A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Volos vs. Athens for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Volos or Athens?

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 Athens 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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Athens

Athens is a ancient, vibrant, and energetic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Volos and Athens: 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
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Volos or Athens?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens than Volos, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Athens is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Volos is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Athens is more touristy than Volos and is known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis. Volos is popular for its vibrant seaside setting and its access to nearby natural beauty.

The Acropolis
The Acropolis

How is Volos different from Athens?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Volos
Athens

Athens 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 Athens are world-renowned. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

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 Athens? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volos
Athens

Athens is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Athens has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Dining out in Volos is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Volos or Athens Better for Nightlife?

Volos
Athens

Athens is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

People head to Athens just to party. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

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.

Is Volos or Athens Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos
Athens

Volos is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Volos. There are some snorkeling and dive shops in town that offer day trips.

Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Volos or Athens Better for Beaches?

Volos
Athens

Volos is great for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Volos for it's beautiful 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.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Volos or Athens Better for its Old Town?

Volos
Athens

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

The historic old town of Athens is revered around the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Volos does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Athens?

Volos
Athens

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

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 Athens to go shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.


Is Volos or Athens Better for Families?

Volos
Athens

Athens 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, Athens is very family-friendly. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

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 Athens Better for Couples?

Volos
Athens

Both Volos and Athens are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Volos makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are gardens and outdoor activities that couples can enjoy. There are also museums and beaches.

Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Volos or Athens Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volos
Athens

Athens is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Volos is lacking in good options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Athens is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

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 Athens Better for Students?

Volos
Athens

Athens is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Athens is very popular with students. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

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

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

Volos
Athens

Athens 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 Athens can get you to some places easily. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

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 Athens a more walkable city?

Volos
Athens

Volos and Athens are high quality 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.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.


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

Should I spend more time in Athens or Volos?

How long in Volos or Athens?

Both Volos and Athens have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Volos. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Volos, and 3-7 days is enough time in Athens.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Volos or Athens? Ideal Length of Stay
    Volos 1-2 
    Athens 3-7

One day in Volos or Athens?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Volos. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Athens?

Volos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Volos or Athens?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volos. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Athens is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A week in Volos or Athens?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the authentic destination of Volos. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.


Which place is cheaper, Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volos 43
    Athens 63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volos 86
    Athens 126
Compare Hotels in Volos and Athens

Looking for a hotel in Volos or Athens? 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 Athens


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 Athens Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volos 37
    Athens 27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Volos

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

  • Volos to Athens Easy & Economy Transfer: $534
  • From Volos to Athens Airport / Athens / Piraeus Private Transfer: $284
  • Volos to Athens, Athens Airport and Piraeus Port Private Transfer: $261

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:


  • Airport Bus for Two
    6.40
  • Metro
    1.50
  • Metro
    2.00
  • Metro from Airport to City Center
    8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens

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

  • VipTransfer From /To Athens Airport - Lavrio Port : $211
  • Vip Transfer From/To Piraeus Port - Athens Airport: $277
  • Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Rafina Port : $222
  • Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $277
  • Vip Transfer From /To Athens Center - Athens Airport : $222
  • VIP VAN Athens Airport Transfer 1 - 8 persons: $144
  • VIP VAN Athens Airport Transfer 1 - 4 persons: $90
  • VIP Transfer services from/to Athens airport : $72
  • VIP High Class Limos & Chauffeurs Transfer to Athens: $67
  • VIP Ferry Ticket from Piraeus Port To Mykonos & Private Transfer included: $254
  • VIP Ferry Ticket From Piraeus Port To Santorini & Private Transfer Included: $254
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Athens HTL-APT (ATH): $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Volos or Athens?

