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

Should you visit Nafplio or San Remo?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or San Remo? 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

San Remo

San Remo is a relaxing, beautiful, and scenic coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Nafplio and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nafplio or San Remo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nafplio. Although Nafplio and San Remo are popular destinations, Nafplio has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nafplio is very popular for its museums and nightlife, while San Remo attracts visitors for its beaches. Nafplio is more touristy than San Remo and is known for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. It is also well known for Palamidi Castle. San Remo is famous for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is Nafplio different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio
San Remo

Nafplio is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

Nafplio offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Nafplio
San Remo

Both Nafplio and San Remo offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, San Remo makes for a great culinary experience. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

Is Nafplio or San Remo Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio
San Remo

Nafplio is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Nafplio has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

San Remo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

Is Nafplio or San Remo Better for Beaches?

Nafplio
San Remo

San Remo is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

San Remo is considered a top beach destination. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

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 San Remo Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio
San Remo

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Nafplio and San Remo.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of San Remo. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or San Remo?

Nafplio
San Remo

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

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.

San Remo is a great destination for shopping. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Nafplio or San Remo Better for Families?

Nafplio
San Remo

San Remo 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 San Remo. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have kid-friendly activities.

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 San Remo Better for Couples?

Nafplio
San Remo

With fun activities for couples, both Nafplio and San Remo make for a high quality place to visit.

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.

Couples visit San Remo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

Is Nafplio or San Remo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio
San Remo

Nafplio is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, San Remo is lacking in good options 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.

San Remo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in town, and most backpackers head to more popular Italian destinations. If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten path destination, then this may be your style.

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

Nafplio
San Remo

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Nafplio and San Remo.

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 San Remo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses around town.


Is Nafplio or San Remo a more walkable city?

Nafplio
San Remo

Nafplio is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

San Remo is very walkable. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

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

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or San Remo?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Nafplio than San Remo. 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 San Remo 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.


  • How many days in Nafplio or San Remo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nafplio 2-3 
    San Remo 1-2

One day in Nafplio or San Remo?

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 San Remo, you'll find shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal 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 San Remo?

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 San Remo, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 San Remo has to offer.


Five days in Nafplio or San Remo?

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.

San Remo is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 San Remo?

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 San Remo. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting San Remo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, San Remo 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 San Remo is €152. 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 San Remo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nafplio 50
    San Remo 80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nafplio 100
    San Remo 160
Compare Hotels in Nafplio and San Remo

Looking for a hotel in Nafplio or San Remo? 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 San Remo


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 and San Remo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nafplio 46
    San Remo 46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nafplio

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

  • Athens: Bus Transfer to/from Nafplio: $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Nafplio or San Remo?

Prices for flights to both San Remo 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
    San Remo 44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nafplio 22
    San Remo 23

Tours and Activities in Nafplio

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

  • Argolis: Full-Day Private Peloponnese Tour from Athens: $427
  • Athens: Corinth, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplio Day Tour: $524
  • From Athens: Peloponnese Full Day Private Tour & Audio Tour: $503
  • From Hydra Island Private-Tour to Nafplio, Epidaurus&Mycenae: $385
  • From Nafplion: Mycenae, Corinth Canal and Epidavros Day Tour: $182
  • Mycenae Epidavrous Nafplio Isthmus Canal Full Day Tour 8 H: $199
  • Mycenae-Nafplio-Epidaurus Private Full Day Tour with Sedan: $91
  • Nafplio Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: $11
  • City Walking Tour: $86
  • Highlights Walking Tour: $59
  • Peloponnese Tour 2-Day Itinerary: $1,444
  • Peloponnese: Mycenae Nafplio Epidaurus Private Tour & Audio: $503

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nafplio 6.86
    San Remo 14

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: $171
  • "Wine tasting Tour in Nemea and Visit tour in Nafplio": $295


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


Which is Bigger, Nafplio or San Remo?

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

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 San Remo in the Summer?

Both San Remo 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. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Remo this time of year.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as San Remo in the summer. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and San Remo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in San Remo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than San Remo during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nafplio usually receives less rain than San Remo. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nafplio 25°C (76°F) 
    San Remo 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or San Remo in the Autumn?

Both San Remo 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the autumn, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than San Remo. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun.

San Remo 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 San Remo. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nafplio 19°C (66°F) 
    San Remo 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or San Remo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and San Remo. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Remo in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 10°C (51°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 127 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 San Remo. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nafplio 10°C (51°F) 
    San Remo 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or San Remo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as San Remo. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to San Remo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Nafplio is a little warmer than San Remo in the spring. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and San Remo fluctuates around 13°C (56°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 San Remo. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in April than San Remo. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nafplio 15°C (58°F) 
    San Remo 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for San Remo and Nafplio

Nafplio San Remo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)


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