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

Should you visit Nafplio or Taormina?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Taormina? 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.

Taormina

Taormina is a opulent, historic, and beautiful town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Nafplio and Taormina: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nafplio or Taormina?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nafplio. Although Nafplio and Taormina are popular destinations, Nafplio has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nafplio is very popular for its museums and historical sights, while Taormina attracts visitors for its resorts and small town charm. Nafplio is famous for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. It is also well known for Palamidi Castle. Taormina is famous for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views.

How is Nafplio different from Taormina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio
Taormina

Nafplio is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Taormina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.


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

Nafplio
Taormina

Both Nafplio and Taormina 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, Taormina makes for a great culinary experience. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

Is Nafplio or Taormina Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio
Taormina

Both Nafplio and Taormina have excellent 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 Taormina know how to have a good time. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

Is Nafplio or Taormina Better for Resorts?

Nafplio
Taormina

Taormina is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Nafplio is not a resort destination.

Taormina is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Nafplio is not a resort destination.


Is Nafplio or Taormina Better for Beaches?

Nafplio
Taormina

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Nafplio and Taormina 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 Taormina to enjoy the beach. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Is Nafplio or Taormina Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio
Taormina

Nafplio is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina 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.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Taormina?

Nafplio
Taormina

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Nafplio and Taormina.

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.

Taormina is a great destination for shopping. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.


Is Nafplio or Taormina Better for Families?

Nafplio
Taormina

Nafplio is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Nafplio offers lots of family activities. 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.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Nafplio or Taormina Better for Couples?

Nafplio
Taormina

With fun activities for couples, both Nafplio and Taormina make for a excellent 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 Taormina frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

Is Nafplio or Taormina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio
Taormina

Nafplio is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known 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.

Taormina is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't many hostels around town and you won't find a large backpacker crowd here. The town has the feel of an exclusive resort community with high end resorts more common than anything else.


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

Nafplio
Taormina

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Nafplio and Taormina.

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 Taormina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

Is Nafplio or Taormina a more walkable city?

Nafplio
Taormina

Nafplio is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Nafplio is a very easy city to get around 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.

Taormina is very walkable. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Taormina or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Taormina?

It's fun to spend time in either Nafplio or Taormina. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Taormina due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 2-4 days is enough time in Taormina.

Families should spend more time in Nafplio than Taormina. 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 Taormina. 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 Taormina 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.


  • How many days in Nafplio or Taormina? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nafplio 2-3 
    Taormina 2-4

One day in Nafplio or Taormina?

The beautiful city of Nafplio offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Taormina is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town 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 Taormina?

Nafplio is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nafplio, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Taormina 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. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Taormina has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Taormina?

Nafplio is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Taormina is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Taormina?

Nafplio is a great place to explore. 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. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taormina. Since Taormina is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Taormina 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 Taormina is €108. 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 Taormina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nafplio 50
    Taormina 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nafplio 100
    Taormina 140
Compare Hotels in Nafplio and Taormina

Looking for a hotel in Nafplio or Taormina? 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 Taormina


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 Taormina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nafplio 46
    Taormina 4.29

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 Taormina

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

  • Roundtrip Transfer from Messina: $41
  • Sicily Catania Airport: Bus Transfer to and from Taormina: $7.49

Is it cheaper to fly into Nafplio or Taormina?

Prices for flights to both Taormina 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
    Taormina 33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nafplio 22
    Taormina 11

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 Taormina

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

  • 5 Hours Private Tour of Taormina from Messina: $606
  • From Catania or Agrigento and Piazza Armerina Tour: $743
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Mount Etna and Taormina: $57
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Taormina and Castelmola: $106
  • Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour: $213
  • Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Lovers Tour: 8 Days: $2,668
  • Small Group Tour of Sicily Highlights: 8 Days: $2,668
  • Taormina & Castelmola: Shore tour from Messina cruise port: $428
  • Taormina Walking Tour & Ancient theather Private or shared: $588
  • Taormina private tour: $160
  • Taormina. Highlights Tour with Isolabella and Castelmola: $267
  • Tour Messina Taormina Castelmola: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nafplio 6.86
    Taormina 8.57

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 Taormina

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Taormina:

  • Mt Etna Private guided walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Catania: Mt. Etna Private Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $299


When comparing the travel costs between Nafplio and Taormina, we can see that Nafplio 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 Taormina Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Taormina?

Nafplio has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Taormina, 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 Taormina?

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 Taormina in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Taormina. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Taormina in the summer. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Taormina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Taormina 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 Taormina during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 332 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Taormina. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nafplio 25°C (76°F) 
    Taormina 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Taormina in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Taormina. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Taormina because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Taormina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nafplio in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Taormina averages at about 21°C (69°F).

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 Taormina. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Taormina. Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nafplio usually gets less rain in October than Taormina. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nafplio 19°C (66°F) 
    Taormina 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Taormina in the Winter?

Both Taormina and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Taormina this time of year.

In January, Nafplio is generally cooler than Taormina. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 10°C (51°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Taormina during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In January, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Taormina. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nafplio 10°C (51°F) 
    Taormina 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Taormina in the Spring?

Both Taormina and Nafplio during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Taormina in the spring. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Taormina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the spring, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Taormina. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 207 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets more rain in April than Taormina. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Taormina and Nafplio

Nafplio Taormina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in) 13°C (55°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 25°C (76°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)


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