Prices for flights to both Athens 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
    Athens 37

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": $72
  • Cook like a local Greek Cooking lesson in Mt Pelion Greece: $111

Typical Food Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:


  • Ice cream
    3.00
  • Souvlaki
    2.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $25
  • Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
  • Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $47
  • Greek Street Food Tour: $52
  • Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $53
  • Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $53
  • Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $53
  • Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $58
  • Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $61
  • Greek Spirits & Meze, Food Tour in Athens: $63
  • Cooking Class on Vegan Moroccan Cuisine with Meal: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Volos 17
    Athens 36

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: $214
  • East Pelion - Sea Kayak Tour "Short Paddle": $39
  • From Hidden Sights of Meteora Private Tour: $218
  • HIKING PELION - Private Guided Full or Half Day Tour: $200
  • Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour "The Secret Cave": $50
  • Kayaking Adventure around Pelion Coastline : $44
  • Volos Pelion Full Day Tour : $188
  • Pagasetic Gulf Full-Day Sailboat Experience: $749

Tours and Activities in Athens

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.

  • Acropolis/Athens Highlights Private Evening Tour (5 hours) from Athens, Piraeus: $94
  • Ancient Corinth Canal Epidavrous Nafplio Private Tour 8Hours: $183
  • Apostle Paul's Footsteps in Athens Christian Private Tour 5Hours: $153
  • Athens Gems & Charms for the First Time Cruiser: $47
  • Athens Private Day Tour Best place to visit: $277
  • DELPHI and THERMOPYLAE: Full Day Private Tour Visit Arachova 8 H: $196
  • DISCOVER ATHENS IN 6HRS Private Tour BEST INTRODUCTION-FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS : $222
  • Delphi full day V.R audio guided tour with entry ticket: $49
  • EPIDAURUS & NAFPLIO : Private Full Day Tour From Athens 6 Hours : $166
  • Essential Athens Highlights Half-Day Private Tour with Flexible Options: $264
  • Food Experience in Athens including Unlimited Lunch : $64
  • Full Day Tour in Athens with Lunch: $155

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Volos 7.86
    Athens 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

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

  • Polykala Distillery showroom. A125 years of history along with liqueur tasting.: $16
  • Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $18
  • The Original Athens Pub Crawl - Athens Drunk Tour: $21
  • The NightCrawlers | Athens Pub Crawl: $22
  • Greek Wine Tasting: $23
  • Premium Wine Tastings: $36
  • Athens Speakeasy & Alternative Bar Crawl: Discover Hidden Gems: $39
  • Athens Old Town: Wine Tasting based on Ancient Greek Grapes: $40
  • Noble Greeks Acropolis Wine Tasting with Private Sommelier: $43
  • Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $44
  • Organic and Vegan Indigenous Wine Tasting Private Experience: $44
  • Athens Wine Tasting: $44


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


Which is Bigger, Volos or Athens?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Volos. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Athens, 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 Athens?

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 Athens in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Athens. Many visitors come to Volos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Volos is around the same temperature as Athens. Typically, the summer temperatures in Volos in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Athens averages at about 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In Volos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Volos usually receives less sunshine than Athens during summer. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Athens receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Volos usually receives more rain than Athens. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Athens receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Volos 26°C (78°F) 
    Athens 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Volos or Athens in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Volos as well as Athens. Most visitors come to Volos for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Athens because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Volos is generally cooler than Athens. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 17°C (62°F), and Athens fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. In the autumn, Volos often gets less sunshine than Athens. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Athens receives 206 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Athens. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Athens receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Volos 17°C (62°F) 
    Athens 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Volos or Athens in the Winter?

Both Athens and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Volos because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year.

Volos is much colder than Athens in the winter. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Athens fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Volos usually receives less sunshine than Athens during winter. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Athens receives 143 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Volos usually receives less rain than Athens. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Athens receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Volos 6°C (42°F) 
    Athens 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Volos or Athens in the Spring?

Both Athens and Volos during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Volos this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Volos is cooler than Athens. Typically, the spring temperatures in Volos in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Athens averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Volos. In the spring, Volos often gets less sunshine than Athens. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Athens receives 226 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets more rain in April than Athens. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Athens receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Athens and Volos

Volos Athens
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 52 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)