A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nafplio vs. Sestri Levante for Food, Couples, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Nafplio or Sestri Levante?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Sestri Levante? 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 nightlife, food, and beaches.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a scenic, local, and quaint seaside town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food and beaches.

Nafplio and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Sestri Levante?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nafplio. Although Nafplio and Sestri Levante are popular destinations, Nafplio has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nafplio is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Sestri Levante attracts visitors for its resorts, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Nafplio is more touristy than Sestri Levante and is known for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. It is also well known for Palamidi Castle. Sestri Levante is famous for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Nafplio different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante?

Nafplio is great for its historical sights. However, Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Nafplio or Sestri Levante? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Nafplio and Sestri Levante offer a number of excellent 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, Sestri Levante makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find many restaurants along the central road in the old town, Via XXV Aprile. Seafood is popular, as are many other Italian favorites. If you're visiting during the summer months then it's best to make reservations as wait times can be long.

Is Nafplio or Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio is great for its evening party scene. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Sestri Levante for the nightlife. There are a few places to grab a drink, but if you're looking for nightlife, you'll really need to head out of town.

Is Nafplio or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Sestri Levante is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Nafplio is not a resort destination.

Sestri Levante has a few great resort options. There are a number of hotels in the old town or by the beach. You'll also find a decent selection of vacation rentals. During peak season you'll want to make your reservations early.

Nafplio is not a resort destination.

Is Nafplio or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Nafplio and Sestri Levante are nice choices.

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.

Many people head to Sestri Levante to enjoy the beach. Home to two beaches, this makes a nice holiday spot if you're hoping to relax by the water. The beaches can get crowded with Italians during the summer months, but it still offers a charming seaside spot. Many people head to the beach by the the Bay of Silence in part because it's free. Make sure you arrive early. By the Bay of Fairytales you can rent chairs and umbrellas and enjoy a little more space.

Is Nafplio or Sestri Levante Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio is great for its historic old town charm. However, Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Nafplio is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Sestri Levante?

Nafplio is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nafplio or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Sestri Levante.

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 Sestri Levante. This is a great spot for families that want a relaxing holiday with a small town vibe. The picturesque setting is said to have inspired fairytales, and today kids will enjoy playing on the playgrounds or exploring at the adventure park. There are also hikes, activities, and restaurants that are great for kids and adults alike.

Is Nafplio or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

Nafplio is great for couples. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for romance.

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.

Sestri Levante is a nice destination for couples. This scenic setting offers a relaxing holiday for couples who want to enjoy quiet time together. There are plenty of outdoor activities and a cultural town with a lot of beauty to explore. It's one of the lesser known destinations in the area, so you will have a peaceful small town vibe that's great for a romantic getaway.

Is Nafplio or Sestri Levante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for backpackers.

Nafplio is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are pensions and other affordable accommodation options around town, if you decide to spend a night here.

Sestri Levante is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some dorm rooms in town, but most backpackers head to one of the more well known destinations in the area. The atmosphere and history makes for a unique experience for those who do make the trip.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Nafplio and Sestri Levante.

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 Sestri Levante, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

Is Nafplio or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Nafplio and Sestri Levante are terrific when it comes to 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.

Getting around Sestri Levante on foot is easy. There are pedestrian promenades and charming streets through town that are best explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Nafplio Worth Visiting? and Is Sestri Levante Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Sestri Levante?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nafplio and Sestri Levante. In our opinion, Nafplio has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nafplio than Sestri Levante. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 1-3 days is enough time in Sestri Levante.

Families should spend more time in Nafplio than Sestri Levante. 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 Sestri Levante. 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 Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante?

In Nafplio, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Sestri Levante is a small town with plenty to do. This seaside town 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 Sestri Levante?

Nafplio is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Sestri Levante might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Sestri Levante has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Sestri Levante?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nafplio. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Nafplio. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sestri Levante. Since Sestri Levante is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Sestri Levante?

Sestri Levante has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Sestri Levante, 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.