A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nafplio vs. Plovdiv for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nafplio or Plovdiv?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Plovdiv? 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.

Where Should I go: Nafplio or Plovdiv?

Nafplio

The destination of Nafplio exists as a historic seaport town on the Peloponnese peninsula. From prevailing as a major port under royal succession in the Middle Ages to standing under the Republic of Venice, Ottoman Empire, and finally becoming capital of the First Hellenic Republic and then the Kingdom of Greece, this place has seen it all. Nafplio is now the capital of the region of Argolis.

Plovdiv

Located in a large, hilly plain between the Rhodope Mountains in the south of Bulgaria and the Balkan Range in the central part of the country, Plovdiv sits uniquely spread across six hills. It is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world, dating back roughly 8,000 years. Some of its best features are its ancient ruins and historic architecture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, and The Best Adventure Tours to Bulgaria.


Which place is cheaper, Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv is €75. 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 Plovdiv in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nafplio 50
    Plovdiv 41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nafplio 100
    Plovdiv 82
Compare Hotels in Nafplio and Plovdiv

Looking for a hotel in Nafplio or Plovdiv? 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 Plovdiv


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 Plovdiv Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nafplio 46
    Plovdiv 21

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 Plovdiv

Also for Plovdiv, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Plovdiv to Sofia: $103
  • Transfer from Plovdiv to Burgas city/airport with sedan/minivan/minibus: $190
  • Transfer from Plovdiv to Borovets: $103
  • Transfer Plovdiv to Sofia airport/city with a car 3+1: $98

Is it cheaper to fly into Nafplio or Plovdiv?

Prices for flights to both Plovdiv 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
    Plovdiv 20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nafplio 22
    Plovdiv 14

Tours and Activities in Nafplio

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

  • Argolis: Full-Day Private Peloponnese Tour from Athens: $425
  • Athens: Corinth, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplio Day Tour: $521
  • From Athens: Peloponnese Full Day Private Tour & Audio Tour: $500
  • From Athens: Private Tour Mycenae Nafplio Epidaurus & Audio: $500
  • From Hydra Island Private-Tour to Nafplio, Epidaurus&Mycenae: $383
  • From Nafplion: Mycenae, Corinth Canal and Epidavros Day Tour: $181
  • Mycenae Epidavrous Nafplio Isthmus Canal Full Day Tour 8 H: $198
  • Mycenae-Nafplio-Epidaurus Private Full Day Tour with Sedan: $90
  • Nafplio Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: $11
  • City Walking Tour: $85
  • Highlights Walking Tour: $59
  • Peloponnese Day Tour: $607

Tours and Activities in Plovdiv

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

  • 5-Day Guided Tour to Sofia, Plovdiv and Istanbul: $485
  • Bachkovo Monastery & Asen's Fortress - day tour from Plovdiv: $81
  • Communist Heritage Tour- Buzludzha and The Might of the East Block Aviation: $98
  • Day Tour from Plovdiv full with History, Nature & Forgotten Village Experiences: $144
  • Exclusive Private Tour in the Thracian Valley from Sofia: $93
  • Food Walk: Bulgarian Food and Culture Tour in Plovdiv: $38
  • From Bachkovo Monastery & Asen’s Fortress Tour: $81
  • From Musala Peak Full-Day Trekking Tour: $130
  • From Sofia - A Story of an Ancient State Day Tour: $95
  • Full Day Archeological tour of Plovdiv and the Region: $97
  • Full Day Eco Private Tour in Koprivshtitsa and Plovdiv: $134
  • Full Day Eco Private Tour in Plovdiv: $81

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nafplio 6.86
    Plovdiv 8.99

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: $170

Sample the Local Flavors in Plovdiv

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plovdiv:

  • Chateau Copsa Wine Tasting Tours & Activities: $21
  • Old Town Exploring Guide Roman Ruins & Wine Tasting: $80
  • Thracian Valley wine tasting - private day tour from Plovdiv: $91
  • Private Day Trip From Plovdiv To Wine Cellars And Wine Tasting: $107
  • From Sofia: Plovdiv and Perushtitsa Tour With Wine Tasting: $120


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nafplio and Plovdiv, we can see that Nafplio is more expensive. And not only is Plovdiv much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Plovdiv would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv.

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


Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Plovdiv?

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