A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nafplio vs. Portimao for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Nafplio or Portimao?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Portimao? 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. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Portimao

Portimao is a dramatic, active, and scenic coastal city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Nafplio and Portimao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Portimao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nafplio. Although Nafplio and Portimao are popular destinations, Nafplio has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nafplio is very popular for its museums, food, and historical sights, while Portimao attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Portimao is more touristy than Nafplio and is popular for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. 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 Portimao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Nafplio. 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.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nafplio is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its restaurants.

Dining out in Nafplio is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Portimao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Many resorts have attached restaurants where visitors often find themselves dining. For a slightly more local vibe, you can check out one of the many restaurants around town. Much of the restaurant scene is centered around the Alvor District where you'll find unique options that serve local dishes mixed in with some international choices. The city is most famous for its grilled sardines, which are considered a local specialty.

Is Nafplio or Portimao Better for Nightlife?

Both Nafplio and Portimao have superb 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 Portimao know how to have a good time. The city's nightlife scene is mostly found around Praia da Rocha. It's a compact area that makes it easy to hop from bar to bar on foot. Particularly during the summer months you'll find plenty of parties and all night activities that draw a crowd. Sunset boat parties are also a popular activity in the area.

Is Nafplio or Portimao Better for Resorts?

Portimao is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Nafplio is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Portimao is a great choice. The area has all types of resorts, from all-inclusive options to luxury or more family-friendly. Many of the resorts are surprisingly affordable and offer easy access to the beach.

Nafplio is not a resort destination.

Is Nafplio or Portimao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nafplio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Portimao. The best water conditions are during the summer months but this is also when the beaches are crowded and swimmers can kick up a lot of sand. There are a variety of vendors where you can book snorkeling or diving trips in the area.

Nafplio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nafplio or Portimao Better for Beaches?

Portimao is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Portimao. The stunning beaches are a major draw to the area. They are sandy and feature a backdrop of dramatic red cliffs. The most popular beach in town is Praia da Rocha, which can get crowded during the summer months, but it is quite large so you should still be able to find a spot. The strip behind the beach is lined with shops, bars, restaurants, and a casino. If you want to avoid some of the crowds you can make the walk down to Praia do Vau. Families often enjoy Praia de Alvor, which has a boardwalk that leads to Ria de Alvor nature reserve.

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.

Is Nafplio or Portimao Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Portimao does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Portimao?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Nafplio and Portimao.

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.

Portimao is a great destination for shopping. It's the second largest city in the Algarve so you'll find several large and modern shopping centers including Aqua Portimão.

Is Nafplio or Portimao Better for Families?

Portimao is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Portimao is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the wide range of activities available near Portimao. They can kayak through caves, see an underwater world snorkeling, learn to surf, visit waterparks, explore nature parks, and more. There are activities that the whole family can enjoy, making this stretch of coastline the perfect option for those traveling with kids.

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 Portimao Better for Couples?

Portimao is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Portimao makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful stretch of coastline offers unique beaches and stunning outdoor activities. It makes a wonderful honeymoon destination for couples who enjoy adventure, pampering, and romantic resorts. There are great restaurants as well as places to relax or activities for thrill seekers.

Couples visit Nafplio frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Nafplio or Portimao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio and Portimao 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.

Portimao is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Most people think of high end resorts when they think of the Mediterranean coast, but there are a couple of hostels available for backpackers. You should also consider transportation options. While buses are available, many visitors prefer to have access to a car so they can experience the outlying regions. The good news is the area in general is not particularly expensive so you can enjoy a touch of luxury at a lower cost.

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

Nafplio is a good destination for its public transit. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for times when you don't have a car.

Nafplio has a few public transit options. There are buses through the region that are operated by KTEL Argolidas. Most routes leave from the central bus station.

Public transit is mostly limited in Portimao. There are local buses around town but many routes don't run on weekends.

Is Nafplio or Portimao a more walkable city?

Nafplio is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its walkability.

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.

Portimao is generally not a very walkable city. While there are some nice walks along the coastline, the city is fairly large and spread out with many resorts located far from the center of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Portimao or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Portimao?

It's fun to spend time in either Nafplio or Portimao. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Portimao due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 2-4 days is enough time in Portimao.

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

Couples should spend more time in Portimao than Nafplio. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Portimao that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nafplio than Portimao 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 Portimao?

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 Portimao, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Nafplio or Portimao?

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 Portimao, you'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portimao has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Portimao?

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.

Portimao is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Portimao?

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 Portimao. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portimao. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal.

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

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Portimao?

Portimao has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Portimao, 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 Portimao?

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 Portimao in the Summer?

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

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Portimao in the summer. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Portimao fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Nafplio usually gets more rain in July than Portimao. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Portimao in the Autumn?

Both Portimao 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. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portimao this time of year.

In the autumn, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Portimao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nafplio in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Portimao averages at about 19°C (67°F).

It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In October, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Portimao. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nafplio or Portimao in the Winter?

Both Portimao 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Portimao. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 10°C (51°F), and Portimao fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Portimao. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Portimao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Portimao. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portimao in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Portimao in the spring. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Portimao fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In April, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Portimao. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portimao and Nafplio