A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nafplio vs. Pompeii for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Nafplio or Pompeii?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Pompeii? 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 picturesque, romantic, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a famous, iconic, and one-of-a-kind archeological site. It's also popular because of the museums.

Nafplio and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Pompeii?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nafplio. Although Nafplio and Pompeii are popular destinations, Nafplio has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nafplio is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Pompeii attracts visitors for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Nafplio and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Nafplio is famous for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. It is also well known for Palamidi Castle.

How is Nafplio different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Pompeii has many famous sights for visitors. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

Many visitors head to Nafplio specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

Nafplio is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Nafplio or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Nafplio or Pompeii Better for Beaches?

Nafplio is very good for the beach. However, Pompeii is not a beach destination.

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.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is Nafplio or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Pompeii?

Nafplio is very good for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Nafplio or Pompeii Better for Families?

Pompeii 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 Pompeii. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

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 Pompeii Better for Couples?

Nafplio is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Nafplio or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio and Pompeii are both nice destinations for backpackers.

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

Pompeii is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Nafplio or Pompeii Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Pompeii. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

Nafplio is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Nafplio and Pompeii.

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 Pompeii, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Nafplio or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Nafplio and Pompeii are world-class when it comes to 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.

Getting around Pompeii on foot is easy. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Pompeii?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Nafplio than Pompeii. 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 Pompeii 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.

One day in Nafplio or Pompeii?

In Nafplio, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Pompeii, you'll find museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This archeological site 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 Pompeii?

In Nafplio, 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 Nafplio has to offer.

In Pompeii, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pompeii has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Pompeii?

Nafplio 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.

Pompeii is a great place to explore. 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 Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nafplio. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nafplio. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pompeii. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Pompeii. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

When is the best time to visit Nafplio or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

Both Pompeii and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Pompeii in the summer. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Pompeii. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nafplio or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Nafplio during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nafplio is a little warmer than Pompeii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nafplio in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Pompeii averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the autumn, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Pompeii 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 October than Pompeii. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Pompeii. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Pompeii for the museums during these months.

In January, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 10°C (51°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nafplio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pompeii. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nafplio or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Pompeii. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Nafplio is a little warmer than Pompeii in the spring. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the spring, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Pompeii. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Nafplio