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

Should you visit Nafplio or Ventimiglia?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Ventimiglia? 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. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a traditional, understated, and classic seaside town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Nafplio and Ventimiglia: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Nafplio or Ventimiglia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nafplio. Although Nafplio and Ventimiglia are popular destinations, Nafplio has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nafplio is very popular for its museums and nightlife, while Ventimiglia attracts visitors for its shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Nafplio is more touristy than Ventimiglia and is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. It is also well known for Palamidi Castle. Ventimiglia is famous for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches.

How is Nafplio different from Ventimiglia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio
Ventimiglia

Nafplio is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Nafplio
Ventimiglia

Both Nafplio and Ventimiglia 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, Ventimiglia makes for a great culinary experience. Italian classics are abundant including tiramisus, Italian pizzas, risotto alla milanese, and traditional lasagna. If you're in town on a Friday you should visit the local market which has stalls selling local produce and foods.

Is Nafplio or Ventimiglia Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio
Ventimiglia

Nafplio is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Ventimiglia is a seaside town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Ventimiglia Most people don't head to town for the nightlife, but there are some bars where you can grab a drink or sip a glass of wine.

Is Nafplio or Ventimiglia Better for Beaches?

Nafplio
Ventimiglia

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Nafplio and Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia to enjoy the beach. The lungomare is a promenade along the sea that allows visitors to wander and take in waterfront views. Most of the beaches are free to access and have been influenced by the coastal erosion efforts which have led to a series of scalloped bays. If you reach the end of the lungomare you'll find a natural area where the Roya and Nervia rivers meet the ocean. This is also a popular spot for breeding birds.


Is Nafplio or Ventimiglia Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio
Ventimiglia

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Nafplio and Ventimiglia.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Ventimiglia. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming pastel buildings. There are also a number of historic buildings and monuments that give the town a special atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Ventimiglia?

Nafplio
Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

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 Ventimiglia Better for Families?

Nafplio
Ventimiglia

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Ventimiglia.

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 Ventimiglia. The charming town is a great place for kids to explore. There is a botanical garden and hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy as well as quiet beaches where they can play. The Italian food is also perfect for young palates.


Is Nafplio or Ventimiglia Better for Couples?

Nafplio
Ventimiglia

With fun activities for couples, both Nafplio and Ventimiglia make for a high quality 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 Ventimiglia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This quintessential Italian town offers a romantic setting with cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. There are many culinary delights and romantic settings that are perfect for couples. The hiking trails and botanical gardens are also fun places to explore.

Is Nafplio or Ventimiglia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio
Ventimiglia

Nafplio is a popular place for backpackers. However, Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nafplio. There are pensions and other affordable accommodation options around town, if you decide to spend a night here.

Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Nafplio
Ventimiglia

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

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 Ventimiglia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains and buses to town. Once you're in town it's easy to explore on foot.


Is Nafplio or Ventimiglia a more walkable city?

Nafplio
Ventimiglia

Nafplio is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Nafplio on foot is easy. There are parts of the center of town that are car-free and there are many great areas that you can explore on foot.

Ventimiglia is very walkable. It's small size and charming atmosphere make it a great town to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ventimiglia or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Ventimiglia?

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

Families should spend more time in Nafplio than Ventimiglia. 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 Ventimiglia. 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 Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nafplio 2-3 
    Ventimiglia 1-2

One day in Nafplio or Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful city of Nafplio. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Ventimiglia is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This seaside town 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 Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the romantic destination of Nafplio. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Ventimiglia 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ventimiglia has to offer.


Five days in Nafplio or Ventimiglia?

The beautiful city of Nafplio offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nafplio. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ventimiglia. Since Ventimiglia is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia is €121. 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 Ventimiglia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nafplio 50
    Ventimiglia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nafplio 100
    Ventimiglia 102
Compare Hotels in Nafplio and Ventimiglia

Looking for a hotel in Nafplio or Ventimiglia? 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 Ventimiglia


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 Ventimiglia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nafplio 46
    Ventimiglia 49

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Nafplio or Ventimiglia?

Prices for flights to both Ventimiglia 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
    Ventimiglia 38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ventimiglia

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ventimiglia.

  • Cooking Class Pesto Sauce: $75
  • Cooking Class Tiramisu': $86
  • SANREMO FOOD TOUR - Authentic Ligurian street food and Medieval town: $95
  • Pizza Making Class in Sanremo: $140
  • Sanremo Home Cooking Class: $221

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nafplio 22
    Ventimiglia 27

Tours and Activities in Nafplio

For Nafplio, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Nafplio Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: $11
  • Highlights Walking Tour: $59
  • City Walking Tour: $86
  • Mycenae-Nafplio-Epidaurus Private Full Day Tour with Sedan: $91
  • From Nafplion: Mycenae, Corinth Canal and Epidavros Day Tour: $182
  • Visit Ancient Corinth Mycenae Nafplio Canal Private Tour 8H: $188
  • Mycenae Epidavrous Nafplio Isthmus Canal Full Day Tour 8 H: $199
  • From Hydra Island Private-Tour to Nafplio, Epidaurus&Mycenae: $385
  • Argolis: Full-Day Private Peloponnese Tour from Athens: $427
  • From Athens: Peloponnese Full Day Private Tour & Audio Tour: $503
  • Peloponnese: Mycenae Nafplio Epidaurus Private Tour & Audio: $503
  • Athens: Corinth, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplio Day Tour: $524

Tours and Activities in Ventimiglia

Here are a few actual costs in Ventimiglia for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Day road bike tour of Ligurian mountains from Italian Riviera : $76
  • Art studio tour in Italian sculpture gardens: $34
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sanremo: $114
  • Small Group E-bike Tour in the Ligurian Riviera with Lunch: $109
  • Vespa Tour in Sanremo for half a day: $92
  • sculpting art experience in Italy,class in sculpture gardens: $192

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nafplio 6.86
    Ventimiglia 7.19

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


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


Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Ventimiglia?

Ventimiglia has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Ventimiglia, 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 Ventimiglia?

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 Ventimiglia in the Summer?

Both Ventimiglia and Nafplio during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ventimiglia this time of year.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Ventimiglia in the summer. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Ventimiglia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the summer, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Ventimiglia. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ventimiglia receives 295 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Ventimiglia. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Nafplio or Ventimiglia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Ventimiglia. 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 Ventimiglia for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nafplio is a little warmer than Ventimiglia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nafplio in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Ventimiglia averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Ventimiglia during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Ventimiglia receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ventimiglia receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nafplio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Ventimiglia. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nafplio 19°C (66°F) 
    Ventimiglia 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Ventimiglia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Ventimiglia. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Ventimiglia in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Ventimiglia. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 10°C (51°F), and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ventimiglia. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ventimiglia receives 127 hours of full sun.

Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Ventimiglia. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nafplio 10°C (51°F) 
    Ventimiglia 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Ventimiglia in the Spring?

Both Ventimiglia and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Ventimiglia for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Nafplio is a little warmer than Ventimiglia in the spring. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Ventimiglia during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Ventimiglia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Ventimiglia. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nafplio 15°C (58°F) 
    Ventimiglia 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Ventimiglia and Nafplio

Nafplio Ventimiglia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)


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