A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nafplio vs. San Sebastian for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Nafplio or San Sebastian?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or San Sebastian? 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. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a beautiful, splendid, and outdoorsy city. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Nafplio and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or San Sebastian?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nafplio. Although Nafplio and San Sebastian are both popular with visitors, Nafplio has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nafplio is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian is known for its food, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Nafplio is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. It is also home to Palamidi Castle. San Sebastian is popular for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Nafplio different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio is notable for its sights and museums. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Nafplio can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 San Sebastian. Head to Castillo de la Mota for nice views and walks. Museo San Telmo offers an overview of Basque culture and Palacio de Miramar is another interesting place to visit.

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

San Sebastian 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, San Sebastian is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is a famed culinary capital of not just Spain, but the entire world. The city has many Michelin-starred restaurants where you can experience modern or traditional recipes prepared by world class chefs. There are also pintxo bars, food markets, and gourmet food shops, that sell local ingredients and dishes. Much of the cuisine includes seafood, but you'll also find a local twist on traditional tapas. Dining is a true experience in this town.

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 San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

Both Nafplio and San Sebastian have very good 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 San Sebastian know how to have a good time. You can expect a lively nightlife scene around town with many bars and places to hang out. Some of the best nightlife is found in and around Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros.

Is Nafplio or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Nafplio is not a resort destination.

San Sebastian has a few great resort options. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Nafplio is not a resort destination.

Is Nafplio or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

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

San Sebastian is considered a top beach destination. The city has three urban beaches that are a huge attraction during the summer months. For surfing and a lively atmosphere, head to the Playa de la Zurriola. The playa de la Concha is the most photographed and famous beach in town and Ondarreta is another beautiful option.

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 Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio is notable for its old town. However, San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Nafplio to see the historical old town. 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.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian. A mix of familiar brands and locally made items make shopping a fun activity. You'll also find many artisan food shops around town where you can take home some local wine or other culinary treats.

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 San Sebastian Better for Families?

San Sebastian 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 Sebastian. This city is surprisingly family-friendly. Not only is there the beach, but there are playgrounds everywhere. There's also the fun Monte Igueldo San Sebastian Amusement Park and the San Sebastian Aquarium. You could also take a boat ride or explore the many parks and gardens around town. And, of course, there are the many ice cream shops to check out.

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 Sebastian Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nafplio and San Sebastian make for a very good 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 Sebastian frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its nice beaches, stunning view points, and world class restaurants, this city makes an excellent couple's destination. There are Michelin star restaurants to dine in and many parks and gardens where you can take a stroll as well.

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

San Sebastian is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit San Sebastian. There are a number of hostels around town, and you'll find enough other backpackers looking to meet up so you'll never be lonely.

Nafplio is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are pensions and other affordable accommodation options around town, if you decide to spend a night here.

Is Nafplio or San Sebastian Better for Students?

San Sebastian is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Nafplio is not popular with students.

San Sebastian is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

Nafplio is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Nafplio and San Sebastian.

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 Sebastian, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

Is Nafplio or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Nafplio is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

San Sebastian is a very walkable destination. It's a great city for walking, with many pedestrian areas and places where you can take a stroll along the river or seaside.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or San Sebastian?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nafplio and San Sebastian. In our opinion, San Sebastian has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in San Sebastian than Nafplio. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.

One day in Nafplio or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the romantic 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 San Sebastian, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This 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 San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian, you'll find food and shopping. 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 food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Sebastian has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or San Sebastian?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the picturesque 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.

San Sebastian 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 Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting San Sebastian. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

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

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 Sebastian Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and San Sebastian, 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 Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as San Sebastian. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 25°C (76°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the summer, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

Both San Sebastian and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene during these months.

Nafplio is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In October, Nafplio usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nafplio or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Nafplio during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Nafplio is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nafplio in January average around 10°C (51°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian 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 January than San Sebastian. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or San Sebastian in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and San Sebastian. The spring months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

In April, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 15°C (58°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Nafplio usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Nafplio