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

Should you visit Nafplio or Pamplona?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Pamplona? 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a elegant, laid-back, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Nafplio and Pamplona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Pamplona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pamplona. Although Nafplio and Pamplona are both popular with visitors, Pamplona has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pamplona is more popular for its hiking and big city activities, while Nafplio is known for its museums, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Nafplio is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. Pamplona is popular for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. It is also home to The Running of the Bulls Festival.

How is Nafplio different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pamplona. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

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

Both Nafplio and Pamplona offer a number of high quality 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, Pamplona makes for a great culinary experience. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

Is Nafplio or Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

Both Nafplio and Pamplona have high quality 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 Pamplona know how to have a good time. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

Is Nafplio or Pamplona Better for Beaches?

Nafplio is a popular place for the beache. However, Pamplona is not a beach destination.

Nafplio is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Pamplona is not a beach destination.

Is Nafplio or Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio is a well-known place for its old town. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Pamplona has an old town worth visiting. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Is Nafplio or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

Pamplona is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Pamplona. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Pamplona?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Nafplio and Pamplona.

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.

Pamplona is a great destination for shopping. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Is Nafplio or Pamplona Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Pamplona.

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 Pamplona. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

Is Nafplio or Pamplona Better for Couples?

Nafplio is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Nafplio is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Pamplona is a good city for couples to visit. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Is Nafplio or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pamplona 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 Pamplona. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

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 Pamplona Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Pamplona. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

Nafplio is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Nafplio and Pamplona.

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 Pamplona, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Nafplio or Pamplona a more walkable city?

Nafplio is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Pamplona is a very walkable destination. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Pamplona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nafplio or Pamplona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nafplio than Pamplona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pamplona.

Families should spend more time in Nafplio than Pamplona. 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 Nafplio than Pamplona. 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 Pamplona 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 Pamplona.

One day in Nafplio or Pamplona?

The beautiful city of Nafplio offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Pamplona, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Pamplona?

Nafplio is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nafplio, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Pamplona, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pamplona has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Pamplona?

Nafplio is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Pamplona is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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 Pamplona?

Nafplio is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pamplona. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pamplona. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Pamplona?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Pamplona, 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 Pamplona?

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 Pamplona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Pamplona. The summer months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

In July, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 25°C (76°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the summer, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Pamplona. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Pamplona in the Autumn?

Both Pamplona and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pamplona for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Nafplio is a little warmer than Pamplona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Pamplona fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In October, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nafplio or Pamplona in the Winter?

Both Pamplona and Nafplio during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pamplona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Nafplio is a little warmer than Pamplona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nafplio in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Pamplona averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets less rain in January than Pamplona. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Pamplona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Pamplona. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pamplona for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 15°C (58°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Nafplio