A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Corinth vs. Thessaloniki for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Corinth or Thessaloniki?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Corinth or Thessaloniki, 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.

Corinth

Corinth is a unique, fascinating, and ancient archeological site. Visitors also love the museums.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a high energy, bustling, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Corinth and Thessaloniki: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Corinth or Thessaloniki?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Thessaloniki than Corinth. While Corinth is larger than Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Corinth is popular for its historical ruins and fascinating temples. Thessaloniki is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also home to The Monument of Rotonda.

How is Corinth different from Thessaloniki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Corinth or Thessaloniki?

Corinth
Thessaloniki

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Thessaloniki and Corinth.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Corinth can be an interesting and educational experience. Visitors come to explore the ancient city of Corinth, which is now a significant archeological site. The Apollo Temple is an important landmark on the site. In a separate area you'll find the Acrocorinth, which is the ancient city's acropolis. Also a must-see is the Corinth Canal.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Thessaloniki. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.


Is the Food Better in Corinth or Thessaloniki? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Corinth
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Corinth is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Thessaloniki has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Corinth offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a couple of restaurants where you can grab a quick bite to eat in the area, but most are not convenient.

Is Corinth or Thessaloniki Better for Nightlife?

Corinth
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Corinth is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Thessaloniki has a large number of nightlife venues. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Corinth. Most people visit the archeological sights and the canal as a day trip from Athens, so nightlife is not part of their itinerary.

Is Corinth or Thessaloniki Better for Beaches?

Corinth
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a decent place to visit for the beach. However, Corinth is not a beach destination.

The beach in Thessaloniki is worth checking out. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Corinth is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Corinth or Thessaloniki?

Corinth
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Corinth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Thessaloniki. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

Corinth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Corinth or Thessaloniki Better for Families?

Corinth
Thessaloniki

Corinth and Thessaloniki are both good destinations for the whole family.

Corinth is a family-friendly archeological site. These archeological ruins will have a special draw for those kids who enjoy the Percy Jackson book series. The ruins and corresponding museum tell the story of lives lived millennia ago. For kids with an active imagination, this is a fascinating place to explore.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Thessaloniki. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

Is Corinth or Thessaloniki Better for Couples?

Corinth
Thessaloniki

Corinth and Thessaloniki are both good to visit as a couple.

Corinth is a good archeological site for couples to visit. An easy day trip from Athens, these archeological ruins are unique and impressive to explore for couples who enjoy history and Greek mythology.

Thessaloniki is a nice destination for couples. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.


Is Corinth or Thessaloniki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Corinth
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Corinth is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Corinth is a good archeological site to visit for backpackers. Most visitors come as a day trip from Athens. Public transportation options are plentiful so backpackers will find this an easy, independent trip to make.

Is Corinth or Thessaloniki Better for Students?

Corinth
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Corinth is not popular with students.

Thessaloniki is a great city to visit as a student. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Corinth is not popular with students.

Is Corinth or Thessaloniki Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Corinth
Thessaloniki

Visitors will find good public transit in both Corinth and Thessaloniki.

Corinth has some public transit options. There are buses and trains that connect Athens and Corinth but confirm that the schedule is convenient for your trip.

You'll find some public transit in Thessaloniki, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.


Is Corinth or Thessaloniki a more walkable city?

Corinth
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Corinth is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

Corinth is generally not very walkable. Many areas are spread out, so some parts are easily walkable and others are not.

For even more information, also check out Is Corinth Worth Visiting? and Is Thessaloniki Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Thessaloniki or Corinth?

How long in Corinth or Thessaloniki?

It's fun to spend time in either Corinth or Thessaloniki. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Thessaloniki due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Corinth, and 2-4 days is enough time in Thessaloniki.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Thessaloniki than Corinth 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 Thessaloniki.


  • How many days in Corinth or Thessaloniki? Ideal Length of Stay
    Corinth 1-2 
    Thessaloniki 2-4

One day in Corinth or Thessaloniki?

In Corinth, many people enjoy the museums that this ancient archeological site offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this archeological site.

In Thessaloniki, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Corinth or Thessaloniki?

Corinth is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Thessaloniki, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Thessaloniki has to offer.


Five days in Corinth or Thessaloniki?

You'll find museums around the ancient destination of Corinth. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Thessaloniki 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 Corinth or Thessaloniki?

Corinth is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thessaloniki. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Thessaloniki. 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 Greece, and The Best Contiki Tours to Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Thessaloniki or Corinth?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Corinth is €121, while the average daily cost in Thessaloniki is €134. 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 Corinth and Thessaloniki in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Corinth 72
    Thessaloniki 79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Corinth 144
    Thessaloniki 158
Compare Hotels in Corinth and Thessaloniki

Looking for a hotel in Corinth or Thessaloniki? 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 Corinth


Hotels in Thessaloniki


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: Thessaloniki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Corinth 7.14
    Thessaloniki 13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Corinth

Also for Corinth, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Corinth-Loutraki-Agioi Theodoroi to Athens-Pireaus-Athens Airport: $217
  • Taxi Transfer from Nafplio - Tolo to Athens Airport - Private up to 4 persons: $217
  • Shared Transfer to Mycenae & Epidaurus from Nafplio: $120
  • Private Transfer & Guide in Mycenae and Epidaurus from Nafplio: $271

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Thessaloniki

Also for Thessaloniki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from airport Thessaloniki (SKG) to Kalithea chalkidiki: $163
  • Transfer from Thessaloniki to Ikos Olivia: $195
  • Transfer from Thessaloniki to Ikos Oceania: $152
  • Bus Transfer to/from Kavala: $18
  • Thessaloniki to Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) - Departure Transfer: $21
  • Thessaloniki Cruise Port: Transfer to Thessaloniki city: $142
  • Thessaloniki Airport to TUI Blue Lagoon Hotels Private Transfer: $92
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Sani Hotels Private Transfer: $98
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Portes Lithos Luxury Resort Private Transfer: $81
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Ikos Olivia Hotel Private Transfer: $98
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Ikos Oceania Hotel Private Transfer: $87
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Danai Beach Resort & Villas Private Transfer: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Corinth or Thessaloniki?

