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

Should you visit Nafplio or Saint Petersburg?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Saint Petersburg? 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 Saint Petersburg?

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.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a beautiful city that sits on the eastern edge of the Baltic Sea. Its historical city center is threaded with canals and architecturally impressive buildings, leaving little doubt as to why this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the second largest city in Russia, but perhaps a favorite among travelers. The metropolitan area has a population of over 5 million as well as an impressive culture with fascinating museums, restaurants, and architecture. The city has no shortage of sights and attractions, and many days can be passed while you wander its intricate streets.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, and The Best Budget Tours to Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg is €59. 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 Saint Petersburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nafplio 50
    Saint Petersburg 34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nafplio 100
    Saint Petersburg 68
Compare Hotels in Nafplio and Saint Petersburg

Looking for a hotel in Nafplio or Saint Petersburg? 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 Saint Petersburg


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nafplio 46
    Saint Petersburg 6.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nafplio

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

  • To Hydra Island from Athens: A Sightseeing Tour & Transfer: $391
  • Athens: Bus Transfer to/from Nafplio: $16

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:


  • Metro Passes
    1.25

Is it cheaper to fly into Nafplio or Saint Petersburg?

Prices for flights to both Saint Petersburg 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
    Saint Petersburg 17

Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    4.32

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nafplio 22
    Saint Petersburg 17

Tours and Activities in Nafplio

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

  • Ancient Corinth Canal - Nafplio Private Tour From Athens 6H: $155
  • Argolis: Full-Day Private Peloponnese Tour from Athens: $433
  • Athens: Corinth, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplio Day Tour: $532
  • From Hydra Island Private-Tour to Nafplio, Epidaurus&Mycenae: $391
  • From Nafplion: Mycenae, Corinth Canal and Epidavros Day Tour: $185
  • Mycenae Epidavrous Nafplio Isthmus Canal Full Day Tour 8 H: $192
  • Mycenae-Nafplio-Epidaurus Private Full Day Tour with Sedan: $92
  • Nafplio Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: $11
  • City Walking Tour: $87
  • Highlights Walking Tour: $60
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $11
  • Private tour of Peloponnese with a Pickup: $239

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nafplio 6.86
    Saint Petersburg 9.07

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: $174


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

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 Petersburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Saint Petersburg?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 280 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Saint Petersburg, 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 Petersburg?

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 Petersburg in the Summer?

Both Saint Petersburg and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 25°C (76°F), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Saint Petersburg during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Saint Petersburg. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nafplio 25°C (76°F) 
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Saint Petersburg in the Autumn?

Both Saint Petersburg and Nafplio during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year.

Nafplio is much warmer than Saint Petersburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the autumn, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 70 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets more rain in October than Saint Petersburg. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nafplio 19°C (66°F) 
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Saint Petersburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Saint Petersburg. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint Petersburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Nafplio is much warmer than Saint Petersburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nafplio in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Saint Petersburg averages at about -8°C (18°F).

Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Saint Petersburg during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 22 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nafplio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Saint Petersburg. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nafplio 10°C (51°F) 
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Saint Petersburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Saint Petersburg. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Saint Petersburg can be very cold during spring. In April, Nafplio is generally much warmer than Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 15°C (58°F), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 4°C (40°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 Saint Petersburg. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 180 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets more rain in April than Saint Petersburg. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nafplio 15°C (58°F) 
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Petersburg and Nafplio

Nafplio Saint Petersburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in) -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)