A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Nafplio vs. Thessaloniki for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Nafplio or Thessaloniki?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Thessaloniki? 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 beautiful, picturesque, and romantic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a high energy, bustling, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nafplio and Thessaloniki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Thessaloniki?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Thessaloniki. Although Nafplio and Thessaloniki are both popular with visitors, Thessaloniki has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Thessaloniki is more popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Nafplio is known for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Nafplio is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. Thessaloniki is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also home to The Monument of Rotonda.

How is Nafplio different from Thessaloniki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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

Both Nafplio and Thessaloniki offer a number of high quality 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, Thessaloniki makes for a great culinary experience. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Is Nafplio or Thessaloniki Better for Nightlife?

Both Nafplio and Thessaloniki have high quality 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 Thessaloniki know how to have a good time. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

Is Nafplio or Thessaloniki Better for Beaches?

Nafplio is a popular place for the beache. However, Thessaloniki is lacking in options for the beach.

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.

The beach in Thessaloniki is worth checking out. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Is Nafplio or Thessaloniki Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Thessaloniki?

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

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 Thessaloniki Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Thessaloniki.

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 Thessaloniki. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

Is Nafplio or Thessaloniki Better for Couples?

Nafplio is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Thessaloniki is a good city for couples to visit. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Is Nafplio or Thessaloniki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Nafplio is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are pensions and other affordable accommodation options around town, if you decide to spend a night here.

Is Nafplio or Thessaloniki Better for Students?

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

Thessaloniki is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Nafplio is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Nafplio and Thessaloniki.

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 Thessaloniki, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

Is Nafplio or Thessaloniki a more walkable city?

Nafplio is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Thessaloniki or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Thessaloniki?

It's fun to spend time in either Nafplio or Thessaloniki. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki.

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

One day in Nafplio or Thessaloniki?

In Nafplio, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this romantic city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Thessaloniki, you'll find nightlife and food. This city 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 Thessaloniki?

Nafplio is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Five days in Nafplio or Thessaloniki?

You'll find museums and nightlife 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. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thessaloniki. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Thessaloniki. 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 Tours for Seniors to Greece, and The Best Contiki Tours to Greece.

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

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Thessaloniki?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Thessaloniki, 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 Thessaloniki?

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 Thessaloniki in the Summer?

Both Thessaloniki and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year.

In July, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 25°C (76°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Thessaloniki. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Thessaloniki during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 327 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Thessaloniki. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nafplio or Thessaloniki in the Autumn?

Both Thessaloniki and Nafplio during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Nafplio is a little warmer than Thessaloniki in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the autumn, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Thessaloniki. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 159 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets more rain in October than Thessaloniki. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Thessaloniki in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Thessaloniki. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Nafplio is much warmer than Thessaloniki. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nafplio in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Thessaloniki averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 101 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 Thessaloniki. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nafplio or Thessaloniki in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Thessaloniki. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 15°C (58°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the spring, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Thessaloniki. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 196 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets more rain in April than Thessaloniki. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Thessaloniki and Nafplio