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

Should you visit Nafplio or Setubal?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Setubal? 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 Setubal?

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.

Setubal

Setubal is a busy working port and major commercial fishing center. Setubal is a city that has always had a close connection to the seas, and this is celebrated along the newly rejuvenated waterfront, which encompasses the colorful fishing harbor, the popular urban park and the Troia Peninsula ferry terminal. Within the charming historic center is a maze of narrow alleys, hidden plazas, and family-owned shops, along with Portugal's largest fish market. Setubal is primarily an industrial city, but is situated in a region of immense beauty; to the east is the stunning Serra da Arrabida, to the north is historic Palmela, while to the south are the paradise beaches of the Troia Peninsula. Setubal may not be a conventional holiday destination, but there is a surprising amount to see and do within the city and the surrounding region.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Setubal 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 Setubal is €123. 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 Setubal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nafplio 50
    Setubal 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nafplio 100
    Setubal 118
Compare Hotels in Nafplio and Setubal

Looking for a hotel in Nafplio or Setubal? 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 Setubal


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 Setubal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nafplio 46
    Setubal 54

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal

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

  • Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $197
  • Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Paragliding experience near Lisbon with transfers from Lisbon: $148
  • Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $22

Is it cheaper to fly into Nafplio or Setubal?

Prices for flights to both Setubal 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
    Setubal 35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nafplio 22
    Setubal 12

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

Tours and Activities in Setubal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.

  • Évora Private Walking Tour, By Local Guide: $44
  • Évora Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Évora Tales and Legends Walking Tour from Évora: $55
  • Évora With Love Walking Tours: $55
  • Évora: Christian Heritage Private Walking Tour: $64
  • Évora: Private Walking Tour: $64
  • 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel : $49
  • 4x4 and Boat Tour in Arrabida Natural Park: $98
  • Arrábida Jeep 4x4 tour to Arrábida, the most beautiful beach of Europe: $93
  • Arrábida National Park Rock Climbing Experience: $128
  • Arrábida Natural Park: Stand Up Paddleboard Tour and Lesson: $53
  • Arrábida Nature Jeep Tour: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nafplio 6.86
    Setubal 10

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:

  • Jeep Tour through Arrábida Azeitão and Wine Tasting: $56
  • Monsaraz and Wine Tasting Tour from Évora: $71
  • Alentejo Wine Tour from Évora: $76
  • Sesimbra: Half-Day Tour to Arrabida with Wine Tasting: $106
  • Wine Tour, discovering the famous Setúbal Moscatel: $137
  • Private Full Day Evora & Alentejo Wine Tour from Lisbon : $152
  • Private Wine Tour from Lisbon to Arrábida: Wine & Cheese Tasting: $170


When comparing the travel costs between Nafplio and Setubal, we can see that Setubal is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Setubal?

Setubal has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Setubal, 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 Setubal?

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 Setubal in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Setubal. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year.

In the summer, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Setubal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nafplio in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Setubal averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Setubal during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Setubal. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Nafplio or Setubal in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Setubal. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Setubal. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 19°C (66°F), and Setubal fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the autumn, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Setubal. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 213 hours of full sun.

Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nafplio usually gets more rain in October than Setubal. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nafplio 19°C (66°F) 
    Setubal 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Setubal in the Winter?

Both Setubal and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nafplio is cooler than Setubal in the winter. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Setubal fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Setubal during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Setubal. It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In January, Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of rain as Setubal. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nafplio 10°C (51°F) 
    Setubal 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Setubal in the Spring?

Both Setubal and Nafplio during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Setubal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nafplio in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Setubal averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the spring, Nafplio often gets less sunshine than Setubal. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 235 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in April than Setubal. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nafplio 15°C (58°F) 
    Setubal 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Setubal and Nafplio

Nafplio Setubal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)