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

Should you visit Volos or Antalya?

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 Antalya can help you decide which place is right for you.

Volos

Volos is a youthful, authentic, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Antalya

Antalya is a luxurious, historic, and cultural vacation spot. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Volos and Antalya: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Volos or Antalya?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Antalya than Volos, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Antalya is more popular for its museums, music, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Volos is known for its big city activities. Antalya is more touristy than Volos and is known for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also home to Hadrian's Gate. Volos is popular for its vibrant seaside setting and its access to nearby natural beauty.

How is Volos different from Antalya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Antalya 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 Antalya?

Volos
Antalya

Antalya 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 Antalya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

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 Antalya? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volos
Antalya

Foodies will find both Volos and Antalya both to be great 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 Antalya is an experience not to be missed. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

Is Volos or Antalya Better for Nightlife?

Volos
Antalya

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Volos and Antalya.

Volos has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Antalya is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

Is Volos or Antalya Better for Music?

Volos
Antalya

Antalya is very good for its live music scene. However, Volos is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Volos is not a live music destination.


Is Volos or Antalya Better for Resorts?

Volos
Antalya

Antalya is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Volos is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Antalya is a perfect choice. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Volos is not a resort destination.

Is Volos or Antalya Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos
Antalya

Volos and Antalya both offer good scuba diving or snorkeling spots.

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

Antalya has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Is Volos or Antalya Better for Beaches?

Volos
Antalya

Antalya is a world-class destination for the beache. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

With world-famous beaches, Antalya is a very popular vacation destination. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Volos. 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.


Is Volos or Antalya Better for its Old Town?

Volos
Antalya

Antalya is a very popular place for its old town. However, Volos does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Volos does not have a historic old town.

Is Volos or Antalya Better for Hiking?

Volos
Antalya

Antalya is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Volos is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Antalya. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Volos is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Antalya?

Volos
Antalya

Antalya is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Antalya draws large crowds to its stores. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Many visitors go to Volos to go shopping. There are shopping malls and shopping centers around town that have a variety of retail options including clothing, jewelry, and home goods.


Is Volos or Antalya Better for Families?

Volos
Antalya

Antalya 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, Antalya is very family-friendly. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

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 Antalya Better for Couples?

Volos
Antalya

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

Antalya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

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 Antalya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volos
Antalya

Antalya is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Volos is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

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 Antalya Better for Students?

Volos
Antalya

Volos is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Antalya is not popular with 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.

Antalya is not popular with students.

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

Volos
Antalya

Antalya is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Antalya can get you to some places easily. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

You'll find some public transit in Volos, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system that travels around town.

Is Volos or Antalya a more walkable city?

Volos
Antalya

Volos is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Antalya or Volos?

How long in Volos or Antalya?

In either Volos or Antalya, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Antalya than Volos because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Volos, and 2-5 days is enough time in Antalya.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Volos or Antalya? Ideal Length of Stay
    Volos 1-2 
    Antalya 2-5

One day in Volos or Antalya?

In Volos, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Antalya, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this relaxing destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This vacation spot 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 Antalya?

In Volos, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Volos has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antalya. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Antalya?

Volos is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Antalya is a fun place to experience. In Antalya, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A week in Volos or Antalya?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volos. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Volos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the cultural destination of Antalya. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 10-Day Tours in Turkey, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Antalya 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 Antalya is €138. 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 Antalya in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volos 43
    Antalya 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volos 86
    Antalya 102
Compare Hotels in Volos and Antalya

Looking for a hotel in Volos or Antalya? 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 Antalya


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 Antalya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volos 37
    Antalya 103

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Volos

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

  • Volos to Athens, Athens Airport and Piraeus Port Private Transfer: $255
  • Volos to Athens Easy & Economy Transfer: $522
  • From Volos to Athens Airport / Athens / Piraeus Private Transfer: $278

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antalya

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

  • olympos cable car with transfer from antalya: $87
  • Two Days Tour to Cappadocia with HB Hotel & Transfer from Antalya: $249
  • Turkey Antalya Airport Transfer Service VIP Transfer AYT: $46
  • Transfer from Antalya Airport to city of Side: $74
  • Transfer from Antalya Airport to Tekirova: $84
  • Transfer from Antalya Airport to Kiris/Camyuva: $80
  • Transfer from Antalya Airport to Kemer: $74
  • The Land of Legends at Night w/Boat Parade Inl. Transfer f/Side: $35
  • The Land of Legends Theme Park with Transfer from Side: $140
  • Tazi Canyon & Rafting tour with BBQ Lunch & Transfer from Antalya: $57
  • Suluada Boat Trip With Lunch & Transfer (Belek,Antalya,Kemer): $10
  • Side Land of Legend Night Show Transfer (Turkish Disneyland): $24

Is it cheaper to fly into Volos or Antalya?

