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

Should you visit Nafplio or Piazza Armerina?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Piazza Armerina? 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 food, beaches, and shopping.

Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a charming, authentic, and historic town. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Nafplio and Piazza Armerina: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nafplio or Piazza Armerina?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nafplio. Although Nafplio and Piazza Armerina are both popular with visitors, Nafplio has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nafplio is more touristy than Piazza Armerina and is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. It is also home to Palamidi Castle. Piazza Armerina is popular for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale.

How is Nafplio different from Piazza Armerina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio
Piazza Armerina

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Most people head to town specifically to visit Villa Romana del Casale, which is a few kilometers away. It's a beautiful Roman villa that can be explored in a few hours. Also in town is an Aragonese Castle and an 18th century Duomo.


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

Nafplio
Piazza Armerina

Nafplio is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Nafplio. 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.

Piazza Armerina is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most visitors pass through town, stopping to visit Villa Romana del Casale. There are some pizzerias and other casual restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is Nafplio or Piazza Armerina Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio
Piazza Armerina

Nafplio is notable for nightlife and partying. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its evening party scene.

Nafplio has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Piazza Armerina doesn't offer many options. While many tourists pass through town with the intent of visiting the Villa Romana del Casale, most don't linger long enough appreciate the town at night.

Is Nafplio or Piazza Armerina Better for Beaches?

Nafplio
Piazza Armerina

Nafplio is a good destination for the beache. However, Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

Nafplio offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.


Is Nafplio or Piazza Armerina Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio
Piazza Armerina

It's fun to wander around the superb old towns in both Nafplio and Piazza Armerina.

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 Piazza Armerina. The old town has a bit of authenticity that is missing from some of the more popular Sicilian cities. While it may feel a little worn to some people, those who like to get away from the souvenir shops will appreciate a visit.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Piazza Armerina?

Nafplio
Piazza Armerina

Nafplio is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Nafplio offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nafplio or Piazza Armerina Better for Families?

Nafplio
Piazza Armerina

Nafplio is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Nafplio is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Piazza Armerina is not always a place people visit with their families. Most people head to the town to explore the Villa Romana del Casale. The beauty and history may not thrill all kids, but if your kids enjoy a bit of history they will likely appreciate a visit. The town also has an Aragonese Castle that you can visit.


Is Nafplio or Piazza Armerina Better for Couples?

Nafplio
Piazza Armerina

Nafplio is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Piazza Armerina is a good city for couples to visit. For history enthusiasts, this is a popular place to visit. Like most visitors, couples will appreciate a visit to the town's main attraction Villa Romana del Casale.

Is Nafplio or Piazza Armerina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio
Piazza Armerina

Nafplio is a good destination for backpackers. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nafplio. There are pensions and other affordable accommodation options around town, if you decide to spend a night here.

Piazza Armerina is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's a popular tourist destination, there are a limited number of hostels in town.

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

Nafplio
Piazza Armerina

Visitors will find good public transit in both Nafplio and Piazza Armerina.

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 Piazza Armerina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by bus and once there it's possible to explore on foot.


Is Nafplio or Piazza Armerina a more walkable city?

Nafplio
Piazza Armerina

Nafplio is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Piazza Armerina is a very walkable destination. You can explore most of the old and new towns on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Piazza Armerina or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Piazza Armerina?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nafplio or Piazza Armerina to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nafplio than Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina.

Families should spend more time in Nafplio than Piazza Armerina. 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 Piazza Armerina. 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 Nafplio than Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nafplio 2-3 
    Piazza Armerina 1-2

One day in Nafplio or Piazza Armerina?

The romantic destination of Nafplio offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Piazza Armerina, you'll find food and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town 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 Piazza Armerina?

The city of Nafplio offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

In Piazza Armerina, you'll find museums and food. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Piazza Armerina has to offer.


Five days in Nafplio or Piazza Armerina?

Nafplio is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nafplio. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Piazza Armerina. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Piazza Armerina. 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 Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina is €93. 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 Piazza Armerina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nafplio 50
    Piazza Armerina 56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nafplio 100
    Piazza Armerina 112
Compare Hotels in Nafplio and Piazza Armerina

Looking for a hotel in Nafplio or Piazza Armerina? 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 Piazza Armerina


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 Piazza Armerina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nafplio 46
    Piazza Armerina 4.29

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 Piazza Armerina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Piazza Armerina:

  • From Catania: Return Transfer to Piazza Armerina & Agrigento: $106

Is it cheaper to fly into Nafplio or Piazza Armerina?

Prices for flights to both Piazza Armerina 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
    Piazza Armerina 33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nafplio 22
    Piazza Armerina 4.29

Tours and Activities in Nafplio

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

  • Nafplio Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: $11
  • Highlights Walking Tour: $59
  • City Walking Tour: $86
  • Mycenae-Nafplio-Epidaurus Private Full Day Tour with Sedan: $91
  • From Nafplion: Mycenae, Corinth Canal and Epidavros Day Tour: $182
  • Visit Ancient Corinth Mycenae Nafplio Canal Private Tour 8H: $188
  • Mycenae Epidavrous Nafplio Isthmus Canal Full Day Tour 8 H: $199
  • From Hydra Island Private-Tour to Nafplio, Epidaurus&Mycenae: $385
  • Argolis: Full-Day Private Peloponnese Tour from Athens: $427
  • From Athens: Peloponnese Full Day Private Tour & Audio Tour: $503
  • Peloponnese: Mycenae Nafplio Epidaurus Private Tour & Audio: $503
  • Athens: Corinth, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplio Day Tour: $524

Tours and Activities in Piazza Armerina

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Piazza Armerina are as follows:

  • From Catania: Agrigento-Piazza Armerina Audio-guided Tour: $128
  • Roman Villa del Casale Mosaics Tour: $241
  • Villa Romana del Casale Guided Tour: $42
  • Private Tour of Villa Romana del Casale & Valley of Temples: $225

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nafplio 6.86
    Piazza Armerina 13

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Piazza Armerina?

Piazza Armerina has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Piazza Armerina, 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 Piazza Armerina?

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 Piazza Armerina in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Piazza Armerina. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Piazza Armerina because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 25°C (76°F), and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Piazza Armerina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the summer, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Piazza Armerina. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Piazza Armerina receives 325 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets more rain in July than Piazza Armerina. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nafplio 25°C (76°F) 
    Piazza Armerina 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Piazza Armerina in the Autumn?

Both Piazza Armerina and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Piazza Armerina during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Piazza Armerina receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In October, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Piazza Armerina. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nafplio 19°C (66°F) 
    Piazza Armerina 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Piazza Armerina in the Winter?

Both Piazza Armerina and Nafplio during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Piazza Armerina for the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nafplio in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Piazza Armerina averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets less sunshine than Piazza Armerina. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Piazza Armerina receives 153 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Piazza Armerina. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nafplio 10°C (51°F) 
    Piazza Armerina 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Piazza Armerina in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Piazza Armerina. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 15°C (58°F), and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Piazza Armerina this time of the year. In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Piazza Armerina during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Piazza Armerina receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Piazza Armerina. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nafplio 15°C (58°F) 
    Piazza Armerina 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Piazza Armerina and Nafplio

Nafplio Piazza Armerina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)


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