A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nafplio vs. Santiago de Compostela for Attractions, Old Town, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Nafplio or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Santiago de Compostela? 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a religious, inspirational, and iconic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Nafplio and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Santiago de Compostela?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela. Although Nafplio and Santiago de Compostela are both popular with visitors, Santiago de Compostela has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santiago de Compostela is more popular for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Nafplio is known for its beaches and impressive beauty. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Nafplio and is popular for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. It is also home to the Cathedral of Santiago. Nafplio is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles.

How is Nafplio different from Santiago de Compostela?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Santiago de Compostela has many famous sights for visitors. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

Many visitors head to Nafplio specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Is the Food Better in Nafplio or Santiago de Compostela? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Nafplio and Santiago de Compostela 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, Santiago de Compostela makes for a great culinary experience. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

Is Nafplio or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Both Nafplio and Santiago de Compostela have high quality 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 Santiago de Compostela know how to have a good time. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

Is Nafplio or Santiago de Compostela Better for Beaches?

Nafplio is a popular place for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Is Nafplio or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela can be explored in its historical center. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

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 Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

People visit Santiago de Compostela specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to town.

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 Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Santiago de Compostela.

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 Santiago de Compostela. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun as well.

Is Nafplio or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Nafplio is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Santiago de Compostela is a good city for couples to visit. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

Is Nafplio or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

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 Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nafplio is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Santiago de Compostela. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

Nafplio is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Nafplio and Santiago de Compostela.

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 Santiago de Compostela, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

Is Nafplio or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Nafplio is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Nafplio on foot is easy. There are parts of the center of town that are car-free and there are many great areas that you can explore on foot.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable destination. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Nafplio Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santiago de Compostela or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Couples should spend more time in Nafplio than Santiago de Compostela. 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 Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

One day in Nafplio or Santiago de Compostela?

The city of Nafplio offers museums and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Santiago de Compostela, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Santiago de Compostela?

The romantic destination of Nafplio offers nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Five days in Nafplio or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nafplio. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Santiago de Compostela is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Santiago de Compostela?

Nafplio is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Nafplio. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santiago de Compostela. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santiago de Compostela. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nafplio Expensive? and Is Santiago de Compostela Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Nafplio during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

In July, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 25°C (76°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Santiago de Compostela, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the summer, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Santiago de Compostela. 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 Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Nafplio is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nafplio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of rain as Santiago de Compostela. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nafplio or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Santiago de Compostela. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nafplio in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nafplio usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 15°C (58°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Nafplio