A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nafplio vs. Siena for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Nafplio or Siena?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Siena? 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 romantic, beautiful, and picturesque city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Siena

Siena is a beautiful, romantic, and charming city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nafplio and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Siena?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nafplio than Siena, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nafplio is better known for its nightlife and beaches, while Siena is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Nafplio is well known for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. Also, Nafplio is famous for Palamidi Castle. Siena is well known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Nafplio different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Siena and Nafplio.

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.

Many visitors head to Siena specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. At the heart of the city is Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Piazza del Campo. Other world famous sights include Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico, Torre del Mangia, and Pinacoteca Nazionale.

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

Both Nafplio and Siena offer a number of great 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, Siena makes for a great culinary experience. The town is all about local flavors and many restaurants use local ingredients in their dishes. Pecorino of Pienza is the local cheese, and you'll also find many cured meats. Local pasta dishes include wild boar ragu and a local spaghetti. You'll also find local meats such as lamb, rabbit, chicken and pork.

Is Nafplio or Siena Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio is notable for nightlife. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Nafplio has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Siena. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. Most visitors enjoy socializing in the evening and meeting friends at Piazza del Campo. There are often live performances which you can enjoy as well as many cafes and wine bars around town.

Is Nafplio or Siena Better for Beaches?

Nafplio is very good for its beaches. However, Siena is not a beach destination.

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.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Nafplio or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena 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 Siena can be explored in its historical center. The beautiful old town is filled with medieval brick buildings. At the heart of the city is Piazza del Campo, which is a lively square with many neighborhoods spreading out from there.

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 the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Siena?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Nafplio and Siena.

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.

Siena is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping street in town is Via Banchi di Sopra, which has many boutiques that sell clothing, bags, and other items. The town also has many leather goods, ceramics, and other local items available.

Is Nafplio or Siena Better for Families?

Nafplio is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Siena is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Nafplio is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Siena is not always a place people visit with their families. The beauty and history may be lost to the little ones but there is a great atmosphere that even the young ones will appreciate. Kids will enjoy climbing to the top of Torre del Mangia or visiting one of the many playgrounds around town.

Is Nafplio or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Siena makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its impressive beauty and long running history, this is a truly romantic city. The atmosphere is relaxed and there are plazas and neighborhoods that are great for exploring. There are also many great restaurants, superb wine, and world class sights that are not to be missed.

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.

Is Nafplio or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio and Siena are both notable destinations 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.

Siena is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers visit Siena as a daytrip from nearby Florence. While there are some affordable places to stay here, the atmosphere isn't as backpacker friendly as nearby Florence.

Is Nafplio or Siena Better for Students?

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

Siena is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's home to one of the oldest universities in Italy, and it's a wonderful study abroad destination for any student who wants to spend some time in Italy.

Nafplio is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Nafplio and Siena.

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 Siena, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. TIEMME is the bus service that runs in and around town. Many lines pass through the train station and provide service from there.

Is Nafplio or Siena a more walkable city?

Nafplio is very popular for its walkability. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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.

Siena is a very walkable city. The compact town center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Siena?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nafplio than Siena 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 Siena?

In Nafplio, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this picturesque destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Siena, 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 Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nafplio. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Siena, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Siena has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Siena?

Nafplio is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Nafplio. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Siena 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 Siena?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Nafplio. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Siena. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Siena. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Siena?

Siena has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Siena, 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 Siena?

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 Siena in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Siena. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Siena for the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Siena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the summer, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Siena. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Siena. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Siena in the Autumn?

Both Siena and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Siena in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 19°C (66°F), and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Siena during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In October, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Siena. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nafplio or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Nafplio during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nafplio is a little warmer than Siena in the winter. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Siena. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Siena. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Siena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Siena. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Siena because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nafplio is a little warmer than Siena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nafplio in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Siena averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Siena during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Siena. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Siena and Nafplio