Prices for flights to both Thessaloniki and Corinth 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
    Corinth 40
    Thessaloniki 42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Corinth

For Corinth, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Savor Nafplio Cooking Class: $125
  • Cooking Class OR Demonstration & lunch in Nafplio: $126
  • Nafplio Walking Food Tour: $140
  • Sustainbable Cooking class, explore a mountainous village: $169

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Thessaloniki

For Thessaloniki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $48
  • Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $49
  • Cooking & Dining Experience with Greek Family: $63
  • Guided Food Tour: $69
  • Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $70
  • Thessaloniki Gastronomy & Culture Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $86
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $86
  • Private Walking Tour Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $87
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch: $95
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $95
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Corinth 21
    Thessaloniki 26

Tours and Activities in Corinth

For Corinth, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 3in1; Cycling, sightseeing, tasting: $228
  • Ancient Corinth & Nemea Tour to Culture: $100
  • Ancient Corinth & Nemea Tour to Culture from Nafplio: $141
  • Ancient Corinth Private Tour from Corinth: $68
  • Ancient Epidaurus Theater and Canal of Corinth Private Tour from Corinth: $81
  • Ancient Olympia Day Tour: $212
  • Athens Day Tour - History & Culture: $117
  • Biblical Corinth in 7 hours private tour: $458
  • 3D Representations & Audiovisual Self-Guided tour: $7.44
  • Cycling Tour at Nafplio: $111
  • Epidaurus: Refundable Ticket for the Temple of Asclepius &Theater: $18
  • Epidavros sea kayak at the Ancient sunken city tour, small ancient theater : $87

Tours and Activities in Thessaloniki

For Thessaloniki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • “Food Bites” - Walk & Taste Experience: $85
  • 2-Day Olympus mt Private Hiking Tour: $217
  • 4 Hours Private Thessaloniki City Tour: $195
  • 4-Hour Thessaloniki Jewish Heritage Private Guided Tour: $206
  • Ano Poli: A walking tour in Thessaloniki's colorful Old Town: $73
  • Archery Odyssey Traditional Archery Experience: $65
  • Best of Private Guided Tour: $217
  • Best of Private Guided Tour: $192
  • City Sightseeing Thessaloniki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $17
  • Daily Sailing Cruise Olympus Riviera Highlights: $106
  • Day Tour at Royal Tombs of Aigai and Museum of Pella with pickup: $92
  • Dion-Olympus Private Tour from Thessaloniki: $96

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Corinth 16
    Thessaloniki 15

Sample the Local Flavors in Corinth

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

  • Winery Tour and Organic Fine Wine Tastings: $16
  • Corinth Winery Tour and Organic Fine Wine Tastings: $21
  • Nemea - Wine Tasting from Nafplion: $174
  • Nemea Wine Tour from Athens, Nafplio or Nemea with Oenologists: $177
  • Wine tour at the footsteps of Hercules in Nemea from Nafplio: $186
  • 2. Wine Tour Nemea: The new wines of Nemea: $215

Sample the Local Flavors in Thessaloniki

Also in Thessaloniki, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Thessaloniki: $25
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $81
  • Winery Visit with Wine Tasting Experience: $90
  • Thessaloniki to Naoussa, Wine Tasting Tour – Private Day Trip: $206


When comparing the travel costs between Corinth and Thessaloniki, we can see that Thessaloniki 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 Corinth Expensive? and Is Thessaloniki Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Corinth or Thessaloniki?

Corinth has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Corinth and Thessaloniki, 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 Corinth or Thessaloniki?

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 Corinth or Thessaloniki in the Summer?

Both Thessaloniki and Corinth are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Corinth in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Corinth is generally around the same temperature as Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Corinth average around 27°C (81°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Thessaloniki. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Corinth. Corinth usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during summer. Corinth gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 327 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Corinth usually receives less rain than Thessaloniki. Corinth gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Corinth 27°C (81°F) 
    Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Corinth or Thessaloniki in the Autumn?

Both Thessaloniki and Corinth during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Corinth is a little warmer than Thessaloniki in the autumn. The daily temperature in Corinth averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Corinth. In the autumn, Corinth often gets more sunshine than Thessaloniki. Corinth gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 159 hours of full sun.

Corinth usually gets more rain in October than Thessaloniki. Corinth gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Corinth 19°C (67°F) 
    Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Corinth or Thessaloniki in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Corinth and Thessaloniki. The winter months attract visitors to Corinth because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year.

In the winter, Corinth is much warmer than Thessaloniki. Typically, the winter temperatures in Corinth in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Thessaloniki averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Corinth usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during winter. Corinth gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 101 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Corinth usually receives more rain than Thessaloniki. Corinth gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Corinth 10°C (51°F) 
    Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Corinth or Thessaloniki in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Corinth as well as Thessaloniki. Additionally, many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Corinth is generally a little warmer than Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Corinth average around 16°C (60°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Corinth this time of the year. In the spring, Corinth often gets more sunshine than Thessaloniki. Corinth gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 196 hours of full sun.

Corinth usually gets less rain in April than Thessaloniki. Corinth gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Corinth 16°C (60°F) 
    Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Thessaloniki and Corinth

Corinth Thessaloniki
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (56°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 25°C (76°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)