A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Volos vs. Alicante for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Volos or Alicante?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Volos and Alicante can help you decide which place is right for you.

Volos

Volos is a vibrant, youthful, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Alicante

Alicante is a cultural, colorful, and authentic city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Volos and Alicante: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Volos or Alicante?

You'll generally find more things to do in Volos than Alicante. Volos is bigger than Alicante, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Volos is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Alicante is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Volos is well known for its vibrant seaside setting and its access to nearby natural beauty. Also, Volos is famous for The Archaeological Museum of Volos. Alicante is well known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Volos different from Alicante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Volos or Alicante?

Volos
Alicante

Alicante is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Volos is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Alicante specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This port city has a number of cultural and historical sights that are worth checking out. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante, and Basilica de Santa María are among the most well known.

Volos offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in town including the Archaeological Museum of Volos.


Is the Food Better in Volos or Alicante? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volos
Alicante

Foodies will find both Volos and Alicante both to be very good destinations.

Volos has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Greece cuisine is very regional specific, and this area has its own dishes that are very different from elsewhere in the country. Deep fried kolitsianoi (sea anemone), boubari (local sausage), and spetzofai (sausage, tomato, and peppers) are just some of the unique dishes in the area.

Dining out in Alicante is an experience not to be missed. It's by the sea, so you'll find plenty of seafood. Rice is the main staple for many dishes in town. This is also a vegetable growing region, so many recipes incorporate fresh vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz a banda, arroz con costra, and olleta alicantina.

Is Volos or Alicante Better for Nightlife?

Volos
Alicante

Volos is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Volos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The universities around town keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are a number of bars and clubs that are fun throughout the year.

If you're looking for night time activities Alicante has a few options to choose from. For the city's best nightlife, head to El Barrio Antiguo, which is the old district. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs, many of them having live music.

Is Volos or Alicante Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos
Alicante

Volos is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Volos. There are some snorkeling and dive shops in town that offer day trips.

Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Volos or Alicante Better for Beaches?

Volos
Alicante

Volos is well known for the beache. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Volos is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. If you're willing to travel out of town, this region has some of the best beaches in Greece. The summers are cooler than other parts of the country and the winters are milder, so this is both a beautiful and a comfortable place to explore.

Alicante has a beach worth visiting. If you step away from the touristy areas, you'll find some nice sandy beaches with blue water. Playa la Fustera is northeast of the city and popular with families and couples. If you have a car you can drive to the town of Moraira, which is near several nice beaches as well.

Is Volos or Alicante Better for its Old Town?

Volos
Alicante

Alicante is very good for its old town. However, Volos does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Alicante. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Volos does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Alicante?

Volos
Alicante

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Volos and Alicante.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Volos. There are shopping malls and shopping centers around town that have a variety of retail options including clothing, jewelry, and home goods.

Many visitors go to Alicante to go shopping. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.


Is Volos or Alicante Better for Families?

Volos
Alicante

Alicante is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Alicante is very family-friendly. This seaside city has many kid-friendly resorts, long sandy beaches, and adrenaline-filled theme parks. There's the Terra Mitica Park as well as a waterpark - Aqua Natura. Tabarca Island is also well worth a visit.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Volos. If your kids are adventurous, they'll enjoy horseback riding or exploring the area's beaches. There's also the Archaeological Museum of Volos and Agios Konstantinos Park.

Is Volos or Alicante Better for Couples?

Volos
Alicante

Alicante is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Alicante makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nice resorts, long sandy beaches, and nearby vineyard tours make this a wonderful place for a couple's getaway. There are good restaurants and nice places where couples can take a stroll, hand in hand.

Volos is a good city for couples to visit. There are gardens and outdoor activities that couples can enjoy. There are also museums and beaches.

Is Volos or Alicante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volos
Alicante

Alicante is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Volos is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Alicante is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

Volos is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular backpacker destination and you won't find that many hostels in the area.


Is Volos or Alicante Better for Students?

Volos
Alicante

Both Volos and Alicante are notable destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Volos. You'll find several universities in town. The port city also offers access to different parts of the country.

Alicante is popular with students. It's by the water and it's an affordable city, making it a good option for students. The beaches and active nightlife will keep you entertained when you take a break from your studies.

Is Volos or Alicante Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Volos
Alicante

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Volos and Alicante.

Volos has some public transit options. There is a bus system that travels around town.

You'll find some public transit in Alicante, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

Is Volos or Alicante a more walkable city?

Volos
Alicante

Volos is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Volos is a very walkable city. The city is flat and there's a historic district that you can explore on foot.

Alicante is a somewhat walkable city. There are many parts of the city that can be explored on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Volos Worth Visiting? and Is Alicante Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alicante or Volos?

How long in Volos or Alicante?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alicante than Volos 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 Alicante.


  • How many days in Volos or Alicante? Ideal Length of Stay
    Volos 1-2 
    Alicante 2-4

One day in Volos or Alicante?

The city of Volos offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Alicante, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Volos or Alicante?

Volos 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Volos, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alicante. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Volos or Alicante?

Volos 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.

Alicante is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Alicante. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Volos or Alicante?

