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

Should you visit Nafplio or Versailles?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Versailles? 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.

Versailles

Versailles is a beautiful, grand, and ornate palace. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums.

Nafplio and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Nafplio or Versailles?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nafplio than Versailles, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nafplio is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Versailles is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Nafplio and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Nafplio is well known for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. Also, Nafplio is famous for Palamidi Castle.

How is Nafplio different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio
Versailles

Versailles is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Versailles has many famous sights for visitors. The palace is filled with history and impressive items relating to the royal family. Within and near the palace you should make sure you see the Gardens of Versailles, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera of Versailles.

Many visitors head to Nafplio specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.


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

Nafplio
Versailles

Nafplio is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Versailles. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

Is Nafplio or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio
Versailles

Nafplio is a great city for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Nafplio has something for everybody. 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.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Nafplio or Versailles Better for Beaches?

Nafplio
Versailles

Nafplio is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Versailles is not a beach destination.

Nafplio has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Versailles is not a beach destination.


Is Nafplio or Versailles Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio
Versailles

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

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Versailles?

Nafplio
Versailles

Nafplio is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Nafplio. 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.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nafplio or Versailles Better for Families?

Nafplio
Versailles

Nafplio is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles 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.

Versailles does not offer many kid-friendly activities. While there are those unicorn children who fall in love with the grand setting, for most kids, a visit to Versailles can make for make for a long and draining day.


Is Nafplio or Versailles Better for Couples?

Nafplio
Versailles

With fun activities for couples, both Nafplio and Versailles 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 Versailles frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's opulence, grandeur, and history make this a wonderful place to explore as a couple. There are gardens and other unique settings that make Versailles very romantic.

Is Nafplio or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio
Versailles

Nafplio is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

It's common for backpackers to visit Nafplio. There are pensions and other affordable accommodation options around town, if you decide to spend a night here.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Nafplio
Versailles

Versailles is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Versailles offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.

You'll find some public transit in Nafplio, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses through the region that are operated by KTEL Argolidas. Most routes leave from the central bus station.


Is Nafplio or Versailles a more walkable city?

Nafplio
Versailles

Nafplio is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace for its high level of 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.

Versailles is a very walkable city. It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.

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

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Versailles?

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

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

One day in Nafplio or Versailles?

With museums and nightlife around the romantic city of Nafplio, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Versailles, you'll find museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This palace 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 Versailles?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Nafplio, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Versailles, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Versailles has to offer.


Five days in Nafplio or Versailles?

Nafplio, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Versailles 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 Versailles?

Nafplio is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Versailles. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Versailles 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 Versailles is €234. 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 Versailles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nafplio 50
    Versailles 128
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nafplio 100
    Versailles 256
Compare Hotels in Nafplio and Versailles

Looking for a hotel in Nafplio or Versailles? 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 Versailles


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 Versailles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nafplio 46
    Versailles 53

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 Versailles?

Prices for flights to both Versailles 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
    Versailles 67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nafplio 22
    Versailles 45

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 Versailles

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

  • Versailles Palace Private Family Tour Designed for Kids: $261
  • Palace Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket: $67
  • Private Guided Tour of the Palace: $261

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nafplio 6.86
    Versailles 18

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


Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Versailles?

Versailles has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Versailles, 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 Versailles?

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 Versailles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Versailles. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nafplio is a little warmer than Versailles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nafplio in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Versailles averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Versailles this time of the year. In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Versailles. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nafplio 25°C (76°F) 
    Versailles 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Versailles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Versailles. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 19°C (66°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the autumn, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun.

Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nafplio usually gets more rain in October than Versailles. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nafplio 19°C (66°F) 
    Versailles 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Versailles in the Winter?

Both Versailles and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Versailles because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Versailles can be very cold. Nafplio is much warmer than Versailles in the winter. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In January, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Versailles. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nafplio 10°C (51°F) 
    Versailles 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Versailles in the Spring?

Both Versailles and Nafplio during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Versailles this time of year.

In the spring, Nafplio is a little warmer than Versailles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nafplio in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Versailles averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the spring, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Versailles. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nafplio 15°C (58°F) 
    Versailles 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Versailles and Nafplio

Nafplio Versailles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)


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