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

Should you visit Volos or Arles?

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 Arles 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. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Arles

Arles is a charming, compact, and quaint town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Volos and Arles: 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 with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Volos or Arles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Volos than Arles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Volos is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Arles is known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Volos is popular for its vibrant seaside setting and its access to nearby natural beauty. It is also home to The Archaeological Museum of Volos. Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Volos different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Volos
Arles

Arles is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Volos is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Arles are world-renowned. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

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 Arles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volos
Arles

Foodies will find both Volos and Arles 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 Arles is an experience not to be missed. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Is Volos or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Volos
Arles

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

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 Arles has a few options to choose from. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is Volos or Arles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos
Arles

Volos is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Volos or Arles Better for Beaches?

Volos
Arles

Volos is well known for the beach. However, Arles is not a beach destination.

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.

Arles is not a beach destination.

Is Volos or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Volos
Arles

Arles is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Volos does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Arles is revered around the world. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Volos does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Arles?

Volos
Arles

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Volos and Arles.

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 Arles to go shopping. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.


Is Volos or Arles Better for Families?

Volos
Arles

Volos is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Volos or Arles Better for Couples?

Volos
Arles

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

Arles makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

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 Arles Better for Students?

Volos
Arles

Volos is very good for students. However, Arles is not popular with students.

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

Arles is not popular with students.


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

Volos
Arles

Visitors will find good public transit in both Volos and Arles.

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

You'll find some public transit in Arles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Is Volos or Arles a more walkable city?

Volos
Arles

Volos and Arles are very good when it comes to walkability.

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

Arles is a very walkable destination. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Volos?

How long in Volos or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Volos or Arles to fill your time. In our opinion, Volos has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Volos than Arles. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


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

One day in Volos or Arles?

In Volos, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this vibrant destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Arles, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.


A weekend in Volos or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volos. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Arles?

Volos is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Volos. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Arles is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Arles. Lots of people come for the museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Volos or Arles?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant destination of Volos. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the compact destination of Arles. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Arles 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 Arles is €142. 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 Arles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volos 43
    Arles 71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volos 86
    Arles 142
Compare Hotels in Volos and Arles

Looking for a hotel in Volos or Arles? 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 Arles


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 Arles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volos 37
    Arles 23

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 Arles

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arles:

  • Arles to Marseille Airport (MRS) - Departure Private Transfer: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Volos or Arles?

Prices for flights to both Arles 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
    Arles 52

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

Typical Food Prices in Arles

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Arles:


  • Cooked Clams
    4.50
  • Ice Cream
    1.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Volos 17
    Arles 31

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 Arles

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


  • Castle Entrance Fee
    5.50

Tours and Activities in Arles

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

  • Arles 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $187
  • Arles Private guided walking tour from Marseille: $342
  • Arles, Saint-Rémy & Les Baux De Provence: Guided Tour: $1,176
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $201
  • Art and History Walking Tour: $299
  • City tour 1 hour of the city, its history, its monuments,: $84
  • City tour 45mn of the city, its history, its monuments,: $70
  • From Avignon: Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy Tour: $106
  • Half Day Private Guided Tour of Arles: $202
  • Private Guided Tour of Arles: $218
  • Provence Region Roman Abbey of Montmajour Entrance Ticket: $7.64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Volos 7.86
    Arles 24

Sample the Local Flavors in Arles

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

  • Lavender Field & Distillery Tour between Nimes & Arles: $6.20


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


Which is Bigger, Volos or Arles?

Volos has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Arles, 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 Arles?

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 Arles in the Summer?

Both Arles 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 family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

In the summer, Volos is around the same temperature as Arles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Volos in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Arles averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Arles, 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 Arles. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in July than Arles. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Volos 26°C (78°F) 
    Arles 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Volos or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Arles. 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 Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Volos is generally around the same temperature as Arles. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 17°C (62°F), and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Volos usually receives less sunshine than Arles during autumn. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Arles receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Volos usually receives less rain than Arles. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Volos 17°C (62°F) 
    Arles 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Volos or Arles in the Winter?

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

Volos is cooler than Arles in the winter. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Volos often gets less sunshine than Arles. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in January than Arles. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Volos 6°C (42°F) 
    Arles 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Volos or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles 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 Arles for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Volos is around the same temperature as Arles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Volos in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Arles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Arles. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volos. Volos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arles during spring. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Volos usually receives less rain than Arles. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Volos 14°C (56°F) 
    Arles 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Arles and Volos

Volos Arles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)