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

Should you visit Volos or Bari?

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 Bari 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.

Bari

Bari is a local, cultural, and authentic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Volos and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volos or Bari?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bari than Volos. While Volos is larger than Bari, Bari has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bari is more popular for its museums, food, and historical sights, while Volos is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Volos is more touristy than Bari and is known for its vibrant seaside setting and its access to nearby natural beauty. Bari is popular for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also home to San Nicola.

How is Volos different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bari 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 Bari specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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 Bari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Bari has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

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 Bari Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Volos and Bari.

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.

Bari is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Is Volos or Bari Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bari 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.

Bari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Volos or Bari Better for Beaches?

Volos is a great city for the beach. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its beaches.

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.

Bari is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Is Volos or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Bari 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 Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Volos does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Bari?

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

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 Bari to go shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Volos or Bari Better for Families?

Bari 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, Bari is very family-friendly. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

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 Bari Better for Couples?

Both Volos and Bari 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.

Bari is a good city for couples to visit. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Volos or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

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 Bari Better for Students?

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

Bari is very popular with students. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

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 Bari Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Bari, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Volos or Bari a more walkable city?

Volos and Bari 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.

Bari is a very walkable destination. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Volos?

How long in Volos or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Volos and Bari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bari than in Volos. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Volos, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

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

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

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

One day in Volos or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Volos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Bari, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this local destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This port city 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 Bari?

Volos is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bari. 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 Bari?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the authentic destination of Volos. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bari is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bari. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Bari?

The vibrant city of Volos offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Bari. 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 food. 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 Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Volos or Bari?

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

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 Bari in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Volos is around the same temperature as Bari. Typically, the summer temperatures in Volos in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Bari averages at about 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. In Volos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Volos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bari during summer. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Volos usually receives more rain than Bari. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Volos or Bari in the Autumn?

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

In October, Volos is generally around the same temperature as Bari. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 17°C (62°F), and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Volos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in October than Bari. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volos or Bari in the Winter?

Both Bari 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 Bari this time of year.

Volos is much colder than Bari in the winter. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Volos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bari during winter. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Volos usually receives less rain than Bari. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Volos or Bari in the Spring?

Both Bari 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. Also, many travelers come to Bari for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Volos is around the same temperature as Bari. Typically, the spring temperatures in Volos in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Bari averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Volos. In the spring, Volos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in April than Bari. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Volos