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

Should you visit Nafplio or Positano?

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

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

Positano

Positano is a stunning, luxurious, and charming Mediterranean village. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Nafplio and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Positano?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Positano. Although Nafplio and Positano are popular destinations, Positano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Positano is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Nafplio attracts visitors for its museums and nightlife. Positano is more touristy than Nafplio and is known for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. It is also well known for The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Nafplio is famous for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles.

How is Nafplio different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio is great for its historical sights. However, Positano 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.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Positano is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Nafplio makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Nafplio or Positano Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio is great for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Nafplio for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Positano specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Is Nafplio or Positano Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Positano is a great choice. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Nafplio is not a resort destination.

Is Nafplio or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nafplio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Nafplio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nafplio or Positano Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Nafplio and Positano are nice 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 Positano to enjoy the beach. Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, beaches near Positano tend to be pebbly instead of sandy. They can also get a bit crowded during the summer months. Still, the picturesque setting makes these beaches truly amazing. The main beach at the edge of town is Spiaggia Grande, but there are several others nearby as well.

Is Nafplio or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

The rich history of Positano can be explored in its historical center. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

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.

Is Nafplio or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Positano. The best way to explore the area out of town is on foot. There are a number of foot paths and trails that will take you through the stunning landscapes.

Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Positano?

Positano 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 Positano. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

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 Positano Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Positano.

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 Positano. Fun activities include boat rides, eating gelato, and hanging out at the beach. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, and Arienzo Beach.

Is Nafplio or Positano Better for Couples?

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

Positano makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It is a picturesque coast town that is both romantic and fun. Wandering through the streets and sampling Italian food make this the perfect honeymoon getaway.

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 Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio and Positano 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.

Positano is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

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

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

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 Positano, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Is Nafplio or Positano a more walkable city?

Nafplio and Positano are amazing 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 Positano on foot is easy. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Positano?

Both Nafplio and Positano have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Positano than in Nafplio. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Positano 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 Positano.

One day in Nafplio or Positano?

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.

Positano is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This Mediterranean village 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 Positano?

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.

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Positano has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Positano?

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.

Positano is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Positano has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Nafplio or Positano?

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 Positano. Positano is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Positano?

Nafplio has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Positano, 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 Positano?

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 Positano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Positano. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Positano this time of the year. In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Positano during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Positano. The autumn months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

In the autumn, Nafplio is a little warmer than Positano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nafplio in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Positano averages at about 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 around the same amount of sunshine as Positano. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nafplio usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

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

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In January, Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of rain as Positano. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nafplio or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Nafplio during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

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

It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the spring, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Positano. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Positano and Nafplio