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

Should you visit Nafplio or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Zadar? 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. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Zadar

Zadar is a relaxed, coastal, and vibrant town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nafplio and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Zadar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nafplio. Although Nafplio and Zadar are both popular with visitors, Nafplio has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nafplio is more popular for its museums and nightlife, while Zadar is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Nafplio is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. It is also home to Palamidi Castle. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Nafplio different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Zadar. The old town is like a living museum, with city walls and a historic gate. The Church of St. Donatus, Zadar Cathedral, and the Zadar Archaeological Museum are all fascinating places to visit in town, but if you're looking for the most unique sight, make sure you check out The Sea Organ and The Sun Salutation.

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

Both Nafplio and Zadar 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, Zadar makes for a great culinary experience. The town is filled with outdoor cafes that serve up a healthy and delicious selection of recipes. The ingredients are fresh and local with olive oil and seafood making frequent appearances on the menus. Prices are also reasonable.

Is Nafplio or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Nafplio offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Zadar. The town comes to life at night when the bars and restaurants fill with people chatting and socializing. This is an easy place to enjoy the evening as almost all of the nightlife venues are within a five minute walk of each other.

Is Nafplio or Zadar Better for Resorts?

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

Zadar is known as a popular and fun resort destination. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Nafplio is not a resort destination.

Is Nafplio or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nafplio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Zadar has a few good snorkeling spots. This is an easy place to snorkel because the water is so clear. There are also half and full day snorkeling trips that take you to some of the best spots.

Nafplio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nafplio or Zadar Better for Beaches?

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

Zadar is considered a top beach destination. There are some nice beaches outside of town with one of the most famous being Sakarun Beach, which is part of the Zadar archipelago. There are a handful of beaches nearby that are pebbly and popular with the locals. These include Puntamika Beach and Beach Borik.

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 Zadar Better for its Old Town?

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

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 Zadar. The small old town is filled with charm and character. It's a walled medieval town that can easily be explored in a few hours.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Zadar?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Nafplio and Zadar.

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.

Zadar is a great destination for shopping. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Is Nafplio or Zadar Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Zadar.

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 Zadar. It's fun to explore the small medieval old town, but the kids will also appreciate getting out of town and enjoying the nearby activities. It's definitely worth visiting Pag Island or any of the other natural settings that are nearby. There are also several beaches near town. In town, make sure you hear the Sea Organ and dance at the Sun Salutation.

Is Nafplio or Zadar Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nafplio and Zadar 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 Zadar frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This charming seaside town is fun to explore as a couple. There's a walled medieval town that is small and easy to wander around. There are also nearby beaches and great restaurants to explore. A highlight of a visit is watching the stunning sunsets by the water.

Is Nafplio or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar 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 Zadar. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

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 Zadar Better for Students?

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

Zadar is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. The laid back lifestyle and low cost of living make this a great place to be a student. It's a relaxed environment with many nearby places to explore.

Nafplio is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Zadar, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.

Is Nafplio or Zadar a more walkable city?

Nafplio is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Nafplio 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.

Zadar is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable and can easily be explored on foot in a few hours.

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

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Zadar?

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

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

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

One day in Nafplio or Zadar?

In Nafplio, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Zadar, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nafplio. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Zadar, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Zadar has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Zadar?

Nafplio is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Nafplio. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Zadar is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the romantic destination of Nafplio. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zadar. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Zadar. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nafplio and Zadar, we can see that Nafplio is more expensive. And not only is Zadar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zadar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zadar 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 Nafplio would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nafplio than you might in Zadar.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nafplio Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Zadar?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Zadar, 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 Zadar?

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 Zadar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Zadar. The summer months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In July, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 25°C (76°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the summer, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Zadar. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In October, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Zadar. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nafplio or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Nafplio during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Nafplio is a little warmer than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nafplio in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Zadar. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 15°C (58°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Zadar. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Nafplio