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

Should you visit Nafplio or Pisa?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Pisa? 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. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Pisa

Pisa is a charming, iconic, and world-famous city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Nafplio and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Pisa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pisa. Although Nafplio and Pisa are both popular with visitors, Pisa has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nafplio is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. Pisa is popular for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. It is also home to The Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Nafplio different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Pisa 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 Pisa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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

Both Nafplio and Pisa 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, Pisa makes for a great culinary experience. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Is Nafplio or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Both Nafplio and Pisa 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 Pisa know how to have a good time. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

Is Nafplio or Pisa Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Nafplio and Pisa are good choices.

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.

Many people head to Pisa to enjoy the beach. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Is Nafplio or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Nafplio and Pisa.

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 Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Pisa?

Pisa 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 Pisa. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

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 Pisa Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Pisa.

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 Pisa. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Nafplio or Pisa Better for Couples?

Nafplio is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Nafplio is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Nafplio or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pisa 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 Pisa. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

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 Pisa Better for Students?

Pisa is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Nafplio is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Pisa. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

Nafplio is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Pisa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Nafplio or Pisa a more walkable city?

Nafplio is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Nafplio is a very easy city to get around 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.

Pisa is a very walkable destination. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Pisa?

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

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

One day in Nafplio or Pisa?

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 Pisa, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Pisa has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Pisa?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful 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.

Pisa 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 Pisa?

The picturesque 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 Pisa. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pisa. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Pisa?

Pisa has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Pisa, 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Pisa. The summer months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pisa this time of the year. In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Pisa during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Pisa. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nafplio or Pisa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Pisa. 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 Pisa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the autumn, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Pisa. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pisa. Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nafplio usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Pisa in the Winter?

Both Pisa and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Pisa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Nafplio is a little warmer than Pisa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nafplio in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Pisa averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Pisa during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In January, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Pisa. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nafplio or Pisa in the Spring?

Both Pisa and Nafplio during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pisa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 15°C (58°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the spring, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Pisa. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun.

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nafplio usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Nafplio