A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thessaloniki vs. Pontevedra for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Pontevedra?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Pontevedra? 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.

Where Should I go: Thessaloniki or Pontevedra?

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and serves as the capital city of the Central Macedonia region. It also has a rich history dating back more than 3,000 years. As a visitor, you'll find that the city has been touched by the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, all of which left their mark. In particular, the many Byzantine churches are quite impressive, with some of them listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Pontevedra

An important port city with a medieval past, Pontevedra sits on the northwestern coast of Spain where the Lerez River opens out into the ocean. It is a part of the Galicia region and is known for its seafood, charming plazas, and old world architecture that include a number of chapels, churches, and cathedrals.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Pontevedra or Thessaloniki?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Thessaloniki is €134, while the average daily cost in Pontevedra is €120. 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 Thessaloniki and Pontevedra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thessaloniki 79
    Pontevedra 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thessaloniki 158
    Pontevedra 122
Compare Hotels in Thessaloniki and Pontevedra

Looking for a hotel in Thessaloniki or Pontevedra? 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 Thessaloniki


Hotels in Pontevedra


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 and Pontevedra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thessaloniki 13
    Pontevedra 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Thessaloniki

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

  • Transfer from Thessaloniki to Ikos Oceania: $153
  • 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: $93
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Sani Hotels Private Transfer: $98
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Portes Lithos Luxury Resort Private Transfer: $82
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Ikos Olivia Hotel Private Transfer: $98
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Ikos Oceania Hotel Private Transfer: $87
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Alia Palace Hotel Private Transfer: $131
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Afitis Boutique Hotel Private Transfer: $109
  • Thessaloniki Airport or Cruise Port Private Departure Transfer: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Thessaloniki or Pontevedra?

Prices for flights to both Pontevedra and Thessaloniki 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
    Thessaloniki 42
    Pontevedra 42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Thessaloniki

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

  • Open Market Food Tour with Tasting: $48
  • Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $49
  • Cooking & Dining Experience with Greek Family: $63
  • Guided Food Tour: $70
  • Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $71
  • Private Walking Tour Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $87
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $95
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $95
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch: $95
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $97
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $97
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market visit and Lunch: $97

Typical Food Prices in Pontevedra

For Pontevedra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for 2
    11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pontevedra

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

  • Galician Cooking Class with Chef Instructor: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Thessaloniki 26
    Pontevedra 19

Tours and Activities in Thessaloniki

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

  • 4-Hour Thessaloniki Jewish Heritage Private Guided Tour: $207
  • Archery Odyssey Traditional Archery Experience: $65
  • Best of Private Guided Tour: $218
  • Best of Private Guided Tour: $192
  • Charming pearls of Thessaloniki – Romantic Tour: $153
  • City Sightseeing Thessaloniki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $17
  • Daily Cruise:Discover Thessaloniki in a different way: $1,069
  • Daily Sailing Cruise Olympus Riviera Highlights: $122
  • Day Tour at Royal Tombs of Aigai and Museum of Pella with pickup: $93
  • Dion and Palaios Panteleimon Myth and History Tour: $153
  • Dion-Olympus Private Tour from Thessaloniki: $96
  • Discover Olympus from Paralia in Jeep Safari Shared Tour: $76

Tours and Activities in Pontevedra

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

  • NEW!! Private Walking Tour with local guide: $64
  • Pontevedra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • O Grove Aquarium Experience: $16
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $43
  • Walking Tour and Galician Food Tasting: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thessaloniki 15
    Pontevedra 20

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
  • From Pella-Edessa wine tasting: $64
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $81
  • Thessaloniki Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $83
  • Winery Visit with Wine Tasting Experience: $91
  • Wine Tasting Experience from Thessaloniki: $93
  • Thessaloniki to Naoussa, Wine Tasting Tour – Private Day Trip: $207

Sample the Local Flavors in Pontevedra

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

  • Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $32


When comparing the travel costs between Thessaloniki and Pontevedra, 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 Thessaloniki Expensive? and Is Pontevedra Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Pontevedra?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Pontevedra. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Pontevedra, 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 Thessaloniki or Pontevedra?

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 Thessaloniki or Pontevedra in the Summer?

Both Pontevedra and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Pontevedra in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Pontevedra fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Pontevedra. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Pontevedra during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Pontevedra receives 299 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Pontevedra. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F) 
    Pontevedra 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Pontevedra in the Autumn?

Both Pontevedra and Thessaloniki during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Pontevedra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Pontevedra averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Pontevedra. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pontevedra receives 174 hours of full sun.

Pontevedra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Pontevedra. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F) 
    Pontevedra 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Pontevedra in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Pontevedra. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Thessaloniki is generally much colder than Pontevedra. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Pontevedra fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Pontevedra during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Pontevedra receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pontevedra receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Pontevedra. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F) 
    Pontevedra 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Pontevedra in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Pontevedra. The spring months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Pontevedra in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Pontevedra fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pontevedra. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pontevedra receives 198 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pontevedra. Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Pontevedra. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F) 
    Pontevedra 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Pontevedra and Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki Pontevedra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in) 21°C (70°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 25°C (76°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 26 mm (1 in) 20°C (68°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 228 mm (9 in)