visiting? and Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palma de Mallorca or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Palma de Mallorca?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca.

One day in Nafplio or Palma de Mallorca?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Nafplio, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

In Palma de Mallorca, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island 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 Palma de Mallorca?

With museums and nightlife around the picturesque city of Nafplio, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

In Palma de Mallorca, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Palma de Mallorca?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Nafplio. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Nafplio or Palma de Mallorca?

Nafplio is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palma de Mallorca. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Palma de Mallorca. 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 Spain, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nafplio and Palma de Mallorca, we can see that Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Palma de Mallorca?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Palma de Mallorca, 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 Palma de Mallorca?

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 Palma de Mallorca in the Summer?

Both Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Palma de Mallorca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nafplio in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Palma de Mallorca averages at about 24°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Palma de Mallorca during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Palma de Mallorca receives 334 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Palma de Mallorca. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nafplio or Palma de Mallorca in the Autumn?

Both Palma de Mallorca 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. Also, most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Palma de Mallorca. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 19°C (66°F), and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the autumn, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Palma de Mallorca. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palma de Mallorca receives 204 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets more rain in October than Palma de Mallorca. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Palma de Mallorca in the Winter?

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

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Palma de Mallorca in the winter. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Nafplio usually receives less sunshine than Palma de Mallorca during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Palma de Mallorca receives 164 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 Palma de Mallorca. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nafplio or Palma de Mallorca in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Palma de Mallorca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nafplio in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Palma de Mallorca averages at about 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the spring, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Palma de Mallorca. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palma de Mallorca receives 210 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Palma de Mallorca. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Palma de Mallorca and Nafplio