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

Should you visit Nafplio or Volterra?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Volterra? 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. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Volterra

Volterra is a charming, medieval, and cultural 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 museums, food, and shopping.

Nafplio and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Volterra?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nafplio than Volterra, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nafplio is better known for its nightlife and beaches, while Volterra is more popular for its food, historical sights, and small town charm. Nafplio is more touristy than Volterra and is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. Also, Nafplio is famous for Palamidi Castle. Volterra is well known for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.

How is Nafplio different from Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Volterra 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 Volterra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For such a large town there are a huge number of historic sights packed into a small area. Check out the Roman Theater, the Etruscan Museum, and the Duomo.

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

Volterra is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Volterra is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town is surrounded by the region of truffles, so you'll find this item included in all kinds of recipes. Pumpkin sauce is also a specialty of the area and there are also many local cheeses. Many restaurants also have bruschetta as an appetizer.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Nafplio makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Nafplio or Volterra Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio is well known for nightlife. However, Volterra is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Nafplio is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Volterra doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are cozy bars and cafes where you can sip wine and soak up the atmosphere, but the town isn't known as a nightlife destination.

Is Nafplio or Volterra Better for Beaches?

Nafplio is a popular place for its beaches. However, Volterra is not a beach destination.

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.

Volterra is not a beach destination.

Is Nafplio or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

Volterra is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

The rich history of Volterra can be explored in its historical center. The walled town is perched on a hilltop and dates back to the 8th century BC. Visitors come specifically to explore its winding streets and stunning setting.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Volterra?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Nafplio and Volterra.

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.

Volterra is a great destination for shopping. Some of the streets are lined with boutique shops and one of the most popular things to buy in town is Alabaster. You'll also find plenty of Italian wine from the nearby vineyards.

Is Nafplio or Volterra Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Volterra.

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 Volterra. If you have a Twilight fan, this town is home to the Volturi, who are the royal family of vampires. For everyone else, its a charming town with medieval walls and wandering alleys that kids will enjoy exploring.

Is Nafplio or Volterra Better for Couples?

Volterra is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Volterra makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's unique atmosphere, amazing food, and medieval style make for a unique and world class couples destination. While many people visit as a day trip, you can spend the night and soak up the evening atmosphere as well.

Couples visit Nafplio frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Nafplio or Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio and Volterra 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.

Volterra is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's only one or two hostels in town, so if you're looking for a more social backpacker setting, then this may not be your spot. It does make for a great day trip though and if you're more interested in culture than meeting other backpackers, then definitely stop by.

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

Nafplio is a popular place for its public transit. However, Volterra is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Volterra. Public transit isn't necessary as the city is best explored on foot.

Is Nafplio or Volterra a more walkable city?

Nafplio and Volterra are first-rate when it comes to 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.

Getting around Volterra on foot is easy. Most people explore the town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Volterra?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nafplio than Volterra 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.

One day in Nafplio or Volterra?

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.

Volterra is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This 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 Volterra?

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.

Volterra 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Volterra has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Volterra?

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.

Volterra 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 Volterra?

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 Volterra. Since Volterra is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Nafplio and Volterra, 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 Volterra Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Volterra?

Nafplio has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Volterra, 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 Volterra?

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 Volterra in the Summer?

Both Volterra 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. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Volterra this time of year.

In the summer, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Volterra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nafplio in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Volterra averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In Volterra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the summer, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Volterra. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Volterra. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Volterra in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Volterra. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Volterra for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 19°C (66°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Volterra 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 Volterra. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nafplio or Volterra in the Winter?

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

Nafplio is a little warmer than Volterra in the winter. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Volterra fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Volterra. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun.

Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Volterra. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Volterra in the Spring?

Both Volterra 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 Volterra for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Nafplio is a little warmer than Volterra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nafplio in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Volterra averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Volterra. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Volterra and Nafplio