Volos is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Alicante. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, The Best 10-Day Tours from Athens, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Alicante or Volos?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Volos is €95, while the average daily cost in Alicante is €127. 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 Volos and Alicante in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volos 43
    Alicante 42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volos 86
    Alicante 84
Compare Hotels in Volos and Alicante

Looking for a hotel in Volos or Alicante? 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 Volos


Hotels in Alicante


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: Volos Hotel Prices and Alicante Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volos 37
    Alicante -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Volos

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

  • From Volos to Athens Airport / Athens / Piraeus Private Transfer: $280
  • Volos to Athens Easy & Economy Transfer: $524
  • Volos to Athens, Athens Airport and Piraeus Port Private Transfer: $257

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alicante

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alicante:

  • Transfer from Alicante city to Alicante airport in private Minivan max. 6 passengers: $73
  • Transfer from Alicante airport to Albir in private Sedan car max. 3 passengers: $85
  • Transfer Airport / Renfe Alicante - Alcoy: $92
  • Roundtrip Transfer Airport-Hotel in Alicante cars of up to 8 passengers: $55
  • Private Transfer: Alicante Airport (ALC) to Alicante: $47
  • Private Transfer from Elche to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $82
  • Private Transfer from El Plantio Golf Resort to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $63
  • Private Transfer from Castell de Castells to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $183
  • Private Transfer from Camping Marjal Costa Blanca to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airpor: $73
  • Private Transfer from Campello to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $73
  • Private Transfer from Campello Pueblo Acantilado to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $82
  • Private Transfer from Campello / Coveta Fuma to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $82

Is it cheaper to fly into Volos or Alicante?

Prices for flights to both Alicante and Volos 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
    Volos 30
    Alicante 72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Volos

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

  • Cooking Session "Pelion Flavours": $71
  • Cook like a local Greek Cooking lesson in Mt Pelion Greece: $109

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alicante

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

  • Secret Flavors Food Tour: $31
  • Paella and Sangria Cooking Workshop: $60
  • Paella and Sangría Cooking Workshop: $64
  • Central Market Guided Food Tour with Tapas Bars: $70
  • Alicante Food Tour: $71
  • Fuse Spanish With Italian For Dinner In Mutxamel: $89
  • Alicante PRIVATE Food Tour With Locals: 10 Food & Drink Tastings Included: $136
  • Cooking Class with Private Chef and Local Wine: $176
  • Alicante cooking class with a private chef: $180

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Volos 17
    Alicante 53

Tours and Activities in Volos

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

  • Kayaking Adventure around Pelion Coastline : $33
  • East Pelion - Sea Kayak Tour "Short Paddle": $38
  • Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour "The Secret Cave": $49
  • HIKING PELION - Private Guided Full or Half Day Tour: $197
  • BIKING PELION Private Guided Full or Half Day Tour: $211
  • From Hidden Sights of Meteora Private Tour: $214
  • Volos Pelion Full Day Tour : $240
  • Pagasetic Gulf Full-Day Sailboat Experience: $735

Typical Entertainment Prices in Alicante

Here are a few typical costs in Alicante for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Food and Tapas Tour (for 2)
    54
  • Catamaran Cruise (for 2)
    67
  • Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)
    120
  • Walking Tour (for 2)
    60

Tours and Activities in Alicante

Here are a few actual costs in Alicante for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Alcoy Walking Tour on the Modernist Route: $202
  • Alicante - Old Town Private Walking Tour: $385
  • Alicante : E-Bike Coast Tour, Román Fishpond and Snorkeling: $37
  • Alicante : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
  • Alicante Charming Villages Tour: Villajoyosa and Altea: $75
  • Alicante City & Beach Bike Tour : $33
  • Alicante Discovery Tour from Benidorm: $28
  • Alicante Evening Tapas tour: $82
  • Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide : $32
  • Alicante Highlights Bike Tour(min 2p) MEDIUM CYCLE LEVEL REQUIRED: $35
  • Alicante Highlights Private Tour with Castle : $76
  • Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Volos 7.86
    Alicante -

Sample the Local Flavors in Alicante

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

  • Santa Bárbara Castle Wine Tasting with Cold Cuts: $28
  • Vineyards of Wine Tasting Tour: $73
  • Alicante Wine Tour with Wine Tasting : $74
  • Private Tour of Vinalopó Castles and Wine Tasting: $82
  • Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $144
  • Alicante Wine Tasting and Tapas for Foodies: $147
  • Total Alicante walking tour, tapas and wine tasting: $267


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

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


Which is Bigger, Volos or Alicante?

Volos has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Alicante. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Alicante, 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 Volos or Alicante?

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 Volos or Alicante in the Summer?

Both Alicante and Volos during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Volos because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Alicante this time of year.

Volos is around the same temperature as Alicante in the summer. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Alicante fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Volos. In the summer, Volos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 341 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets more rain in July than Alicante. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Volos 26°C (78°F) 
    Alicante 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Volos or Alicante in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Alicante. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Volos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alicante for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Volos is cooler than Alicante. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Volos in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Alicante averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. Volos usually receives less sunshine than Alicante during autumn. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 225 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Volos usually receives less rain than Alicante. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Volos 17°C (62°F) 
    Alicante 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Volos or Alicante in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Volos as well as Alicante. Many travelers come to Volos for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Alicante in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Volos is generally much colder than Alicante. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 6°C (42°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the winter, Volos often gets less sunshine than Alicante. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 178 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets more rain in January than Alicante. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Volos 6°C (42°F) 
    Alicante 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Volos or Alicante in the Spring?

Both Alicante and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Volos in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Alicante for the beaches during these months.

Volos is cooler than Alicante in the spring. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Alicante fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Alicante. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volos. Volos usually receives less sunshine than Alicante during spring. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Volos usually receives less rain than Alicante. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Volos 14°C (56°F) 
    Alicante 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Alicante and Volos

Volos Alicante
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 52 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)