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

Should you visit Nafplio or Zaragoza?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Zaragoza? 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a historical, compact, and authentic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nafplio and Zaragoza: 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 museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Nafplio or Zaragoza?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nafplio. Although Nafplio and Zaragoza are popular destinations, Nafplio has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nafplio is very popular for its nightlife and beaches, while Zaragoza attracts visitors for its shopping. Nafplio is more touristy than Zaragoza and is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. It is also well known for Palamidi Castle. Zaragoza is famous for its grand landmarks, local cuisine, and rich cultural scene.

How is Nafplio different from Zaragoza?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nafplio
Zaragoza

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For such a small city, it really has a large number of cultural and historical attractions. The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is the most recognizable sight, but there's also the Museum of the Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta, the cathedral of Zaragoza, and the AljaferĂ­a Palace, among others.


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

Nafplio
Zaragoza

Both Nafplio and Zaragoza offer a number of very good 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, Zaragoza makes for a great culinary experience. There are authentic restaurants that cater to locals and tourists alike. You'll also find some interesting food tours around town. Tapas are popular, as is chocolate and fresh, traditional recipes.

Is Nafplio or Zaragoza Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio
Zaragoza

Nafplio is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Nafplio has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Zaragoza. The nightlife is at its best on weekends, when students and young locals head out on the town. Many evenings start with tapas and wine, but there are nightclubs and dancing as well.

Is Nafplio or Zaragoza Better for Beaches?

Nafplio
Zaragoza

Nafplio is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is not a beach destination.


Is Nafplio or Zaragoza Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio
Zaragoza

It's fun to wander around the very good old towns in both Nafplio and Zaragoza.

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 Zaragoza. The old town is small but filled with monumental buildings and an authentic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Zaragoza?

Nafplio
Zaragoza

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza. The city has many local shops selling locally produced items and interesting souvenirs. There are also boutiques, markets, and vintage shops that are fun to browse though.

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 Zaragoza Better for Families?

Nafplio
Zaragoza

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Zaragoza.

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 Zaragoza. When your kids get their fill of architecture and history, you can head to the Zaragoza Aquarium. Also worth a visit is the Emoz Museum, which is an origami museum. And if you need a break from sightseeing, take a kayak out on the Ebro River.


Is Nafplio or Zaragoza Better for Couples?

Nafplio
Zaragoza

With fun activities for couples, both Nafplio and Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with culture, beauty, and monumental buildings, this is a small and romantic city. It's particularly romantic at night when the streets are quiet and many of the buildings are lit up.

Is Nafplio or Zaragoza Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio
Zaragoza

Nafplio and Zaragoza are both nice 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.

Zaragoza is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are enough hostels around town to choose from, and while it's not the backpacker haven that some Spanish cities are, it still sees a good number of young travelers.

Is Nafplio or Zaragoza Better for Students?

Nafplio
Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nafplio is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Zaragoza. International students enjoy this small city because it has a local vibe where they can practice their Spanish and enjoy an authentic experience.

Nafplio is not popular with students.


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

Nafplio
Zaragoza

Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses and trams around the city.

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 Zaragoza a more walkable city?

Nafplio
Zaragoza

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

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.

Zaragoza is very walkable. The city center is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Zaragoza or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Zaragoza?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nafplio and Zaragoza. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 1-3 days is enough time in Zaragoza.

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


  • How many days in Nafplio or Zaragoza? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nafplio 2-3 
    Zaragoza 1-3

One day in Nafplio or Zaragoza?

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.

In Zaragoza, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city 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 Zaragoza?

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.

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

Five days in Nafplio or Zaragoza?

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.

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza?

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 Zaragoza. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Zaragoza. 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 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza is €126. 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 Zaragoza in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nafplio 50
    Zaragoza 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nafplio 100
    Zaragoza 130
Compare Hotels in Nafplio and Zaragoza

Looking for a hotel in Nafplio or Zaragoza? 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 Zaragoza


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 Zaragoza Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nafplio 46
    Zaragoza 23

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zaragoza

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zaragoza:

  • Zaragoza Private Transfer from the city centre to Zaragoza Airport: $65
  • Zaragoza Private Transfer from Zaragoza Airport to City centre: $65
  • Zaragoza Downtown hotels to Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) to Zaragoza Downtown hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $54
  • Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) to Zaragoza Downtown hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Private transfers Airport-hotel Zaragoza.: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Nafplio or Zaragoza?

Prices for flights to both Zaragoza 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
    Zaragoza 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zaragoza

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

  • Midday Market Tour and Spanish Cooking Class: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nafplio 22
    Zaragoza 35

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 Zaragoza

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zaragoza are as follows:

  • Complete tour + wine and tapas: $202
  • Evening traditional tapas walking tour in old Zaragoza center: $104
  • Haft-day Winery tour from Zaragoza: $158
  • Kayaking in Fluvial EcoTourism with ebroNAUTAS: $44
  • Midday Olive Oil Tour and Visit to Old Town of Belchite: $102
  • Midday market and tapas tour of Zaragoza: $104
  • Monumental Walking Tour in Old Town of Zaragoza: $93
  • Olive Oil Tour and Visit to Belchite Old Town: $104
  • Olive Oil and Winery Tour from Zaragoza City: $163
  • Private custom tour with a local guide Zaragoza: $49
  • Zaragoza - Historic Walking Tour: $320
  • Zaragoza : Aquarium entry ticket: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nafplio 6.86
    Zaragoza 14

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Zaragoza

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Zaragoza:

  • Wine Tasting and Tapas: $102
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas in the ancient Town of Zaragoza: $104


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


Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Zaragoza?

Zaragoza has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Zaragoza, 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 Zaragoza?

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 Zaragoza in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Zaragoza. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Zaragoza in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Zaragoza in the summer. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Zaragoza fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zaragoza. 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 Zaragoza. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 344 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Zaragoza. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nafplio 25°C (76°F) 
    Zaragoza 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Zaragoza in the Autumn?

Both Zaragoza and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Zaragoza for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Zaragoza. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nafplio in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Zaragoza averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zaragoza during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In October, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Zaragoza. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Nafplio or Zaragoza in the Winter?

Both Zaragoza and Nafplio during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Zaragoza because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Zaragoza. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 10°C (51°F), and Zaragoza fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zaragoza. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 131 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Zaragoza. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nafplio 10°C (51°F) 
    Zaragoza 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Zaragoza in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Zaragoza. The spring months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Zaragoza this time of year.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Zaragoza in the spring. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Zaragoza fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Zaragoza. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nafplio 15°C (58°F) 
    Zaragoza 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Zaragoza and Nafplio

Nafplio Zaragoza
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in) 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 19°C (65°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 26 mm (1 in)


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