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

Should you visit Paphos or Nafplio?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Nafplio, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Paphos

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

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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Paphos and Nafplio: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Nafplio?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Paphos than Nafplio, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Paphos is better known for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Nafplio is more popular for its nightlife and historical sights. Paphos is well known for its historical sights, rich culture, and beautiful churches. Also, Paphos is famous for Paphos Archaeological Park. Nafplio is well known for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles.

How is Paphos different from Nafplio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nafplio and Paphos. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Paphos or Nafplio?

Paphos 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, Paphos has many famous sights for visitors. The area is well known for its impressive archeological ruins, many of which are found at Paphos Archaeological Site. Other impressive sights include the Tombs of the Kings, the Chrysopolitissa Basilica & St. Paul's Pillar, Agia Paraskevi, and Paphos Fort.

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 Paphos or Nafplio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Paphos 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, Paphos is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is a huge part of the culture and family life in the area. The cuisine is influenced by the surrounding areas and you'll see similarities to Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Popular dishes include koupepia (vine leaves stuffed with a filling called gemista), souvlaki (a meat and salad filled pita), and makaronia tou fournou (a pasta dish made with halloumi and béchamel sauce).

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 Paphos or Nafplio Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Paphos has a few options to choose from. Most people think of history, culture, beaches, and wine, but the city also has its share of clubs and bars. It's not the party-hard beach destination that you'll find at some Mediterranean tourist areas, but there are still plenty of bars and clubs with atmosphere and style. Head to Agiou Antoniou Street for the most action.

Is Paphos or Nafplio Better for Resorts?

Paphos is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Nafplio is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Paphos is a great choice. The area is filled with all types of resorts. There are many all-inclusive resorts that cater to families, honeymooners, or luxury vacationers. If you want to experience more of the local culture, there are also smaller boutique hotels or local apartments available.

Nafplio is not a resort destination.

Is Paphos or Nafplio Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Paphos has a few good snorkeling spots. There are many snorkeling and dive spots that aren't far away. You'll also find a number of scuba or snorkeling excursions that you can join. The water conditions for snorkeling and diving are best during the summer months.

Nafplio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paphos or Nafplio Better for Beaches?

Paphos is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Paphos. Many people head to the area specifically for the beaches. This region has the longest coastline of any region in Cyprus, but keep in mind that some of the best beaches are found outside of the main tourist areas. However, they most are usually accessible by city bus with many remote stretches found along the Akamas Peninsula. Within town the beaches are often rocky and pebbly.

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 Paphos or Nafplio Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio is a great destination for its historic old town. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Paphos. The old town is a pleasant area to walk around with a number of interesting buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Paphos or Nafplio?

Paphos 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 Paphos. There are outdoor markets, major shopping streets, and international fashion brands. You can pick up local souvenirs or beach gear that you may have forgotten.

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 Paphos or Nafplio Better for Families?

Paphos is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Paphos. There are plenty of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Head to the beach or take a walk along the coastline. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to the zoo, bird park, or aquarium and young thrill seekers will enjoy a day at the Aqua-park of Aphrodite. And, of course, there's also the ruins that kids can have fun exploring.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nafplio. 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.

Is Paphos or Nafplio Better for Couples?

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

Paphos makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Honeymooners who enjoy history, nature, beaches, and culture will find it all in the area. There are stunning beaches where you can relax in the sun, world renowned archeological ruins where you can immerse yourself in a historical world, and beautiful views around every corner. There are also excellent restaurants and wine tasting opportunities that will make for a memorable trip.

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 Paphos or Nafplio Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paphos 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 Paphos. The area is generally accessible with a few good hostels and budget accommodation options sprinkled about. There are great beaches and restaurants as well as plenty of beautiful places to enjoy a walk.

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

Paphos 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.

Paphos offers a very effecient public transportation network. It's possible to get around by city bus to most places. Buses connect many touristy areas such as Kato Paphos, Tombs of the Kings, Chloraka, Kissonerga, Coral Bay and Paphos Center.

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 Paphos or Nafplio a more walkable city?

Nafplio is renowned for its walkability. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of 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.

Paphos is a somewhat walkable place. The main tourist area is Kato Paphos which is small, compact and easy to walk around, but if you want to head to areas further away then you likely won't be able to travel on foot. It's important to understand where your hotel is located if you're planning to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Nafplio or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Nafplio?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Paphos and Nafplio. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paphos than in Nafplio. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paphos, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nafplio.

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

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

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

One day in Paphos or Nafplio?

In Paphos, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nafplio. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Paphos or Nafplio?

In Paphos, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Nafplio is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Paphos or Nafplio?

Paphos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paphos has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nafplio. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Paphos or Nafplio?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paphos. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Paphos. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the romantic destination of Nafplio. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, and The Best Budget Tours to Greece.

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

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Nafplio?

Paphos has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Nafplio, 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 Paphos or Nafplio?

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 Paphos or Nafplio in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Nafplio. Many visitors come to Paphos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Nafplio for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Paphos is generally around the same temperature as Nafplio. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 27°C (80°F), and Nafplio fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paphos this time of the year. In the summer, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Nafplio. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nafplio receives 352 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in July than Nafplio. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Nafplio receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Nafplio in the Autumn?

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

Paphos is a little warmer than Nafplio in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Nafplio fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Nafplio. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paphos. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Nafplio during autumn. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Nafplio receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. In October, Paphos usually receives less rain than Nafplio. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Nafplio receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Paphos or Nafplio in the Winter?

Both Nafplio and Paphos during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Paphos because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year.

In the winter, Paphos is a little warmer than Nafplio. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paphos in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Nafplio averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Nafplio. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nafplio receives 135 hours of full sun.

Nafplio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Paphos usually gets less rain in January than Nafplio. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nafplio receives 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Nafplio in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Nafplio. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nafplio for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Paphos is generally a little warmer than Nafplio. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 17°C (62°F), and Nafplio fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Nafplio during spring. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Nafplio receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paphos usually receives less rain than Nafplio. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nafplio receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nafplio and Paphos