A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nafplio vs. Saint-Etienne for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Nafplio or Saint-Etienne?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Saint-Etienne? 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 food, beaches, and shopping.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a historic, park-filled, and industrial city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Nafplio and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Saint-Etienne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nafplio. Although Nafplio and Saint-Etienne are both popular with visitors, Nafplio has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nafplio is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is known for its hiking. Nafplio is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. It is also home to Palamidi Castle. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Nafplio different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Nafplio is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Nafplio or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nafplio is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Nafplio has a huge number of terrific 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Nafplio or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Nafplio or Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Nafplio is a good destination for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Nafplio offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Nafplio or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio is great for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Nafplio or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Saint-Etienne?

Nafplio is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nafplio. 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Nafplio or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Saint-Etienne.

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 Saint-Etienne. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Nafplio or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Nafplio is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Nafplio or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Nafplio and Saint-Etienne.

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 Saint-Etienne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Nafplio or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Nafplio is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Nafplio Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Saint-Etienne?

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

Families should spend more time in Nafplio than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the picturesque destination of Nafplio. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Saint-Etienne, you'll find nightlife and museums. 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 Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nafplio. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Saint-Etienne, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint-Etienne has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the romantic destination of Nafplio. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Nafplio. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint-Etienne. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

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

In July, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 25°C (76°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Etienne this time of the year. In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nafplio or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Saint-Etienne. 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, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

Nafplio is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°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 Saint-Etienne. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun.

Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nafplio usually gets more rain in October than Saint-Etienne. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint-Etienne. In the winter, Nafplio is much warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nafplio in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In January, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nafplio or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 15°C (58°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the spring, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in April than Saint-Etienne. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Nafplio