A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nafplio vs. Tenerife for Nightlife, Families, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Nafplio or Tenerife?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Tenerife? 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a scenic, vibrant, and adventure-filled island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Nafplio and Tenerife: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Tenerife?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tenerife than Nafplio, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tenerife is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Nafplio is more popular for its museums, food, and historical sights. Tenerife is more touristy than Nafplio and is known for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. Also, Tenerife is famous for Mount Teide. Nafplio is well known for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles.

How is Nafplio different from Tenerife?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Tenerife is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Nafplio can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Tenerife offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

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

Nafplio is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Nafplio. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Tenerife. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Is Nafplio or Tenerife Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Tenerife is a world class party destination. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

The people in Nafplio know how to have a good time. 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.

Is Nafplio or Tenerife Better for Resorts?

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

Tenerife is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

Nafplio is not a resort destination.

Is Nafplio or Tenerife Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nafplio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Tenerife. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

Nafplio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nafplio or Tenerife Better for Beaches?

Tenerife is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Tenerife is considered a top beach destination. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

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.

Is Nafplio or Tenerife Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Nafplio to see the historical old town. 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.

Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Is Nafplio or Tenerife Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

People visit Tenerife specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Tenerife?

Tenerife 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 Tenerife. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

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 Tenerife Better for Families?

Tenerife is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Tenerife is a very family-friendly destination. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nafplio. 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.

Is Nafplio or Tenerife Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nafplio and Tenerife make for a very good 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 Tenerife frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

Is Nafplio or Tenerife Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio and Tenerife 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.

Tenerife is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

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

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

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 Tenerife, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

Is Nafplio or Tenerife a more walkable city?

Nafplio is very popular for its walkability. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of 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.

Tenerife is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

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

Should I spend more time in Tenerife or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Tenerife?

Both Nafplio and Tenerife have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tenerife than in Nafplio. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 3-7 days is enough time in Tenerife.

Families should spend more time in Tenerife than Nafplio. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Tenerife, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tenerife 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 Tenerife.

One day in Nafplio or Tenerife?

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.

In Tenerife, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island 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 Tenerife?

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.

In Tenerife, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Nafplio or Tenerife?

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.

Tenerife is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tenerife has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Nafplio or Tenerife?

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 Tenerife. In Tenerife, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.

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

When is the best time to visit Nafplio or Tenerife?

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 Tenerife in the Summer?

Both Tenerife and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Tenerife in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Tenerife. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Tenerife during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Tenerife receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Tenerife. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Tenerife receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nafplio or Tenerife in the Autumn?

Both Tenerife and Nafplio during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tenerife for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Nafplio is generally cooler than Tenerife. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 19°C (66°F), and Tenerife fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Tenerife, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the autumn, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tenerife. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tenerife receives 200 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets more rain in October than Tenerife. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Tenerife receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Tenerife in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Tenerife. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Tenerife because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Nafplio is much colder than Tenerife in the winter. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Tenerife fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Nafplio usually receives less sunshine than Tenerife during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Tenerife receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nafplio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Tenerife. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Tenerife receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nafplio or Tenerife in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Tenerife. The spring months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tenerife this time of year.

In the spring, Nafplio is cooler than Tenerife. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nafplio in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Tenerife averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the spring, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tenerife. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tenerife receives 205 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets more rain in April than Tenerife. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Tenerife receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Tenerife and Nafplio