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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Vigo?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Vigo? 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 Vigo?

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.

Vigo

Originally a small fishing town, Vigo has grown to become the most populated municipality in the region of Galicia in northwestern Spain. Remnants of the old world still exist in its historic center architecture and plazas, while the commodities of a modern city have blended into its boundaries. The old center remains the hub of activity with plenty to see and do, shopping and dining included.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Vigo 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 Vigo is €99. 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 Vigo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thessaloniki 79
    Vigo 43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thessaloniki 158
    Vigo 86
Compare Hotels in Thessaloniki and Vigo

Looking for a hotel in Thessaloniki or Vigo? 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 Vigo


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 Vigo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thessaloniki 13
    Vigo 37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Thessaloniki

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

  • Bus Transfer to/from Kavala: $18
  • Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) to Thessaloniki - Arrival Transfer: $21
  • Thessaloniki to Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) - Departure Transfer: $21
  • One Way Private Transfer SKG Airport to / from Thessaloniki City Center: $24
  • Thessaloniki Airport Private Transfer Service: $32
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Thessaloniki Port: $41
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki hotels to Thessaloniki Port: $41
  • Thessaloniki Airport or Cruise Port Private Departure Transfer: $44
  • Thessaloniki Airport - Sani Transfer: $81
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Portes Lithos Luxury Resort Private Transfer: $82
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Ikos Oceania Hotel Private Transfer: $87
  • Private transfer to IKOS OLIVIA: $87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vigo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vigo:

  • Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Hotels: $43
  • Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Airport (OPO): $43
  • One-Way Private Transfer From/To Vigo Airport: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Thessaloniki or Vigo?

Prices for flights to both Vigo 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
    Vigo 35

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vigo

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

  • Gourmet Hands on Cooking Class in Galicia with the Chef: $162

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Thessaloniki 26
    Vigo 10

Tours and Activities in Thessaloniki

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • White Tower Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.54
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour & Narrative: $11
  • Selfie Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Museum of Illusions Admission Ticket: $12
  • Thessaloniki Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Byzantine Museum E-Ticket with Audio Tour: $13
  • E-ticket to Museum of Byzantine Culture with Audio Tour : $13
  • Thessaloniki Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $17

Tours and Activities in Vigo

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

  • Afternoon Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $18
  • Albarino : Sensorial experience and Heritage: $129
  • Essential Walking Tour through the Emblematic Places of Vigo: $32
  • Exclusive Vigo experience: $155
  • Full Day Santiago de Compostela Private Tour from Vigo, Shore Excursion: $169
  • Full-Day Excursion to Santiago from Vigo for Cruisers Only: $75
  • GROUP walking tour in Vigo: $1.09
  • Monumental Morning Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $17
  • Morning electric bike tour of Vigo and photography contest: $76
  • New 2-hour Electric Bike Tour and Photography Contest: $34
  • Night Walking Tour of Pontevedra: $21
  • Private Tour in Ourense: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thessaloniki 15
    Vigo 5.71

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Vigo?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Vigo. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Vigo, 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 Vigo?

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 Thessaloniki or Vigo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Vigo. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vigo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thessaloniki this time of the year. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Vigo. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vigo receives 299 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in July than Vigo. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Vigo in the Autumn?

Both Vigo and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Vigo during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Vigo receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vigo. In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Vigo. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Vigo in the Winter?

Both Vigo and Thessaloniki during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year.

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

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Vigo. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vigo receives 110 hours of full sun.

Vigo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Vigo. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Vigo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Vigo. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city.

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

Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vigo during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Vigo receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

Vigo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Vigo. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Vigo and Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki Vigo
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)