Prices for flights to both Antalya 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
    Antalya 24

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": $70
  • Cook like a local Greek Cooking lesson in Mt Pelion Greece: $108

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antalya

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

  • Traditional Turkish Tastes at Antalya Food Tour: $47
  • Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show with Dinner: $72
  • Full day trip to Pamukkale from Side with dinner: $103
  • Pamukkale tour w. Entrance, Lunch, Dinner & Transfer from Antalya: $118

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Volos 17
    Antalya 43

Tours and Activities in Volos

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

  • BIKING PELION Private Guided Full or Half Day Tour: $209
  • East Pelion - Sea Kayak Tour "Short Paddle": $38
  • From Hidden Sights of Meteora Private Tour: $213
  • HIKING PELION - Private Guided Full or Half Day Tour: $195
  • Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour "The Secret Cave": $49
  • Kayaking Adventure around Pelion Coastline : $33
  • Volos Pelion Full Day Tour : $239
  • Pagasetic Gulf Full-Day Sailboat Experience: $733

Tours and Activities in Antalya

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

  • Full Day Green Canyon Boat Tour with Lunch Included: $60
  • Full-Day Adventure 3 in 1 activity from Antalya to Köprülü Canyon National Park: $52
  • Tour of waterfall (unıque): $71
  • 2 Days Cappadocia Tour From Antalya With Cave Hotel Overnight: $60
  • 2 in 1 Tour in Antalya Rafting and Buggy Safari Tour with Lunch : $40
  • 3 in 1 Rafting Buggy Safari and Zipline Adventure in Antalya: $38
  • 4-Hour Antalya Short Shopping Tour: $15
  • 4-Hour Guided Antalya Aquarium Tour : $68
  • 6-Hour Kemer Pirate Boat Tour with Open-Buffet Lunch from Antalya: $25
  • 7 Hour Adventure on The Land of Legends Theme Park (Antalya): $120
  • 9 hours Antalya Canyoning and Rafting Tours: $43
  • A Walking Adventure in Antalya: $174

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Volos 7.86
    Antalya 19


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Volos and Antalya, we can see that Antalya 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 Antalya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antalya 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 Antalya Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Volos or Antalya?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Volos. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Antalya, 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 Antalya?

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 Volos or Antalya in the Summer?

Both Antalya and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Volos for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Antalya because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Volos is around the same temperature as Antalya. Typically, the summer temperatures in Volos in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Antalya averages at about 28°C (83°F).

It's quite sunny in Antalya. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volos. Volos usually receives less sunshine than Antalya during summer. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Antalya receives 376 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Volos usually receives more rain than Antalya. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Antalya receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Volos 26°C (78°F) 
    Antalya 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Volos or Antalya in the Autumn?

Both Antalya and Volos during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Volos because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Antalya this time of year.

In October, Volos is generally cooler than Antalya. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 17°C (62°F), and Antalya fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Volos often gets less sunshine than Antalya. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antalya receives 251 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in October than Antalya. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Antalya receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Volos 17°C (62°F) 
    Antalya 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Volos or Antalya in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Antalya. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Volos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Antalya for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Volos is much colder than Antalya in the winter. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Antalya fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Volos usually receives less sunshine than Antalya during winter. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Antalya receives 161 hours of full sun in the winter.

Antalya receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Volos usually receives less rain than Antalya. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Antalya receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Volos 6°C (42°F) 
    Antalya 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Volos or Antalya in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Volos as well as Antalya. Many travelers come to Volos for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Antalya in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Volos is cooler than Antalya. Typically, the spring temperatures in Volos in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Antalya averages at about 16°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Volos this time of the year. In the spring, Volos often gets less sunshine than Antalya. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antalya receives 243 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in April than Antalya. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Antalya receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Volos 14°C (56°F) 
    Antalya 16°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Antalya and Volos

Volos Antalya
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 239 mm (9.4 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 52 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 227 mm (8.9 in)